Illinois State Representative Ryan Spain announced on Mar. 24 a new petition campaign against House Bill 4414, which he refers to as the “Ammo Tax.” Spain said the bill imposes further government restrictions on law-abiding gun owners without addressing criminal activity.
The issue is significant for residents concerned about gun rights and state regulation. The proposed legislation would require each bullet purchased to be tracked, registered, and associated with the buyer’s name in a government database. It would also impose fees of up to five cents per round and introduce what Spain calls “a hidden tax on your constitutional rights.” Additionally, possessing legally purchased ammunition in public without approved serialization could become a criminal offense under the bill.
Spain argued that the measure would create a large new bureaucracy without evidence it will reduce crime. “The Ammo Tax represents yet more government overreach targeting law-abiding gun owners while doing nothing to stop actual criminals,” Spain said.
According to public records, Spain, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 73rd House District after succeeding David R. Leitch.
Spain is encouraging constituents and others opposed to HB 4414 to sign his petition or learn how they can file a witness slip regarding this legislation.
