The following Idaho State Representatives need to hear from you TODAY regarding NRA-backed legislation House Bill 686. These State Representatives supported a motion in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee that would have defeated HB 686 and also voted against another motion to pass it out of committee!
Fortunately, HB 686 will be up for a full vote this week in the Idaho House. HB 686 simply helps protect non-profit hunting and shooting sports organizations in Idaho.
Please contact the following State Representatives who opposed HB 686. You can leave them a message by calling them toll free at (800) 626-0471. Ask the legislative operator to leave the same message for ALL three of them. You can also email them individually at the following links:
Representative Dennis M. Lake, (R-28, Blackfoot)
E-mail: www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=11
Representative Janice K. McGeachin, (R-32, Idaho Falls), House Seat A
E-mail: www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=126
Representative Nicole LeFavour, (D-19, Boise), House Seat B
E-mail: www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=33
Further Information on HB 686:
House Bill 686 prevents the imposition of taxes on shooting range fees and membership dues charged by non-profit hunting and shooting sports organizations. According to a recent interpretation of the Idaho State Administrative Code by the Idaho State Tax Commission, all gun clubs and shooting ranges in the state are required to collect sales tax on fees charged for access to their ranges.
Additionally, in the opinion of the Commission, if the membership dues that a club charges its members allow the club member to access the range, then those membership dues are subject to taxation as well. One club in the Boise area recently found this out the hard way when they were audited and required to pay back taxes plus interest for the last three years. HB 686 would exempt non-profit organizations from such taxation.
The National Rifle Association believes this is sound public policy because these are clubs or groups that provide a public service; places to learn and practice the safe and competent use of firearms; most provide educational opportunities and safety courses and many provide facilities for law enforcement training and/or practice. The non-profit organizations this bill would shelter are not in existence to turn a profit but solely to provide services that even those who don't like firearms should agree are critical.
Help protect these organizations from unfair taxation and, in most cases, back taxes, interest and possibly fines by asking State Representatives
to vote for HB 686!
Idaho House of Representatives
Phone: (800) 626-0471
Fax: (208) 334-5397
E-mail: addressed to your Representative, at [email protected].
NRA supported legislation sponsored by State Representative Bill Sali (R-21) and State Senator Gerry Sweet (R-20), is on the move in the Idaho Legislature.
· Senate Bill 1401 amends existing emergency powers law to provide that no restrictions shall be imposed on lawful uses of firearms or ammunition during a state of emergency. SB 1401 is expected to be heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1. Please contact the members of the committee and ask him or her to vote in support of SB 1401. To contact members of the Senate State Affairs Committee please visit: www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactallcommitteemembersform.cfm?ID=SSTA
· Senate Bill 1402 amends existing law to revise provisions applicable to the issuance of a license to carry concealed firearms. SB 1402 is expected to be heard in the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1. Please contact members of the committee and ask him or her to vote in support of SB 1402. To contact members of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee please visit: www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactallcommitteemembersform.cfm?ID=SJUD
Finally, House Bill 608, sponsored by Representative Mike Moyle (R-14, House Seat A), passed the House without debate on Monday, February 27. HB 608 creates a specialized license plate for supporters of the National Rifle Association. Backed with a 59 to 10 House vote, this legislation now moves to the Senate. Please contact your State Senator toll free at (800) 626-0471 and ask him or her to support HB 608.
Contact information for ALL Idaho State Senate: www.legislature.idaho.gov/senate/membership.cfm
See below, For further contact information:
- To determine who your legislator is: legislature.idaho.gov/who'smylegislator.htm
- Interactive District Map: legislature.idaho.gov/about/districtmap.htm
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