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Tax Break for Gunowners Advances

John Pemble/IPR
Iowa State Capitol

With little debate, a committee in the Republican-controlled Iowa house today nearly unanimously approved a new tax credit for gun owners, with backers saying it will increase gun safety in the state.  

Under the bill, the tax break would be granted for the purchase of a gun safe for personal use from a qualified retailer.   

Des Moines Democrat Rick Olson says the tax credit is not justified.

“I think responsible gunowners don't need a tax credit to own a gun safe,” Olson said.  “They're going to buy it on their own and they're not asking the state of Iowa to help them finance the purchase of their  gun safe.”

Some Democrats on the Public Safety committee questioned how much the tax credit would cost the state treasury, but Olson was the only no vote on the bill. 

“My concerns are the cost,” Olson said. “These tax credits continually reduce the amount of income we have in the state of Iowa to pay for other programs, most importantly education.”

Under the bill, gunowners would get back half the cost of the purchase of a gun safe with a tax credit up to 1000 dollars.

The bill is now eligible for debate in the full House.