ATLANTA – State Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta) applauds the bipartisan passage of House Bill 971, the Firearm Safe Handling and Secure Storage Tax Credit Act, which would provide a tax credit for certain eligible expenses incurred for firearm safe handling instructional courses and firearm secure storage devices.
“House Bill 971 would assist Georgians who, in response to rising crime rates and gang violence, have either acquired or are contemplating purchasing a firearm for the protection of themselves, their children and their families against criminal threats, all while maintaining responsible and secure firearm ownership,” said Rep. Newton. “This proposed legislation would encourage safe gun practices while also easing the financial strain for citizens investing in safety courses or firearm storage solutions. Recognizing the prevalent economic challenges gripping both our state and nation, this bill upholds our constitutional rights under the Second Amendment, empowering Georgians to prioritize the protection of themselves and their families in a responsible manner.”
“Public safety is strengthened by having a team effort between police and law-abiding, responsible gun owners, to make homes and businesses no longer a soft target for criminals,” said State Representative Matt Reeves (R-Duluth).
Under House Bill 971, a Georgia taxpayer would be allowed a tax credit for expenses incurred for firearm safe handling instructional courses and firearm secure storage devices in the amount of the eligible expenses or $300, whichever is less. Such eligible expenses would include the purchase of one or more firearm secure storage devices for personal use and the cost of an in-person firearm safe handling training of at least two hours that includes instruction on safe handling, use and storage of firearms. Georgia taxpayers seeking this tax credit would be required to apply with the Department of Revenue for preapproval, and approval from the department would be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until tax credit cap of $10 million is reached for that year. HB 971 would also include a strict prohibition of any list or database of those who request or utilize this tax credit. If passed and signed into law, HB 971 would become effective on January 1, 2025.
HB 971 now awaits consideration in the Senate.
The full text of HB 971 may be found here.
Representative Mark Newton represents the citizens of District 127, which includes portions of Columbia and Richmond counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and Vice Chairman of the Health Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Rules, Small Business Development, Transportation, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees.
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