Gilchrest and Haskell Propose Tax on Ammunition

BETHEL, CT — Two local lawmakers are proposing a bill to combat gun violence by taxing ammunition.

The bill, introduced by State Senator Will Haskell (D-26) and State Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D-18), would tax ammo at 50 percent of its cost in Connecticut.

“This is a public health crisis,” said Gilchrest in a release. “Connecticut ranks 5th in the country for having the lowest rate of gun deaths because we have been a leader on bold public policy. But, even one preventable death is too many. We must continue to take the lead in order to eliminate gun violence.”

If implemented, the bill would exclude ammunition sales to law enforcement and military.

As a Senior Policy Analyst for the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut, Gilchrest helped to pass legislation to remove firearms from individuals who have a temporary restraining order taken out against them. As a candidate, Gilchrest ran as a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate.

Gilchrest represents the state's 18th District, which covers West Hartford and Haskell represents the 26th which covers parts of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

Photos of State Senator Will Haskell and State Representative Jillian Gilchrest provided.