Arizona Politics

Schweikert Bill to Remove Excise Tax from Non-Lethal Projectile Weapons Passes Committee

Despite advancements and innovations in the development of non-lethal weaponry by law enforcement, such as Tasers, such devices are still subject to excise taxes levied on firearms. Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ) introduced a bill to remove this tax, which recently passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee. The bill ensures "lifesaving devices do not face the bureaucratic burdens currently hindering the use of less-than-lethal devices from keeping our communities safe."

For additional context, section 921 of Title 18 in the US Tax Code defines Tasers and similar non-lethal projectile weapons as "firearms" subject to an excise tax levied on manufacturers, producers, and importers.

Rep. Schweikert's Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act would amend this portion of the code so that Tasers do not fall under the definition of "firearms" under the National Firearms Act of 1934 or later Gun Control Act of 1968.

Additionally, the Treasury Department will compile a yearly report on the innovation and development of non-lethal projectile weapons "to ensure lifesaving devices do not face the bureaucratic burdens currently hindering the use of less-than-lethal devices from keeping our communities safe."

The intended result is encouraging innovation in this technology field by easing the tax burden. After all, police use of deadly force has been under scrutiny in recent years, yet advocacy for the use of less-than-lethal alternatives has been drowned out by calls to defund police.

"Imagine a society where law enforcement is able to effectively protect our communities without any lives being lost. Aligning the tax code to meet the needs of our law enforcement officers and communities offers Congress the opportunity to reduce the chance of the use of deadly force and the unnecessary loss of life. Our ability to keep pushing forward to a world where such technology is available and robust has inspired this moral fix in hopes to solve part of the bigger societal issue, and I promise to continue advocating for this bill until it is signed into law," said Rep. Schweikert in his press release.

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.

Recent Posts

President Trump Will Make NASA Great Again, Again

By Jeff DeWit As a proud American and loyal longtime supporter of President Donald J.…

15 hours ago

Steve Montenegro Steps In to Defend Arizona Birth Certificate Law

House Speaker Steve Montenegro is taking matters into his own hands after Attorney General Kris…

23 hours ago

Military Build Up: Is Trump Inching Closer to Dropping Bombs on Maduro?

As deadly military strikes continue against Venezuela-based and supported drug cartels in the Caribbean, it…

23 hours ago

Will ASU President Michael Crow Follow UA Lead? ASU Faces Federal Compact Decision

Arizona State University President Michael Crow faces the decision of whether to accept the Trump…

24 hours ago

Kris Mayes Officially Sues Mike Johnson over Grijalva’s Delay

Attorney General Kris Mayes is taking House Speaker Mike Johnson to federal court, claiming he's…

1 day ago

Ruben Gallego Says Shutdown 'Does Suck,' Emphasizes Healthcare Negotiations

During an appearance on Fox Business' Claman Countdown, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) discussed the ongoing…

1 day ago