Representative Paddie Passes Sales Tax Exemption for Firearms, Hunting Supplies

May 18, 2015 - AUSTIN -- State Representative Chris Paddie (R-Marshall) passed H.B. 849 out of the House of Representatives. H.B. 849 passed the House with 110 votes, an overwhelming and bipartisan endorsement of this common sense legislation.

"Hunting in Texas is a beloved pastime. H.B. 849 looks to give tax relief to the many sportsmen and women who carry on the time-honored tradition and continue to pass our love of hunting and the outdoors down to the next generation," said Rep. Paddie.

H.B. 849 would create two sales tax holiday weekends, one on the last full weekend in August, to coincide with the beginning of dove season, and a second on the last full weekend in October, to coincide with the beginning of deer season. Items that would be included in the tax free weekend are firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, hunting blinds and stands, hunting decoys, gun cases and gun safes, and hunting safety equipment.

"This bill will provide further economic opportunity in our rural areas that offer some of the best hunting in the world by increasing the number of hunters in Texas," said Rep. Paddie. "I look forward to seeing this measure be sent to the Governor with the help of my fellow hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the Legislature."

Rep. Paddie is serving his second term in the Texas House of Representatives, where he represents District 9, including Cass, Marion, Harrison, Panola, Shelby, and Sabine Counties. Rep. Paddie is the Vice Chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee. He also serves on the Transportation and House Administration committees as well as the Subcommittee on Long-Term Transportation Planning and Infrastructure.