This bill amends the existing sales tax holiday in Arkansas to include firearm safety devices and firearm storage devices as eligible items for tax exemption. Specifically, it introduces definitions for "firearm safety device," which is designed to prevent unauthorized access or operation of a firearm, and "firearm storage device," which refers to secure containers for storing firearms. The bill adds these items to the list of products that can be purchased tax-free during the sales tax holiday.

Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, stating the urgency of implementing these changes due to a mental health crisis in the state. It emphasizes the need for the Department of Finance and Administration to notify sellers of these changes by June 1, 2025, to ensure that the new items are included in the upcoming sales tax holiday, which occurs the first weekend of August each year. The act is intended to promote the purchase of safety devices to help prevent tragic incidents related to firearms.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1699 V2 - 4-2-2025 10:44 AM: 26-52-444(a), 26-52-444(b)
Old version HB1699 Original - 3-6-2025 12:34 PM: 26-52-444(a), 26-52-444(b)
HB 1699: 26-52-444(a), 26-52-444(b)