I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

I am against HB1094 and HB 207.

I am writing to oppose the outrageous bills being discussed to limit/restrict Virginians Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms. Nonsensical limitations on weapons type and magazine capacity will have zero impact in reducing violent crime in our State. That I can state with authority having spent 30 years in law enforcement. Taxing firearms and ammunition only prevents our poorest residents from personal Defence and could be viewed as racist by many. Respectfully request that you come to your senses and focus on areas that will benefit and not harm citizens of the Commonwealth.

I live in Southwestern Virginia and I stand firmly against all these Bills the Democrats are trying to pass, especially my 2nd Amendment rights. I am a law abiding citizen with a concealed weapons permit. I use to work for the Department Of Corrections. I have had a lot of firearms training. I am safe and respect others. These gun laws that are trying to be passed is tyrannical gun laws. I was given this right by my Forefathers, "The right to bear arms Shall Not Be INFRINGED"! It's the law of the land. Democrats are about going against our rights. I will never ever vote for one single Democrat until they go back to the Party of the 1980's and before. Now they are against American Patriots and values. I oppose all gun laws. I oppose all the taxes as well that the Democrats get rich from us poor people. Please reconsider taking people's rights because that will have big consequences at Election time. Sandford Fields

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

Dear Elected Representatives, It is very clear to me that the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Commonwealth in Virginia is now considered a disfavored right. The bills in question will not deter a single criminal nor prevent a single crime, but will punish honest, law-abiding citizens for exercising their rights. May we expect an 11% tax or a $500 fee for free speech, freedom of assembly, or worshipping as we please? I think not. We already have some 32,000 gun laws in this country and the problem is not more regulation but the lack of enforcement of those existing laws. The Second Amendment protects a right to keep and carry firearms, not a privilege, not a perk, not a whim. It is as integral to our citizenship as speaking freely, petitioning our government for grievances, and worshipping and living where we like. It is a brake on tyranny, and the fact that some people abuse that right does not nullify that right, and those that do ought to be punished. The people have a right to defend themselves wherever they happen to be, to deliberately interfere with that right puts the people in danger, and 100 million gun owners are not a "vocal minority." The measures proposed, in my view, would violate the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, increase the risk to the general public (the Washington Post found that 86% of mass shootings between 2009-2016 occurred in “gun-free” zones), and signal that the ownership of firearms is discouraged. Perhaps the latter is the real goal, that despite volumes of data indicating that gun ownership tends to prevent crime, certain dogma holds otherwise, but again, dogma should not and cannot trump a Constitutional right.

My household of 4 (who are all of voting age) oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

OPPOSED to these bills!!!

I think that the idea of adding a specific tax to a suppressor, which is not known to contribute to crime in a significant way is just a unnecessary limit on freedom and also is a tool for sportsman to hunt and practice shooting with less impact on the environment and on hearing

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094, these bills single out specific Virginian’s by targeting them with punitive tax and is a further attack on our 2nd Amendment right.

I oppose bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. Americans have a God given right, recognized in the Constitution of the United Sates of America and affirmed by the Supreme Court, to possess, utilize, and train with firearms and other related equipment. Taxing ammunition, firearm sales, and firearm related sales punishes every citizen of Virginia for exercising a RIGHT. Furthermore, taxing these items punishes most those most in need of protection - the average working class man or woman. People who work long hours for average or below average wages often have the most need for an affordable means to protect themselves and their families. These bills add to the financial burden of good people, in addition to insulting their heritage as Virginians. These three bills are poor policy on every level. The people of this state deserve better.

I am a Virginia resident who is deeply concerned by HB207, HB919, and HB1094. These bills do not simply raise revenue. They send a clear message that law abiding citizens who exercise a constitutional right are an acceptable target for excessive taxation. HB207’s $500 suppressor tax feels especially punitive. Many suppressors cost far less than the tax itself. For ordinary Virginians like me, this is not a fee. It is a wall. Suppressors are not tools of crime. They do not silence firearms. They reduce noise to safer levels that help prevent permanent hearing damage and reduce disturbance to neighbors. Hunters, sport shooters, and rural families benefit from this every day. The last known criminal misuse of a legally owned suppressor in Virginia occurred years ago, yet this bill treats every responsible owner as a problem to be taxed out of existence. This tax will not stop criminals. It will only ensure that working class Virginians cannot afford to comply with the law. HB919 and HB1094 are equally troubling. An 11 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition is a direct financial burden on the exercise of a civil right. These costs will not be absorbed by manufacturers. They will be passed on to people like me. If the state would never consider taxing books or newspapers to fund government programs, it should not tax the tools required to exercise the Second Amendment. Owning a firearm is not a sin. For many Virginians, it is about self defense, family safety, hunting traditions, and personal responsibility. From a budget standpoint, these bills are short sighted. Higher prices will push sales out of Virginia and hurt local businesses. Promised revenue will shrink while trust in the fairness of our tax system erodes. When the state selectively taxes constitutional rights, it creates resentment and division instead of stability. I ask this committee to consider who truly bears the cost of these bills. It is not criminals. It is not wealthy special interests. It is regular Virginians who follow the law, care about safety, and simply want to be left alone to live their lives responsibly. Please reject HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I oppose any bills that go against the constitution for the right to bear arms. This is the people’s only way against tyranny from the opposing party.

I am writing to voice my disapproval of this bill. Tax stamps at the federal level for these items was eliminated (previously $200). This is a bill intended to limit the 2nd amendment rights of Virginians and is a significant enough tax that lower income Virginians who should be allowed to purchase these items will be unable to do so. This is a regressive tax implementation that unduly burdens our lower income populations. I encourage members reviewing this bill to oppose.

Please lay HB919 on the table. Unreasonable tax and is taxation without representation

please lay HB207 on the table. Unreasonable tax and is taxation without representation

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I understand that some members of the board believe these measures are necessary; however, I am struggling to see how the two proposals in question provide any tangible benefit to the Commonwealth. From my perspective, they appear primarily to restrict lawful access and impose additional financial burdens on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners exercising their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights. In particular, I would appreciate clarification on how the proposed $500 tax on suppressors serves the public interest. It is difficult to understand how this measure accomplishes anything beyond penalizing individuals who are otherwise complying with existing laws. I respectfully ask what public safety or policy objective this tax is intended to achieve. I believe this issue deserves thoughtful discussion, and I hope policymakers will carefully consider how these proposals impact responsible citizens across the Commonwealth. -Sic Semper Tyranni—

HB207 -This bill is a solution in search of a problem. These are not used in crimes. The last known use was in 2019 in a gun free zone! These are vital in reducing noise pollution and protecting hearing in the shooting sports. Vote no on this bill. HB919 - Taxing firearms and ammunition as if it were a bad habit like cigarettes is a bad precedent to set. One would not tax a first amendment right thereby limiting its exercise to only those who can afford it. Vote no on this bill.

I understand that some members of the board believe these measures are necessary; however, I am struggling to see how the two proposals in question provide any tangible benefit to the Commonwealth. From my perspective, they appear primarily to restrict lawful access and impose additional financial burdens on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners exercising their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights. In particular, I would appreciate clarification on how the proposed $500 tax on suppressors serves the public interest. It is difficult to understand how this measure accomplishes anything beyond penalizing individuals who are otherwise complying with existing laws. I respectfully ask what public safety or policy objective this tax is intended to achieve. I believe this issue deserves thoughtful discussion, and I hope policymakers will carefully consider how these proposals impact responsible citizens across the Commonwealth. -Sic Semper Tyrannis-

Vote NO on bills 207, 919, and 1094. Further, do not allow bill 954 to pass. Thank you K. P. Chess

I am a retired teacher from Rockingham County public schools, also a farmer and a voting Democrat. My son is an avid Hunter and has many hunting buddies. Rural Virginia is full of respectful and nature loving hunters. This tax will put a huge burden on this hunting community. My son is an ER doctor and has described to me how many hunters he knows or he has met who have hearing loss from many years of hunting. What is the reasoning behind this bill? Is it for Democrats to just thumb their noses at Republicans? I hope not. As my son described it to me, the silencer is a safety device to protect the individual from hearing loss. It does not totally silence the gun but only lowers the decibels to a level that does not damage ears. I live in the country and many Saturdays and Sundays I hear neighbors target shooting. The loud bangs are irritating and bother my dogs - so encouraging hunters to use silencers can have multiple benefits, protecting ones Hearing and also not bothering neighbors. I do not understand this bill as it will put the silencer out of reach for many hunters. My son is interested in teaching his young daughters to hunt but without a silencer, taxed at $500, this will discourage him from doing that. Please do NOT support this unreasonable bill.

Vote "no" on HB207. Do not vote for this! Be faithful to your oath to preserve and protect the Constitution. The 2nd Amendment, the Right to keep and bear arms, is NOT a privilege —IT IS A RIGHT!

Comment is in reference to HB207. Suppressors are in and of themselves not inherently dangerous items. They are used to reduce the level of harmful noise from shooting and are important tools to protect the hearing safety of the shooter, people in the vicinity, and to comply with local noise ordinances. They DO NOT make firearms "movie quiet". Taxing the purchase of suppressors (especially to an amount that is 2.5x the former federal tax) places an undue burden on those who wish to practice shooting safely and discourage the purchase and use of these important safety related tools. Furthermore, if a suppressor tax *must* be implemented, (1) it needs to be greatly reduced as to not present an undue burden (recommend $50 or less), and (2) the funds need to go to state-sponsored firearms safety programs such as hunter safety education programs.

I am a reliable gun safety advocate. I am also a strong proponent of enacting measures that reduce the occurrence of hearing loss. The proposed legislation advances neither cause. I did not see any thoughtful evidence-based thinking on the selection of creating a new tax on a piece of equipment that is known to protect hearing. I did not see any reasoning for the selection in the amount of the tax. Is there anything to support the choice of $500? Is this the dollar amount that will exactly balance the immense power of the state to enact taxes with the private citizen's right to make safety based decisions for themselves or their families? I think the answer is that the dollar amount is arbitrary, and did not consider the downstream effects. I also disagree with the excise tax supporting the general fund. If a properly conducted research analysis which proved without any doubt that the basis for the proposed legislation was an increase in gun safety with thoughtful consideration of the negative effects of potential hearing loss and cost-prohibitive nature of a fixed amount, perhaps I could be convinced that the Commonwealth of Virginia is spending its limited time for useful purposes. However the fact that the funds are destined for a slush general fund betrays any suspension of disbelief. Reject this tax as a measure that is discriminatory against people with limited means. Reject this tax as a misguided policy that will result in the harm of Virginians' hearing. And lastly- Reject this tax as an ineffective tool for the regulation of firearm safety.

I oppose this bill. This bill isn't even vailed to do anything other than price Virginians out of a hearing safety device - simply as a clear attack on firearm owners. Use of suppressors to commit crime is almost non-existent. A suppressor lowers, but does not eliminate the sound of a discharged firearm. Individuals that lack knowledge of firearms should not be proposing limitations. As a safety device, Virginia should be encouraging the use of suppressors to protect firearm users' hearing and the lower the audible footprint of target shooting and hunters.

HB 207 should be tabled in committee. Firearm suppressors - commonly referred to as "silencers" - serve several salutary purposes, and are not in any way contrary to the public good. Yet HB 207 would raise a significant barrier for many who wish to purchase suppressors by imposing an unreasonable and excessive tax. Such a policy would be contrary to the public good for several reasons. First, suppressors protect the hearing of both those using firearms and those persons in close proximity to the discharge of firearms. For just this reason, most European nations require gun owners to use suppressors. HB 207 would create an unfortunate and undesirable bar to the purchase of suppressors, however, by making them prohibitively expensive for many firearm owners, thereby preventing a more widespread use of them. Second, the use of suppressors by gun owners promotes the interest of persons who own property near areas where guns are discharged to the peaceful enjoyment of their property. To take one example, there is a large gun club in western Hanover County that has operated lawfully for many years. As that part of the county has seen more residential development in recent years, many new residents have complained about the sound of gun fire from the club. Promoting the use of suppressors would alleviate that problem; HB 207, however, would have the contrary effect, as it would make suppressors to expensive for many people to own. Third, there is no evidence whatsoever that firearm suppressors are used to commit crimes to a significant - or, indeed, any - degree. Allowing more firearm owners to purchase suppressors would not contribute to crime of any sort, yet HB 207 would prevent many people from purchasing suppressors due to the heavy tax burden that the bill seeks to impose. In this respect, HB 207 appears to be an attempt to fix a problem that does not exist. Finally, despite the professed desire of many legislators in the General Assembly to promote "affordability," bills such as HB 207 which create new, burdensome taxes only serve to subvert the interest of Virginians in being able to afford a decent standard of living. That is the last thing any member of the legislature should be doing, especially when so many legislators ran for office on a platform that included "affordability" as a key feature.

Hello Committee Members, I am writing regarding the proposed bill that would impart a hefty $500 tax on silencers. Silencers are becoming popular in hunting as gun owners are realizing the damage done to their hearing by loud gun shots. This can cause other problems as well including migraine headaches. I worry this tax will do nothing more than discourage a large group of my patients to forgo purchasing silencers and thus increase their likelihood of hearing damage and the miriad of issues it can lead to. Thank you for your attention, Dr. Christina Johnson

House bills 207, 919, and 1094 impose taxes on the exercise of a constitutional right. In the case of 207, it imposes a significant burden on a health saving device that reduces hearing damage for all lawful uses of arms. Individuals are safer with guns when they can practice regularly. Regular practice is safer with the use of a suppressor as it reduces permanent hearing damage. Individuals across Virginia are struggling with affordability. Do not impose a modern poll tax on a constitutional right. I and many of my liberal friends are gun owners who practice regularly and will be immediately impacted by these laws. These bills are not in the best interests of Virginians.

As an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician, I see and treat patients every day that suffer from various hearing disorders. One of the most common disorders I see is noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss. In short, this is hearing damage from loud noises. This type of hearing loss can be devastating with regards to social isolation and quality of life. Patients can't interact/communicate with loved ones, family members get frustrated with sufferers, etc. In addition to hearing loss, patients also often suffer from tinnitus - chronic ringing in the ears. THERE IS NO CURE FOR THIS DISEASE. Sure, patients can consider hearing aids, but these are not a "cure" and very often may even lead to further frustration as the clarity can not be improved, in spite of louder volume. This type of hearing loss can be due to all kinds of different causes - loud concerts for musicians or music-lovers, one time accidents such as fireworks or speaker malfunctions, chronic loud music through headphones/earbuds, road noise for career truckers, heavy equipment operators or farmers, power tools for construction workers, veterans and those serving in the military or law enforcement, and legal responsible hunters or recreational target shooters, among many other demographics. The worst part of all of this is: THIS DISEASE IS COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE. By imposing an extra tax on suppressors, this bill will be DISCOURAGING the use of a health safety device. I would liken this to putting a tax on bicycle or motorcycle helmets, hard hats or protective eyewear, or car mufflers. Reducing the availability and access to suppressors WILL NOT reduce criminal use of firearms. Additionally, I do not believe it will result in a meaningful amount of tax revenue for state. It will simply be limiting the use of a practical health safety device. Suppressors PROTECT hearing, they do NOT encourage violence or crime. Please strongly reconsider this bill. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I oppose these bills.

I respectfully oppose HB 207 on fiscal and tax-policy grounds. HB 207 imposes a flat $500 excise tax on firearm suppressors, lawfully owned safety devices that are already subject to extensive federal regulation. From a tax policy perspective, the bill functions as a selective and regressive tax on a narrow class of lawful consumers, disproportionately affecting lower-income and rural Virginians. Of particular concern, the bill directs all proceeds to the General Fund rather than to any identifiable or measurable public-safety program. If the purpose of the tax is harm reduction or safety, the absence of a dedicated use of funds undermines that rationale. Taxes imposed for public-safety purposes are typically linked to specific programs or cost offsets; routing this revenue to the General Fund suggests the tax is punitive rather than programmatic. HB 207 also lacks a demonstrated nexus to public safety or a clear revenue justification. Suppressors are rarely implicated in criminal activity, and existing federal requirements already impose significant compliance costs. As a result, the bill is more likely to suppress lawful commerce than generate meaningful revenue, while increasing litigation and administrative risk for the Commonwealth. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to reject HB 207 and avoid setting a precedent for selective taxation of lawful, heavily regulated conduct without a clear fiscal or policy justification. Thank you for your consideration.

As a physician I think that taxing what can only be described as a firearm safety device is a terrible idea and makes as much sense as taxing bicycle helmets or seatbelts. Suppressors do not make guns “silent” or more deadly, they make them hearing safe. Hearing loss is a real issue among shooters and can lead to isolation and cognitive decline. This is a safety device to prevent these effects. I don’t expect anyone to pay $500 per safety device and therefore no revenue will be generated from this bill

NO MORE TAXES. This is a ridiculous law that discriminates against minorities who don't have the income to afford such a tax. STOP DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MY PEOPLE! Thought we could trust Democrats. VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.

Dear Sir/Madam, I am against (HB 207) the $500 Tax Scheme on Suppressors, which helps with hearing and being kind to others' hearing. I, also, fought against the Federal $200 Tax Scheme, which adds extra burdens on persons who wish to protect their hearing better, while exercising their 2nd Amendment and it makes it harder for people who may be on lower or fixed incomes, are disabled, elderly and the like, from gaining the benefits of the use of suppressors. Turning a Right into a Poll Tax, which my father fought, regarding voting. This is unacceptable and, also, almost a "Sin Tax." I am against (HB 919 and 1094) that would add an 11% on a Right, essentially as a "Sin Tax" against one(s) wishing to exercise their 2nd Amendment Right. This would, also, hurt those on fixed incomes (the elderly, disabled, etc.) and who make less money, especially, harder to be able to exercise their 2nd Amendment Constitutional Rights. These taxes are both unacceptable and further taxation on a Right. Thank you for your time.

I oppose these bills because of the overall hardship for costs on the consumer. My understanding was that agenda of incoming democrats were to increase safety by reducing the number of ARs there were in the public. This does not increase safety but simply makes training and purchasing unaffordable, widen the gap between the wealthy and middle class, increasing noise pollution for unaffordable suppressors for hunting. With our current political climate, hate crimes and abuses made by federal law enforcement , we should impede law abiding citizens from simply making purchases. I would ask to kill these tax bills or at minimum reduce them all to a more reasonable number than 11 percent and a 500 dollar tax stamp on top of increased prices due to tariffs.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

**Opposition to HB 207** **1. Privacy Violations** HB 207 mandates unnecessary surveillance and governmental interference in personal activities, especially in education and healthcare. This encroaches on privacy rights and contradicts Virginia’s commitment to protecting individual autonomy. **2. Discriminatory Impact** The bill disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly low-income families and communities of color. Rather than addressing systemic inequalities, it exacerbates them by limiting access to essential services and opportunities. **3. Ineffective Overreach** The bill’s enforcement mechanisms are inefficient and redundant. There’s no evidence that this broad intervention would meaningfully address the issues it targets. It would divert resources from more effective solutions. **Opposition to HB 919** **1. Healthcare Autonomy Undermined** HB 919 restricts individuals' rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By limiting access to reproductive health services, the bill infringes on the right to choose one’s medical provider and treatment, interfering with essential care. **2. Excessive Government Interference** This bill increases state control over private healthcare decisions, undermining medical professionals' expertise and judgment. It creates legal risks for healthcare providers and risks delays and confusion in delivering care. **3. Public Health Risks** By restricting access to essential healthcare services, particularly reproductive health care, HB 919 could lead to poor health outcomes. It may drive individuals to unsafe alternatives, jeopardizing public health, especially in maternal care. **Opposition to HB 1094** **1. Worker Rights Erosion** HB 1094 weakens protections for workers by expanding employer power and creating loopholes in labor laws. This bill prioritizes corporate interests over workers' rights, potentially exploiting vulnerable employees. **2. Economic Inequity** The bill disproportionately harms lower-income workers who have less leverage to negotiate fair terms. It undermines efforts to create a more equitable workforce, worsening economic inequality in Virginia. **3. Constitutional Concerns** HB 1094 raises serious constitutional issues, particularly regarding workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. It could violate fundamental rights and reduce access to due process for workers.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. All three bills would serve to unduly burden law-abiding Virginians from exercising their lawful right to keep and bear arms. In a time of high inflation and increased cost of living, it is profoundly unjust to levy these additional high costs onto ordinary Virginians. Further, these tax measure would disproportionately impact those of lower household income -- Virginians of all economic statuses are entitled to the rights and liberties under the Constitutions of the United States and Virginia. This legislature should not seek to economically burden these rights further.

On behalf of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), I write to urge you to oppose VA HB 207. Please find ADA's comment letter attached. Thank you for your thoughtful attention to this issue. Stephanie Czuhajewski

Please oppose HB207. This bill does nothing to support public safety or fight crime. It only burdens law-abiding citizens. Thank you for your consideration.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom. Respectfully Submitted by a Law Abiding Concerned American Citizen and Resident of Virginia

I am writing as a Virginia resident to strongly request that the proposed bills HB1094, HB919, and HB207 are not voted on and do not pass through committee. Suppressor taxes and firearms related excise taxes are a tax on rights protected by the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution. We are already taxed on these items through sales tax and via a Federal excise tax from the Pittman-Robertson Act. These proposed bills will not address current social issues in VA (e.g., violent crime). Additionally, VA is already becoming unaffordable to live; therefore, proposing any new tax, to include firearms related taxes, decreases affordability for everyday citizens. Next, Virginians deserve policy solutions that target criminals, not responsible firearm owners. These proposed bills make it harder for low income citizens to exercise the rights as defined by the 2nd Amendment. VA already has a surplus of revenue, why do we need more taxes? We are already taxed enough in VA. If the VA Legislature is trying to decrease crime and gun related issues, then we should go after the core of the issues, i.e., mental health treatment, decrease drug trafficking, help with homeless, etc. These proposed bills do not fund any of these issues. At least the revenue from the Pittman-Robertson Act benefits everyone that use our public lands. The revenue from these bills will go into the "General Fund" to be used at the VA Legislature's will. Regardless, a tax on a right limits VA citizens from exercising that right. Please oppose all anti gun legislation and prevent these bills from moving forward out of committee.

Suppressors Protect Hearing and Make Ranges Safer for all. Suppressors Protect All who go to a Range (while Protecting Your Relationship With others). Suppressors Reduce Recoil and increases accuracy lowering the chances of collateral damage. A citizen may need a suppressor primarily for hearing protection, as it significantly reduces the noise produced by gunfire, helping to prevent permanent hearing damage. In my personal case I am a recently retired veteran from 5 different conflict zones since 2001’. I have suffered much damage to my hearing and having the suppressor will not only limit further hearing damage, but allow me to operate more safely around others. In reality, suppressors are a vital tool for protecting hearing health and enhancing public safety. It’s time to dispel the myths surrounding suppressors and demand that these life-saving devices be allowed without further intrusion by Virginia lawmakers. This issue is not only a matter of practicality but also a fight for our constitutional rights under the Second Amendment. As citizens, veterans, etc. suppressors are in common use and our constitutional right under the Second Amendment to be able to protect our family, loved ones in the safest manner possible. Please stop attempting to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens, all the while allowing our communities to become less safe in the Commonwealth.

As a statesman of Virginia, and citizen of the Constitutional Republic of the United States of America, I strongly oppose these usurpations and violations of our inalienable rights and liberty, that are in the form of bills such as HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I proposed bills HB207,HB919 and HB1094

So, you want to tax efforts for law abiding citizens to protect their hearing??? Is there going to be a tax for loud mufflers on sports cars?? Or a tax on loud music coming from said cars??? This is nothing more than an attempt to limit law abiding gun owners to exercise their constitutional rights. The same applies to the tax on guns and ammo, we are already paying state sales tax on these, so this just a "sin tax" to attack lawful sports activity. How about stop passing laws to allow little to no punishment for repeat offenders and illegals to roam our streets? you hide behind locked doors and armed guards, but you want to deny us the same right to protect ourselves and our families! This is a terrible couple of bills and they should be stopped!

I rise in opposition to HB207, HB919, and HB1094 because these bills do not promote safety—they punish Virginians for exercising a constitutional right. By imposing excessive taxes on firearms, ammunition, and suppressors, the state is effectively placing a financial barrier on the Second Amendment. Rights guaranteed by the Constitution are not privileges to be taxed into submission. These proposals disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens, including rural residents, minorities, and lower-income individuals who rely on firearms for lawful self-defense. Wealthier individuals will still be able to afford these costs, while others are priced out of a fundamental right. That is neither equitable nor just. The Constitution does not allow the government to discourage the exercise of a protected right through targeted taxation. We do not impose special taxes on free speech, religious practice, or voting—and we should not do so here. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to reject these bills.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I stand in opposition to such bills that create unduly encumbered taxation on ammunition, suppressors or accessories related to fire arms. The right to protect one should not have excessive taxation regarding the capacity to engage in such rights.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919 and HB 1094

Good morning, I am writing to oppose proposed bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. I am against these bills on the basis of their effect on U.S. and Virginia citizens' right to self defense and bearing arms; the bills' insubordination with respect to the U.S. Constitution and Bill Of Rights; and the bills' net effects of disenfranchising the poor and middle class by making the costs of owning, maintaining, and properly training on firearms prohibitive. These bills set a dangerous precedent of illegally restricting rights through legislative smoke shields in order to advance the disarmament of the U.S. citizen and the Virginia citizen. I urge the Virginia legislature to oppose these measures and vote 'no' on HB207, HB919, HB1094, and any subsequent measures like them. Thank you. Very Respectfully, Lara Abila

I oppose HB207;HB919,HB1094

Good morning, I wanted to provide a few comments for three of the bills before the council today. To begin with, HB207. As a lifelong hunter and shooter, the recent improvements in accessibility for the hearing protection devices known as suppressors has been a real boon. Previously--particularly during hunting season, when I have to leave my ears uncovered to properly listen to my surroundings--I would sustain real, measurable hearing damage with every shot. Now that I have been able to purchase a suppressor, this is no longer the case. The recent reduction of the Federal tax stamp down to $0 has now made this accessible to just about anyone, as it has removed a major roadblock to acquiring these medically recommended (the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has endorsed their use) devices. Reinstalling and more than doubling this tax at the state level would not just be an imposition, it is one that would primarily fall upon those less fortunate and thus less able to bear this needless tax. Having access to basic technology to preserve one's health and hearing should not depend upon one's financial ability to pay a completely arbitrary tax, with no sound purpose. Suppressors, after all, do not fully silence weapons, they barely reduce the decibels of most common firearms to a hearing safe level, and are still quite loud--often as loud as a jackhammer. This makes them distinctly unsuited in aiding crimes and shootings in the ways commonly imagined by those unfamiliar with them. HB919 and 1094 are related, so I will comment on them together. These pieces of legislation are a mistake for the same reason as the above. There is already an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition (and archery equipment) at the Federal level, which is used to more squarely target the upkeep of conservation, wildlife management and wild areas upon those who use said resources. Tacking on another tax would begin to make regular training and shooting unreachable for a whole class of hunters and shooters, and that class would, once again, be those less fortunate. This could potentially have even more unintended downstream effects, as less well-practiced and trained gun owners will likely be less safe with their firearms. Taking the money raised through this tax and shunting it into some sort of Gun Violence Prevention office, which will likely be used to do nothing more than recommend the further criminalization on law-abiding gun owners, is insult to injury. The bills have no chance at making Virginia more safe, have the potential to decrease the safety of Virginia shooters by making training more expensive, and will further erode gun owners' trust in government by funding an office to target them specifically. I urge an emphatic no vote on all three bills. Thank you for your time, David

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reenforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. HB207 - Keys-Gamarra Tax of $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The right to own firearms and firearms related equipment should not be one exclusively available to high income individuals HB919 – Lopez HB1094 - Laufer These bills are reasonable and where the revenue would go is directly applicable to what is being taxed. I support this legislation. HB217 - Helmer, Clark and Sullivan This proposed legislation is uninformed and written inconsistently. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been steamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

I agree with the VCDL on these bills

I/We The People, strongly oppose the proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom. Our constitution prohibits tyrannical government. We The People oppose an attempt by a tyrannical state government to infringe our rights that the Constitution gives us. We The People Stand against any form of overreach that is unconstitutional. Thank you and God Bless this State and the USA.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 . This isn’t making things more affordable for Virginia families.

These bills are undermining the citizens ability to protect themselves as is a right via the constitution. It incriminates more responsible gun owners than those who are not. To make more criminals in effort to reduce the danger in our state is counter productive. Please do not pass this bill. Vote NO on these

I oppose this legislation

I oppose these bills. These bills will deprive me of my rightful property and my favorite hobbies. This is tyrannical governance at its best

As a retired Active Duty, Sergeant First Class that swore an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. I am watching firearms legislations being filed that appalls me to the core. Especially when these legislations are proposed and voted on by individuals that know nothing about firearms, Democrat veterans and Democrats Legislators, that took an oath to the Constitution that also want to disarm law abiding citizens and tell them what they can or cannot own. This is an assault on the Constitutional rights of all law-abiding, legal gun owners, veterans, servicemembers and military aged civilians between the ages of 18 and 20. For 250 years, our Constitutional Republic, Our Nation has upheld our Constitution and those rights that are enshrined in it are protected from infringement. These legislations do not promote public safety, not do they have anything to do with public safety. They are only suppressing the rights of individuals tgat are not committing crimes and that will not commit crimes. These legislations do NOT prevent or deter crime. These legislations suppress the the rights of Veterans, Law Abiding Citizens, Active Duty Servivemen and Women, National Guardsmen, and First Responders. I am sure you are going to exempt law enforcement and retired law enforcement from these legislations. Yet you will suppress the rights of people that never committed a crime.

I deeply oppose these bills

Suppressors merely reduce the report of a round fired. They are just a piece of metal, not a firearm. They help protect the shooter's hearing and lesson/mitigate any noise nuisance to neighbors. Why should there be an outrageous tax on them? An item used by law abiding citizens pursuing a sport/hobby. Please reconsider punishing your voters for using an inanimate object for sport or their hobby.

I strongly oppose these tax bills. These and other tax increases will not help make Virginia any more affordable for families already struggling with higher than ever cost of living. I urge you to please reject these tax increases.

To the Honorable Members of the House of Delegates, I am writing to express my firm opposition to HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Collectively, these bills seek to impose an unprecedented financial burden on law-abiding Virginians exercising their Second Amendment rights. The Impact of HB 207 (The Suppressor Tax). HB 207 proposes a $500 excise tax on firearm suppressors. This is a tax on safety equipment, not a luxury. • Hearing Protection: Suppressors do not "silence" firearms; they simply reduce the report to hearing-safe levels. They take a sound-level comparable to a jet plane taking off and lower it to that of a jackhammer. This is vital for the health of hunters and the peace of mind of neighbors near target ranges. • Negligible Criminal Use: The last instance of a legally owned suppressor used in a crime in Virginia was in 2019. Law-abiding owners should not be punitively taxed for a single event nearly seven years ago. • Economic Exclusion: With many suppressors priced at $300, a $500 tax represents a 160% tax rate. This effectively prices lower-income Virginians out of the market, making hearing protection a privilege only for the wealthy. The Impact of HB 919 and HB 1094 (Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax). These bills seek an 11% excise tax on the gross sales of firearms and ammunition. This functions as a "sin tax" on a fundamental civil right. • A Dangerous Precedent: We would never consider an excise tax on book publishers or news organizations, as it would clearly unconstitutionally increase the cost of exercising First Amendment rights. The Second Amendment deserves that same level of protection. • Public Safety: Owning a firearm is not a "sin." Firearms are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Furthermore, by increasing the cost of ammunition, the state actively discourages the regular training and proficiency that lead to responsible ownership. These measures do not address the root causes of crime; they only penalize the law-abiding. I urge you to vote "No" on HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Please protect the rights of your constituents to safely and affordably defend themselves.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094.

Vote no to this tax. Suppressors should become less regulated and easier to get for safety reasons. Movies do a disservice through their depiction of what suppressors are capable of. They merely reduce the noise to a hearing-safe level. They don’t reduce them to the point of not being able to hear them - not even close. This is an unjust tax and would be akin to taxing mufflers on your car.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

Please vote NO on HB 207. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. These are very important safety devices that should not be burdened with an unnecessary tax. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Most suppressors are priced between $300 to $1000, so this would be a 50% to 160% tax which is a tremendous burden on Virginia citizens! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect their hearing? Please vote NO on HB 919.This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This tax is using the 'sin tax' model, but it is directly and adversely affecting a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used for many lawful purposes including to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I oppose these bills and any bill that punishes law-abiding American citizens from exercising their constitutional rights. Instead, you should increase penalties for criminals and revise bail laws.

Virginia was in good shape, we had a surplus of money that Gov Youngkin gave back to the taxpayers. And NOW you want to raise taxes on everything. There are alot of us on a fixed income and can't afford the taxes. These taxes are no necessary unless it is putting money into your pockets. This needs to stop or we will vote you out, after we do a recall. You are not doing what is best for the taxpayers in Virginia. You are doing this for you and how much money it will put in your pockets. STOP THE RAISING OF ANY TAXES ON VIRGINIANS.

I oppose HB 207, HB919, and HB1094! They are unconstitutional.

I oppose HB207: HB919, and HB1094.

All three of these bills are tantamount to a sin tax against those who are legally exercising their second amendment rights. Gun owners are not criminals and should not be punished in this way. Are free speech and first amendment rights going to be taxed as well by charging extra for books or ink or posters? These three bills are a gross misuse of power and are bad for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

These proposed bills are a blatant attack on our 2nd amendment rights and personal liberties. They will do nothing to stop crime but as usual, restrict the law abiding responsible gun owners. Why don't you stop making it easier for criminals to walk our streets and at the same time try to restrict our ability to defend our families and ourselves??? You are allowed to be protected by armed security but what you're saying in these proposals is that we don't have the same right.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 as they infringe our Second Amendment rights.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

I’m opposed to these bills. I think it’s tyrannical to discriminate against law abiding gun owners or those who wish to be. We have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. These bills infringe upon the rights that the constitution says SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED! If you want to stop gun violence, put stronger penalties on those who commit acts of violence with guns. Be honest about the motivation for proposing these bills because they are only punitive to law abiding citizens, and will do NOTHING to prevent gun violence.

I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

This administration has chipped away at our 2A rights too much already. In less than a month hasrobbed us of our rights more than any other. This is Virginia not California . Southern States live with firearms. Our original framers would be highly upset and disappointed with all of this. Enough. It is outrageous and unconstitutional. This is just another example of Virginia s rights being taxed and taken away for a radical agenda. We do not support this. Shall not be infringed! Thankyou

I oppose the above bills, HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

Gun control advocates for years spouted that their stance is for "gun safety" not abolition. All three of the bills, 207, 954, and 1094 are blatant attempts at eventual abolition and restricting the availability of safety devices. A $500 tax on suppressors flies in the face of the new federal ruling that has reduced the tax to $0. Firearm suppressors are considered PPE by the military, law enforcement as well as the general public. Suppressors are virtually NEVER used in crime, approximately 0.003% of the 1.3 million legally owned suppressors in the our county used in crime. Suppressors protect the hearing of the user and bystanders when using firearms. So let me get this straight, Everytown for "gun safety" doesn't actually want guns to be safer?? Perhaps it comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of how firearms work, how suppressors work and maybe a fundamental misunderstanding for how guns are even used and to what degree they are actually used legally compared to when they are used illegally? You can quote disingenuous statistics until we are all blue in the face; so long as the listener never investigates those contrived statistics like "the leading cause of child deaths" except they don't tell you that stat includes up to 21 year olds and suicides. Excise taxes? To folks in underprivileged neighborhoods, that crime is often a fact of every day life, and yet the left would seek to make it more expensive for them to acquire the most effective equalizing tool to defend themselves? In the quiet back room, I'm sure you would call it "a sacrifice for the greater good" no doubt. User friendly firearms, enable the most weak of our society to defend themselves against the most strong. This is a liberating reality that has not been actualized for all of human society until the invention of firearms. The weapons that you seek to outlaw, are the very ones that provide the weakest among us the best possible chance of survival against an assailant that your weak judiciary system let out on the street after their 15th arrest. But of course, the left chooses to attack the ease of access to inanimate objects that perform no actions on their own, rather than seeking to tackle the root of the problem of crime and violence - culture. Firearms exist, knives exist, 3000lb automobiles exist, scalpels exist.. scalpels and forceps have killed more human beings than any other devices on the face of the earth..but thats a different topic I suppose. Firearms existence won't cease, you can't put the cat back in the bag. The lie of "we don't want to take your guns" is laid bare when its realized that the only reason you aren't attempting full abolition, is because your insidious agenda is to slowly degrade rights like a frog in boiling water. Every totalitarian regime begins first with disarming its people. Hundreds of millions of people just in the 20th century alone (and I do not exaggerate) have been murdered by their own governments under regimes claiming to uphold "the greater good" for "utopia". You cannot solve a cultural problem by attacking a mechanism. Britain's stabbing epidemic is indicative of this. Human sinful intent is the driving force, and sinful intent finds a way no matter what tools are available. Tools to defend life should be the best and most efficient possible. The ownership of weapons is not something that can be bestowed like a magic talisman to the "right people only", only the wrong people will have them if you try.

These taxes are regressive and hurt lower income Virginians. A recent study by the New York times of all places advocates that we should treat suppressors as personal protective equipment, as they are throughout most of Europe. Shooting on suppressed firearms at an indoor range can have serious health effects such as micro-concussions. The 11% tax on firearms and ammunition is a direct tax on exercising a right, will undoubtedly face constitutional scrutiny, and punishes law-abiding Virginians for something they didn't do

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 and all unconstitutional acts. The US Constitution and the Virginia Constitution state clearly it is the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. The government has no power to alter that. No proposed bill will lessen gun violence, nor is it common sense reform. Less than 2.5% of gun owners commit any crime, let alone gun violence. This is an attack on reasonable, reaponsible, and lawful firearm owners. Meanwhile, citizens such as myself watch as criminals continuously are provided lax judgement and commit repeated offenses with minimal recourse. Uphold the laws aa they are written; writing new laws only threatens the free and lawful people you are supposed to represent.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I am writing today in response to the proposed excise tax on firearm suppressors. I oppose this bill for the reasons listed, As a land owner I am able to shoot firearms on my property, I choose to do so with a suppressor to keep the noise down to acceptable levels for my neighbors, for my kids, and for livestock nearby. To add an expensive excise tax on something that provides hearing protection, noise mitigation, and increases safety is completely illogical. This does not help in public safety, it leads to more noise problems and hearing damage. Thank you

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I oppose HB207 HB919 HB1094

I am 77 years old, and hard of hearing from both my past work environment and shooting sports. Even with ear protection, I have continued to lose my hearing. A suppressor in combination with a set of ear muffs would make my limited hearing sustainable for the few years I have left. It would also decrease the noise production less disturbing to the fellow firearm enthusiasts. It is but a muffler, and does not nullify firearm sounds. A tax added to the purchase of firearms and ammunition would make my continued enjoyment of the shooting sport difficult since I am on a just sustainable retirement income. It is one of the few enjoyments I have left. Don't take this beloved activity away from this older gentleman. Obey the constitution as written, and quail the tyrant you are producing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. That is all.

Lifetime resident of the Commonwealth and I OPPOSE HB207, HB919 and HB1094

HB207: Given the timing of this bills introduction occurring after the removal of the $200 dollar federal tax stamp on suppressors, Its no doubt this is a purely punitive tax meant to punish rather than to retain revenue for the state. Given the well established precedent by the supreme court ruling that rights cannot be taxed (ink for printing press per Minneapolis Star v. Minnesota) as it pertains to the first amendment, so too is the second amendment free from receiving separate and purely punitive taxes. Additionally, this taxation will not withstand the NYSRPA v Bruen ruling where a specific outlying tax on firearm and firearm accessories can be dated back to the founding. Millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars will be spent fighting this bill in court, far more than would ever be gained by the commonwealth in unconstitutional revenue. HB919 & HB1094: Similar to the above, Minneapolis Star v. Minnesota has already ruled that a tax on on ink and paper, being separate from a general sales tax on all goods, is an unconstitutional tax against free speech, so too is a specific 11% tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers which as applied will be passed on to the consumers. Additionally, this unconstitutional tax will gravely impact the training budgets of the over 20,000 law enforcement personnel in Virginia as well as the 27 military bases housing approx 130,000 active duty military personnel who rely on firearms and ammunition to train and protect our commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. The taxpayers in the commonwealth will pay millions of dollars to fight this tax through local and circuit courts over the coming years only to see it struck down by SCOTUS all while seeing ammo purchases simply go outside the state to acquire ammo outside of taxable revenue streams.

Among the litany of other tax bills on their way to the Governor, HB207 not only puts a 500$ tax on NFA items which are protected under the 2nd Amendment which is not only in the Bill of Rights and Virginia's Constitution, but HB1094 and HB919 puts an 11% tax on any firearm related purchase, these bills are nothing but a sin tax, and our right that is enshrined in our constitution should not be taxed away to the point where only the rich can exercise that right.

I am a lifelong citizen of Virginia and this has afforded me the opportunity to participate in many outdoor, hunting and sport shooting activities. I like many others hunt to provide food for my family and those I love. I target shoot to practice safety and to teach the generations that follow me how to properly use, handle and respect firearms. I also rely on firearms as a means to protect my home and family. I do not have the luxury of city living where help is mere moments away. Response times for my department can be delayed depending on what is going on in our county and the limited resources of our very dedicated Sheriff’s Department. Now as a political tool I am being told to exercise this right I will have to pay an unjust tax because I lawfully carry out these activities like millions of other citizens in this Commonwealth. This is nothing more than a punishment for those of use that rely on these firearms for our way of life and families. HB919 and HB1094 will only punish those that follow the law and will not prevent criminals from performing evil acts. As for HB207, contrary to stereotypes suppressors are an extremely useful hearing protection device. I suffer from tinnitus from my time in the military and work related hearing damage. I am very familiar with the dangers of the noise created with firearms and learned far too late the damage that can come from exposure. As a sportsmen and avid shooter I have used suppressors and hearing protection to protect myself, my kids, and my friends. The recent changes to the NFA Tax Stamp has made suppressors more affordable to protect more people. This bill is a step backwards for the safety of the citizens in Virginia. And why we ask, because of movie myths that portray these devices as something that can make firearms more deadly. They are for sound reduction not silencing of firearms. Decibel reduction is much different than the completely silent examples often portrayed. These items still have to be purchased through an extensive background check through the NFA which prevents these items from falling into the hands of criminals. Again this is an unjust tax being imposed out of fear of an object due to fiction and not fact and offers yet another hurdle without benefit for law abiding citizens of Virginia. I implore you as a neighbor of this Virginian and many more to vote down these measures that will punish law abiding citizens.

I wanted to share my opposition to these bills in light of the tremendous lack of data showing that any of these will dissuade criminal activity, lessen offenses, or better our communities in any articulable way. The data just doesn't support the need for increased taxation for law-abiding gun owners. It has been said throughout the years, and I have a hard time finding a counterargument: Criminals don't follow the law, so why should more laws, more taxation, or more firearm regulation persist? Instead, I suggest proposing efforts along the lines of mental health reform, addiction intervention, and stiffening penalties for offenses. These, unlike more gun control, are actually proven to reduce criminal activity while elevating the greatest asset in any culture, love. Reduce taxes, all of them. Find waste, fraud, and expose it. Tighten budgets, find savings. This is something all constituents will rally together to support. Do this, and you'll have my support, regardless of party affiliation.

Gentlemen, Concerning HB207, It concerns me that the state would charge such an outrageous tax on an item that protects the safety of the individual and any others standing near a Firearm being discharged, that has the capacity of causing hearing loss, especially at a range or shooting event. The suppressor only reduces the sound to a safe decibel level not deaden the sound completely. If a criminal wishes to use one in the commission of a crime he or she would more likely obtain one by theft or other illegal means. Therefore the average citizens will be penalized for using their Constitutional Right, especially those with lower incomes. In reference to Bills HB919 and HB1094, they too are designed to restrict the average American from having free access to ammunition for recreational shooting sports, for practice with a weapon used for protection (which by the way gives the user more active time with their weapon, which enables safer use of said weapon), and for hunting. These laws spit on every law abiding citizen and every veteran that has fought and died for the freedoms which you yourselves possess. Thank you Gentlemen, Troy Barrett

I profoundly disagree with passing any of these bills as detrimental to the US Cinstitution and the Virginia Constitution.

Chair, members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Grayson Davis, and I am a resident of King William County, Virginia. I’m writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. Each of these bills represents unnecessary government overreach that would impose new restrictions on responsible citizens while doing little to solve the issues they claim to address. As written, they risk penalizing law-abiding Virginians, burdening local enforcement, and undermining individual rights and community freedoms that our state has long respected. I urge this Subcommittee to consider the real impact these measures will have on ordinary citizens who already comply with existing laws. Instead of layering new regulations or controls, our focus should remain on practical, evidence-based solutions — ones that respect personal responsibility, property rights, and the freedoms guaranteed under both the Virginia and U.S. Constitutions. Please reject HB207, HB919, and HB1094, and stand with the Virginians who value liberty, accountability, and common-sense governance. Thank you for your time and your service to our Commonwealth.

I’m writing to strongly oppose House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. These bills place an unfair financial burden on Virginians who want to exercise their constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution clearly protect these rights and limit government interference. Taxing items like hearing protection (which is a safety measure), commonly used firearms, and ammunition is a clear attempt to discourage law-abiding citizens from exercising their rights. These added costs will mainly impact lower- and middle-income Virginians, making it harder for them to afford lawful self-defense, while wealthier residents will be less affected. This raises serious concerns about the intent and fairness of these proposals. These taxes also contradict recent promises to make Virginia more affordable. Under Governor Youngkin’s vetoes, Virginia remained more affordable and our constitutional rights were protected. These bills appear to be a deliberate attempt to impose new financial pressure on citizens who simply want to exercise fundamental freedoms. Unconstitutional burdens placed on basic liberties through excessive taxes—especially those that disproportionately affect working and middle-class Virginians—are an insult to freedom and a failure to represent the people fairly. I urge you to do the right thing: protect our constitutional rights, keep Virginia affordable, and vote “no” on these bills. With the current budget surplus, there is no need to balance the budget by targeting law-abiding Virginians exercising their rights.

HB207 The purpose of this bill is to make suppressors prohibitively expensive, just like the NFA act of 1934. This bill will once again price people out of being able to purchase these devices. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax. HB919 & HB1094 These bills create an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. This is a "sin tax" that affects a basic civil right and yet another set of bills pricing people out of gun ownership.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

These gun laws only target lawful gun owners. Specifically, suppressors are hearing protection devices and should be made more accessible to all lawful gun owners. Suppressors do not eliminate noise like Hollywood mistakenly portrays. However, they do reduce the concussive blast experienced by the shooter and those nearby, so I encourage all lawful gun owners to use suppressors to protect their hearing and the hearing of those nearby. The federal government recently reduced the NFA tax on suppressors to zero dollars. This is a good thing. VA's proposed $500 supper tax would make them less accessible.

Bill Ballerd Good heads up. My comments: Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB207, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Concerning HB919 and HB1094: Since both bills impose excise tax collections which will be provided to the new "Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund" (established pursuant to 9.1-116.6) and since that new fund does not specifically provide to localities for the specific purpose of improving public school physical security measures (to prevent gun violence), I urge opposing both HB919 and HB1094. Concerning HB207: Since this egregious level excise tax collection will be provided to the general fund, which is not specifically marked for improving public school physical security measures (to prevent gun violence), and since many suppressors retail at 300 dollars or less (resulting in a 160% tax), I urge opposing HB207.

Bills HB207, HB919 and HB1094 are fundamentally unconstitutional AND discriminatory. They punish people for exercising the constitutional right to purchase arms. Furthermore, they discriminate against minorities and less affluent people, making it disproportionately difficult for them to exercise their rights by targeting them with these invented taxes. These bills have nothing to do with safety, as criminals will have no problem paying these taxes. They are simple income-based discrimination.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 .

I oppose All of the above Gun Bills. I am not a criminal nor have I ever been one. Our Government can Not protect me my property, or my Family. I have a God given right to bear and own guns Also 2A rights. You work for ME ! You are supposed to represent ME ! Stop with All the Over reach . Let me tell you what you should be doing , You should be passing bills to benefit the American people like Health care, economy, Get rid of these taxes that benefit your needs !! Finish deporting these illegal immigrants you brought into this country !! Again No on Gun bills .

The 2nd amendment does not in any way shape or form all these changes constitutional. Every bill you are pushing through house is definition of infringement. Also the first amendment grants all US citizens the freedom of speech . As a Christian I am subject to hate speech from others and have no avenue of protection other than my 2 nd amendment rights !

I rise in opposition to HB207, HB919, and HB1094 because these bills do not promote safety—they punish Virginians for exercising a constitutional right. By imposing excessive taxes on firearms, ammunition, and suppressors, the state is effectively placing a financial barrier on the Second Amendment. Rights guaranteed by the Constitution are not privileges to be taxed into submission. These proposals disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens, including rural residents, minorities, and lower-income individuals who rely on firearms for lawful self-defense. Wealthier individuals will still be able to afford these costs, while others are priced out of a fundamental right. That is neither equitable nor just. The Constitution does not allow the government to discourage the exercise of a protected right through targeted taxation. We do not impose special taxes on free speech, religious practice, or voting—and we should not do so here. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to reject these bills.

HB207 - I strongly oppose the proposed suppressor tax because it directly conflicts with the values of equity, accessibility, disability accommodation, and public health that this body consistently says it supports. I have documented hearing loss. Audiologists have advised me not to shoot unsuppressed whenever it can be avoided, because further exposure causes irreversible damage. Suppressors are not optional or recreational for me—they are a medically recommended harm-reduction tool. I rely on them while hunting to provide food for my family and while training at the range to prevent further injury. Shooting unsuppressed also causes permanent hearing damage to animals, including working dogs and pets. By taxing a safety device, this bill actively harms Virginians with hearing impairments and creates a financial barrier to compliance with medical guidance. If this were any other disability-related protective equipment, imposing a special tax would rightly be viewed as discriminatory. The policy does not reduce risk—it shifts the burden onto people least able to absorb it. This bill will not meaningfully affect wealthy individuals. It will, however, restrict access for lower- and middle-income Virginians, rural residents, and people with disabilities. That outcome is not equity. It is the opposite. If equity and harm reduction are truly guiding principles, then lawmakers should not be pricing disabled Virginians out of protective equipment that prevents permanent injury. I urge the committee to reconsider and reject this bill. HB919 & HB1094- I oppose HB 919 because it imposes a targeted excise tax on the exercise of a constitutional right and does so in a way that is inequitable, classist, and harmful to working professionals. If the Commonwealth would not impose a special excise tax on book publishers or printing presses because their products enable First Amendment activity, it should not impose one on firearms and ammunition manufacturers whose products enable the exercise of Second Amendment rights. Constitutional rights should not be conditioned on the ability to pay a premium tax. I work in the security field, where firearm proficiency is not optional—it is a legal and professional requirement. We are required to train regularly and complete annual, state-mandated requalification. Ammunition costs are a direct and unavoidable expense of compliance. Any excise tax placed on manufacturers will be passed directly to consumers, increasing the cost of required training and lawful work. This bill does not meaningfully affect wealthy individuals or large institutions. It disproportionately harms armed security professionals, private-sector workers, and lower- and middle-income Virginians who must purchase ammunition and equipment to meet state requirements. That outcome is not equitable. If equity and access are guiding principles, the General Assembly should not price working people out of compliance with the law or impose selective taxes on constitutional activity. I urge the committee to reject HB 919.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

As a law-abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I urge you to vote NO on HB's 709, 919, and 1094. Virginia ended the last fiscal year with a $2+ Billion surplus. These proposed taxes are only meant to hinder and discourage law-abiding gun owners. They are also regressive in that they inhibit low income citizens from exercising their 2nd Amendment Rights to protect themselves and their loved ones.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I oppose HBs 1094, 919, and 207, which levy excessive taxes on law-abiding gun owners for no apparent reason. Of all the gun control bills, these seem to be particularly punitive in nature, having not even the veneer of a public safety rationale. They just seem intended to exploit gun owners to raise revenue for pet Democrat projects, all while Virginia runs a budget surplus. Voters are noticing who Democrats are taking tax revenue from and who they are giving it to. You all are making national news with your naked wealth redistribution program every day. The voters will punish Democrats for it at the voting booth the first chance they get.

Dear Delegates, I am writing to urge you to oppose House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. These proposals would place additional financial barriers on lawful Virginians seeking to exercise their right to keep and bear arms. While public safety is important, policies that substantially increase the cost of commonly owned firearms, ammunition, or related equipment risk turning a constitutional right into something only affordable for those with greater financial means. Virginia’s Constitution and the Second Amendment recognize an individual right that should not depend on income level. When fees or taxes become significant enough to discourage ordinary citizens from lawful ownership, the burden falls most heavily on lower- and middle-income residents — the very people who may rely most on accessible means of self-defense. There are many ways to promote safety without creating disproportionate economic obstacles. I respectfully ask that you consider approaches that focus on enforcement against criminal misuse rather than measures that broadly impact compliant citizens. For these reasons, I ask you to vote no on these bills.

I oppose ALL of the above gun bills. I am not a criminal never have been . Our Goverment can not protect me , my family or my property I have a God given right to bear arms also 2A rights .You work for ME !! You are suppose to represent ME ! Stop the over reach . Do something that benefits the American citizens , Healthcare, economy, get rid of All these taxes you have burdened the people with , Finish deporting illegal immigrates .

As a retired federal officer (Not ICE), I am concerned about a few things; the proposed magazine and firearms ban, leaving Virginia citizens unprotected against criminals who will not follow the laws, and the retired Federal, State and Local officers who DO NOT have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round magazines. As retired officers, most of us are still quietly acting as Sheepdogs, still watching over our neighbors and strangers. Not exempting retired officers from the magazine ban can be catastrophic, whether you realize it or not. While some state and local officers have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round mags, some municipalities and all Federal officers do NOT have this luxury, and it will create a disparity among those who can purchase and keep their 15 round magazines and those who cannot by either law or policy. The US Constitution does not regulate what firearms Americans can keep, with some exceptions; but it DOES permit US Citizens to keep & bear arms. Historically kept firearms have been recognized by the high courts as not illegal and have ruled in favor of this. Like many, I feel that this "gun grab" as it's called was rushed through too quickly without considering the retirees who have served this state with honor and dignity. I urge you to not just ban 15 round mags for our citizens, but especially for the retirees. The way the language is currently written, the 15 round ban will not affect officers who have the ability to purchase their duty firearms upon retirement, but would not apply to many others including all federal officers & agents. Not a good way to keep your voters; and could be considered biased by the high courts. We are all the same; we served and protected. Thank you.

HB207: $500 tax on suppressors. This sounds like a poll tax that a Virginia resident would have to pay prior to exercising a constitutional right to own and shoot firearms. Might as well combine this with the Poll tax that was implemented for blacks and poor whites to vote . Oh wait, that tax was declared illegal. As should this tax. HB919/HB1094: 11% excise tax This sounds like a poll tax that a Virginia resident would have to pay prior to exercising a constitutional right to own and shoot firearms. Might as well combine this with the Poll tax that was implemented for blacks and poor whites to vote. Oh wait, that tax was declared illegal, as should this tax. I bet minority citizens will LOVE THIS tax, don't you think????

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. These bills are unconstitutional!

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, HB 1094.

I oppose the freedom of my right to bear arms I added this to my objection. Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

I oppose all of these bills as they are against to 2nd Amendment. More importantly, do you really believe that criminals will follow these laws? No. They will continue to commit crimes and if necessary go out of state to acquire what they need. Law abiding patriots, when armed are the best deterrent to crime! I also assume that you folks will not have personal protection details and if you do they will not be allowed to carry the type of firearms you are trying to outlaw!

Good day, As a lifelong Democrat I respectfully ask the committee to vote against HB 207 (suppressor tax). Suppressors are an important aid in hearing protection for hunters and recreational shooters; for outdoor ranges or shooters that are hunting or shooting on their own property, they help keep the noise down for neighbors. Suppressors are not commonly used in crime; in fact, a suppressor has not been used in a crime in Virginia since 2019. In order to obtain a suppressor in the United States of America, the purchaser must submit paperwork to the ATF that requests permission to acquire a suppressor, along with fingerprints, background check, and a passport photo. Once the paperwork is submitted the ATF performs a background check and then decides to approve or deny the application. These are not items you walk into the gun shop and walk out with ten minutes later- in stark contrast, in fact, to most Western European countries, where that actually is how you buy a suppressor. The lack of a $200 federal tax on the tax stamp required to buy a suppressor does not mean that you don't have to do the paperwork with the ATF. A $500 tax on suppressors in Virginia would do little more than disenfranchise those without much money from being able to buy them, and increase costs for everyone across the board that is trying to protect their hearing or be polite to their neighbors. In addition, as a lifelong Democrat I respectfully ask the committee to vote against HB's 919 and 1094 (firearms and ammunition taxes). Prices for food, utilities, and housing are rising across the board and inflation continues to climb. Taxes on firearms and ammunition is not common-sense gun legislation, it is a brutal financial attack on the millions of Virginians that own firearms. If we want to solve the problem of gun violence the answer isn't to infringe on a constitutional right (churches don't pay taxes, and you don't get charged a tax to speak your mind or vote), it's to make it so that people to do not feel compelled to resort to violence to make ends meet. In other words, economic and labor legislation is what will fix gun violence (and a lot of other problems, I might add), not just making firearms and ammunition more expensive. High taxes on firearms and ammunition will do little more than raise costs for everyone and specifically disenfranchise low-income Virginians of their right to own and use firearms within the confines of the law. Thank you for taking my comments into consideration and I hope that you will vote against HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094.

Aganist these bills that attack the second amendment ¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I implore the comitte to recognize this Bill has a disadventagous monetary gain for the state. While a tax revenue may be generated it is more likely a reduction in standard sales tax revenue. This bill enacts a tax to make purchasing cost prohibitive, its twice the products value. This also does not provide Virginia s a tangible return for said tax imposed. The current fund has more than enough to meet the needs of our citizens and the people of our state should not be used to enrich it further with undue purpose.

HB's 207, 919 and 1094 share some common traits. (1) They do NOTHING to improve public safety. (2) They are money-grabbing efforts by the current Legislative Bodies in Richmond. (The Commonwealth of Virginia already collects more than enough tax money. If the Legislative Bodies and Executive Branch would be good stewards of our tax dollars there would not be a need to create more ways to separate Virginians from their funds.) These, and bills like this, need to be defeated and defeated now.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I strongly oppose this bill. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? Suppressors fall under the protection of the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution as well as Article 1 section 13 of the Constitution of Virginia. Ask yourselves if you would be willing to tax items protected by the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution at a rate of $500 without it being labeled an infringement. Strongly oppose. Thank you for your time.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, HB 1094, I feel these bills do not represent the interests of our state and do not reflect the majority of the citizens.

I oppose HB207/HB919 andHB1094

I passionately oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

HB207 is not an attempt at public safety, but rather an outrageous money-grab on the part of the Commonwealth. The end result is that the wealthy can own a suppressor and the State gets richer. HB 919 and HB1094 is yet another money-grab on the part of the Commonwealth...unreasonable taxation on a commodity.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

The increase of taxes for firearms, ammo, and accessories is 100% partisan tax increase on the gun community that doesn’t pose a safety problem in the state. These taxes will not create a safer Virginia or alter the amount of gun violence that takes place.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. These bills, if passed into state law, would immediately be repugnant to the U.S. Constitution, thus rendering them null and void. These proposed bills would be immediate violations of the Natural Rights of man, which the U.S. Constitution does not grant but acknowledges. As a legal American Citizen, as a legal citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and as a free man with inalienable Natural Rights endowed by our Creator, I hereby voice my opposition to these unconstitutional bills.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. They are unconstitutional and should be voted down. Address the real issue, criminals and their actions, not law abiding citizens.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094…these blatantly unconstitutional Bills have no place in a free society.

I oppose HB919, HB1094, and HB207. These taxes and unconstitutional—and unreasonable as a matter of basic sense. Suppressors are virtually never used in crimes. They are safety devices. The scale of the suppressor tax is also confiscatory and unreasonable, a clear effort at a ban by making these items too expensive for most people to obtain. As for the 11% tax, I cannot imagine a sensible rationale for taxing a basic civil right, nor is it constitutional to do so. This law will not reduce crime; people who want to commit crimes will not be dissuaded by an 11% tax. The clear purpose is to punish citizens of the Commonwealth for exercising their constitutional rights. It is as odious as an 11% sur-tax on books. I also cannot imagine a more egregious example of the General Assembly making plain that it despises rural Virginians, most of whom own firearms. Any elected official who supports these laws should be ashamed of their ignorance and their hostility to the approximately 45% of Commonwealth citizens who have firearms.

I'll keep it simple, there is no justification for these taxes. This is clearly political retribution being pushed on law abiding citizens.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB 1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose these bills marked above, HB 207, 919, 1094. VOTE NO! These bills infringe upon my right to protect and defend myself if needed.

I oppose bills HB207, HB919, HB1094

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. This message might be used by a few people as it was written by the Culpeper County 2A Facebook page. Make no mistake, I truly feel strong in what is written and laws like these will only cause more harm than good for the law-abiding citizens in this state.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose the passing of HB207, HB1094, and HB919. I am a constituent of Prince William County and a citizen in good standing and ask that you please do not infringe upon my constitutional right to bear these arms. It is stated in our, mine and your United States Constitution and there gives me these rights. Also being voted on and made law by the Supreme Court of these United States of America. We the People elect you. We the people do not give you permission to take these rights. We The People do not want you to disregard Federal law !! In doing so any Federal recourse funnels down hill !! Thank you in advance for doing the right thing by the constituents of Va. Honestly Doug Fisher

Im a resident in the DMV area and I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. My rights shall not be infringed. Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

Dear Members of the House Committee on Finance, I am writing to state my clear and unequivocal opposition to House Bill Nos. 207, 919, and 1094, and to the broader legislative approach they represent. I am opposed to these measures not only on technical or administrative grounds, but on principle. I oppose any and all forms of firearm regulation, including regulation imposed indirectly through taxation. Each of these bills seeks to use the tax code as a mechanism to discourage, burden, or penalize the lawful ownership, acquisition, or distribution of firearms, ammunition, or related components. Regardless of how they are framed procedurally, these proposals function as regulatory instruments, not neutral revenue measures. HB 207 imposes a flat $500 excise tax on firearm suppressors—devices that are already heavily regulated at the federal level and widely recognized as safety equipment. A flat tax of this magnitude is plainly punitive, bears no relationship to product value or public cost, and exists solely to price ordinary citizens out of lawful ownership. HB 919 and HB 1094 impose elevated percentage-based excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, while explicitly exempting government agencies and law enforcement. This creates a two-tier system in which the state reserves unrestricted access to arms for itself while deliberately increasing the cost and friction imposed on private citizens. I reject the premise that the exercise of a fundamental right should be treated as a taxable privilege. Taken together, these bills reveal a coordinated attempt to achieve gun control objectives through fiscal means—avoiding direct prohibitions while still suppressing lawful conduct through financial pressure. This is not sound tax policy, and it is not an appropriate use of the Commonwealth’s taxing authority. Further, earmarking the revenue from these targeted taxes to specific policy programs underscores their regulatory intent. When a narrowly tailored tax is imposed on a constitutionally protected activity and the proceeds are directed to programs designed to reduce or discourage that same activity, the tax ceases to be neutral and becomes a tool of coercion. I do not support amendments, consolidation, or further study of these proposals. I oppose them outright. I also oppose the broader concept of using taxation as a substitute for direct firearm regulation. Virginians do not forfeit constitutional protections by engaging in lawful commerce, and those protections should not depend on one’s ability to absorb artificially imposed costs. I urge the Committee to reject HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 in their entirety and to refrain from advancing any future measures that seek to regulate firearms, ammunition, or related components through the tax code or otherwise. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Obin Robinson Norfolk, VA US Navy Veteran with 20 years of honorable service

I am a proud Virginian. I represent thousands of Virginia's like me. I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. Virginia will not lie down and die like California. There is a reason the woman on our state flag is armed. She stands tall with her foot over a defeated tyrant. Her weapon in hand. Chains broken. The living room I am writing mere feet from was built a few years before this country declared its independence. The same spirit and red hot blood that our forefathers had runs through my veins. Let us not be so naive to think that criminals will follow laws and that politicians will always do good to those they are sworn to serve. In the face of unconstitutional laws, it is my duty as an American to resist. I will include this next piece here since it is questionable that anyone who signs these bills has read it before; "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". Thank you for your time and for hearing these words. God bless our beautiful state and may he keep us and guide us by His love. -Taylor Helm

I support the comments of Virginia Civil Defense League on these bills.

I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094, and will actively and aggressively advocate against anyone voting for them in future elections. Furthermore, given any opportunity I will join in and participate in lawsuits resulting from these efforts.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

I oppose HB bills 207, 919 and 1094. Vote NO. These bill infringe upon my right to defend myself and others if needed. VOTE NO.

These laws are in direct violation of our 2nd amendment and will not be enforced by any law enforcement that remember the oath they took. Stop making laws that restrict and violate the rights of law abiding citizens especially while you are going soft on criminals committing crimes with guns.

"I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

Another unfair tax and violation of a persons rights, This is no more than a tracking system and fine for owning a piece of equipment that will save your hearing. What's next a tax on hearing protection

I urge you to oppose HB207 (Gamarra), which creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? I also urge you to oppose both HB919 (Lopez)& HB1094 (Laufer), which creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Thank you for your time!

HB207, HB919 and HB1094 I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 are in blatant violation of the below... Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I oppose bill HB207,HB919,HB1094.

I oppose HB207 HB919 HB1094 Stop this insanity

❌ Oppose HB 207 (Keys-Gamarra) HB 207 imposes additional firearm restrictions that burden lawful gun owners while doing nothing to address violent crime. Laws that target possession rather than criminal misuse undermine constitutional protections and divert attention from enforcing existing laws against violent offenders. ❌ Oppose HB 566 (McNamara) HB 566 expands government control over lawful firearm ownership without historical justification or evidence of effectiveness. The Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary citizens to keep and bear arms, and broad regulatory schemes like this fail constitutional scrutiny under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework. ❌ Oppose HB 919 (Lopez) HB 919 penalizes lawful firearm possession and commerce rather than criminal behavior. Public safety is not enhanced by placing additional legal and financial barriers on responsible citizens, and this bill risks chilling the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right. ❌ Oppose HB 954 (Watts) HB 954 advances sweeping firearm restrictions that are unsupported by historical precedent. Under the Constitution, rights cannot be limited simply because lawmakers believe regulation is preferable—restrictions must be narrowly tailored and historically grounded, which this bill is not. ❌ Oppose HB 1008 (Tran) HB 1008 infringes on the rights of law-abiding Virginians by expanding firearm prohibitions beyond constitutional limits. Collective punishment and preemptive restrictions violate due process and ignore the Supreme Court’s clear instruction that firearm regulations must align with historical tradition. ❌ Oppose HB 1094 (Laufer) HB 1094 imposes excessive regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact responsible gun owners while failing to deter criminal violence. The Constitution does not allow rights to be conditioned on convenience, compliance costs, or bureaucratic discretion. ❌ Oppose HB 1362 (McNamara) HB 1362 further erodes the Second Amendment by restricting access to commonly owned firearms and lawful activities. Policies that treat constitutional rights as privileges undermine public trust and expose the Commonwealth to costly and unnecessary litigation. ❌ Oppose HB 1474 (O’Quinn) HB 1474 expands government authority over private firearm ownership in ways that conflict with constitutional protections and established legal precedent. Virginia should focus on punishing criminal misuse of firearms—not restricting the rights of citizens who obey the law.

Taxes on Constitutionally protected items such as firearms and ammunition possessed by law abiding citizens is not only not “affordable”, it is tyrannical. These bills are forms of Jim Crow laws, meant to keep guns out of the hands of low income and minority citizens. Please vote these unconstitutional taxes down.

I oppose bill HB207,HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 Stop this ridiculousness.

I OPPOSE these bills as do many other citizens that you represent. VOTE NO!!!

I oppose House Bill 207, House Bill 919 and House Bill 1094. House Bill 919 and House Bill 1094 both impose an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition; House Bill 207 adds a $500 tax on suppressors. These are regressive taxes that punish the working poor. A single mother in Louisa County who can only work part time has the same right to self-defense as a much wealthier constituent living in Alexandria, but these taxes may price her out of that right. Regarding HB 207, while movies and TV have led many to believe that suppressors allow one to discharge a firearm without being heard, that is not true; suppressors are safety devices. Hearing safe is far from silent. Both the CDC and NIOSH recognize that suppressors are the only tool capable of reducing dangerous gunfire noise at its source, making them critical for preventing lifelong hearing loss. Taxing safety equipment out of reach is bad public health policy.

I strongly oppose the following bills: HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. None of these bills will do anything to stop gun violence. All they do is restrict the right of lawful citizens.. I propose a scenario to highlight this: All the anti-2A bills are passed along with the elimination of mandatory sentencing. It's Labor Day weekend '26 and you're out with your family at the farmers market. A criminal, not affected by the anti-2A bills, walks around with a modified assault weapon and 4-30 round magazines. They kill the cops in the immediate area and then open up on the citizens. 63 killed and dozens injured. Now inamige this...same scenario, but this time there are 5 legally armed citizens. Upon hearing the initial shots, they move to neutralize the criminal. 6 killed, plus one crimal out of jail bcz of no mandatory sentencing. Please think about the gun bills you're passing, and explain to me how they would have prevented the first scenario. I'll wait... Please tell me that the safety of those attending the market is enhanced by the elimination of legally owned firearms. The way I see it, all your proposed bills do is prevent the legal gun owner from defending themselves and those around them against the criminal, who you let out of jail. You see, the criminal isn't going to obey any laws, that's why they're criminals. They now know that whoever they target will be unarmed and easy prey...you, your husband/wife, kida, parents...for robbery, sexual assault, assault - battery, or worse...murder. Your vote to disarm legal gun owners only increases the likelihood of more gun violence because now, only the criminal is armed. Please tell me how this makes sense. Again, I'll wait... Respectfully, A Constitutionally back legal gun owner

On behalf of all second amendment supporters, these bills are unconstitutional go against our second amendment right. If these bills become law, it should go without saying that you all should expect major backlash from the citizens of this Commonwealth, or should I say Communistwealth with the bullshit laws that are being proposed.

I oppose these bills. The government doesn’t need new taxes on anything. Taxing citizens that are making purchases for self defense is wrong. Limiting the citizens options for self defense goes against our constitutional rights as well. The 2A says it will not be infringed. Doesn’t say within the limits set forth by government.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. This is unconstitutional

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Please stop intruding on our second amendment rights. Respectfully, instead of raising your salaries by 150%, maybe lower them so you don’t have to continue taxing us higher. You’re causing people to flee the state. Some moderate our governor is. I worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years and know what a fake looks like. Please stop ruining what was once a beautiful state to raise a family. I’m reconsidering with my wife now.

oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094"

February 9, 2026. I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. Gun control laws penalize the gun owners, not the violent criminals.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I oppose HB-1094, HB- 919 and HB-207.

I oppose these bills as being a citizen of the USA this is infringing on my second amendment rights. I’m a law abiding citizen and will defend my rights .Criminals will still posses guns and buy ammunition no matter what you try to impose.

I am against these bills.

I oppose these bills and they need to be voted against Thank you. George Francis

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094!!!

Yes I oppose HB 207 , HB 919 and HB 1094 please do not pass these unconstitutional bills!! Thanks

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB 1094.

To All Involved, We the People DO NOT want all of the tyrannically oppressive bills you are considering to be passed. Especially the ones related to OUR second amendment rights. No where in the constitution is a state given the authority to restrict any of OUR rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. To make any attempt to do so is dancing precariously close to the line of exercising DESPOTISM over the people. Which is exactly why the founding fathers ensured we had a bill of rights written and ratified. At least take some time to seriously think through the implications of any legislation you may want to consider. V/R Charles

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB 1094. These bills are ridiculous and an insult to law abiding Virginians. Will have zero affect on crime.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I am opposed to the new taxes outlined in House Bills 919, 1094 and 207. As Virginia currently has a budget surplus of nearly 2.7 billion dollars, I cannot help but conclude these bills are not about revenue. Rather, they appear to be collective punishment imposed upon law abiding gun owners. Apparently, this is on the theory they are responsible for the gun violence perpitrated by the criminal element and mentally ill, who do not follow the law. The Second Amendment is not tobacco and should not be treated as such. Thank you....

Any house bill that directly or indirectly excludes or increases the burden of lower income citizens from owning firearms is a direct violation of your oaths of office. Taxes should only be fair an reasonable and not hesitate a hindrance to ownership. They should also not be levied on individual categories unless the funds gathered are to aid in or compensate for damage cause by the category (for example, a has tax is used to repair roads from use). Taxes levied only on firearms and ammo should not be repressed in the general fund to be used for political pet projects, but instead utilized for firearm education, use to improve the municipal owned shooting ranges, or for hunter conservation efforts. None of these bills will make Virginia "safer", and regardless what your personal opinions of them is, you know that was never their intention. The purpose of the bills is to add another barrier to the legal ownership of firearms, and to use a state and federal constitutional right as a revenue stream. Instead of looking at your constituents as a bottomless wallet for you to take from, you should be looking at measures that balance the state budget instead of inflating it.

I respectfully urge the subcommittee not to advance HB 207 and HB 919. These bills impose heavy, punitive taxes on lawful behavior while doing little, if anything, to prevent violent crime or improve public safety. HB 207 introduces a $500 tax on the retail sale of firearm suppressors. Suppressors are already heavily regulated at the federal level and are commonly used for hearing protection and creating safer training environments. A flat $500 tax serves as a barrier that disproportionately affects working Virginians rather than criminals. Most individuals who commit firearm-related crimes do not acquire regulated items through lawful retail channels, which means this bill is unlikely to alter criminal behavior but will certainly penalize compliant citizens. It's important to note that in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, suppressors—commonly referred to as "sound moderators"—are often considered responsible safety equipment. They are used to protect shooters' hearing and to minimize disturbance to nearby residents and livestock. The UK government has even described sound moderators as tools for hearing protection and reducing noise disturbances, highlighting that these devices prioritize health and safety rather than serving any criminal purpose. HB 919 imposes an 11% tax on the retail sale of firearms and ammunition. This effectively acts as a “sin tax” on a constitutional right and a basic safety need—namely, ammunition for training and lawful self-defense. It will raise costs for ordinary families, new gun owners seeking training, hunters, sportsmen, and local small businesses, all without addressing the underlying causes of violence, such as repeat offenders, illegal trafficking, and gaps in targeted enforcement. If the goal is to create safer communities, the Commonwealth should focus on targeted, evidence-based interventions. This includes enforcing existing laws, addressing illegal possession and trafficking, and supporting programs that intervene with the small number of individuals most likely to commit violent offenses, rather than imposing broad taxes that mainly impact those who already follow the law. For these reasons, I ask you to oppose HB 207 and HB 919.

I urge you to vote 'No' on this bill. The creation of such a disproportionally high tax on suppressors is not defensible. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

What happened to the campaign promise of cost cutting, lower taxes and making life more affordable for citizens? Defending the bills in court will use taxpayers cash, court time ,labor..Raising taxes on items you don't like and stating costs will lowered is a lie..from the general assembly to the governors office..Honor your oath and correct your lies with truth..Vote no on gun bills..

Why is this proposed? The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Why does the legislature propose banning gas leaf blowers due to noise, but wants to harm people's hearing by making suppressors unaffordable? Last year, Virginia had a budget surplus. The proposed new tax is an unnecessary burden on law-abiding taxpayers.

Politicians system of tax , spend, waste, is a system created by them ..This has been around for years A corrupt system of power. A group think of nonsense..Where they can only see there side and are blinded to any common sense..Will not listen to anyone and if they seem interested it is just to look good in front of everyone..They pretend to listen.But there mind is made up already on there own plans. The liberal base who voted for them include guns owners..This should tell you they don't care about there voting bloc..They know this will end up in court ..Wasting tax payers money ..The courts time..And don't care about citizens in general. There campaign mantra was cut costs for citizens.But taxpayer cash will be used to defend there gun bills

I urge you to vote No on HB bills 207, 919 and 1094. The financial and legal ramafications are purely to remove gun ownership by citizens in VA. Undoubtedly Unconstitutional and meant to harass VA Citizens.

I disagree with all three of these bills. It only restricts my 2nd amendment rights by making it increasingly costly to exercise the right! I strongly oppose!

First I would like to thank each of you for your dedication to our Commonwealth, it is appreciated. In my opinion these bills do nothing to curb gun violence of any kind and only penalize law abiding citizens. None of them should be passed. This is just another attack on our constitutional rights. I agree there need to be some guide lines and laws that need to be investigated and I would support bills that truly do reduce violence. Please start looking at what will really reduce violence of any kind.

In Opposition of HB207 ***--- HB 207 would effectively impose a punitive $500 state tax on firearm suppressors, on top of any federal requirements, making it significantly more expensive for law-abiding Virginians to purchase a safety device. This disproportionately affects working-class citizens and creates an undue financial barrier to lawful ownership and safety. Additionally, suppressors are often used to reduce hearing damage and improve safety during recreational shooting and hunting. Imposing a high tax discourages the purchase of hearing-protective equipment, contrary to public safety interests. A big concern that I have is the Constitutionality of a steep excise tax targeted at lawfully-used sporting equipment which may be viewed as a de-facto restriction rather than a bona fide tax. Targeted taxes on a specific class of constitutional rights carry potential constitutional concerns and could be seen as an infringement on lawful exercise of those rights. Finally, with the recent federal elimination of the $200 tax on suppressors, HB 207 would reimpose a larger state level cost, effectively nullifying the intended benefit of federal reform and raising the overall cost to consumers. In Opposition to bills HB919 and HB1094 ****----- Imposing an 11 % excise tax on firearms and ammunition — and potentially another 11 % on top of that — penalizes law-abiding Virginians exercising their legal rights. Many individuals rely on firearms and ammunition for self-defense, hunting, and recreation. Excessive taxation makes these basic tools unaffordable for working families. Not to mention there is no clear evidence that additional excise taxes on lawfully purchased firearms or ammunition reduce violent crime. Criminals, by definition, do not purchase items through legal channels. Raising taxes on legal sales will not meaningfully impact criminal behavior. I am very focused on supporting businesses in our local communities in Virginia. Gun shops, shooting ranges, and related small businesses already operate on thin margins. Additional taxes undermine local commerce, discourage investment, and could lead to closures, layoffs, and reduced tourism associated with hunting and shooting sports. Additionally, HB 1094’s proposal to levy a separate 11 % tax on top of HB 919’s tax would double-tax Virginians purchasing firearms or ammunition. Stacking taxes in this way is especially punitive and places a disproportionate burden on rural and moderate-income residents. Any tax policy must balance revenue needs with respect for constitutional rights. Targeted taxation of a specific category of constitutionally protected items — like firearms — risks treating lawful owners as revenue sources rather than citizens with rights. In summary HB 919 directs funds to a ‘Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund,’ but there is limited clarity about how funds will be spent or evaluated. Without clear accountability and measurable outcomes, such taxation lacks transparency and taxpayer protections. These bills are blatantly disingenuous for law-abiding citizens who are simply exercising our God-given right to the 2nd Amendment. Please do not continue to push these bills forward.

As a tax payer, voter, and law abiding citizen of this Commonwealth, I request you vote no on HB1094, HB919, HB207

HB 207 - This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

What, exactly, does this tax achieve? How will this money be used so that it somehow achieves some useful goal associated with preventing violence committed with a gun? It's seems clear that this is some sort of lame rebuke of the present federal administration's removal of the $200 tax stamp, adding another 150% just because democrats in Virginia have Trump Derangement Syndrome. Yes, I said it... if only you would work with the administration, you might be seen in a better light, but all I see are bitter clingers to useless gun control. I'd be more politically correct, but this nonsense never stops, I'm sick of it, and we all know it does nothing to prevent crime or senseless violence. Why can't you be smart and address the real issues of mental instability and criminal activity instead of creating nuisance laws that only penalize lawful activities, which includes gun ownership as enabled by our constitution?

I oppose these racist bills! They prevent black and brown people from exercising their 2nd Amendment rights and from protecting themselves. The suppressor tax causes undue hearing damage by needlessly increasing the cost of a safety tool so these bills are not about safety but a denial of rights by emposing an undue financial burden on the very people it should be protecting.

I urge you to vote "NO" on all the above bills,. We are already taxed enough! I believe the new Governor pledged to make VA affordable and that would logically mean no more taxation!

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. I’m here today to address why this proposed state tax on suppressors is unnecessary, economically harmful, and disconnected from public safety. At the federal level, lawmakers recently removed the $200 federal tax stamp that had long been attached to suppressors. That change recognized an important reality: suppressors are not criminal tools—they are safety devices. They reduce harmful noise, protect hearing, and lessen the impact on surrounding communities. Despite that federal shift, this proposal would move our state in the opposite direction by imposing a $500 state tax on the very same lawful item. Suppressors remain heavily regulated even without the federal tax. Purchasers are still subject to extensive background checks, fingerprinting, registration requirements, and approval processes through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nothing about this bill improves oversight or accountability. It simply adds cost. That cost has real consequences. A $500 state tax will not deter criminals—because criminals do not acquire suppressors through lawful channels. What it will do is suppress economic activity inside this state. Consumers will purchase elsewhere, businesses will lose sales, and in-state manufacturers and dealers will be put at a competitive disadvantage. Lawful commerce will decline, while neighboring states benefit. This proposal effectively replaces a removed federal tax with a larger state-level penalty, undoing economic momentum rather than building on it. Any projected revenue must be weighed against reduced sales, lost jobs, and businesses choosing not to operate here at all. There is also a fairness issue. When the government stacks fees this high, it creates a system where lawful ownership is dictated by income. That is not public safety—it is a financial barrier imposed on compliance. Finally, this bill sets a troubling precedent. If the state can justify a $500 tax on suppressors today, it becomes easier to justify new taxes on other lawful equipment tomorrow. That kind of incremental policy creep erodes trust and punishes responsibility. Suppressors reduce noise. They protect hearing. They are already regulated. The federal government recognized this by removing its tax burden. This bill ignores that reality and replaces it with an even heavier one—at the expense of our state’s economy and law-abiding citizens. For those reasons, I urge you to oppose this proposal. Thank you for your time.

These bills are nothing more than punitive taxes for those wishing to exercise a Constitutionally-protected Natural Right. There is no grounds for these taxes any more than for taxing hundreds of dollars to check out a library book or having a poll tax of hundreds of dollars to vote. None of these will stand up to the inevitable court challenges, and Virginia tax payers will be on the hook to foot that bill as well. The Commonwealth went into 2026 with a $2,700,000,000 budget surplus, yet the General Assembly, under Democrat rule, seems determined to further tax the citizens. These bills are a disgrace and I strongly urge you to relegate each to the trashcan of history.

How did the authors of the bills such as a 500 dollar tax on suppressors,11 percent tax on ammo, create the numbers? Research ? Educated guess? Tax fairy? Similar to the dog walking tax...Nonsense tax meant to fund bloated programs...If as a delegate and if you have common sense you would vote against all of the anti gun bills..Citizens ,Lafave vs Fairfax county is a case of Fairfax county being sued in court by Lafave. Fairfax denied carry in parks.. The case had made its way to the supreme Court..Judge Roberts granted the writ on the shadow docket. Fairfax has until Feb 16 26 to answer ..If the case is accepted and plaintiff wins..This will affect other gun laws..

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than discriminately pricing low-income citizens out of the market, discouraging considering target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or creating an unnecessary financial burden for hunters that want to preserve & protect their hearing?

This tax is very regressive - is the intent to limit suppressor use to wealthy people? From a health and quality of living view the General Assembly should be encouraging suppressor usage. Suppressors reduce the noise of gunshots and make them much less obnoxious to neighbors. Looks like the Dems in Richmond are determined to disarm their Black voters. Very obvious that if they truly believe getting a Drivers License is a burden on Black people then adding exorbitant taxes and licensing costs on firearms and ammunition must be a conscious effort on the Dem's part to disarm the Black population.

HB 207 - This bill contradicts current federal regulations. Oppose. HB 919 and 1094 - These bills preclude disadvantaged populations (who Democrats are supposed to care about) from purchasing a product they are permitted to purchase under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1, Section 13 of the VA State Constitution. This financial burden may have the unintended consequence of forcing people toward illicit purchases. Oppose.

More contradiction from politicians. You asked for votes based on a promise of improving affordability, and out of the gate you want to tax everything including basic human rights. These taxes are unconstitutional and we will easily defeat them in court. We will also be requesting any monies collected be refunded.

Firearm suppressors are a safety device that makes shooting sports less likely to damage one's hearing and they reduce noise pollution. A $500 tax on them makes the shooting sports more dangerous for Virginians, including my children who like to hunt and shoot, while doing nothing to make Virginians safer. Please do not pass this bill. This bill will hurt me and my family.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill. If you vote yes it will show that you are going against honest Virginians. Please vote NO!

Adding a higher tax on firearms will make it so only the rich can afford them. This will not stop crime in any way or form.

I oppose poll taxes which limit the rights of citizens to only wealthy individuals. The wealthy elite should not be the only ones allowed freedom.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

Greetings: I write to oppose bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. In the interest of the people of Virginia, increasing taxes on suppressors and introducing 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth does not improve the economic environment of Va., reduce class difference between citizens, or improve well being. Reducing the burden to acquiring suppressors allows Virginians to practice lawful use of firearms in a way that does not cause undue disruption to neighbors and protects hearing for greater well-being. Businesses who can sell more suppressors would be better off, and thus more economically contributive, if they're able to sell without the burdensome tax. Concerning businesses, it is also an undue burden on manufacturers to shoulder this excise tax and likely pass it to customers. It is nearly equivalent enacting the same tax on publishers of media containing lawful speech simply for do so and thus making that media more burdensome to acquire by lawful citizens. In the case of all three bills, it does not benefit business, Virginians, or Virginia as a whole and they should be rejected outright.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

My name is Kaleigh Leager, and I am the Assistant Manager, Mid-Atlantic States for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). I write to you today in opposition of House Bill 207 (HB 207) – Suppressor Excise Tax. The passage of HB 207 would discourage sportsmen and women from utilizing an effective and safe hearing protection tool while participating in the shooting sports, via the proposed $500 excise tax on suppressors that would ultimately be deposited into the General Fund.

Vote NO on these bills. They take away Virginians rights.

Charging an extraordinary tax or any tax on a device that will protect my hearing and the hearing of those around me is unconscionable. I oppose this tax and want to see a NO vote on bill HB 207. I oppose any new taxes on ammo, parts, supplies and guns. Be it at the retail, whole sale or manufacture level. This is a “sin tax,” that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Vote NO on HB 919 and HB 1094.

These bills do nothing but set up financial roadblocks for law abiding citizens to own firearm accessories under the guise of public safety. With a slew of incoming taxes already about to become law, we as Virginia citizens can quite literally not afford to have anymore unjust and unconstitutional laws reign supreme over our livelihoods and liberties.

Please vote no on HB207. As you well know, the Federal Government recently abolished their tax on suppressors. Gun ownership and shooting sports are a right of all law abiding Americans. This tax unduly affects our ability to enjoy the sports that we love while protecting our hearing. I will actively rally others and donate to groups that seek to depose you if you continue your attack on law abiding Virginians

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

This deliberately punitive tax harms law-abiding citizens who wish to reduce firearm noise to hearing-safe levels. There is nothing insidious or dangerous about this whatsoever. I have suffered serious tinnitus since my time in the Army National Guard in the 90's that was caused by improperly seated hearing protection. I am far from the only one who tried to protect my hearing but for whatever reason, be it the equipment or use of it, ended up with a life-long disability. Sound suppressors prevent this type of injury. Recreational and sporting firearm users should be encouraged to make use of these devices, not taxed into oblivion because they simply want to protect themselves. The motivation and intent behind this is obviously has nothing to do with revenue, but is simply an effort to discourage the employment of useful safety equipment and needlessly punish Virginians who use firearms for lawful purposes. This mendacity towards citizens is beneath Virginia. I urge you to demonstrate your compassion and reason and vote against this awful, hateful bill.

HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 violate constitutionally protected rights and disproportionately burden low-income Virginians, effectively converting a fundamental right into a privilege available only to those who can afford it. These bills infringe the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, §13 of the Virginia Constitution by placing substantial restrictions on the ability of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms without sufficient justification or narrow tailoring. The right to keep and bear arms has been recognized as an individual, fundamental right, and laws burdening its exercise must meet heightened constitutional scrutiny—standards these bills fail to satisfy. In addition to their constitutional defects, these measures impose significant financial barriers on firearm ownership and lawful carry. Fees, mandatory training costs, recurring renewals, compliance expenses, travel requirements, and the risk of legal penalties fall most heavily on low-income individuals. For many Virginians, these costs are not minor inconveniences but insurmountable obstacles to exercising a protected right. Low-income residents are often the most reliant on lawful self-defense, particularly in rural or high-crime areas where police response times may be longer. By increasing the cost and complexity of compliance, these bills undermine the ability of economically disadvantaged individuals to protect themselves and their families, while doing little to deter criminal behavior by those who already disregard the law. The government may not condition the exercise of a fundamental right on a person’s financial means. Just as poll taxes and excessive fees tied to speech or voting are unconstitutional, laws that price citizens out of exercising the right to keep and bear arms are equally impermissible. HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 create a two-tiered system of rights—one for those who can afford compliance and one for those who cannot. Laws that both violate constitutional protections and disproportionately burden the poor are unjust and should be rejected.

Do not vote for these bills

Why are you singling out my purchase of a Constitutionally-protected firearm or firearm accessory for special and excessive taxation? This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with a desire to prevent honest people from obtaining firearms.

HB919 & HB1094 creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers. Our new Governor campaigned on reducing the cost of living for Virginians, although it seems this promise doesn't apply to law-abiding gun owners - and as it turns out, it doesn't apply to anybody given all the new taxes proposed. These bills amount to a 'sin tax' for a lawful activity - and a basic civil right. Why stop there? Let's relive the past and bring the poll tax back and raise even more revenue on the backs of the law abiding who are simply exercising a basic civil right. Let's raise yet more cash and pass an excise tax for book publishers as well! As far as HB207 goes, the $500 tax on suppressors - this is yet another unwarranted punishment singling out gun owners. Owners of NFA-controlled items such as suppressors are some of the most law-abiding on Earth, yet they are punished - in advance - for simply wanting to preserve their hearing, either at the range or while engaging in lawful hunting activities. The last crime committed with a legally-owned suppressor was in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone' - lots of good those zones do - so this is hardly a pressing public safety issue. It is yet another solution in search of a problem, and is yet another slap in the face of the law-abiding. But that's what passes for governing these days when Democrats run things: punish the law abiding and reward the criminals.

I oppose any and all legislation that goes against the second amendment. The 2nd amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away period . How about dealing with the criminals and being harder on them like reinstating the death penalty!

I oppose the "sin" taxes you are placing on lawful citizens for purchases you oppose. There is not a single item in the Commonwealth the General Assembly has placed a 3 figure tax on. Additionally I do not understand how anyone can support taxing poorer people out of the opportunity to own a device that reduces traumatic brain injuries such as a suppressor.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? Also, the lack of time to speak just shows us how you what to ram this own our throats.

I am opposing HB207, HB919 and HB1094 (which are similar in argument). I do not understand the opposition to suppressors, and I cannot understand regulating them. They are not the silencers from the movies that let you kill people without being heard. They are legitimate safety devices that both quiet the noise of a gun and soften the blast, making shooting safer for everyone. This is the same as telling construction workers that they can buy helmets, but it's a $500 tax on top of the cost, and anyone who buys a helmet is a construction-obsessed freak that needs to be registered for everyone's safety. HB919 and HB 1094 I am opposing because "money to prevent gun violence" is not a plan, and increasing the cost of ammo (and guns) only ensures that people practice less, making them less safe. I would oppose any additional tax without a plan, like if there was an 11% tax on adopting kitten to "prevent cruelty to animals". Virginia needs taxes to run, I understand that. But I can't abide being taxed for nebulous reasons, especially since it makes a hobby that I love more expensive, when everything in Virginia is becoming more expensive.

I stand with the Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound, they lower it to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

HB 207 What people see in the movies seldom translates to reality. Suppressors serve a legitimate purpose in firing range practice and hunting to reduce sound to a manageable level. They don't silence as shown in films. Simply owning a suppressor doesn’t cause a person to commit a crime. Like other inanimate objects, they can't act on their own and form criminal intent. Indeed, the last use of one in a crime was in 2019. They are already federally regulated and until recently had been heavily taxed. The amount of this tax comes to 160% in many cases. It is simply a cash grab and does not solve any real problem nor impact criminal behavior. OPPOSE HB 919 / 1094 Taxing firearms and ammunition to set up an unnecessary bureaucracy with a dubious mission and no measures of performance is a waste of money - our tax money. It taxes a basic civil right guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. It sets a precedent for taxing other basic rights including free speech and religion. I also object to the term "gun violence" being used in written law as it is clearly partisan language aimed at political opponents.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. These efforts only harm law abiding gun owners and will have no appreciable benefits to the Commonwealth.

HB 207 would impose a punitive five hundred dollar state excise tax on the retail sale of firearm suppressors, on top of all existing federal and state regulatory requirements. This proposal is particularly harmful because it targets a highly regulated safety device and misunderstands how suppressor purchases already function under federal law. Under current federal requirements, suppressors cannot be purchased and taken possession of out of state. Any suppressor acquired from an out of state seller must be transferred to a federally licensed dealer in the purchaser’s state of residence, and the final retail transfer occurs in state. As a result, Virginia residents cannot avoid this tax by purchasing suppressors elsewhere. HB 207 therefore operates as a direct surcharge on Virginia businesses and Virginia consumers, placing in state dealers at a competitive disadvantage and driving would-be customers and Virginia citizens toward other states to escape draconian fees. The bill also compounds an already regulated process by layering an additional state tax on top of federal compliance that has recently been modernized. The long standing two hundred dollar federal transfer tax is no longer imposed on suppressor purchases, and ATF approval times have been reduced dramatically, often taking weeks rather than many months. These changes were intended to streamline lawful commerce and reduce unnecessary burdens on both businesses and consumers. HB 207 moves in the opposite direction by reimposing a large financial barrier at the state level that mirrors a tax Congress has already eliminated. Suppressors are widely recognized as safety devices that reduce noise pollution and hearing damage for lawful users, including hunters, sport shooters, and range operators. Taxing suppressors at a flat rate unrelated to their price or economic impact functions as a deterrent rather than a revenue neutral policy. The burden will fall disproportionately on small firearms dealers, manufacturers, and customers, discouraging lawful sales and pushing commerce out of the Commonwealth. HB 207 does not address criminal misuse, as suppressors are rarely used in violent crime and are already subject to extensive background checks and federal oversight. Instead, it raises costs for compliant businesses, reduces consumer access to safety equipment, and undermines Virginia’s firearms retail economy without a corresponding public benefit. For these reasons, HB 207 represents poor fiscal policy, harms Virginia businesses, and should be rejected.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. Virginia doesn't want these gun control bills, it's making national news even.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE ALL THREE OF THESE DEMOCRAT PARTY INSTIGATED ATTACKS ON CITIZEN'S SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS!!! The imposition of an 11% excess tax on firearms and ammunition (HB 919 and HB 1094) and a $500 tax on suppressors (HB207) are the equivalent of imposing a POLL TAX on the exercise of our constitution right to vote. They are simply another attempt to disarm the citizens of the Commonwealth, particularly members of our poorer communities, by levying punitive economic costs. SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I strongly oppose the passing of these legislations. Not only are they unconstitutional. They have no merit in public safety in regards to deterring or preventing crime. These types of legislations have been challenged and defeated in court. HB1094 & HB 919: Taxation without Representation or justification. This raises ammunition and firearms prices to manufacturers and law abiding citizens tgat have no intention of committing crimes and that are using firearms for self- defense, hunting, target shooting, range practice, sporting clays and home defense. 2005, Congress passed the bipartisan Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to prevent and curb never-ending series of lawsuits against manufacturers and retailers of firearms to hold them financially responsible for crimes committed using the weapons manufactured or sold by those entities. These taxes are a blatant attempt to circumvent federal law. HB207: Taxation without Representation or Justofication. The Federal Suppressor Tax: Overturned by the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco and deemed UnConstitutional. Suppressors are not firearms. They are not creating, inciting or doing crimes. They suppress noise, reduce harmful noise decibels and combined with hearing protection prevent hearing loss, increased medical costs on the users and spectators. They reduce noise pollution. They are less likely to spook livestock or pets when used for predator control, hunting and recreational shooting. They reduce noise at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. They are not a gun. They are not dangerous or otherwise environmentally damaging. They are no different than a scope or a pair of ear muffs. The only difference is where they are attached to a firearm and that they are not worn by a person. The sales of hearing aides will go down and permanent hearing loss will be reduced by using suppressors and ear muff or ear plugs. That is a win for Medicare, Medicaid, the user, spectators, healthcare costs, health insurance providers and more. PUBLIC SAFETY is provided by using suppressors. Again, these legislations are just a means to increase taxes, they do not prevent or deter crimes and only serve to push a party narrative. They are purely a party push and serve only to prevent men and women from lowering their healthcare costs, reducing noise pollution, reducing health insurance claims, or reducing affordability. I hope the GOA, NRA, VCDL, Gun and Ammo manufacturers, Health insurance companies and combine forces and take you to court and win if these legislations are passed.

HB207 - There should be no tax on suppressors, you are just making it more expensive for people to be able to shoot their firearms at a lower and safer decibel rating. Even if you use hearing protection, suppressors make shooting guns safer by further reducing the decibel count. And the amount of this tax is ridiculous , $500? This bill is really just trying to make suppressors, which are already expensive on their own, out of reach for people. And aren’t we all already tired of getting hit by more taxes? HB919 - There shouldn’t be an additional tax on firearms and ammunition, these are tools that we use to defend ourselves. Also a 11% tax is a ridiculous amount. Isn’t everyone already getting pinched in today’s economy? HB1094 - There shouldn’t be an additional tax on firearms and ammunition, these are tools that we use to defend ourselves. Also a 11% tax is a ridiculous amount. Isn’t everyone already getting pinched in today’s economy?

I urge you not to support HB207 ,HB919, and HB1094. Suppressors are beneficial for hunter's ear protection and for reducing noise from target practice in neighborhoods. Charging this excessive tax in HB207 is wrong and affects a basic civil right, plus it discriminates against the poor. Also, guns save lives! The excise tax in HB919 and HB1094 are an affront to law abiding citizens exercising their second amendment civil rights.

There has not been a case of a legally owned suppressor used in a crime in VA since 2019. Stop punishing law abiding gun owners with this stuff and start punishing criminals! What a novel idea!! A 500 dollar tax on suppressors is ridiculous. It amounts to a de facto ban (for folks that don’t have Northern VA money). It is just another cash grab to provide funds for the left wing agenda. What happened to affordability? There is nothing affordable about more taxes! All this will do is entangle the state in many expensive lawsuits and maybe federal government action… Without saving any lives and without protecting the hearing of hunters and shooters. Thanks for the opportunity to speak my mind.

There has not been a case of a legally owned suppressor used in a crime in VA since 2019. Stop punishing law abiding gun owners with this stuff and start punishing criminals! What a novel idea!! A 500 dollar tax on suppressors is ridiculous. It amounts to a de facto ban (for folks that don’t have Northern VA money). It is just another cash grab to provide funds for the left wing agenda. What happened to affordability? There is nothing affordable about more taxes! All this will do is entangle the state in many expensive lawsuits and maybe federal government action… Without saving any lives and without protecting the hearing of hunters and shooters. Thanks for the opportunity to speak my mind.

There has not been a case of a legally owned suppressor used in a crime in VA since 2019. Stop punishing law abiding gun owners with this stuff and start punishing criminals! What a novel idea!! A 500 dollar tax on suppressors is ridiculous. It amounts to a de facto ban (for folks that don’t have Northern VA money). It is just another cash grab to provide funds for the left wing agenda. What happened to affordability? There is nothing affordable about more taxes! All this will do is entangle the state in many expensive lawsuits and maybe federal government action… Without saving any lives and without protecting the hearing of hunters and shooters. Thanks for the opportunity to speak my mind.

I am against these three bills as they are designed to punish fire arm owners. Owning fire arms is a constitutional right according to the second amendment, this is an underhanded way of curtailing our second amendment rights. What part of shall not be infringed do you not understand?

Please do not place additional tax on these items. It’s bad visibility to increase the financial burden for lower income citizens of the commonwealth to enjoy their lawful freedoms.

OPPOSE HB207, HB919, and HB1094. This bill is DISCRIMINATORY and makes hearing risk reduction unaffordable for mostly minority gun owners. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I implore this subcommittee to reject HB207. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The federal government in 2025 eliminated the $200 tax stamp fee for suppressors in the name of hearing safety, however Virginia is going the opposite direction. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

As a hunter, I am already paying a 13% excise tax for guns and ammunition through the Pittman-Robertson (PR) act. That tax produces a significant amount of the country's conservation funding and effectively doubles the states conservation allocated funding. Placing an additional tax on firearms and ammo will effectively lower our conservation funding from the PR act since people will not be able to afford the increased prices. Virginia citizens should not be subject to an additional tax and our DWR should not have to work with reduced conservation funding. As a hunter, I use a suppressor on my rifle which lowers the impact on my hearing. Research has shown the sounds from a rifle, even with hearing protection, are enough to cause damage. Since every citizen has the right to keep and bear arms, they should train frequently by shooting the firearm to remain proficient, and in the case of hunters, make an ethical shot. The recent tax removal on suppressors nationally was a step in the right direction for sportsman. Virginia would be taking a step backwards by making this safety device more difficult to purchase. Criminals looking to create a quieter shooting device will simply purchase an illegal fuel cannister and utilize it as a suppressor. This bill only hurts law abiding citizens.

The federal government elected to remove the $200 excise tax on suppressors. They are still registered NFA items. Suppressors do not eliminate sound as television depicts. The merely reduce sound to a tolerable level that eliminates permanent damage to your ears. I view them as a safety item. They also make it more polite for your neighbors when target shooting close to a neighborhood or house. Why would the State of Virginia need to introduce a $500 tax on this item? I absolutely oppose this bill. Dr. Gregory Gay

I am vehemently OPPOSED to HB207. Outrageous taxation of a constitutionally protected right is morally and ethically wrong no matter what it applies to. If a movie, newspaper, piece of media, etc were taxed >100% of its value, it would be considered a massive hindrance to exercising a citizen’s First Amendment right.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? *OPPOSE THIS BILL *How could any thinking person support a bill that discourages unnecessary noise. *This bill makes absolutely no sense. THIS BILL IS AKIN TO TAXING MUFFLERS ON CARS, YARD EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Ignorant, unthinking vindictive bill *KILL THE BILL

These bills are very reminiscent of Jim Crow Laws and will disproportionately infringe on the rights of lower income demographics. Creating a sin tax for our constitutional rights is a clear violation of your constituents civil rights. Expanding the red flag laws creates a huge potential for abuse and misuse for personal reasons. I have been in law enforcement for over a decade and I cannot think of one instance where the current red flag laws were used. I urge you to vote no on all matters regarding gun control and taxation. These laws do nothing to stop criminals from hurting people. They only place unlawful restrictions on responsible law abiding citizens. Passing and enforcing these laws is also blatantly in violation of US code section 242 of Title 18 Violation of constitutional rights under color of law.

“As the next governor of Virginia, my overarching, unrelenting focus in 2026 will be making the commonwealth more affordable for our fellow Virginians,” -Spanberger. Creating or raising taxes in Virginia would be seen as a direct contradiction to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s 2026 "unrelenting focus" on affordability.

I would like to oppose to extra taxation for items that have just been removed in legislation. These items are well regulated and really don't need an extra taxation when everyone is struggling with affordably.

I do not support HB207, HB919, and HB 1094 and want you to vote against them. These bills seem like bills of attainder against Virgina gun owners. The economic impact will hurt the poorest of citizens disproportionately and represents a sin tax against civil rights. Additionally, The cost of litigation to defend these laws will cost the Commonwealth millions of dollars. These types of bills may be good candidates for AAG Dhillon of the DOJ Civil Rights Division to pursue. Please do not vote for these bad bills.

I am opposed to ANY law that limits my ability to carry, use, purchase, or own firearms. This includes the right to carry in public places or my vehicle, and it includes the right to defend myself. I am totally and completely opposed to ANY leftist agenda, and I am informing you, whoever you are, that there is a lot of anger out here over what's going on in our state, and indeed, in our nation and our world. It's become apparent that, far from what we voted for, Pres. Trump will continue to knuckle under to the left. Therefore, we shall have to fight for our rights in our state. Be warned: not everyone will knuckle under! There are some of us patriots left!

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

The recent passage of HB217 and related gun control measures in the Virginia House, including bans on so-called "assault firearms" and large-capacity magazines, represents a direct assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. These laws, which criminalize the sale, manufacture, and transfer of commonly owned firearms, ignore the Constitution's clear protections and the Founding Fathers' intent. The Second Amendment states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." James Madison, the amendment's primary drafter, emphasized in Federalist No. 46 that an armed citizenry serves as a bulwark against tyranny, arguing that the federal government would be restrained by "the advantage of being armed which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation." Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote in a 1787 letter to William Stephens Smith that "what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms." The Founders viewed the right to bear arms as essential for self-defense, hunting, and resisting oppression—not limited to outdated muskets, but evolving with technology. Supreme Court precedents affirm this. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense, and struck down D.C.'s handgun ban. Justice Scalia noted that it safeguards "arms in common use at the time," which today includes semi-automatic rifles like those targeted by HB217. McDonald v. Chicago (2010) extended this to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. Most recently, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) invalidated restrictive carry laws, requiring gun regulations to align with historical traditions—something Virginia's broad bans fail to do, as they prohibit weapons millions of Americans own without incident. These measures won't reduce crime—criminals ignore laws—but they disarm the innocent. Virginia's Founders, like Patrick Henry, warned against disarming the people: "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel." Lawmakers should repeal these unconstitutional infringements and uphold our heritage of freedom.

The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

You have all betrayed your constituents with all of these new laws stripping our constitutional rights. Trying to make it so hard to own, carry, and purchase guns and ammunition that people just give up or cant afford it. Expansion of the Red Flag laws to people who are in no way qualified to make that decision to strip someone of their constitution rights. Giving that option especially to Spouses like no one would ever use that to satisfy a grudge against an ex. Also creating a system that punishes people for seeking help with medical counselors or lose their constitutional rights. The tax on ammunition alone is an obvious attempt to make it even harder for people to afford to practice with their firearms which is required for proficiency and price people out of purchasing them to begin with. The tax on suppressor when the fed stamp has been removed is just more obvious money grabbing and trying to make it restricted by putting a "poll tax" on it just like ammunition. Trying to outlaw the sale of commononly used firearms like AKs and ARs even though the Supreme Court has already ruled that the second amendment protects guns in common use. This is the first time ever I have been absolutely ashamed to be a Virginian in my entire life. You have all sold out the people and every one of you should lose your seat if you vote for these bills. Why do you need all these new taxes when you were handed a several billion dollar surplus at the end of last year? Answer is its not about the money, its about taking away guns. Try staying out of our wallets, homes, and lives for a change. How about fulfilling the promise of affordability that was made? How about reducing taxes instead of creating new ones? How about protecting the freedom of Virginians instead of trying to control us so you can use us like little cash shelters. Disgusting behavior and you should all be ashamed.

I oppose this bill because the proposed $500 tax on suppressors is excessive, punitive, and disconnected from reality. Suppressors are not tools of crime, they don’t make guns silent, they simply reduce noise to safer levels, similar to the difference between a jet engine and a jackhammer. They help protect hearing, reduce noise complaints, and make lawful target shooting more neighbor-friendly. The fact that the last known criminal misuse of a legally owned suppressor in Virginia was years ago, and in a gun-free zone, underscores how misplaced this tax is. For suppressors that cost around $300, a $500 tax amounts to a 160% surcharge, effectively pricing lower-income shooters and hunters out of a basic safety tool. This bill doesn’t improve public safety; it just penalizes responsible, law-abiding people for taking reasonable steps to reduce noise and protect their hearing.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill

Why do you feel the need to add a tax that the federal government just got rid of? You might not know this, but in Europe, it is considered rude to use a firearm without a suppressor. This just seems like a way for Democrats to stick it to those who value and support the 2nd Amemendment. There is zero reason for this to be passed.

I am a home-based Virginia FFL dealer and a responsible gun owner. I respectfully oppose HB207. This bill proposes a $500 tax on firearm suppressors—a product that is already heavily regulated under federal law, requires extensive background checks, and has a long approval process. Suppressors are not “silencers” in the way popular media portrays them; they reduce noise to safer levels and are commonly used to protect hearing and reduce noise impact on surrounding communities. Many suppressors retail for $300–$600. A flat $500 tax represents a disproportionate burden that will effectively price many working-class Virginians out of the market. From a public-policy standpoint, this discourages safer shooting practices and does not meaningfully address criminal misuse, which is already extremely rare. As a small FFL dealer, this tax would directly harm my ability to conduct lawful business while generating minimal public benefit. It functions as a punitive measure against a lawful, safety-oriented product rather than a targeted crime-reduction strategy. I urge the committee to reject HB207 and focus resources on policies that address violent crime without penalizing responsible citizens and small Virginia businesses.

VOTE NO on HB207: This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? VOTE NO on HB919 & HB1094: These bills creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I urge to vote against HB207. I fully agree and support VCDL and the NRA's position on this bill. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach. Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I am opposed to HB207. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? I am also opposed to HB919 and HB1094. These bills create an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I oppose the firearms and ammo tax increase bills HB919 HB 1094. This will be a heavy burden on gun owners across the commonwealth, (Law Enforcement included) who need firearm practice and proficiency. I oppose HB 207.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I oppose these HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

Dear Madam Chair and members of the subcommittee, I am writing on behalf of myself in opposition to HB 207. While suppressors are not outlawed in this bill, $500 is an excessively high tax that I fear would disproportionately prevent lower-income people from obtaining them. A suppressor is a perfectly normal attachment that protects the hearing of those who use firearms for personal defense, and the ability to purchase a firearm with essential accessories must not be hindered by an additional financial burden. Therefore, I humbly ask for the subcommittee to oppose HB 207. Thank you.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. HB207: I oppose because I think reducing ambient noise is a public and environmental good. We should be encouraging people to use suppressors while they responsibly enjoy the use of their firearms. I hike and camping year round and it would be more pleasant for everyone if hunters used suppressed rifles. Hiking near trap and skeet and shooting ranges would also be nicer. Additionally, people who are at shooting ranges would benefit from reduced hearing risk. I suspect if suppressors were widely used, ranges would be safer as verbal communication would be improved. I do not think that suppressors will result in a new wave of crime. They are still NFA items and they have been affordable to responsible law abiding citizens for some time, suppressors make gunss much larger, generally less reliable, and harder to conceal. They also, as far as I know, reduce the sound to the level depicted in movies and people will still know that there are guns being used at a distance. We should be encouraging their use to increase hearing safety just like we are encouraging the disuse of obnoxious leaf blowers. HB 919 & HB 1094 (11% Excise Taxes): While the mission of the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund is noble, these taxes punishment on responsible people to pay for the acts of irresponsible people. In general we do not have social corollary to this (we don't charge charge parents special taxes even though some of children do eventually go on to become problems to society). I would rather this initiative be funded through through broader means. Especially because reducing sales through taxes will just force criminals to achieve their violence through other means while reducing peoples ability to enjoy their freedoms and defend themselves.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

I strongly urge the committee to vote down HB207 and HB919. Suppressors are not used in crimes the way the movies make it seem like. They do soften the noise but not to the point where you can't hear it in a small area. It's common courtesy to use one if possible at the range and it helps immensely for those with hearing issues. According to the ATF, around 300-400 are collected from crime scenes every year. That's 300-400 of the hundreds of thousands of crimes in which they were just at a crime scene. That's hardly a percentage to be concerned about. Many countries in Europe encourage suppressor use. A tax on that is regressive and does nothing to stop crime, especially since you already have to go through extensive ATF paperwork to obtain one legally. Another regressive tax is the tax on firearms and ammunition. This will do nothing to actually stop crime. It only hurts the law abiding citizen and will push people that border other states to go to those states to buy ammunition and some long guns. That takes money out of small businesses in Virginia. This doesn't hurt the big retailers but it hurts small businesses all across the Commonwealth. Just leave it as it has been and Virginia will continue to experience the normal tax revenue as it has been. If these two bills are implements, Virginia will lose money and no crimes will have been stopped.

My Wife and I strongly oppose HB207 HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

My name is Jonathan Gatell, and I am a resident of West Springfield and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094 currently under consideration in the House Finance Committee. As a lawful gun owner, I am deeply concerned that these bills represent an unconstitutional and regressive approach to public safety. Rather than addressing the root causes of violence, these measures create significant financial barriers that disenfranchise low-income Virginians and vulnerable communities. My specific concerns regarding this legislative package include: • HB 207 ($500 Suppressor Tax): This is a punitive tax on essential safety equipment. Contrary to popular media portrayals, suppressors are hearing-protection devices that reduce the report of a firearm to safer levels; they do not "silence" it. Imposing a $500 tax makes shooting sports and self-defense training more dangerous for those without significant disposable income. • HB 919 & HB 1094 (11% Excise Taxes): While the mission of the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund is noble, funding it through a flat 11% excise tax is fundamentally regressive. Much like the "poll taxes" of the past, these costs disproportionately impact lower-income and minority citizens. These are the very groups who are historically the most frequent targets of hate crimes and who may rely on affordable means of self-defense. By imposing these "sin taxes" on a constitutionally protected right, the Commonwealth risks alienating moderate and progressive gun owners who support responsible safety measures but oppose economic discrimination. Rights should not be luxuries reserved only for the wealthy. I appreciate your dedication to mitigating gun violence, but I ask that you seek solutions that do not involve regressive taxation or the financial disenfranchisement of your constituents.

I am a resident of Arlington and a dedicated Democrat. My commitment to the party is deep; I have worked on campaigns for Gerry Connolly and Terry McAuliffe, and even traveled to canvas for Raphael Warnock during his special election. I am writing to you today because I am deeply invested in our party’s success and its commitment to progressive values. However, I am writing to strongly urge you to oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. As a lawful gun owner, I believe these bills are not only electorally risky but also fundamentally regressive. At a time when we are fighting to protect vulnerable populations, these measures would disproportionately disenfranchise the very people who need protection most. My specific concerns include: HB207 ($500 Suppressor Tax): This is a punitive tax on safety equipment. Suppressors are vital tools for hearing protection at the range. Pricing them out of reach for average citizens does not improve public safety; it simply makes shooting sports more dangerous for those without significant disposable income. HB919 & HB1094 (11% Firearm and Ammunition Taxes): While I support the mission of the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund, funding it through a flat 11% excise tax is a regressive move. Similar to "poll taxes" of the past, these costs overwhelmingly impact lower-income and minority communities—groups that are historically the most frequent targets of hate crimes and political targeting. By validating the "anti-gun" labels often used by the opposition, these bills risk alienating moderate and progressive gun owners alike. More importantly, they create a financial barrier to a constitutional right that will primarily affect those in the most vulnerable economic tiers. I appreciate the focus on mitigating gun violence, but I ask that you seek solutions that do not involve regressive taxation or the disenfranchisement of your own constituents. Sincerely, Samuel Reid Lipton Arlington, VA

I oppose these HB207, HB919, HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB909, HB1094. These bills unnecessarily increase costs for law abiding firearm owners and create a situation where only the wealthy can afford to exercise their rights.

This is essentially a tax on hearing protection. Suppressors are not silencers, they aid in protecting hearing, especially in indoor practice ranges. Suppressors are rarely used in violent attacks so this bill will not help to alleviate crime.

I oppose HB207. A $500 tax on firearm suppressors is a regressive penalty on a safety device that helps reduce hearing damage and nuisance noise. Suppressors do not make guns “silent.” Common centerfire firearms are often around 160+ dB; suppressors typically reduce muzzle blast by roughly 20-35 dB, but suppressed gunfire can still be in the ~130-140 dB range depending on the firearm and ammunition, and is still extremely loud. For comparison, an ambulance siren is ~122 dB and a jackhammer is ~120 dB. Even with proper hearing protection, firearms are so loud that continued exposure creates a long term health risk. Especially indoors where recent research from the New York Times highlighted the shockwaves can induce traumatic brain injuries from repeated exposure. Suppressors in addition to hearing protection is the only way to safely fire many common rifles. A $500 tax would most heavily burden lower-income Virginians and new shooters, exactly the people least able to absorb an added fixed cost, while doing little to address crime. Virginia should not price lawful residents out of basic harm-reduction equipment. If the goal is public safety and reduced community noise, the Commonwealth should not add punitive excise taxes; a better approach would be to offer incentives for safety-oriented equipment, like suppressors. I have attached a decibel comparison chart showing typical ranges of firearm/suppressor noise.

I support this bill because a federal tax on suppressors was rescinded, and a new tax could generate millions in revenue.

My name is Kaleigh Leager, and I am the Assistant Manager, Mid-Atlantic States for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). I write to you today in opposition of House Bill 207 (HB 207) – Suppressor Excise Tax. The passage of HB 207 would discourage sportsmen and women from utilizing an effective and safe hearing protection tool while participating in the shooting sports, via the proposed $500 excise tax on suppressors that would ultimately be deposited into the General Fund.

The slew of new "taxes" as well as the attack on firearm's enthusiasts and the 2nd amendment will solidify my moving out of state once passed. It's become very clear that we are fundamentally opposed to each others views and ways of life. However, rather than adopt a live and let live approach like myself, you seek to undermine and impose your views on me. How dare you, how dare you single out citizens and residents of this great commonwealth and demand they pay additional "taxes" on things like firearms and ammunition when they already pay the state sales tax. What's troubling is you will lie and state a myriad of reasons why these additional taxes exist, but the reality is you're just trying to inconvenience and restrict gun owners. You just don't have the integrity to come out and say it. Good riddance.

I am 41 years old and despite never being in the military, being exposed to excessively loud noises throughout my life, and having no genetic preconditions for hearing loss, I have tinnitus. It started to creep up within the first year I began training with a pistol for the purpose of self-defense after being jumped and attacked no less than 5 times in the 2 years prior to buying that pistol. When I went to the range, I wore ear plugs AND ear muffs (the latter costing nearly $300 in an attempt to get the best of the best) and STILL I realized quickly that, despite being in a quiet room, I was hearing loud ringing. This combination is capable of reducing the concussive noise of a gunshot only minimally. My doctor says there's really no possible other source other than my exposure to firearms. My exposure that was only a tiny fraction of what soldiers are subjected to, what shooting sports enthusiasts are subjected to, and so forth. Had I been able to afford a suppressor and $200 NFA tax at the time, I would have been able to reduce the decibel output of my pistol by up to 35 dB. Combine that with my hearing protection, and I would have NEVER come to have tinnitus from shooting sports AND everyone else in the range with me would have been subjected to far less noise as well. A suppressor should be easily accessible, taxed only at the prevailing consumer goods sales tax, and require no government approval so that there are no barriers to protecting the hearing of a shooter and those around them while exercising one's 2nd amendment rights. It seems as if a $500 tax on suppressors is a retaliatory action not grounded in any kind of premise of safety or health. It would limit once again access to what is fundamentally a hearing protection device to wealthy VA residents. Is this the message Democrats want to send: "We want guns to be as loud as possible and if you are keen to be respectful to your own hearing and others, we will force you to pay $500!" That doesn't land well with anyone. It fundamentally makes no sense, especially since in Europe, South Africa, and other parts of the world you can simply walk into a store, buy a suppressor (you're encouraged to do so), and walk out in as much time as it takes to drink a cup of coffee. This tax obviously solves nothing, will not raise revenue fairly and justly, and will likely cost VA more to defend than it rakes in as suppressors are already commonly $1,000 or more. Anti-2A laws do not reduce crime in the same way anti-reproductive rights laws do not reduce abortions... in both instances the result is worse. Stop infringing on Constitutional rights and start focusing on what matters.

Opposition to HOUSE BILL NO. 207 $500 Firearm Suppressor Tax A. Suppressors Are Protected Arms or Accessories Suppressors are lawfully owned, heavily regulated under federal law, and increasingly recognized as safety devices that reduce hearing damage and noise pollution. Courts have acknowledged that arms “in common use” are protected, and suppressor ownership has grown dramatically nationwide. Under Bruen, the question is not whether suppressors are popular with policymakers, but whether restrictions align with historical tradition. They do not. B. The Tax Is Analogous to the Unconstitutional NFA Poll Tax The $500 per-unit tax is especially troubling when viewed in historical context. The federal National Firearms Act of 1934 imposed a $200 tax (equivalent to several thousand dollars today) explicitly to discourage ownership. HB 207 repeats this same logic—using cost as a deterrent. This approach conflicts with: Heller’s rejection of bans on commonly possessed arms Long-standing doctrine prohibiting financial barriers to constitutional rights C. No Public Safety Justification Suppressors are almost never used in violent crime. Studies cited by firearm-rights organizations and federal crime data show suppressor misuse is statistically negligible. Taxing a safety-enhancing accessory while exempting government users again demonstrates civilian disfavor, not crime prevention. This bill, and the other anti-gun proposed Bills share a fatal flaw: they attempt to accomplish indirectly—through taxation—what the Constitution forbids directly. Under Heller, McDonald, and especially Bruen, these measures are constitutionally vulnerable, historically unsupported, regressive in effect, and unlikely to achieve their stated goals. The Virginia General Assembly should reject HB 207 in defense of: 1) Constitutional fidelity 2) Equal treatment of fundamental rights 3) Evidence-based public policy Firearm policy disagreements cannot override constitutional guarantees. Rights do not become privileges simply because they are politically disfavored. Adoption of HOUSE BILL NO. 207 opens the Commonwealth of Virginia to legal action that would inflict an undue and unecessary burden on the citizens of the Commonwealth.

These bills are as anti-gun and anti-2nd amendment at their core. Many bills related to firearms this legislative session at least use the cover of safety to cover their anti-gun intention, these bills HB 207, SB 763, HB 919 and HB 1094 do no such thing. They just financially punish law abiding Virginians for using firearms to hunt, target shoot and protect their families. The result of these bills is that law-abiding Virginians will simple go to another state to make a firearm related purchase, and no one will come to Virginia to make a purchaser. The result, at a minimum, will be: 1. reducing state and local sales tax revenue 2. impacting small independent firearm business by reducing their revenue with the potential for staff reductions or closure I do not support this bill nor do the 200+ active members, 2000+ inactive members of Northern Virginia's largest hunting association - The National Sportsman Association.

As a Virginia resident and voter, I am writing to let you know that I strongly oppose HB207 and HB 919. The ATF has already removed the $200 tax stamp at the Federal level so why do ya'll think you can impose a $500 tax on something that is helpful to shooters and hunters. The felons and law breakers do use suppressors in their acts of crime so why are you punishing the lawful people of VA. Ya'll are suppose to be helping Virginians not suppressing them! As far as the addition taxes ya'll want to impose on gun owners that is despicable!!!! What are you going to do with the extra money gained from this? Ya'll have yet to tell us what is the plan for the excess funds VA will be raking in about the 2.1B surplus we have every year and this will make VA the highest taxed state in the US. Don't ya'lll see what is happening in CA and NY where business and people are leaving because of the excess taxes being imposed?

Abjectly opposed to ANY new taxes for ANY reason. We have an overabundance of money in this state as it is and are taxed enough.

We do not need further prohibition on suppressors. Suppressors will allow people to excercise their 2nd amendment rights without being a nuisance to their neighbors. Europe already encourages their use for that very reason, why should we move in the opposite direction?

I do not support this bill. Suppressors should be more accessible to hunters and recreational shooters to help protect their hearing and decrease noise complaints. As an avid hunter I want to use suppressors to protect my hearing and that of my children that hunt with me. I can hear better without earplugs to help me identify the type and location of animals in the field. I do not have to worry as much about damaging my hearing when hunting with a suppressor. Adding tax would reduce the ability of people to purchase suppressors and protect their hearing. I also believe that suppressors would reduce noise complaints. While suppressors do not make firearms silent, they do help reduce the intesity of the sound and likelihood a property owne calls to complain.

As a Virginia resident and voter, I am writing to let you know that I strongly oppose HB207 and HB 1094. These bills are punitive and will hurt law abiding Virginians financially and make it more difficult for them to carry out their constitutional right to bear arms. I hope you will reconsider and not impose these financial constraints and limitations on law abiding citizens.

I strongly oppose this bill.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recently proposed bills on gun control. While I understand the intent behind these bills—to enhance public safety—I firmly believe that they will have unintended consequences that infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. The Second Amendment guarantees "the right of individuals to keep and bear arms", and it is a fundamental part of what makes this country free. These bills being proposed would place unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on responsible gun owners, making it harder for Virginians to exercise their rights in a lawful and safe manner. Rather than focusing on restricting access to firearms, I urge the General Assembly to consider measures that target criminals and illegal activities, such as enforcing stricter penalties for those who use firearms in the commission of crimes, or improving background checks for gun purchases. It is essential to address the root causes of violence, such as mental health issues and gang-related activity, rather than punishing responsible gun owners who follow the law. Furthermore, these proposed bills could create significant logistical challenges for gun owners, particularly those who rely on their firearms for self-defense, hunting, or recreational activities. The financial burden and potential legal ramifications of complying with these new regulations would be overwhelming for many Virginians. I strongly urge you to reconsider these proposals and to focus on policies that protect both our rights and our communities. I trust that you will make the best decision for all Virginians, and I sincerely hope that you will oppose these bills.

This is a "sin" tax, plain and simple. Suppressors do not eliminate the noise a firearm makes, regardless of how much Hollywood wants you to believe it. They merely reduce the noise to a "safe" level. As a disabled veteran who suffers from hearing-related issues due to noise-related damage incurred during annual firearms training/qualification and overseas while serving this country, I think suppressors should be used by everyone. This tax will only hurt "working-class" Virginians, as it may preclude them from being able to exercise their Second Amendment right. I strongly urge you not to support this bill.

Hello committee, I am writing to you as a constituent to express my strong opposition to House Bill 207, which proposes a $500 excise tax on the retail sale of firearm suppressors. While I understand the intent behind legislative efforts to address public safety, this specific proposal is fundamentally unjust and creates a significant inequity for the citizens of the Commonwealth. The primary issue with a $500 state tax - which would be imposed on top of existing federal costs - is that it creates a wealth-based barrier to safety equipment. For many working-class Virginians, this tax could double the cost of a suppressor, effectively ensuring that only the wealthy can afford to protect their hearing while hunting or at the range. Legislation should never be designed to make health and safety a luxury item available only to those with significant disposable income, yet HB207 does exactly that by pricing out lower-income individuals who wish to be responsible, law-abiding gun owners. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that suppressors are essential hearing protection devices, not the "silent" tools often depicted in fiction. They are designed to reduce muzzle blast to levels that prevent permanent, irreversible ear damage for the user and reduce noise pollution for the surrounding community. In many parts of the world i.e. Europe, these devices are encouraged as a matter of public health and neighborly courtesy. Demonizing a piece of safety equipment to be taxed undermines the goal of promoting responsible firearm ownership and ignores the legitimate health benefits they provide. By imposing a punitive tax, HB207 penalizes Virginians for choosing a safer way to exercise their rights. Finally, firearm suppressors are already among the most strictly regulated items in the country under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Owners must already submit to ATF background checks, fingerprinting, and registration in a federal database. Adding a further $500 Virginia tax does nothing to enhance this already rigorous vetting process; it serves only as a financial penalty that disproportionately affects the poor. I implore you to reconsider this proposal and rescind or oppose HB207. I ask that you advocate for policies that prioritize the health and safety of all your constituents, regardless of their socioeconomic status, rather than implementing a tax that is inherently inequitable and serves as a barrier to safety.

I respectfully submit this comment as a Virginia citizen and (parenthetically) a member of the r/VAGuns subreddit, in principled opposition to HB207. I oppose HB207 as introduced. The Virginia Constitution (Art. I, §13) and the Second Amendment protect the individual right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes, including self-defense.District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago affirm that government may not impose burdens that meaningfully impede that right. While taxation generally falls within state power, the Supreme Court has recognized in First Amendment contexts that a tax targeted at a fundamental constitutional right can constitute an impermissible burden. In Minneapolis Star Tribune Co. v. Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue, the Court invalidated a use tax on ink and paper consumed by publishers because it singled out press activity and thereby burdened freedom of the press. By analogy, a targeted state excise tax that functions to discourage acquisition of a constitutionally protected arm accessory risks imposing a burden on the right to keep and bear arms. NYSRPA v. Bruen requires that regulations affecting exercise of constitutional rights align with historical tradition; there is no historical tradition of imposing excise taxes to chill exercise of fundamental rights. HB207 imposes a $500 excise tax on each suppressor retail sale, with exemptions only for law-enforcement officers and agencies. Suppressors (sound moderators) are used by civilians for hearing protection and safety in lawful shooting sports and range use. Credible evidence (CDC WISQARS, RAND firearm policy reviews) shows no material link between lawful suppressor ownership and violent crime. There is no empirical foundation demonstrating that a suppressor tax advances public safety. This bill adds a high, item-specific excise tax on a particular firearm accessory without articulating a compelling, evidence-based public safety purpose. The tax creates a financial barrier to acquisition of a lawful accessory already subject to federal regulation under the National Firearms Act, layering costs without improving enforcement of existing criminal prohibitions. It is redundant with general sales and use tax systems and risks deterring lawful conduct. A $500 per-item tax is a significant cost added to lawful acquisition of a suppressor, disproportionately impacting lower- and middle-income Virginians who seek suppressors for hearing protection and safety. Such a tax raises equity concerns relative to other consumer goods subject only to general taxation mechanisms. Imposing financial deterrents on constitutional rights raises serious equity issues when unaccompanied by demonstrable public benefit. HB207 seeks to impose a targeted excise tax on firearm suppressors that will increase the cost of acquiring a lawfully protected arm accessory without evidence of public safety benefit. Analogous Supreme Court precedent Minneapolis Star Tribune Co. underscores that taxation singling out rights-related activity can impermissibly burden constitutional guarantees. HB207 lacks grounding in Bruen’s historical-tradition framework and risks deterring the exercise of a fundamental right. I respectfully urge the Committee to oppose HB207.

I am a life long Democrat who believes that there needs to be discussion around gun control. That said, I oppose this bill. I think that putting a price tag on something to act as a barrier to entry does nothing but separate the haves from the have nots. Suppressors are used as hearing protection against home intruders so that you do not cause permanent damage to yourself while defending your home. And now that there is a real threat of a masked federal government thugs breaking into your home to search it, it is imperative that we allow people access to all the tools and safety precautions that they need to protect themselves and their families.

I’m a lifelong resident of Virginia and I am writing in strong opposition to this proposed tax. Firearms suppressors are an important and valuable tool for hearing protection used by sportsmen and hunters alike. They work to greatly reduce (though not completely eliminate) the volume of noise produced by firearms helping to protect hearing for the user and those around them. For any outdoor recreational shooting and hunting purposes this would reduced the nuisance these activities have on the broader community. In addition suppressors are some of the most highly regulated firearm accessories requiring paperwork and fingerprinting to the ATF for approval. This is already an effective tool in keeping suppressors in the hands of law abiding citizens only. What suppressors are not are movie level silencing of firearms and do not in any way make a firearm more dangerous. A suppressor tax would NOT have a meaningful impact on public safety. A suppressor tax of this value would be a prohibitive additional cost to most Virginians, being anywhere between a 50% to 100% effective tax rate on some suppressors. This will so greatly reduce the demand for suppressors by keeping them out of the hands of law abiding working class sportsmen that any revenue generated is negligible. In short this bill would if anything do more harm to public safety by keeping these hearing safety devices out of the hands of the average Virginian and do nothing to generate any real revenue for the state.

Firearm suppressors are hearing protection devices with a net public health benefit. Many Virginians have no option but to use indoor shooting ranges to practice using their firearms and thus be responsible gun owners. The concussive blasts from using firearms in indoor ranges, or being next to someone using a particularly loud firearm, can cause permanent hearing and brain damage. The concussive blasts and noise level are elevated in indoor ranges. In November, the New York Times published an article titled “Target Shooting Could Be Causing Brain Injuries. We Measured the Danger.” This article discusses these dangers which can be mitigated by using suppressors. While suppressors can reduce the dangerous impacts of excessively loud firearm discharges, they cannot and do not silence them. Suppressed firearms can still be so loud as to cause permanent hearing damage without additional hearing protection that would not be sufficient alone. This bill would harm Virginians, both firearms users and those around them, while doing nothing but implementing a regressive, classist tax on a constitutionally protected right.

I submit this comment in opposition to HB207. The bill creates a new $500 excise tax per retail sale of any firearm suppressor, collected from dealers on sales in the Commonwealth beginning July 1, 2026. Proceeds are deposited in the general fund; government agency and duty use law enforcement purchases are exempt. 1) Ill targeted taxation HB207 taxes a safety accessory at the point of sale without any showing that suppressor purchases impose public costs commensurate with the levy. By design, suppressors reduce noise externalities and hearing injury risk; taxing them like a vice item inverts standard Pigouvian logic and discourages adoption of equipment that mitigates harms. The bill itself identifies no public cost rationale, dedicates all receipts to the general fund, and offers no earmark for violence reduction, enforcement, or health costs that would justify a transaction specific charge. 2) Regressive and distortionary effects A flat $500 add on is inherently regressive. For many lawful purchasers, the tax rivals or exceeds the price of an entry level suppressor, suppressing demand among lower income buyers while leaving higher income buyers relatively unaffected. That outcome creates the very racial and economic disparity in access that broad firearm taxes have historically produced, with no evidence of deterrence against criminal misuse. HB207 further exempts institutional purchasers but not individual citizens who bear the direct safety benefits, compounding inequity. 3) Duplicative burden atop existing regimes HB207 adds a Commonwealth level charge “in addition to all other taxes and fees of every kind now imposed by law,” explicitly declining the standard dealer discount under § 58.1 622. Even without debating federal regimes, the text confirms this levy stacks over current Virginia sales/use taxes. That combination escalates the final transaction price without targeting unlawful conduct or addressing a defined enforcement gap. 4) No credible public safety return The tax is not tied to any empirical finding that suppressor sales drive violent crime. The bill contains no mechanism to reduce trafficking, straw purchasing, or prohibited person possession. As written, it functions solely as a revenue measure levied on lawful retail sales—not on misuse—while leaving criminal behavior already covered by existing statutes. In fiscal policy terms, HB207 is a narrow base / high rate design with weak nexus to the stated public safety purpose. 5) Administrative complexity with minimal benefit By creating a new Chapter 6.3 and directing the Department of Taxation to administer the suppressor tax “in accordance with Chapter 6, mutatis mutandis,” the bill adds collection, remittance, and compliance layers for dealers and the Department without evidence that incremental revenue will exceed administrative and compliance costs. If revenue were intended to offset identifiable costs, HB207 would earmark funds; it does not. Conclusion HB207 is a textbook example of a symbolic tax that burdens lawful transactions, skews access toward wealthier buyers and provides no measurable public safety benefit. Because it is non recurring and tied only to retail sales, it will not deter unlawful possession or misuse. I respectfully urge the Committee to reject HB207. Respectfully submitted.

I am writing to formally oppose HB207. This bill imposes a targeted and punitive tax on a constitutionally protected item that is lawfully owned and commonly used by responsible Virginians for hearing protection, safety, and lawful sporting and self-defense purposes. Singling out firearm suppressors for special taxation is not a neutral revenue measure—it is a policy designed to discourage the exercise of a constitutional right. Suppressors are not “luxury items” nor are they tools of criminal misuse as often portrayed. They are regulated safety devices intended to reduce permanent hearing damage and noise pollution. Criminal misuse of suppressors is exceedingly rare, and existing federal and state laws already provide severe penalties for illegal possession or use.Notably, recent federal action eliminated the longstanding national stamp tax on suppressors, recognizing that such taxes functioned as an improper financial barrier on the exercise of a fundamental right. For Virginia to now re-impose a similar financial burden at the state level directly contradicts that direction and undermines uniformity in constitutional protections. This proposal also raises serious constitutional concerns. Courts have repeatedly held that the government may not impose special taxes or fees on the exercise of fundamental rights. Just as poll taxes were deemed unconstitutional because they conditioned a right on the ability to pay, HB207 conditions the Second Amendment on an individual’s financial means. This is especially troubling for minorities, working-class residents, and first-generation Americans who already face disproportionate regulatory and economic barriers. Virginia’s own history and identity are rooted in resistance to unjust taxation and government overreach. The principle of no taxation without representation is not merely a slogan—it is foundational to the Commonwealth’s and the nation’s origin. Imposing a targeted tax on lawful behavior that harms no one violates both the spirit and the letter of that principle. HB207 does nothing to address violent crime, does nothing to improve public safety, and does nothing to punish criminal misuse. Instead, it penalizes compliance, discourages lawful ownership, and exposes the Commonwealth to unnecessary constitutional litigation.

I am deeply opposed to this bill. Last year the federal government finally recognized the many public benefits and merits of firearm suppressors by making them more readily available to members of the public engaged in shooting sports, reducing the previous $200 federal stamp tax on suppressors to $0. Now the sponsors of HB 207 want not only to reverse that salutary policy decision at the state level, but, indeed, to subvert it by imposing a $500 tax for the purchase of a suppressor. Such a law would be flawed in both practical and legal terms. First, suppressors benefit both shooters and non-shooters by reducing the report from firearms. Such sound reduction prevents hearing loss and eliminates sound disturbance to people in the near vicinity of gunfire. For just this reason, most western European countries have long mandated the use of suppressors by shooters. HB 207 would thwart the beneficial goal of such sound reduction by making the purchase of suppressors cost-prohibitive for most shooters. Second, there is an utter absence of data suggesting that suppressors lead to any increase in crime, or that there is even a statistically significant - or, indeed, any - correlation between the use of suppressors and crime. There is no apparent public policy goal that would be advanced by imposing the arduous tax burden on the purchase of suppressors represented by HB 207. Third, the imposition of a special tax on suppressors by a state government likely would be deemed unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court's commerce-clause jurisprudence. Congress has now spoken on the question of whether such a special tax should be imposed on suppressors by reducing the federal stamp tax to $0. As suppressors are goods that are bought and sold in interstate commerce, any effort by the Commonwealth to impose such a tax would be subject to legal challenge as a commerce-clause violation. If HB 207 is enacted, it will be an open invitation to waste taxpayer funds on litigation that the Commonwealth is very likely to lose. Clearly, HB 207 represents a regressive measure that would serve no public need or good, and which, on the contrary, would generate problems unnecessarily in the form of hearing loss, noise pollution, and the squandering of public funds. It is, in reality, a "solution" in search of a problem, and problem there is none. The House Finance Committee should promptly kill this ill-advised bill.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 207, which proposes a $500 excise tax on the retail sale of firearm suppressors. This legislation represents a punitive financial barrier to the exercise of Second Amendment rights and a direct burden on law-abiding Virginians seeking to protect their hearing and be responsible neighbors. Firearm suppressors are, first and foremost, safety devices. They are designed to muffle the report of a firearm to levels that help prevent permanent hearing loss for shooters, hunters, and those nearby. By imposing a massive $500 tax—which effectively doubles or triples the cost of most suppressors—the state is making essential safety equipment inaccessible to all but the wealthiest citizens. This is an arbitrary and discriminatory barrier that penalizes law-abiding individuals for prioritizing safety and noise mitigation. Furthermore, this bill targets a specific class of citizens who are already among the most heavily vetted and law-abiding. Under federal law (the National Firearms Act), individuals must already undergo an intensive background check, submit fingerprints, and pay a $200 federal tax to own a suppressor. HB 207 adds a redundant and excessive state tax that serves no purpose other than to discourage the lawful acquisition of these tools. Like the restrictions in HB 217, this tax will have zero impact on criminal behavior. Criminals who use firearms or prohibited items do not pay excise taxes or follow retail regulations. Consequently, this bill will only disadvantage law-abiding Virginians while doing nothing to address actual gun crime or public safety. The Second Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms, and the Supreme Court has made clear that the government cannot impose "unjustifiable" burdens on the exercise of that right. A $500 tax on a safety accessory is not a revenue measure; it is a clear attempt to use the power of taxation to centralize control and limit a constitutionally protected activity. It is unreasonable for the Commonwealth to treat hearing protection as a luxury to be taxed out of reach for the average citizen. I urge you to stand with law-abiding gun owners and prioritize the safety and rights of your constituents. Please reject this unnecessary and punitive tax. I respectfully ask that you vote NO on HB 207. Sincerely, Nick Granda-Stone, House District #58 (Henrico County)

This is abject lunacy and is nothing more than performative. Firearm suppressors are not used as Hollywood would have ones believe and they are merely used as a form of PPE for those around the firearm. The danger of a hunter having to supress their hearing and risking potential issue is greater than any "public "safety" this would be attempting.

I live in Southwestern Virginia and I stand firmly against all these Bills the Democrats are trying to pass, especially my 2nd Amendment rights. I am a law abiding citizen with a concealed weapons permit. I use to work for the Department Of Corrections. I have had a lot of firearms training. I am safe and respect others. These gun laws that are trying to be passed is tyrannical gun laws. I was given this right by my Forefathers, "The right to bear arms Shall Not Be INFRINGED"! It's the law of the land. Democrats are about going against our rights. I will never ever vote for one single Democrat until they go back to the Party of the 1980's and before. Now they are against American Patriots and values. I oppose all gun laws. I oppose all the taxes as well that the Democrats get rich from us poor people. Please reconsider taking people's rights because that will have big consequences at Election time. Sandford Fields

So, you want to tax efforts for law abiding citizens to protect their hearing??? Is there going to be a tax for loud mufflers on sports cars?? Or a tax on loud music coming from said cars??? This is nothing more than an attempt to limit law abiding gun owners to exercise their constitutional rights. The same applies to the tax on guns and ammo, we are already paying state sales tax on these, so this just a "sin tax" to attack lawful sports activity. How about stop passing laws to allow little to no punishment for repeat offenders and illegals to roam our streets? you hide behind locked doors and armed guards, but you want to deny us the same right to protect ourselves and our families! This is a terrible couple of bills and they should be stopped!

Virginia was in good shape, we had a surplus of money that Gov Youngkin gave back to the taxpayers. And NOW you want to raise taxes on everything. There are alot of us on a fixed income and can't afford the taxes. These taxes are no necessary unless it is putting money into your pockets. This needs to stop or we will vote you out, after we do a recall. You are not doing what is best for the taxpayers in Virginia. You are doing this for you and how much money it will put in your pockets. STOP THE RAISING OF ANY TAXES ON VIRGINIANS.

These proposed bills are a blatant attack on our 2nd amendment rights and personal liberties. They will do nothing to stop crime but as usual, restrict the law abiding responsible gun owners. Why don't you stop making it easier for criminals to walk our streets and at the same time try to restrict our ability to defend our families and ourselves??? You are allowed to be protected by armed security but what you're saying in these proposals is that we don't have the same right.

I oppose All of the above Gun Bills. I am not a criminal nor have I ever been one. Our Government can Not protect me my property, or my Family. I have a God given right to bear and own guns Also 2A rights. You work for ME ! You are supposed to represent ME ! Stop with All the Over reach . Let me tell you what you should be doing , You should be passing bills to benefit the American people like Health care, economy, Get rid of these taxes that benefit your needs !! Finish deporting these illegal immigrants you brought into this country !! Again No on Gun bills .

The 2nd amendment does not in any way shape or form all these changes constitutional. Every bill you are pushing through house is definition of infringement. Also the first amendment grants all US citizens the freedom of speech . As a Christian I am subject to hate speech from others and have no avenue of protection other than my 2 nd amendment rights !

I oppose ALL of the above gun bills. I am not a criminal never have been . Our Goverment can not protect me , my family or my property I have a God given right to bear arms also 2A rights .You work for ME !! You are suppose to represent ME ! Stop the over reach . Do something that benefits the American citizens , Healthcare, economy, get rid of All these taxes you have burdened the people with , Finish deporting illegal immigrates .

As a retired federal officer (Not ICE), I am concerned about a few things; the proposed magazine and firearms ban, leaving Virginia citizens unprotected against criminals who will not follow the laws, and the retired Federal, State and Local officers who DO NOT have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round magazines. As retired officers, most of us are still quietly acting as Sheepdogs, still watching over our neighbors and strangers. Not exempting retired officers from the magazine ban can be catastrophic, whether you realize it or not. While some state and local officers have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round mags, some municipalities and all Federal officers do NOT have this luxury, and it will create a disparity among those who can purchase and keep their 15 round magazines and those who cannot by either law or policy. The US Constitution does not regulate what firearms Americans can keep, with some exceptions; but it DOES permit US Citizens to keep & bear arms. Historically kept firearms have been recognized by the high courts as not illegal and have ruled in favor of this. Like many, I feel that this "gun grab" as it's called was rushed through too quickly without considering the retirees who have served this state with honor and dignity. I urge you to not just ban 15 round mags for our citizens, but especially for the retirees. The way the language is currently written, the 15 round ban will not affect officers who have the ability to purchase their duty firearms upon retirement, but would not apply to many others including all federal officers & agents. Not a good way to keep your voters; and could be considered biased by the high courts. We are all the same; we served and protected. Thank you.

I oppose all of these bills as they are against to 2nd Amendment. More importantly, do you really believe that criminals will follow these laws? No. They will continue to commit crimes and if necessary go out of state to acquire what they need. Law abiding patriots, when armed are the best deterrent to crime! I also assume that you folks will not have personal protection details and if you do they will not be allowed to carry the type of firearms you are trying to outlaw!

❌ Oppose HB 207 (Keys-Gamarra) HB 207 imposes additional firearm restrictions that burden lawful gun owners while doing nothing to address violent crime. Laws that target possession rather than criminal misuse undermine constitutional protections and divert attention from enforcing existing laws against violent offenders. ❌ Oppose HB 566 (McNamara) HB 566 expands government control over lawful firearm ownership without historical justification or evidence of effectiveness. The Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary citizens to keep and bear arms, and broad regulatory schemes like this fail constitutional scrutiny under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework. ❌ Oppose HB 919 (Lopez) HB 919 penalizes lawful firearm possession and commerce rather than criminal behavior. Public safety is not enhanced by placing additional legal and financial barriers on responsible citizens, and this bill risks chilling the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right. ❌ Oppose HB 954 (Watts) HB 954 advances sweeping firearm restrictions that are unsupported by historical precedent. Under the Constitution, rights cannot be limited simply because lawmakers believe regulation is preferable—restrictions must be narrowly tailored and historically grounded, which this bill is not. ❌ Oppose HB 1008 (Tran) HB 1008 infringes on the rights of law-abiding Virginians by expanding firearm prohibitions beyond constitutional limits. Collective punishment and preemptive restrictions violate due process and ignore the Supreme Court’s clear instruction that firearm regulations must align with historical tradition. ❌ Oppose HB 1094 (Laufer) HB 1094 imposes excessive regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact responsible gun owners while failing to deter criminal violence. The Constitution does not allow rights to be conditioned on convenience, compliance costs, or bureaucratic discretion. ❌ Oppose HB 1362 (McNamara) HB 1362 further erodes the Second Amendment by restricting access to commonly owned firearms and lawful activities. Policies that treat constitutional rights as privileges undermine public trust and expose the Commonwealth to costly and unnecessary litigation. ❌ Oppose HB 1474 (O’Quinn) HB 1474 expands government authority over private firearm ownership in ways that conflict with constitutional protections and established legal precedent. Virginia should focus on punishing criminal misuse of firearms—not restricting the rights of citizens who obey the law.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094!!!

To All Involved, We the People DO NOT want all of the tyrannically oppressive bills you are considering to be passed. Especially the ones related to OUR second amendment rights. No where in the constitution is a state given the authority to restrict any of OUR rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. To make any attempt to do so is dancing precariously close to the line of exercising DESPOTISM over the people. Which is exactly why the founding fathers ensured we had a bill of rights written and ratified. At least take some time to seriously think through the implications of any legislation you may want to consider. V/R Charles

What happened to the campaign promise of cost cutting, lower taxes and making life more affordable for citizens? Defending the bills in court will use taxpayers cash, court time ,labor..Raising taxes on items you don't like and stating costs will lowered is a lie..from the general assembly to the governors office..Honor your oath and correct your lies with truth..Vote no on gun bills..

Politicians system of tax , spend, waste, is a system created by them ..This has been around for years A corrupt system of power. A group think of nonsense..Where they can only see there side and are blinded to any common sense..Will not listen to anyone and if they seem interested it is just to look good in front of everyone..They pretend to listen.But there mind is made up already on there own plans. The liberal base who voted for them include guns owners..This should tell you they don't care about there voting bloc..They know this will end up in court ..Wasting tax payers money ..The courts time..And don't care about citizens in general. There campaign mantra was cut costs for citizens.But taxpayer cash will be used to defend there gun bills

I urge you to vote "NO" on all the above bills,. We are already taxed enough! I believe the new Governor pledged to make VA affordable and that would logically mean no more taxation!

Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. I’m here today to address why this proposed state tax on suppressors is unnecessary, economically harmful, and disconnected from public safety. At the federal level, lawmakers recently removed the $200 federal tax stamp that had long been attached to suppressors. That change recognized an important reality: suppressors are not criminal tools—they are safety devices. They reduce harmful noise, protect hearing, and lessen the impact on surrounding communities. Despite that federal shift, this proposal would move our state in the opposite direction by imposing a $500 state tax on the very same lawful item. Suppressors remain heavily regulated even without the federal tax. Purchasers are still subject to extensive background checks, fingerprinting, registration requirements, and approval processes through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nothing about this bill improves oversight or accountability. It simply adds cost. That cost has real consequences. A $500 state tax will not deter criminals—because criminals do not acquire suppressors through lawful channels. What it will do is suppress economic activity inside this state. Consumers will purchase elsewhere, businesses will lose sales, and in-state manufacturers and dealers will be put at a competitive disadvantage. Lawful commerce will decline, while neighboring states benefit. This proposal effectively replaces a removed federal tax with a larger state-level penalty, undoing economic momentum rather than building on it. Any projected revenue must be weighed against reduced sales, lost jobs, and businesses choosing not to operate here at all. There is also a fairness issue. When the government stacks fees this high, it creates a system where lawful ownership is dictated by income. That is not public safety—it is a financial barrier imposed on compliance. Finally, this bill sets a troubling precedent. If the state can justify a $500 tax on suppressors today, it becomes easier to justify new taxes on other lawful equipment tomorrow. That kind of incremental policy creep erodes trust and punishes responsibility. Suppressors reduce noise. They protect hearing. They are already regulated. The federal government recognized this by removing its tax burden. This bill ignores that reality and replaces it with an even heavier one—at the expense of our state’s economy and law-abiding citizens. For those reasons, I urge you to oppose this proposal. Thank you for your time.

How did the authors of the bills such as a 500 dollar tax on suppressors,11 percent tax on ammo, create the numbers? Research ? Educated guess? Tax fairy? Similar to the dog walking tax...Nonsense tax meant to fund bloated programs...If as a delegate and if you have common sense you would vote against all of the anti gun bills..Citizens ,Lafave vs Fairfax county is a case of Fairfax county being sued in court by Lafave. Fairfax denied carry in parks.. The case had made its way to the supreme Court..Judge Roberts granted the writ on the shadow docket. Fairfax has until Feb 16 26 to answer ..If the case is accepted and plaintiff wins..This will affect other gun laws..

Adding a higher tax on firearms will make it so only the rich can afford them. This will not stop crime in any way or form.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

Do not vote for these bills

I oppose any and all legislation that goes against the second amendment. The 2nd amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away period . How about dealing with the criminals and being harder on them like reinstating the death penalty!

I am opposed to ANY law that limits my ability to carry, use, purchase, or own firearms. This includes the right to carry in public places or my vehicle, and it includes the right to defend myself. I am totally and completely opposed to ANY leftist agenda, and I am informing you, whoever you are, that there is a lot of anger out here over what's going on in our state, and indeed, in our nation and our world. It's become apparent that, far from what we voted for, Pres. Trump will continue to knuckle under to the left. Therefore, we shall have to fight for our rights in our state. Be warned: not everyone will knuckle under! There are some of us patriots left!

The recent passage of HB217 and related gun control measures in the Virginia House, including bans on so-called "assault firearms" and large-capacity magazines, represents a direct assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. These laws, which criminalize the sale, manufacture, and transfer of commonly owned firearms, ignore the Constitution's clear protections and the Founding Fathers' intent. The Second Amendment states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." James Madison, the amendment's primary drafter, emphasized in Federalist No. 46 that an armed citizenry serves as a bulwark against tyranny, arguing that the federal government would be restrained by "the advantage of being armed which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation." Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote in a 1787 letter to William Stephens Smith that "what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms." The Founders viewed the right to bear arms as essential for self-defense, hunting, and resisting oppression—not limited to outdated muskets, but evolving with technology. Supreme Court precedents affirm this. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense, and struck down D.C.'s handgun ban. Justice Scalia noted that it safeguards "arms in common use at the time," which today includes semi-automatic rifles like those targeted by HB217. McDonald v. Chicago (2010) extended this to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. Most recently, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) invalidated restrictive carry laws, requiring gun regulations to align with historical traditions—something Virginia's broad bans fail to do, as they prohibit weapons millions of Americans own without incident. These measures won't reduce crime—criminals ignore laws—but they disarm the innocent. Virginia's Founders, like Patrick Henry, warned against disarming the people: "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel." Lawmakers should repeal these unconstitutional infringements and uphold our heritage of freedom.

You have all betrayed your constituents with all of these new laws stripping our constitutional rights. Trying to make it so hard to own, carry, and purchase guns and ammunition that people just give up or cant afford it. Expansion of the Red Flag laws to people who are in no way qualified to make that decision to strip someone of their constitution rights. Giving that option especially to Spouses like no one would ever use that to satisfy a grudge against an ex. Also creating a system that punishes people for seeking help with medical counselors or lose their constitutional rights. The tax on ammunition alone is an obvious attempt to make it even harder for people to afford to practice with their firearms which is required for proficiency and price people out of purchasing them to begin with. The tax on suppressor when the fed stamp has been removed is just more obvious money grabbing and trying to make it restricted by putting a "poll tax" on it just like ammunition. Trying to outlaw the sale of commononly used firearms like AKs and ARs even though the Supreme Court has already ruled that the second amendment protects guns in common use. This is the first time ever I have been absolutely ashamed to be a Virginian in my entire life. You have all sold out the people and every one of you should lose your seat if you vote for these bills. Why do you need all these new taxes when you were handed a several billion dollar surplus at the end of last year? Answer is its not about the money, its about taking away guns. Try staying out of our wallets, homes, and lives for a change. How about fulfilling the promise of affordability that was made? How about reducing taxes instead of creating new ones? How about protecting the freedom of Virginians instead of trying to control us so you can use us like little cash shelters. Disgusting behavior and you should all be ashamed.

I am in favor of all these bills specifically. Thank you.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

HB 1135, HB 1351, HB 188, HB 243, HB 334, HB 341, HB 378, hb 550, HB 557, HB 563, HB 720, HB 784, HB 897, HB 919, HB 946, HB 959, HB 961, HB 978, SB 400, SB 763. I oppose all of these bills.

I am writing to oppose the outrageous bills being discussed to limit/restrict Virginians Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms. Nonsensical limitations on weapons type and magazine capacity will have zero impact in reducing violent crime in our State. That I can state with authority having spent 30 years in law enforcement. Taxing firearms and ammunition only prevents our poorest residents from personal Defence and could be viewed as racist by many. Respectfully request that you come to your senses and focus on areas that will benefit and not harm citizens of the Commonwealth.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I live in Southwestern Virginia and I stand firmly against all these Bills the Democrats are trying to pass, especially my 2nd Amendment rights. I am a law abiding citizen with a concealed weapons permit. I use to work for the Department Of Corrections. I have had a lot of firearms training. I am safe and respect others. These gun laws that are trying to be passed is tyrannical gun laws. I was given this right by my Forefathers, "The right to bear arms Shall Not Be INFRINGED"! It's the law of the land. Democrats are about going against our rights. I will never ever vote for one single Democrat until they go back to the Party of the 1980's and before. Now they are against American Patriots and values. I oppose all gun laws. I oppose all the taxes as well that the Democrats get rich from us poor people. Please reconsider taking people's rights because that will have big consequences at Election time. Sandford Fields

Dear Elected Representatives, It is very clear to me that the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Commonwealth in Virginia is now considered a disfavored right. The bills in question will not deter a single criminal nor prevent a single crime, but will punish honest, law-abiding citizens for exercising their rights. May we expect an 11% tax or a $500 fee for free speech, freedom of assembly, or worshipping as we please? I think not. We already have some 32,000 gun laws in this country and the problem is not more regulation but the lack of enforcement of those existing laws. The Second Amendment protects a right to keep and carry firearms, not a privilege, not a perk, not a whim. It is as integral to our citizenship as speaking freely, petitioning our government for grievances, and worshipping and living where we like. It is a brake on tyranny, and the fact that some people abuse that right does not nullify that right, and those that do ought to be punished. The people have a right to defend themselves wherever they happen to be, to deliberately interfere with that right puts the people in danger, and 100 million gun owners are not a "vocal minority." The measures proposed, in my view, would violate the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, increase the risk to the general public (the Washington Post found that 86% of mass shootings between 2009-2016 occurred in “gun-free” zones), and signal that the ownership of firearms is discouraged. Perhaps the latter is the real goal, that despite volumes of data indicating that gun ownership tends to prevent crime, certain dogma holds otherwise, but again, dogma should not and cannot trump a Constitutional right.

My household of 4 (who are all of voting age) oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094, these bills single out specific Virginian’s by targeting them with punitive tax and is a further attack on our 2nd Amendment right.

I oppose bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. Americans have a God given right, recognized in the Constitution of the United Sates of America and affirmed by the Supreme Court, to possess, utilize, and train with firearms and other related equipment. Taxing ammunition, firearm sales, and firearm related sales punishes every citizen of Virginia for exercising a RIGHT. Furthermore, taxing these items punishes most those most in need of protection - the average working class man or woman. People who work long hours for average or below average wages often have the most need for an affordable means to protect themselves and their families. These bills add to the financial burden of good people, in addition to insulting their heritage as Virginians. These three bills are poor policy on every level. The people of this state deserve better.

I am a Virginia resident who is deeply concerned by HB207, HB919, and HB1094. These bills do not simply raise revenue. They send a clear message that law abiding citizens who exercise a constitutional right are an acceptable target for excessive taxation. HB207’s $500 suppressor tax feels especially punitive. Many suppressors cost far less than the tax itself. For ordinary Virginians like me, this is not a fee. It is a wall. Suppressors are not tools of crime. They do not silence firearms. They reduce noise to safer levels that help prevent permanent hearing damage and reduce disturbance to neighbors. Hunters, sport shooters, and rural families benefit from this every day. The last known criminal misuse of a legally owned suppressor in Virginia occurred years ago, yet this bill treats every responsible owner as a problem to be taxed out of existence. This tax will not stop criminals. It will only ensure that working class Virginians cannot afford to comply with the law. HB919 and HB1094 are equally troubling. An 11 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition is a direct financial burden on the exercise of a civil right. These costs will not be absorbed by manufacturers. They will be passed on to people like me. If the state would never consider taxing books or newspapers to fund government programs, it should not tax the tools required to exercise the Second Amendment. Owning a firearm is not a sin. For many Virginians, it is about self defense, family safety, hunting traditions, and personal responsibility. From a budget standpoint, these bills are short sighted. Higher prices will push sales out of Virginia and hurt local businesses. Promised revenue will shrink while trust in the fairness of our tax system erodes. When the state selectively taxes constitutional rights, it creates resentment and division instead of stability. I ask this committee to consider who truly bears the cost of these bills. It is not criminals. It is not wealthy special interests. It is regular Virginians who follow the law, care about safety, and simply want to be left alone to live their lives responsibly. Please reject HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I oppose any bills that go against the constitution for the right to bear arms. This is the people’s only way against tyranny from the opposing party.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I understand that some members of the board believe these measures are necessary; however, I am struggling to see how the two proposals in question provide any tangible benefit to the Commonwealth. From my perspective, they appear primarily to restrict lawful access and impose additional financial burdens on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners exercising their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights. In particular, I would appreciate clarification on how the proposed $500 tax on suppressors serves the public interest. It is difficult to understand how this measure accomplishes anything beyond penalizing individuals who are otherwise complying with existing laws. I respectfully ask what public safety or policy objective this tax is intended to achieve. I believe this issue deserves thoughtful discussion, and I hope policymakers will carefully consider how these proposals impact responsible citizens across the Commonwealth. -Sic Semper Tyranni—

HB207 -This bill is a solution in search of a problem. These are not used in crimes. The last known use was in 2019 in a gun free zone! These are vital in reducing noise pollution and protecting hearing in the shooting sports. Vote no on this bill. HB919 - Taxing firearms and ammunition as if it were a bad habit like cigarettes is a bad precedent to set. One would not tax a first amendment right thereby limiting its exercise to only those who can afford it. Vote no on this bill.

Vote NO on bills 207, 919, and 1094. Further, do not allow bill 954 to pass. Thank you K. P. Chess

Comment is in reference to HB919 and HB1094. These bills unfairly single out firearms and ammunition and impose an undue burden on firearms owners and users. An 11% tax per bill which aggregates to a 22% excise tax on the end consumer for new firearms (already on top of sales and other taxes) since one can reasonably assume any taxes on the manufacturer and/or retail seller will be passed on to the consumer not only places an undue financial barrier to those who wish to lawfully exercise their rights as guaranteed in both the U.S. Constitution and the Commonwealth of Virginia Constitution, the ammunition tax itself will discourage the purchase of needed live ammunition with which to train, making the firearms owner *less* safe. Gun owners who train often are far safer with their firearms than those who train infrequently (or not at all), much like drivers who safely practice their skills in actual traffic conditions are overall safer drivers than those who rarely drive. It will also have the effect of encouraging ammunition "hoarding" which I believe is contrary to the intent of the bill.

House bills 207, 919, and 1094 impose taxes on the exercise of a constitutional right. In the case of 207, it imposes a significant burden on a health saving device that reduces hearing damage for all lawful uses of arms. Individuals are safer with guns when they can practice regularly. Regular practice is safer with the use of a suppressor as it reduces permanent hearing damage. Individuals across Virginia are struggling with affordability. Do not impose a modern poll tax on a constitutional right. I and many of my liberal friends are gun owners who practice regularly and will be immediately impacted by these laws. These bills are not in the best interests of Virginians.

I oppose these bills.

NO MORE TAXES!! Stop discriminating against my poor community and people! This is a Poll Tax targeted against my people and we will NOT support Democrats in their effort to punish the poor even more.

Dear Sir/Madam, I am against (HB 207) the $500 Tax Scheme on Suppressors, which helps with hearing and being kind to others' hearing. I, also, fought against the Federal $200 Tax Scheme, which adds extra burdens on persons who wish to protect their hearing better, while exercising their 2nd Amendment and it makes it harder for people who may be on lower or fixed incomes, are disabled, elderly and the like, from gaining the benefits of the use of suppressors. Turning a Right into a Poll Tax, which my father fought, regarding voting. This is unacceptable and, also, almost a "Sin Tax." I am against (HB 919 and 1094) that would add an 11% on a Right, essentially as a "Sin Tax" against one(s) wishing to exercise their 2nd Amendment Right. This would, also, hurt those on fixed incomes (the elderly, disabled, etc.) and who make less money, especially, harder to be able to exercise their 2nd Amendment Constitutional Rights. These taxes are both unacceptable and further taxation on a Right. Thank you for your time.

I oppose these bills because of the overall hardship for costs on the consumer. My understanding was that agenda of incoming democrats were to increase safety by reducing the number of ARs there were in the public. This does not increase safety but simply makes training and purchasing unaffordable, widen the gap between the wealthy and middle class, increasing noise pollution for unaffordable suppressors for hunting. With our current political climate, hate crimes and abuses made by federal law enforcement , we should impede law abiding citizens from simply making purchases. I would ask to kill these tax bills or at minimum reduce them all to a more reasonable number than 11 percent and a 500 dollar tax stamp on top of increased prices due to tariffs.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

**Opposition to HB 207** **1. Privacy Violations** HB 207 mandates unnecessary surveillance and governmental interference in personal activities, especially in education and healthcare. This encroaches on privacy rights and contradicts Virginia’s commitment to protecting individual autonomy. **2. Discriminatory Impact** The bill disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly low-income families and communities of color. Rather than addressing systemic inequalities, it exacerbates them by limiting access to essential services and opportunities. **3. Ineffective Overreach** The bill’s enforcement mechanisms are inefficient and redundant. There’s no evidence that this broad intervention would meaningfully address the issues it targets. It would divert resources from more effective solutions. **Opposition to HB 919** **1. Healthcare Autonomy Undermined** HB 919 restricts individuals' rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By limiting access to reproductive health services, the bill infringes on the right to choose one’s medical provider and treatment, interfering with essential care. **2. Excessive Government Interference** This bill increases state control over private healthcare decisions, undermining medical professionals' expertise and judgment. It creates legal risks for healthcare providers and risks delays and confusion in delivering care. **3. Public Health Risks** By restricting access to essential healthcare services, particularly reproductive health care, HB 919 could lead to poor health outcomes. It may drive individuals to unsafe alternatives, jeopardizing public health, especially in maternal care. **Opposition to HB 1094** **1. Worker Rights Erosion** HB 1094 weakens protections for workers by expanding employer power and creating loopholes in labor laws. This bill prioritizes corporate interests over workers' rights, potentially exploiting vulnerable employees. **2. Economic Inequity** The bill disproportionately harms lower-income workers who have less leverage to negotiate fair terms. It undermines efforts to create a more equitable workforce, worsening economic inequality in Virginia. **3. Constitutional Concerns** HB 1094 raises serious constitutional issues, particularly regarding workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. It could violate fundamental rights and reduce access to due process for workers.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. All three bills would serve to unduly burden law-abiding Virginians from exercising their lawful right to keep and bear arms. In a time of high inflation and increased cost of living, it is profoundly unjust to levy these additional high costs onto ordinary Virginians. Further, these tax measure would disproportionately impact those of lower household income -- Virginians of all economic statuses are entitled to the rights and liberties under the Constitutions of the United States and Virginia. This legislature should not seek to economically burden these rights further.

Please oppose HB919 and HB1094. These bills promote an excessive, regressive tax that places an unreasonable burden on citizens seeking to exercise fundamental civil rights. It is a throwback to the days of segration and oppressive laws targeting specific peoples, and unworthy of our great Commonwealth.

HB919 and HB1094 This tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun should not be in question. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. And by allowing legitimate and law-abiding citizens the right to practice safely only adds to the safety of this state. For instance, no one wants to talk about the lawful and responsible use of a firearm protecting self, family, and others. Read some statistics that are suppressed by media outlets and biased reporting; “A recent study by John Lott and Carlisle Moody "Do Armed Civilians Stop Active Shooters More Effectively Than Uniformed Police"? The study took place from 2014 to 2022, armed civilians not only stopped more active shooter incidents than police, but they also saved more lives and made fewer mistakes. Law enforcement is rarely on site when violence occurs, most often they are reactive and that takes time...time you may not have.” “Crime Research.com suggests that there are potentially millions of defensive gun uses annually, ranging from 760,000 to 3.6 million, with an average around 2 million. However, some data suggests a much lower number, with only 70,000 defensive gun uses per year being reported by the government. Other research suggests that between 1.67 and 2.8 million defensive uses occur each year, with approximately 50 million total incidents over time. Here's a more detailed look: Lott's Estimates: Lott's study estimates a range of 760,000 to 3.6 million defensive gun uses per year, suggesting that there are more defensive gun uses than murders in the United States. Government Data: The government reports approximately 70,000 defensive gun uses per year, making them much rarer events. Extrapolated Data: Extrapolating data from surveys, some studies estimate that between 1.67 and 2.8 million defensive gun uses occur annually.” Virginia Citizens Defense League reports that 2.5 million Defensive Uses Each Year. Point being, legal and law-abiding gun ownership in this state protect lives. Allow these citizens the right to practice in order to limit unnecessary collateral damage by legislative suppression of our rights.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom. Respectfully Submitted by a Law Abiding Concerned American Citizen and Resident of Virginia

I am writing as a Virginia resident to strongly request that the proposed bills HB1094, HB919, and HB207 are not voted on and do not pass through committee. Suppressor taxes and firearms related excise taxes are a tax on rights protected by the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution. We are already taxed on these items through sales tax and via a Federal excise tax from the Pittman-Robertson Act. These proposed bills will not address current social issues in VA (e.g., violent crime). Additionally, VA is already becoming unaffordable to live; therefore, proposing any new tax, to include firearms related taxes, decreases affordability for everyday citizens. Next, Virginians deserve policy solutions that target criminals, not responsible firearm owners. These proposed bills make it harder for low income citizens to exercise the rights as defined by the 2nd Amendment. VA already has a surplus of revenue, why do we need more taxes? We are already taxed enough in VA. If the VA Legislature is trying to decrease crime and gun related issues, then we should go after the core of the issues, i.e., mental health treatment, decrease drug trafficking, help with homeless, etc. These proposed bills do not fund any of these issues. At least the revenue from the Pittman-Robertson Act benefits everyone that use our public lands. The revenue from these bills will go into the "General Fund" to be used at the VA Legislature's will. Regardless, a tax on a right limits VA citizens from exercising that right. Please oppose all anti gun legislation and prevent these bills from moving forward out of committee.

As a statesman of Virginia, and citizen of the Constitutional Republic of the United States of America, I strongly oppose these usurpations and violations of our inalienable rights and liberty, that are in the form of bills such as HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I proposed bills HB207,HB919 and HB1094

I rise in opposition to HB207, HB919, and HB1094 because these bills do not promote safety—they punish Virginians for exercising a constitutional right. By imposing excessive taxes on firearms, ammunition, and suppressors, the state is effectively placing a financial barrier on the Second Amendment. Rights guaranteed by the Constitution are not privileges to be taxed into submission. These proposals disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens, including rural residents, minorities, and lower-income individuals who rely on firearms for lawful self-defense. Wealthier individuals will still be able to afford these costs, while others are priced out of a fundamental right. That is neither equitable nor just. The Constitution does not allow the government to discourage the exercise of a protected right through targeted taxation. We do not impose special taxes on free speech, religious practice, or voting—and we should not do so here. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to reject these bills.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I stand in opposition to such bills that create unduly encumbered taxation on ammunition, suppressors or accessories related to fire arms. The right to protect one should not have excessive taxation regarding the capacity to engage in such rights.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919 and HB 1094

Good morning, I am writing to oppose proposed bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. I am against these bills on the basis of their effect on U.S. and Virginia citizens' right to self defense and bearing arms; the bills' insubordination with respect to the U.S. Constitution and Bill Of Rights; and the bills' net effects of disenfranchising the poor and middle class by making the costs of owning, maintaining, and properly training on firearms prohibitive. These bills set a dangerous precedent of illegally restricting rights through legislative smoke shields in order to advance the disarmament of the U.S. citizen and the Virginia citizen. I urge the Virginia legislature to oppose these measures and vote 'no' on HB207, HB919, HB1094, and any subsequent measures like them. Thank you. Very Respectfully, Lara Abila

I oppose HB207;HB919,HB1094

Good morning, I wanted to provide a few comments for three of the bills before the council today. To begin with, HB207. As a lifelong hunter and shooter, the recent improvements in accessibility for the hearing protection devices known as suppressors has been a real boon. Previously--particularly during hunting season, when I have to leave my ears uncovered to properly listen to my surroundings--I would sustain real, measurable hearing damage with every shot. Now that I have been able to purchase a suppressor, this is no longer the case. The recent reduction of the Federal tax stamp down to $0 has now made this accessible to just about anyone, as it has removed a major roadblock to acquiring these medically recommended (the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has endorsed their use) devices. Reinstalling and more than doubling this tax at the state level would not just be an imposition, it is one that would primarily fall upon those less fortunate and thus less able to bear this needless tax. Having access to basic technology to preserve one's health and hearing should not depend upon one's financial ability to pay a completely arbitrary tax, with no sound purpose. Suppressors, after all, do not fully silence weapons, they barely reduce the decibels of most common firearms to a hearing safe level, and are still quite loud--often as loud as a jackhammer. This makes them distinctly unsuited in aiding crimes and shootings in the ways commonly imagined by those unfamiliar with them. HB919 and 1094 are related, so I will comment on them together. These pieces of legislation are a mistake for the same reason as the above. There is already an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition (and archery equipment) at the Federal level, which is used to more squarely target the upkeep of conservation, wildlife management and wild areas upon those who use said resources. Tacking on another tax would begin to make regular training and shooting unreachable for a whole class of hunters and shooters, and that class would, once again, be those less fortunate. This could potentially have even more unintended downstream effects, as less well-practiced and trained gun owners will likely be less safe with their firearms. Taking the money raised through this tax and shunting it into some sort of Gun Violence Prevention office, which will likely be used to do nothing more than recommend the further criminalization on law-abiding gun owners, is insult to injury. The bills have no chance at making Virginia more safe, have the potential to decrease the safety of Virginia shooters by making training more expensive, and will further erode gun owners' trust in government by funding an office to target them specifically. I urge an emphatic no vote on all three bills. Thank you for your time, David

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reenforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. HB207 - Keys-Gamarra Tax of $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The right to own firearms and firearms related equipment should not be one exclusively available to high income individuals HB919 – Lopez HB1094 - Laufer These bills are reasonable and where the revenue would go is directly applicable to what is being taxed. I support this legislation. HB217 - Helmer, Clark and Sullivan This proposed legislation is uninformed and written inconsistently. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been steamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

I agree with the VCDL on these bills

My comments are directed at both HB919 and HB1094. At what point will the Democrat Party launch a full-frontal assault on all of our 10 bills of rights? An 111% tax on ammo and firearms is not needed. Former Governor Glenn Youngkin left the Democrats a $25 billion budget excess, so why the tax increase? This is nothing more than an attack on our civil rights. First eliminate the peasants’ ability to defend and protect themselves and their families. After that, it will all fall. No more free exercise of religion; no more freedom of speech; no more protection from search and seizure. This bill should be defeated by every freedom loving legislator.

I/We The People, strongly oppose the proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom. Our constitution prohibits tyrannical government. We The People oppose an attempt by a tyrannical state government to infringe our rights that the Constitution gives us. We The People Stand against any form of overreach that is unconstitutional. Thank you and God Bless this State and the USA.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 . This isn’t making things more affordable for Virginia families.

These bills are undermining the citizens ability to protect themselves as is a right via the constitution. It incriminates more responsible gun owners than those who are not. To make more criminals in effort to reduce the danger in our state is counter productive. Please do not pass this bill. Vote NO on these

I oppose this legislation

I oppose these bills. These bills will deprive me of my rightful property and my favorite hobbies. This is tyrannical governance at its best

As a retired Active Duty, Sergeant First Class that swore an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. I am watching firearms legislations being filed that appalls me to the core. Especially when these legislations are proposed and voted on by individuals that know nothing about firearms, Democrat veterans and Democrats Legislators, that took an oath to the Constitution that also want to disarm law abiding citizens and tell them what they can or cannot own. This is an assault on the Constitutional rights of all law-abiding, legal gun owners, veterans, servicemembers and military aged civilians between the ages of 18 and 20. For 250 years, our Constitutional Republic, Our Nation has upheld our Constitution and those rights that are enshrined in it are protected from infringement. These legislations do not promote public safety, not do they have anything to do with public safety. They are only suppressing the rights of individuals tgat are not committing crimes and that will not commit crimes. These legislations do NOT prevent or deter crime. These legislations suppress the the rights of Veterans, Law Abiding Citizens, Active Duty Servivemen and Women, National Guardsmen, and First Responders. I am sure you are going to exempt law enforcement and retired law enforcement from these legislations. Yet you will suppress the rights of people that never committed a crime.

I deeply oppose these bills

Why a tax on items used for sport/recreation? Why should law abiding citizens who choose to pursue a particular sport or hobby be burdened with the highest tax in the state? This seems like a 'hatred' tax towards gun owners and I urge you to remove this bill.

I strongly oppose these tax bills. These and other tax increases will not help make Virginia any more affordable for families already struggling with higher than ever cost of living. I urge you to please reject these tax increases.

To the Honorable Members of the House of Delegates, I am writing to express my firm opposition to HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Collectively, these bills seek to impose an unprecedented financial burden on law-abiding Virginians exercising their Second Amendment rights. The Impact of HB 207 (The Suppressor Tax). HB 207 proposes a $500 excise tax on firearm suppressors. This is a tax on safety equipment, not a luxury. • Hearing Protection: Suppressors do not "silence" firearms; they simply reduce the report to hearing-safe levels. They take a sound-level comparable to a jet plane taking off and lower it to that of a jackhammer. This is vital for the health of hunters and the peace of mind of neighbors near target ranges. • Negligible Criminal Use: The last instance of a legally owned suppressor used in a crime in Virginia was in 2019. Law-abiding owners should not be punitively taxed for a single event nearly seven years ago. • Economic Exclusion: With many suppressors priced at $300, a $500 tax represents a 160% tax rate. This effectively prices lower-income Virginians out of the market, making hearing protection a privilege only for the wealthy. The Impact of HB 919 and HB 1094 (Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax). These bills seek an 11% excise tax on the gross sales of firearms and ammunition. This functions as a "sin tax" on a fundamental civil right. • A Dangerous Precedent: We would never consider an excise tax on book publishers or news organizations, as it would clearly unconstitutionally increase the cost of exercising First Amendment rights. The Second Amendment deserves that same level of protection. • Public Safety: Owning a firearm is not a "sin." Firearms are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Furthermore, by increasing the cost of ammunition, the state actively discourages the regular training and proficiency that lead to responsible ownership. These measures do not address the root causes of crime; they only penalize the law-abiding. I urge you to vote "No" on HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Please protect the rights of your constituents to safely and affordably defend themselves.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

Vote no on these unconstitutional taxes.

Please vote NO on HB 207. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. These are very important safety devices that should not be burdened with an unnecessary tax. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Most suppressors are priced between $300 to $1000, so this would be a 50% to 160% tax which is a tremendous burden on Virginia citizens! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect their hearing? Please vote NO on HB 919.This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This tax is using the 'sin tax' model, but it is directly and adversely affecting a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used for many lawful purposes including to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I oppose these bills and any bill that punishes law-abiding American citizens from exercising their constitutional rights. Instead, you should increase penalties for criminals and revise bail laws.

Virginia was in good shape, we had a surplus of money that Gov Youngkin gave back to the taxpayers. And NOW you want to raise taxes on everything. There are alot of us on a fixed income and can't afford the taxes. These taxes are no necessary unless it is putting money into your pockets. This needs to stop or we will vote you out, after we do a recall. You are not doing what is best for the taxpayers in Virginia. You are doing this for you and how much money it will put in your pockets. STOP THE RAISING OF ANY TAXES ON VIRGINIANS.

I oppose HB 207, HB919, and HB1094! They are unconstitutional.

I oppose HB207: HB919, and HB1094.

All three of these bills are tantamount to a sin tax against those who are legally exercising their second amendment rights. Gun owners are not criminals and should not be punished in this way. Are free speech and first amendment rights going to be taxed as well by charging extra for books or ink or posters? These three bills are a gross misuse of power and are bad for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

These proposed bills are a blatant attack on our 2nd amendment rights and personal liberties. They will do nothing to stop crime but as usual, restrict the law abiding responsible gun owners. Why don't you stop making it easier for criminals to walk our streets and at the same time try to restrict our ability to defend our families and ourselves??? You are allowed to be protected by armed security but what you're saying in these proposals is that we don't have the same right.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 as they infringe our Second Amendment rights.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

I’m opposed to these bills. I think it’s tyrannical to discriminate against law abiding gun owners or those who wish to be. We have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. These bills infringe upon the rights that the constitution says SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED! If you want to stop gun violence, put stronger penalties on those who commit acts of violence with guns. Be honest about the motivation for proposing these bills because they are only punitive to law abiding citizens, and will do NOTHING to prevent gun violence.

I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I oppose the above bills, HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

Gun control advocates for years spouted that their stance is for "gun safety" not abolition. All three of the bills, 207, 954, and 1094 are blatant attempts at eventual abolition and restricting the availability of safety devices. A $500 tax on suppressors flies in the face of the new federal ruling that has reduced the tax to $0. Firearm suppressors are considered PPE by the military, law enforcement as well as the general public. Suppressors are virtually NEVER used in crime, approximately 0.003% of the 1.3 million legally owned suppressors in the our county used in crime. Suppressors protect the hearing of the user and bystanders when using firearms. So let me get this straight, Everytown for "gun safety" doesn't actually want guns to be safer?? Perhaps it comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of how firearms work, how suppressors work and maybe a fundamental misunderstanding for how guns are even used and to what degree they are actually used legally compared to when they are used illegally? You can quote disingenuous statistics until we are all blue in the face; so long as the listener never investigates those contrived statistics like "the leading cause of child deaths" except they don't tell you that stat includes up to 21 year olds and suicides. Excise taxes? To folks in underprivileged neighborhoods, that crime is often a fact of every day life, and yet the left would seek to make it more expensive for them to acquire the most effective equalizing tool to defend themselves? In the quiet back room, I'm sure you would call it "a sacrifice for the greater good" no doubt. User friendly firearms, enable the most weak of our society to defend themselves against the most strong. This is a liberating reality that has not been actualized for all of human society until the invention of firearms. The weapons that you seek to outlaw, are the very ones that provide the weakest among us the best possible chance of survival against an assailant that your weak judiciary system let out on the street after their 15th arrest. But of course, the left chooses to attack the ease of access to inanimate objects that perform no actions on their own, rather than seeking to tackle the root of the problem of crime and violence - culture. Firearms exist, knives exist, 3000lb automobiles exist, scalpels exist.. scalpels and forceps have killed more human beings than any other devices on the face of the earth..but thats a different topic I suppose. Firearms existence won't cease, you can't put the cat back in the bag. The lie of "we don't want to take your guns" is laid bare when its realized that the only reason you aren't attempting full abolition, is because your insidious agenda is to slowly degrade rights like a frog in boiling water. Every totalitarian regime begins first with disarming its people. Hundreds of millions of people just in the 20th century alone (and I do not exaggerate) have been murdered by their own governments under regimes claiming to uphold "the greater good" for "utopia". You cannot solve a cultural problem by attacking a mechanism. Britain's stabbing epidemic is indicative of this. Human sinful intent is the driving force, and sinful intent finds a way no matter what tools are available. Tools to defend life should be the best and most efficient possible. The ownership of weapons is not something that can be bestowed like a magic talisman to the "right people only", only the wrong people will have them if you try.

These taxes are regressive and hurt lower income Virginians. A recent study by the New York times of all places advocates that we should treat suppressors as personal protective equipment, as they are throughout most of Europe. Shooting on suppressed firearms at an indoor range can have serious health effects such as micro-concussions. The 11% tax on firearms and ammunition is a direct tax on exercising a right, will undoubtedly face constitutional scrutiny, and punishes law-abiding Virginians for something they didn't do

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

I am writing today to express my opposition to an excise tax on firearms and ammunition sales in VA. This will ultimately hurt the economy driving millions of dollars of sales out of the state and add to the financial struggle of millions of Virginians who exercise their 2nd amendment rights. WE did not vote or agree to be taxed more AND it is not constitutional to tax a right.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 and all unconstitutional acts. The US Constitution and the Virginia Constitution state clearly it is the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. The government has no power to alter that. No proposed bill will lessen gun violence, nor is it common sense reform. Less than 2.5% of gun owners commit any crime, let alone gun violence. This is an attack on reasonable, reaponsible, and lawful firearm owners. Meanwhile, citizens such as myself watch as criminals continuously are provided lax judgement and commit repeated offenses with minimal recourse. Uphold the laws aa they are written; writing new laws only threatens the free and lawful people you are supposed to represent.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB207, HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

To whom it may concern, I am AGAINST bill HB919 and HB1094 because they place an UNFAIR tax on law abiding gunowners. The $500 suppressor tax is especially heinous, seeing that there have been few, if ANY crimes committed using a Federally Registered suppressor (Or other firearms covered under the NFA act) since the law was enacted in 1934. There is absolutely NO reason to impose a $500 tax on suppressors except petty, political, partisan SPITE!

I oppose HB207 HB919 HB1094

I am 77 years old, and hard of hearing from both my past work environment and shooting sports. Even with ear protection, I have continued to lose my hearing. A suppressor in combination with a set of ear muffs would make my limited hearing sustainable for the few years I have left. It would also decrease the noise production less disturbing to the fellow firearm enthusiasts. It is but a muffler, and does not nullify firearm sounds. A tax added to the purchase of firearms and ammunition would make my continued enjoyment of the shooting sport difficult since I am on a just sustainable retirement income. It is one of the few enjoyments I have left. Don't take this beloved activity away from this older gentleman. Obey the constitution as written, and quail the tyrant you are producing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. That is all.

Lifetime resident of the Commonwealth and I OPPOSE HB207, HB919 and HB1094

HB207: Given the timing of this bills introduction occurring after the removal of the $200 dollar federal tax stamp on suppressors, Its no doubt this is a purely punitive tax meant to punish rather than to retain revenue for the state. Given the well established precedent by the supreme court ruling that rights cannot be taxed (ink for printing press per Minneapolis Star v. Minnesota) as it pertains to the first amendment, so too is the second amendment free from receiving separate and purely punitive taxes. Additionally, this taxation will not withstand the NYSRPA v Bruen ruling where a specific outlying tax on firearm and firearm accessories can be dated back to the founding. Millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars will be spent fighting this bill in court, far more than would ever be gained by the commonwealth in unconstitutional revenue. HB919 & HB1094: Similar to the above, Minneapolis Star v. Minnesota has already ruled that a tax on on ink and paper, being separate from a general sales tax on all goods, is an unconstitutional tax against free speech, so too is a specific 11% tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers which as applied will be passed on to the consumers. Additionally, this unconstitutional tax will gravely impact the training budgets of the over 20,000 law enforcement personnel in Virginia as well as the 27 military bases housing approx 130,000 active duty military personnel who rely on firearms and ammunition to train and protect our commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. The taxpayers in the commonwealth will pay millions of dollars to fight this tax through local and circuit courts over the coming years only to see it struck down by SCOTUS all while seeing ammo purchases simply go outside the state to acquire ammo outside of taxable revenue streams.

Among the litany of other tax bills on their way to the Governor, HB207 not only puts a 500$ tax on NFA items which are protected under the 2nd Amendment which is not only in the Bill of Rights and Virginia's Constitution, but HB1094 and HB919 puts an 11% tax on any firearm related purchase, these bills are nothing but a sin tax, and our right that is enshrined in our constitution should not be taxed away to the point where only the rich can exercise that right.

I am a lifelong citizen of Virginia and this has afforded me the opportunity to participate in many outdoor, hunting and sport shooting activities. I like many others hunt to provide food for my family and those I love. I target shoot to practice safety and to teach the generations that follow me how to properly use, handle and respect firearms. I also rely on firearms as a means to protect my home and family. I do not have the luxury of city living where help is mere moments away. Response times for my department can be delayed depending on what is going on in our county and the limited resources of our very dedicated Sheriff’s Department. Now as a political tool I am being told to exercise this right I will have to pay an unjust tax because I lawfully carry out these activities like millions of other citizens in this Commonwealth. This is nothing more than a punishment for those of use that rely on these firearms for our way of life and families. HB919 and HB1094 will only punish those that follow the law and will not prevent criminals from performing evil acts. As for HB207, contrary to stereotypes suppressors are an extremely useful hearing protection device. I suffer from tinnitus from my time in the military and work related hearing damage. I am very familiar with the dangers of the noise created with firearms and learned far too late the damage that can come from exposure. As a sportsmen and avid shooter I have used suppressors and hearing protection to protect myself, my kids, and my friends. The recent changes to the NFA Tax Stamp has made suppressors more affordable to protect more people. This bill is a step backwards for the safety of the citizens in Virginia. And why we ask, because of movie myths that portray these devices as something that can make firearms more deadly. They are for sound reduction not silencing of firearms. Decibel reduction is much different than the completely silent examples often portrayed. These items still have to be purchased through an extensive background check through the NFA which prevents these items from falling into the hands of criminals. Again this is an unjust tax being imposed out of fear of an object due to fiction and not fact and offers yet another hurdle without benefit for law abiding citizens of Virginia. I implore you as a neighbor of this Virginian and many more to vote down these measures that will punish law abiding citizens.

I wanted to share my opposition to these bills in light of the tremendous lack of data showing that any of these will dissuade criminal activity, lessen offenses, or better our communities in any articulable way. The data just doesn't support the need for increased taxation for law-abiding gun owners. It has been said throughout the years, and I have a hard time finding a counterargument: Criminals don't follow the law, so why should more laws, more taxation, or more firearm regulation persist? Instead, I suggest proposing efforts along the lines of mental health reform, addiction intervention, and stiffening penalties for offenses. These, unlike more gun control, are actually proven to reduce criminal activity while elevating the greatest asset in any culture, love. Reduce taxes, all of them. Find waste, fraud, and expose it. Tighten budgets, find savings. This is something all constituents will rally together to support. Do this, and you'll have my support, regardless of party affiliation.

Gentlemen, Concerning HB207, It concerns me that the state would charge such an outrageous tax on an item that protects the safety of the individual and any others standing near a Firearm being discharged, that has the capacity of causing hearing loss, especially at a range or shooting event. The suppressor only reduces the sound to a safe decibel level not deaden the sound completely. If a criminal wishes to use one in the commission of a crime he or she would more likely obtain one by theft or other illegal means. Therefore the average citizens will be penalized for using their Constitutional Right, especially those with lower incomes. In reference to Bills HB919 and HB1094, they too are designed to restrict the average American from having free access to ammunition for recreational shooting sports, for practice with a weapon used for protection (which by the way gives the user more active time with their weapon, which enables safer use of said weapon), and for hunting. These laws spit on every law abiding citizen and every veteran that has fought and died for the freedoms which you yourselves possess. Thank you Gentlemen, Troy Barrett

I profoundly disagree with passing any of these bills as detrimental to the US Cinstitution and the Virginia Constitution.

I am an avid hunter. On a yearly basis- I average 50-80 days of hunting per year during numerous season. I average $700-1000 in ammunition per year during these hunting seasons. This tax is going to tremendously impact my season by not allowing me to hunt as many days or purchase necessary equipment. This is basically robbing Peter to pay Paul. I spend these tax dollars in many different ways during these seasons via sales taxes, gas taxes, licenses and fees, vehicle and boat registrations as well as may others. This is an un necessary tax burden when we already have a multi-billion dollar surplus.

Chair, members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Grayson Davis, and I am a resident of King William County, Virginia. I’m writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. Each of these bills represents unnecessary government overreach that would impose new restrictions on responsible citizens while doing little to solve the issues they claim to address. As written, they risk penalizing law-abiding Virginians, burdening local enforcement, and undermining individual rights and community freedoms that our state has long respected. I urge this Subcommittee to consider the real impact these measures will have on ordinary citizens who already comply with existing laws. Instead of layering new regulations or controls, our focus should remain on practical, evidence-based solutions — ones that respect personal responsibility, property rights, and the freedoms guaranteed under both the Virginia and U.S. Constitutions. Please reject HB207, HB919, and HB1094, and stand with the Virginians who value liberty, accountability, and common-sense governance. Thank you for your time and your service to our Commonwealth.

I’m writing to strongly oppose House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. These bills place an unfair financial burden on Virginians who want to exercise their constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution clearly protect these rights and limit government interference. Taxing items like hearing protection (which is a safety measure), commonly used firearms, and ammunition is a clear attempt to discourage law-abiding citizens from exercising their rights. These added costs will mainly impact lower- and middle-income Virginians, making it harder for them to afford lawful self-defense, while wealthier residents will be less affected. This raises serious concerns about the intent and fairness of these proposals. These taxes also contradict recent promises to make Virginia more affordable. Under Governor Youngkin’s vetoes, Virginia remained more affordable and our constitutional rights were protected. These bills appear to be a deliberate attempt to impose new financial pressure on citizens who simply want to exercise fundamental freedoms. Unconstitutional burdens placed on basic liberties through excessive taxes—especially those that disproportionately affect working and middle-class Virginians—are an insult to freedom and a failure to represent the people fairly. I urge you to do the right thing: protect our constitutional rights, keep Virginia affordable, and vote “no” on these bills. With the current budget surplus, there is no need to balance the budget by targeting law-abiding Virginians exercising their rights.

HB207 The purpose of this bill is to make suppressors prohibitively expensive, just like the NFA act of 1934. This bill will once again price people out of being able to purchase these devices. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax. HB919 & HB1094 These bills create an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. This is a "sin tax" that affects a basic civil right and yet another set of bills pricing people out of gun ownership.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

These gun laws only target lawful gun owners. Specifically, suppressors are hearing protection devices and should be made more accessible to all lawful gun owners. Suppressors do not eliminate noise like Hollywood mistakenly portrays. However, they do reduce the concussive blast experienced by the shooter and those nearby, so I encourage all lawful gun owners to use suppressors to protect their hearing and the hearing of those nearby. The federal government recently reduced the NFA tax on suppressors to zero dollars. This is a good thing. VA's proposed $500 supper tax would make them less accessible.

Bill Ballerd Good heads up. My comments: Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB207, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Concerning HB919 and HB1094: Since both bills impose excise tax collections which will be provided to the new "Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund" (established pursuant to 9.1-116.6) and since that new fund does not specifically provide to localities for the specific purpose of improving public school physical security measures (to prevent gun violence), I urge opposing both HB919 and HB1094. Concerning HB207: Since this egregious level excise tax collection will be provided to the general fund, which is not specifically marked for improving public school physical security measures (to prevent gun violence), and since many suppressors retail at 300 dollars or less (resulting in a 160% tax), I urge opposing HB207.

Bills HB207, HB919 and HB1094 are fundamentally unconstitutional AND discriminatory. They punish people for exercising the constitutional right to purchase arms. Furthermore, they discriminate against minorities and less affluent people, making it disproportionately difficult for them to exercise their rights by targeting them with these invented taxes. These bills have nothing to do with safety, as criminals will have no problem paying these taxes. They are simple income-based discrimination.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 .

I oppose All of the above Gun Bills. I am not a criminal nor have I ever been one. Our Government can Not protect me my property, or my Family. I have a God given right to bear and own guns Also 2A rights. You work for ME ! You are supposed to represent ME ! Stop with All the Over reach . Let me tell you what you should be doing , You should be passing bills to benefit the American people like Health care, economy, Get rid of these taxes that benefit your needs !! Finish deporting these illegal immigrants you brought into this country !! Again No on Gun bills .

The 2nd amendment does not in any way shape or form all these changes constitutional. Every bill you are pushing through house is definition of infringement. Also the first amendment grants all US citizens the freedom of speech . As a Christian I am subject to hate speech from others and have no avenue of protection other than my 2 nd amendment rights !

I rise in opposition to HB207, HB919, and HB1094 because these bills do not promote safety—they punish Virginians for exercising a constitutional right. By imposing excessive taxes on firearms, ammunition, and suppressors, the state is effectively placing a financial barrier on the Second Amendment. Rights guaranteed by the Constitution are not privileges to be taxed into submission. These proposals disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens, including rural residents, minorities, and lower-income individuals who rely on firearms for lawful self-defense. Wealthier individuals will still be able to afford these costs, while others are priced out of a fundamental right. That is neither equitable nor just. The Constitution does not allow the government to discourage the exercise of a protected right through targeted taxation. We do not impose special taxes on free speech, religious practice, or voting—and we should not do so here. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to reject these bills.

HB207 - I strongly oppose the proposed suppressor tax because it directly conflicts with the values of equity, accessibility, disability accommodation, and public health that this body consistently says it supports. I have documented hearing loss. Audiologists have advised me not to shoot unsuppressed whenever it can be avoided, because further exposure causes irreversible damage. Suppressors are not optional or recreational for me—they are a medically recommended harm-reduction tool. I rely on them while hunting to provide food for my family and while training at the range to prevent further injury. Shooting unsuppressed also causes permanent hearing damage to animals, including working dogs and pets. By taxing a safety device, this bill actively harms Virginians with hearing impairments and creates a financial barrier to compliance with medical guidance. If this were any other disability-related protective equipment, imposing a special tax would rightly be viewed as discriminatory. The policy does not reduce risk—it shifts the burden onto people least able to absorb it. This bill will not meaningfully affect wealthy individuals. It will, however, restrict access for lower- and middle-income Virginians, rural residents, and people with disabilities. That outcome is not equity. It is the opposite. If equity and harm reduction are truly guiding principles, then lawmakers should not be pricing disabled Virginians out of protective equipment that prevents permanent injury. I urge the committee to reconsider and reject this bill. HB919 & HB1094- I oppose HB 919 because it imposes a targeted excise tax on the exercise of a constitutional right and does so in a way that is inequitable, classist, and harmful to working professionals. If the Commonwealth would not impose a special excise tax on book publishers or printing presses because their products enable First Amendment activity, it should not impose one on firearms and ammunition manufacturers whose products enable the exercise of Second Amendment rights. Constitutional rights should not be conditioned on the ability to pay a premium tax. I work in the security field, where firearm proficiency is not optional—it is a legal and professional requirement. We are required to train regularly and complete annual, state-mandated requalification. Ammunition costs are a direct and unavoidable expense of compliance. Any excise tax placed on manufacturers will be passed directly to consumers, increasing the cost of required training and lawful work. This bill does not meaningfully affect wealthy individuals or large institutions. It disproportionately harms armed security professionals, private-sector workers, and lower- and middle-income Virginians who must purchase ammunition and equipment to meet state requirements. That outcome is not equitable. If equity and access are guiding principles, the General Assembly should not price working people out of compliance with the law or impose selective taxes on constitutional activity. I urge the committee to reject HB 919.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

As a law-abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I urge you to vote NO on HB's 709, 919, and 1094. Virginia ended the last fiscal year with a $2+ Billion surplus. These proposed taxes are only meant to hinder and discourage law-abiding gun owners. They are also regressive in that they inhibit low income citizens from exercising their 2nd Amendment Rights to protect themselves and their loved ones.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I oppose HBs 1094, 919, and 207, which levy excessive taxes on law-abiding gun owners for no apparent reason. Of all the gun control bills, these seem to be particularly punitive in nature, having not even the veneer of a public safety rationale. They just seem intended to exploit gun owners to raise revenue for pet Democrat projects, all while Virginia runs a budget surplus. Voters are noticing who Democrats are taking tax revenue from and who they are giving it to. You all are making national news with your naked wealth redistribution program every day. The voters will punish Democrats for it at the voting booth the first chance they get.

Dear Delegates, I am writing to urge you to oppose House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. These proposals would place additional financial barriers on lawful Virginians seeking to exercise their right to keep and bear arms. While public safety is important, policies that substantially increase the cost of commonly owned firearms, ammunition, or related equipment risk turning a constitutional right into something only affordable for those with greater financial means. Virginia’s Constitution and the Second Amendment recognize an individual right that should not depend on income level. When fees or taxes become significant enough to discourage ordinary citizens from lawful ownership, the burden falls most heavily on lower- and middle-income residents — the very people who may rely most on accessible means of self-defense. There are many ways to promote safety without creating disproportionate economic obstacles. I respectfully ask that you consider approaches that focus on enforcement against criminal misuse rather than measures that broadly impact compliant citizens. For these reasons, I ask you to vote no on these bills.

I oppose ALL of the above gun bills. I am not a criminal never have been . Our Goverment can not protect me , my family or my property I have a God given right to bear arms also 2A rights .You work for ME !! You are suppose to represent ME ! Stop the over reach . Do something that benefits the American citizens , Healthcare, economy, get rid of All these taxes you have burdened the people with , Finish deporting illegal immigrates .

As a retired federal officer (Not ICE), I am concerned about a few things; the proposed magazine and firearms ban, leaving Virginia citizens unprotected against criminals who will not follow the laws, and the retired Federal, State and Local officers who DO NOT have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round magazines. As retired officers, most of us are still quietly acting as Sheepdogs, still watching over our neighbors and strangers. Not exempting retired officers from the magazine ban can be catastrophic, whether you realize it or not. While some state and local officers have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round mags, some municipalities and all Federal officers do NOT have this luxury, and it will create a disparity among those who can purchase and keep their 15 round magazines and those who cannot by either law or policy. The US Constitution does not regulate what firearms Americans can keep, with some exceptions; but it DOES permit US Citizens to keep & bear arms. Historically kept firearms have been recognized by the high courts as not illegal and have ruled in favor of this. Like many, I feel that this "gun grab" as it's called was rushed through too quickly without considering the retirees who have served this state with honor and dignity. I urge you to not just ban 15 round mags for our citizens, but especially for the retirees. The way the language is currently written, the 15 round ban will not affect officers who have the ability to purchase their duty firearms upon retirement, but would not apply to many others including all federal officers & agents. Not a good way to keep your voters; and could be considered biased by the high courts. We are all the same; we served and protected. Thank you.

HB207: $500 tax on suppressors. This sounds like a poll tax that a Virginia resident would have to pay prior to exercising a constitutional right to own and shoot firearms. Might as well combine this with the Poll tax that was implemented for blacks and poor whites to vote . Oh wait, that tax was declared illegal. As should this tax. HB919/HB1094: 11% excise tax This sounds like a poll tax that a Virginia resident would have to pay prior to exercising a constitutional right to own and shoot firearms. Might as well combine this with the Poll tax that was implemented for blacks and poor whites to vote. Oh wait, that tax was declared illegal, as should this tax. I bet minority citizens will LOVE THIS tax, don't you think????

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. These bills are unconstitutional!

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, HB 1094.

I oppose the freedom of my right to bear arms I added this to my objection. Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

I oppose all of these bills as they are against to 2nd Amendment. More importantly, do you really believe that criminals will follow these laws? No. They will continue to commit crimes and if necessary go out of state to acquire what they need. Law abiding patriots, when armed are the best deterrent to crime! I also assume that you folks will not have personal protection details and if you do they will not be allowed to carry the type of firearms you are trying to outlaw!

Good day, As a lifelong Democrat I respectfully ask the committee to vote against HB 207 (suppressor tax). Suppressors are an important aid in hearing protection for hunters and recreational shooters; for outdoor ranges or shooters that are hunting or shooting on their own property, they help keep the noise down for neighbors. Suppressors are not commonly used in crime; in fact, a suppressor has not been used in a crime in Virginia since 2019. In order to obtain a suppressor in the United States of America, the purchaser must submit paperwork to the ATF that requests permission to acquire a suppressor, along with fingerprints, background check, and a passport photo. Once the paperwork is submitted the ATF performs a background check and then decides to approve or deny the application. These are not items you walk into the gun shop and walk out with ten minutes later- in stark contrast, in fact, to most Western European countries, where that actually is how you buy a suppressor. The lack of a $200 federal tax on the tax stamp required to buy a suppressor does not mean that you don't have to do the paperwork with the ATF. A $500 tax on suppressors in Virginia would do little more than disenfranchise those without much money from being able to buy them, and increase costs for everyone across the board that is trying to protect their hearing or be polite to their neighbors. In addition, as a lifelong Democrat I respectfully ask the committee to vote against HB's 919 and 1094 (firearms and ammunition taxes). Prices for food, utilities, and housing are rising across the board and inflation continues to climb. Taxes on firearms and ammunition is not common-sense gun legislation, it is a brutal financial attack on the millions of Virginians that own firearms. If we want to solve the problem of gun violence the answer isn't to infringe on a constitutional right (churches don't pay taxes, and you don't get charged a tax to speak your mind or vote), it's to make it so that people to do not feel compelled to resort to violence to make ends meet. In other words, economic and labor legislation is what will fix gun violence (and a lot of other problems, I might add), not just making firearms and ammunition more expensive. High taxes on firearms and ammunition will do little more than raise costs for everyone and specifically disenfranchise low-income Virginians of their right to own and use firearms within the confines of the law. Thank you for taking my comments into consideration and I hope that you will vote against HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094.

I strongly oppose these bills. Adding an 11% tax to firearms and ammunition seems like a targeted tax against a constitutional right. Could this committee imagine adding an 11% sales tax to just the sale of bibles, Qurans, or Torah? Would this legislative body believe that would be a constitutional infringement? I imagine the answer to that question would be yes. Please consider opposing these bills and striking them down. Thank you for your time.

Aganist these bills that attack the second amendment ¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HB's 207, 919 and 1094 share some common traits. (1) They do NOTHING to improve public safety. (2) They are money-grabbing efforts by the current Legislative Bodies in Richmond. (The Commonwealth of Virginia already collects more than enough tax money. If the Legislative Bodies and Executive Branch would be good stewards of our tax dollars there would not be a need to create more ways to separate Virginians from their funds.) These, and bills like this, need to be defeated and defeated now.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, HB 1094, I feel these bills do not represent the interests of our state and do not reflect the majority of the citizens.

I oppose HB207/HB919 andHB1094

I passionately oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

HB207 is not an attempt at public safety, but rather an outrageous money-grab on the part of the Commonwealth. The end result is that the wealthy can own a suppressor and the State gets richer. HB 919 and HB1094 is yet another money-grab on the part of the Commonwealth...unreasonable taxation on a commodity.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

The increase of taxes for firearms, ammo, and accessories is 100% partisan tax increase on the gun community that doesn’t pose a safety problem in the state. These taxes will not create a safer Virginia or alter the amount of gun violence that takes place.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. These bills, if passed into state law, would immediately be repugnant to the U.S. Constitution, thus rendering them null and void. These proposed bills would be immediate violations of the Natural Rights of man, which the U.S. Constitution does not grant but acknowledges. As a legal American Citizen, as a legal citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and as a free man with inalienable Natural Rights endowed by our Creator, I hereby voice my opposition to these unconstitutional bills.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. They are unconstitutional and should be voted down. Address the real issue, criminals and their actions, not law abiding citizens.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094…these blatantly unconstitutional Bills have no place in a free society.

I oppose HB919, HB1094, and HB207. These taxes and unconstitutional—and unreasonable as a matter of basic sense. Suppressors are virtually never used in crimes. They are safety devices. The scale of the suppressor tax is also confiscatory and unreasonable, a clear effort at a ban by making these items too expensive for most people to obtain. As for the 11% tax, I cannot imagine a sensible rationale for taxing a basic civil right, nor is it constitutional to do so. This law will not reduce crime; people who want to commit crimes will not be dissuaded by an 11% tax. The clear purpose is to punish citizens of the Commonwealth for exercising their constitutional rights. It is as odious as an 11% sur-tax on books. I also cannot imagine a more egregious example of the General Assembly making plain that it despises rural Virginians, most of whom own firearms. Any elected official who supports these laws should be ashamed of their ignorance and their hostility to the approximately 45% of Commonwealth citizens who have firearms.

I'll keep it simple, there is no justification for these taxes. This is clearly political retribution being pushed on law abiding citizens.

I oppose these bills!!

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB 1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose these bills marked above, HB 207, 919, 1094. VOTE NO! These bills infringe upon my right to protect and defend myself if needed.

I oppose bills HB207, HB919, HB1094

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. This message might be used by a few people as it was written by the Culpeper County 2A Facebook page. Make no mistake, I truly feel strong in what is written and laws like these will only cause more harm than good for the law-abiding citizens in this state.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose the passing of HB207, HB1094, and HB919. I am a constituent of Prince William County and a citizen in good standing and ask that you please do not infringe upon my constitutional right to bear these arms. It is stated in our, mine and your United States Constitution and there gives me these rights. Also being voted on and made law by the Supreme Court of these United States of America. We the People elect you. We the people do not give you permission to take these rights. We The People do not want you to disregard Federal law !! In doing so any Federal recourse funnels down hill !! Thank you in advance for doing the right thing by the constituents of Va. Honestly Doug Fisher

Im a resident in the DMV area and I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. My rights shall not be infringed. Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

Dear Members of the House Committee on Finance, I am writing to state my clear and unequivocal opposition to House Bill Nos. 207, 919, and 1094, and to the broader legislative approach they represent. I am opposed to these measures not only on technical or administrative grounds, but on principle. I oppose any and all forms of firearm regulation, including regulation imposed indirectly through taxation. Each of these bills seeks to use the tax code as a mechanism to discourage, burden, or penalize the lawful ownership, acquisition, or distribution of firearms, ammunition, or related components. Regardless of how they are framed procedurally, these proposals function as regulatory instruments, not neutral revenue measures. HB 207 imposes a flat $500 excise tax on firearm suppressors—devices that are already heavily regulated at the federal level and widely recognized as safety equipment. A flat tax of this magnitude is plainly punitive, bears no relationship to product value or public cost, and exists solely to price ordinary citizens out of lawful ownership. HB 919 and HB 1094 impose elevated percentage-based excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, while explicitly exempting government agencies and law enforcement. This creates a two-tier system in which the state reserves unrestricted access to arms for itself while deliberately increasing the cost and friction imposed on private citizens. I reject the premise that the exercise of a fundamental right should be treated as a taxable privilege. Taken together, these bills reveal a coordinated attempt to achieve gun control objectives through fiscal means—avoiding direct prohibitions while still suppressing lawful conduct through financial pressure. This is not sound tax policy, and it is not an appropriate use of the Commonwealth’s taxing authority. Further, earmarking the revenue from these targeted taxes to specific policy programs underscores their regulatory intent. When a narrowly tailored tax is imposed on a constitutionally protected activity and the proceeds are directed to programs designed to reduce or discourage that same activity, the tax ceases to be neutral and becomes a tool of coercion. I do not support amendments, consolidation, or further study of these proposals. I oppose them outright. I also oppose the broader concept of using taxation as a substitute for direct firearm regulation. Virginians do not forfeit constitutional protections by engaging in lawful commerce, and those protections should not depend on one’s ability to absorb artificially imposed costs. I urge the Committee to reject HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 in their entirety and to refrain from advancing any future measures that seek to regulate firearms, ammunition, or related components through the tax code or otherwise. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Obin Robinson Norfolk, VA US Navy Veteran with 20 years of honorable service

I am a proud Virginian. I represent thousands of Virginia's like me. I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. Virginia will not lie down and die like California. There is a reason the woman on our state flag is armed. She stands tall with her foot over a defeated tyrant. Her weapon in hand. Chains broken. The living room I am writing mere feet from was built a few years before this country declared its independence. The same spirit and red hot blood that our forefathers had runs through my veins. Let us not be so naive to think that criminals will follow laws and that politicians will always do good to those they are sworn to serve. In the face of unconstitutional laws, it is my duty as an American to resist. I will include this next piece here since it is questionable that anyone who signs these bills has read it before; "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". Thank you for your time and for hearing these words. God bless our beautiful state and may he keep us and guide us by His love. -Taylor Helm

I support the comments of Virginia Civil Defense League on these bills.

I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094, and will actively and aggressively advocate against anyone voting for them in future elections. Furthermore, given any opportunity I will join in and participate in lawsuits resulting from these efforts.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

I oppose HB bills 207, 919 and 1094. Vote NO. These bill infringe upon my right to defend myself and others if needed. VOTE NO.

These laws are in direct violation of our 2nd amendment and will not be enforced by any law enforcement that remember the oath they took. Stop making laws that restrict and violate the rights of law abiding citizens especially while you are going soft on criminals committing crimes with guns.

Unfair taxes opposed to HB 1094 and HB919

"I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

I urge you to oppose HB207 (Gamarra), which creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? I also urge you to oppose both HB919 (Lopez)& HB1094 (Laufer), which creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Thank you for your time!

HB207, HB919 and HB1094 I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 are in blatant violation of the below... Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I oppose bill HB207,HB919,HB1094.

I oppose HB207 HB919 HB1094 Stop this insanity

❌ Oppose HB 207 (Keys-Gamarra) HB 207 imposes additional firearm restrictions that burden lawful gun owners while doing nothing to address violent crime. Laws that target possession rather than criminal misuse undermine constitutional protections and divert attention from enforcing existing laws against violent offenders. ❌ Oppose HB 566 (McNamara) HB 566 expands government control over lawful firearm ownership without historical justification or evidence of effectiveness. The Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary citizens to keep and bear arms, and broad regulatory schemes like this fail constitutional scrutiny under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework. ❌ Oppose HB 919 (Lopez) HB 919 penalizes lawful firearm possession and commerce rather than criminal behavior. Public safety is not enhanced by placing additional legal and financial barriers on responsible citizens, and this bill risks chilling the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right. ❌ Oppose HB 954 (Watts) HB 954 advances sweeping firearm restrictions that are unsupported by historical precedent. Under the Constitution, rights cannot be limited simply because lawmakers believe regulation is preferable—restrictions must be narrowly tailored and historically grounded, which this bill is not. ❌ Oppose HB 1008 (Tran) HB 1008 infringes on the rights of law-abiding Virginians by expanding firearm prohibitions beyond constitutional limits. Collective punishment and preemptive restrictions violate due process and ignore the Supreme Court’s clear instruction that firearm regulations must align with historical tradition. ❌ Oppose HB 1094 (Laufer) HB 1094 imposes excessive regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact responsible gun owners while failing to deter criminal violence. The Constitution does not allow rights to be conditioned on convenience, compliance costs, or bureaucratic discretion. ❌ Oppose HB 1362 (McNamara) HB 1362 further erodes the Second Amendment by restricting access to commonly owned firearms and lawful activities. Policies that treat constitutional rights as privileges undermine public trust and expose the Commonwealth to costly and unnecessary litigation. ❌ Oppose HB 1474 (O’Quinn) HB 1474 expands government authority over private firearm ownership in ways that conflict with constitutional protections and established legal precedent. Virginia should focus on punishing criminal misuse of firearms—not restricting the rights of citizens who obey the law.

Taxes on Constitutionally protected items such as firearms and ammunition possessed by law abiding citizens is not only not “affordable”, it is tyrannical. These bills are forms of Jim Crow laws, meant to keep guns out of the hands of low income and minority citizens. Please vote these unconstitutional taxes down.

I oppose bill HB207,HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 Stop this ridiculousness.

I OPPOSE these bills as do many other citizens that you represent. VOTE NO!!!

I oppose House Bill 207, House Bill 919 and House Bill 1094. House Bill 919 and House Bill 1094 both impose an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition; House Bill 207 adds a $500 tax on suppressors. These are regressive taxes that punish the working poor. A single mother in Louisa County who can only work part time has the same right to self-defense as a much wealthier constituent living in Alexandria, but these taxes may price her out of that right. Regarding HB 207, while movies and TV have led many to believe that suppressors allow one to discharge a firearm without being heard, that is not true; suppressors are safety devices. Hearing safe is far from silent. Both the CDC and NIOSH recognize that suppressors are the only tool capable of reducing dangerous gunfire noise at its source, making them critical for preventing lifelong hearing loss. Taxing safety equipment out of reach is bad public health policy.

I strongly oppose the following bills: HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. None of these bills will do anything to stop gun violence. All they do is restrict the right of lawful citizens.. I propose a scenario to highlight this: All the anti-2A bills are passed along with the elimination of mandatory sentencing. It's Labor Day weekend '26 and you're out with your family at the farmers market. A criminal, not affected by the anti-2A bills, walks around with a modified assault weapon and 4-30 round magazines. They kill the cops in the immediate area and then open up on the citizens. 63 killed and dozens injured. Now inamige this...same scenario, but this time there are 5 legally armed citizens. Upon hearing the initial shots, they move to neutralize the criminal. 6 killed, plus one crimal out of jail bcz of no mandatory sentencing. Please think about the gun bills you're passing, and explain to me how they would have prevented the first scenario. I'll wait... Please tell me that the safety of those attending the market is enhanced by the elimination of legally owned firearms. The way I see it, all your proposed bills do is prevent the legal gun owner from defending themselves and those around them against the criminal, who you let out of jail. You see, the criminal isn't going to obey any laws, that's why they're criminals. They now know that whoever they target will be unarmed and easy prey...you, your husband/wife, kida, parents...for robbery, sexual assault, assault - battery, or worse...murder. Your vote to disarm legal gun owners only increases the likelihood of more gun violence because now, only the criminal is armed. Please tell me how this makes sense. Again, I'll wait... Respectfully, A Constitutionally back legal gun owner

On behalf of all second amendment supporters, these bills are unconstitutional go against our second amendment right. If these bills become law, it should go without saying that you all should expect major backlash from the citizens of this Commonwealth, or should I say Communistwealth with the bullshit laws that are being proposed.

I oppose these bills. The government doesn’t need new taxes on anything. Taxing citizens that are making purchases for self defense is wrong. Limiting the citizens options for self defense goes against our constitutional rights as well. The 2A says it will not be infringed. Doesn’t say within the limits set forth by government.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. This is unconstitutional

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Please stop intruding on our second amendment rights. Respectfully, instead of raising your salaries by 150%, maybe lower them so you don’t have to continue taxing us higher. You’re causing people to flee the state. Some moderate our governor is. I worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years and know what a fake looks like. Please stop ruining what was once a beautiful state to raise a family. I’m reconsidering with my wife now.

oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094"

February 9, 2026. I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. Gun control laws penalize the gun owners, not the violent criminals.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I oppose HB-1094, HB- 919 and HB-207.

I oppose these bills as being a citizen of the USA this is infringing on my second amendment rights. I’m a law abiding citizen and will defend my rights .Criminals will still posses guns and buy ammunition no matter what you try to impose.

I am against these bills.

I oppose these bills and they need to be voted against Thank you. George Francis

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094!!!

Yes I oppose HB 207 , HB 919 and HB 1094 please do not pass these unconstitutional bills!! Thanks

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB 1094.

To All Involved, We the People DO NOT want all of the tyrannically oppressive bills you are considering to be passed. Especially the ones related to OUR second amendment rights. No where in the constitution is a state given the authority to restrict any of OUR rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. To make any attempt to do so is dancing precariously close to the line of exercising DESPOTISM over the people. Which is exactly why the founding fathers ensured we had a bill of rights written and ratified. At least take some time to seriously think through the implications of any legislation you may want to consider. V/R Charles

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

These bills are nothing but money grabs that will do nothing for public safety an just make purchasing items under these bills more expensive for law abideing citizens i ask you to vote no to both hb 1094 an hb 919. Thank you

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB 1094. These bills are ridiculous and an insult to law abiding Virginians. Will have zero affect on crime.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I am opposed to the new taxes outlined in House Bills 919, 1094 and 207. As Virginia currently has a budget surplus of nearly 2.7 billion dollars, I cannot help but conclude these bills are not about revenue. Rather, they appear to be collective punishment imposed upon law abiding gun owners. Apparently, this is on the theory they are responsible for the gun violence perpitrated by the criminal element and mentally ill, who do not follow the law. The Second Amendment is not tobacco and should not be treated as such. Thank you....

Any house bill that directly or indirectly excludes or increases the burden of lower income citizens from owning firearms is a direct violation of your oaths of office. Taxes should only be fair an reasonable and not hesitate a hindrance to ownership. They should also not be levied on individual categories unless the funds gathered are to aid in or compensate for damage cause by the category (for example, a has tax is used to repair roads from use). Taxes levied only on firearms and ammo should not be repressed in the general fund to be used for political pet projects, but instead utilized for firearm education, use to improve the municipal owned shooting ranges, or for hunter conservation efforts. None of these bills will make Virginia "safer", and regardless what your personal opinions of them is, you know that was never their intention. The purpose of the bills is to add another barrier to the legal ownership of firearms, and to use a state and federal constitutional right as a revenue stream. Instead of looking at your constituents as a bottomless wallet for you to take from, you should be looking at measures that balance the state budget instead of inflating it.

I respectfully urge the subcommittee not to advance HB 207 and HB 919. These bills impose heavy, punitive taxes on lawful behavior while doing little, if anything, to prevent violent crime or improve public safety. HB 207 introduces a $500 tax on the retail sale of firearm suppressors. Suppressors are already heavily regulated at the federal level and are commonly used for hearing protection and creating safer training environments. A flat $500 tax serves as a barrier that disproportionately affects working Virginians rather than criminals. Most individuals who commit firearm-related crimes do not acquire regulated items through lawful retail channels, which means this bill is unlikely to alter criminal behavior but will certainly penalize compliant citizens. It's important to note that in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, suppressors—commonly referred to as "sound moderators"—are often considered responsible safety equipment. They are used to protect shooters' hearing and to minimize disturbance to nearby residents and livestock. The UK government has even described sound moderators as tools for hearing protection and reducing noise disturbances, highlighting that these devices prioritize health and safety rather than serving any criminal purpose. HB 919 imposes an 11% tax on the retail sale of firearms and ammunition. This effectively acts as a “sin tax” on a constitutional right and a basic safety need—namely, ammunition for training and lawful self-defense. It will raise costs for ordinary families, new gun owners seeking training, hunters, sportsmen, and local small businesses, all without addressing the underlying causes of violence, such as repeat offenders, illegal trafficking, and gaps in targeted enforcement. If the goal is to create safer communities, the Commonwealth should focus on targeted, evidence-based interventions. This includes enforcing existing laws, addressing illegal possession and trafficking, and supporting programs that intervene with the small number of individuals most likely to commit violent offenses, rather than imposing broad taxes that mainly impact those who already follow the law. For these reasons, I ask you to oppose HB 207 and HB 919.

Increasing taxation on firearms,, ammunition and suppressors to discourage citizens from exercising their Second Amendment right has already been dealt with by the US Supreme Court. Which will be struck down in Virginia.

What happened to the campaign promise of cost cutting, lower taxes and making life more affordable for citizens? Defending the bills in court will use taxpayers cash, court time ,labor..Raising taxes on items you don't like and stating costs will lowered is a lie..from the general assembly to the governors office..Honor your oath and correct your lies with truth..Vote no on gun bills..

Politicians system of tax , spend, waste, is a system created by them ..This has been around for years A corrupt system of power. A group think of nonsense..Where they can only see there side and are blinded to any common sense..Will not listen to anyone and if they seem interested it is just to look good in front of everyone..They pretend to listen.But there mind is made up already on there own plans. The liberal base who voted for them include guns owners..This should tell you they don't care about there voting bloc..They know this will end up in court ..Wasting tax payers money ..The courts time..And don't care about citizens in general. There campaign mantra was cut costs for citizens.But taxpayer cash will be used to defend there gun bills

I urge you to vote No on HB bills 207, 919 and 1094. The financial and legal ramafications are purely to remove gun ownership by citizens in VA. Undoubtedly Unconstitutional and meant to harass VA Citizens.

I disagree with all three of these bills. It only restricts my 2nd amendment rights by making it increasingly costly to exercise the right! I strongly oppose!

First I would like to thank each of you for your dedication to our Commonwealth, it is appreciated. In my opinion these bills do nothing to curb gun violence of any kind and only penalize law abiding citizens. None of them should be passed. This is just another attack on our constitutional rights. I agree there need to be some guide lines and laws that need to be investigated and I would support bills that truly do reduce violence. Please start looking at what will really reduce violence of any kind.

In Opposition of HB207 ***--- HB 207 would effectively impose a punitive $500 state tax on firearm suppressors, on top of any federal requirements, making it significantly more expensive for law-abiding Virginians to purchase a safety device. This disproportionately affects working-class citizens and creates an undue financial barrier to lawful ownership and safety. Additionally, suppressors are often used to reduce hearing damage and improve safety during recreational shooting and hunting. Imposing a high tax discourages the purchase of hearing-protective equipment, contrary to public safety interests. A big concern that I have is the Constitutionality of a steep excise tax targeted at lawfully-used sporting equipment which may be viewed as a de-facto restriction rather than a bona fide tax. Targeted taxes on a specific class of constitutional rights carry potential constitutional concerns and could be seen as an infringement on lawful exercise of those rights. Finally, with the recent federal elimination of the $200 tax on suppressors, HB 207 would reimpose a larger state level cost, effectively nullifying the intended benefit of federal reform and raising the overall cost to consumers. In Opposition to bills HB919 and HB1094 ****----- Imposing an 11 % excise tax on firearms and ammunition — and potentially another 11 % on top of that — penalizes law-abiding Virginians exercising their legal rights. Many individuals rely on firearms and ammunition for self-defense, hunting, and recreation. Excessive taxation makes these basic tools unaffordable for working families. Not to mention there is no clear evidence that additional excise taxes on lawfully purchased firearms or ammunition reduce violent crime. Criminals, by definition, do not purchase items through legal channels. Raising taxes on legal sales will not meaningfully impact criminal behavior. I am very focused on supporting businesses in our local communities in Virginia. Gun shops, shooting ranges, and related small businesses already operate on thin margins. Additional taxes undermine local commerce, discourage investment, and could lead to closures, layoffs, and reduced tourism associated with hunting and shooting sports. Additionally, HB 1094’s proposal to levy a separate 11 % tax on top of HB 919’s tax would double-tax Virginians purchasing firearms or ammunition. Stacking taxes in this way is especially punitive and places a disproportionate burden on rural and moderate-income residents. Any tax policy must balance revenue needs with respect for constitutional rights. Targeted taxation of a specific category of constitutionally protected items — like firearms — risks treating lawful owners as revenue sources rather than citizens with rights. In summary HB 919 directs funds to a ‘Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund,’ but there is limited clarity about how funds will be spent or evaluated. Without clear accountability and measurable outcomes, such taxation lacks transparency and taxpayer protections. These bills are blatantly disingenuous for law-abiding citizens who are simply exercising our God-given right to the 2nd Amendment. Please do not continue to push these bills forward.

So Virginia is essentially taxing a basic civil right. How will the Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund actually use this money? What have they accomplished other than syphon money from the pockets of Virginia's citizens, and probably lining the pockets of Virginia's elected elite? Show us the accomplishments. Show us how this is a solution to any problem regarding violence in Virginia or anywhere else. This is nothing more than a sin tax. Owning a gun is not a sin. It is simply another attempt to impede a basic civil right. What real Virginians and all Americans want are ideas and actions that address the root causes of violence, such as mental illness, social instability, or criminal organizations, including illegal alien gangs. We don't need taxes that merely steal people's money for a cause you obviously do not have a solution for, given a history of decades of attacks on lawful gun ownership that haven't prevented any violence whatsoever.

As a tax payer, voter, and law abiding citizen of this Commonwealth, I request you vote no on HB1094, HB919, HB207

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I oppose these racist bills! They prevent black and brown people from exercising their 2nd Amendment rights and from protecting themselves. The suppressor tax causes undue hearing damage by needlessly increasing the cost of a safety tool so these bills are not about safety but a denial of rights by emposing an undue financial burden on the very people it should be protecting.

I urge you to vote "NO" on all the above bills,. We are already taxed enough! I believe the new Governor pledged to make VA affordable and that would logically mean no more taxation!

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. I’m here today to address why this proposed state tax on suppressors is unnecessary, economically harmful, and disconnected from public safety. At the federal level, lawmakers recently removed the $200 federal tax stamp that had long been attached to suppressors. That change recognized an important reality: suppressors are not criminal tools—they are safety devices. They reduce harmful noise, protect hearing, and lessen the impact on surrounding communities. Despite that federal shift, this proposal would move our state in the opposite direction by imposing a $500 state tax on the very same lawful item. Suppressors remain heavily regulated even without the federal tax. Purchasers are still subject to extensive background checks, fingerprinting, registration requirements, and approval processes through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nothing about this bill improves oversight or accountability. It simply adds cost. That cost has real consequences. A $500 state tax will not deter criminals—because criminals do not acquire suppressors through lawful channels. What it will do is suppress economic activity inside this state. Consumers will purchase elsewhere, businesses will lose sales, and in-state manufacturers and dealers will be put at a competitive disadvantage. Lawful commerce will decline, while neighboring states benefit. This proposal effectively replaces a removed federal tax with a larger state-level penalty, undoing economic momentum rather than building on it. Any projected revenue must be weighed against reduced sales, lost jobs, and businesses choosing not to operate here at all. There is also a fairness issue. When the government stacks fees this high, it creates a system where lawful ownership is dictated by income. That is not public safety—it is a financial barrier imposed on compliance. Finally, this bill sets a troubling precedent. If the state can justify a $500 tax on suppressors today, it becomes easier to justify new taxes on other lawful equipment tomorrow. That kind of incremental policy creep erodes trust and punishes responsibility. Suppressors reduce noise. They protect hearing. They are already regulated. The federal government recognized this by removing its tax burden. This bill ignores that reality and replaces it with an even heavier one—at the expense of our state’s economy and law-abiding citizens. For those reasons, I urge you to oppose this proposal. Thank you for your time.

These bills are nothing more than punitive taxes for those wishing to exercise a Constitutionally-protected Natural Right. There is no grounds for these taxes any more than for taxing hundreds of dollars to check out a library book or having a poll tax of hundreds of dollars to vote. None of these will stand up to the inevitable court challenges, and Virginia tax payers will be on the hook to foot that bill as well. The Commonwealth went into 2026 with a $2,700,000,000 budget surplus, yet the General Assembly, under Democrat rule, seems determined to further tax the citizens. These bills are a disgrace and I strongly urge you to relegate each to the trashcan of history.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Will this bill also implement an excise on other constitutional rights? Why not implement an excise tax on paper, pens, pencils, typewriters, or printers used by authors exercising their First Amendment rights to express political dissent? An excise tax on a constitutionally-granted civil right is a 'sin tax.' It does not matter if you're taxing Second Amendment or First Amendment rights, or any civil right. Why implement a bill that discriminates against low-income citizens by adding unnecessary burdens and obstructions that discourage exercising their civil rights?

How did the authors of the bills such as a 500 dollar tax on suppressors,11 percent tax on ammo, create the numbers? Research ? Educated guess? Tax fairy? Similar to the dog walking tax...Nonsense tax meant to fund bloated programs...If as a delegate and if you have common sense you would vote against all of the anti gun bills..Citizens ,Lafave vs Fairfax county is a case of Fairfax county being sued in court by Lafave. Fairfax denied carry in parks.. The case had made its way to the supreme Court..Judge Roberts granted the writ on the shadow docket. Fairfax has until Feb 16 26 to answer ..If the case is accepted and plaintiff wins..This will affect other gun laws..

Very much opposed to these bills. Looks like the Dems in Richmond are determined to disarm their Black voters. Very obvious that if they truly believe getting a Drivers License is a burden on Black people then adding exorbitant taxes and licensing costs on firearms and ammunition must be a conscious effort on the Dem's part to disarm the Black population. This is very sad!

HB 207 - This bill contradicts current federal regulations. Oppose. HB 919 and 1094 - These bills preclude disadvantaged populations (who Democrats are supposed to care about) from purchasing a product they are permitted to purchase under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1, Section 13 of the VA State Constitution. This financial burden may have the unintended consequence of forcing people toward illicit purchases. Oppose.

More contradiction from politicians. You asked for votes based on a promise of improving affordability, and out of the gate you want to tax everything including basic human rights. These taxes are unconstitutional and we will easily defeat them in court. We will also be requesting any monies collected be refunded.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill. If you vote yes it will show that you are going against honest Virginians. Please vote NO!

Adding a higher tax on firearms will make it so only the rich can afford them. This will not stop crime in any way or form.

I oppose poll taxes which limit the rights of citizens to only wealthy individuals. The wealthy elite should not be the only ones allowed freedom.

his bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year

Greetings: I write to oppose bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. In the interest of the people of Virginia, increasing taxes on suppressors and introducing 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth does not improve the economic environment of Va., reduce class difference between citizens, or improve well being. Reducing the burden to acquiring suppressors allows Virginians to practice lawful use of firearms in a way that does not cause undue disruption to neighbors and protects hearing for greater well-being. Businesses who can sell more suppressors would be better off, and thus more economically contributive, if they're able to sell without the burdensome tax. Concerning businesses, it is also an undue burden on manufacturers to shoulder this excise tax and likely pass it to customers. It is nearly equivalent enacting the same tax on publishers of media containing lawful speech simply for do so and thus making that media more burdensome to acquire by lawful citizens. In the case of all three bills, it does not benefit business, Virginians, or Virginia as a whole and they should be rejected outright.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

Vote NO on these bills. They take away Virginians rights.

Charging an extraordinary tax or any tax on a device that will protect my hearing and the hearing of those around me is unconscionable. I oppose this tax and want to see a NO vote on bill HB 207. I oppose any new taxes on ammo, parts, supplies and guns. Be it at the retail, whole sale or manufacture level. This is a “sin tax,” that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Vote NO on HB 919 and HB 1094.

These bills do nothing but set up financial roadblocks for law abiding citizens to own firearm accessories under the guise of public safety. With a slew of incoming taxes already about to become law, we as Virginia citizens can quite literally not afford to have anymore unjust and unconstitutional laws reign supreme over our livelihoods and liberties.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. There are a lot of things that need to be addressed to make the Commonwealth better for it citizens. This is not one of them. Kind of funny you didn't run on these issues during the last election. You can be sure the next election will point out how you serve your major donors and not your constituents or the Constitution. I used to be a democrat and a significant donor. But ever since I realized that the Virginia democratic party supported racists like the last and current democratic governor. I would rather vote for a rock then any so called democrat.

As the Assistant Manager, Mid-Atlantic States for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), I respectfully urge you to oppose House Bill 919 (HB 919) and House Bill 1094 (HB 1094) – discriminatory legislation that would establish an 11% excise tax rate for firearms and ammunition manufacturers, intended to provide funding for the “Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund” which will likely result in the financial burden falling upon law abiding sportsmen and women. Virginia’s sportsmen and women are already the backbone of the funding structure for conservation efforts that benefit wildlife and their habitat throughout the Commonwealth, as well as the citizenry at large. The passage of financially discriminatory legislation like HB 919 and HB 1094, will likely result in an unintended and consequential diminishment of the state’s conservation funding.

Please vote no on HB1094 and HB919. An 11% tax is unfairly burdensome to the people Virginia. We should not have to pay extra for the right to protect ourselves. This is a direct attack on all people of moderate income, (which is most of your constituents), and is an attack on the 2nd amendment. I will actively rally others and donate to groups that seek to depose you if you continue your attack on law abiding Virginians

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I suffer from persistent tinnitus as a result of considerable target shooting in my youth. While suppressors get a lot of attention in movies and TV, they aren't a significant factor in crime in Virginia. I'd ask the committee to avoid taxes designed to discourage their use.

HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 violate constitutionally protected rights and disproportionately burden low-income Virginians, effectively converting a fundamental right into a privilege available only to those who can afford it. These bills infringe the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, §13 of the Virginia Constitution by placing substantial restrictions on the ability of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms without sufficient justification or narrow tailoring. The right to keep and bear arms has been recognized as an individual, fundamental right, and laws burdening its exercise must meet heightened constitutional scrutiny—standards these bills fail to satisfy. In addition to their constitutional defects, these measures impose significant financial barriers on firearm ownership and lawful carry. Fees, mandatory training costs, recurring renewals, compliance expenses, travel requirements, and the risk of legal penalties fall most heavily on low-income individuals. For many Virginians, these costs are not minor inconveniences but insurmountable obstacles to exercising a protected right. Low-income residents are often the most reliant on lawful self-defense, particularly in rural or high-crime areas where police response times may be longer. By increasing the cost and complexity of compliance, these bills undermine the ability of economically disadvantaged individuals to protect themselves and their families, while doing little to deter criminal behavior by those who already disregard the law. The government may not condition the exercise of a fundamental right on a person’s financial means. Just as poll taxes and excessive fees tied to speech or voting are unconstitutional, laws that price citizens out of exercising the right to keep and bear arms are equally impermissible. HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 create a two-tiered system of rights—one for those who can afford compliance and one for those who cannot. Laws that both violate constitutional protections and disproportionately burden the poor are unjust and should be rejected.

Do not vote for these bills

Why are you singling out my purchase of a Constitutionally-protected firearm or firearm accessory for special and excessive taxation? This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with a desire to prevent honest people from obtaining firearms.

HB919 & HB1094 creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers. Our new Governor campaigned on reducing the cost of living for Virginians, although it seems this promise doesn't apply to law-abiding gun owners - and as it turns out, it doesn't apply to anybody given all the new taxes proposed. These bills amount to a 'sin tax' for a lawful activity - and a basic civil right. Why stop there? Let's relive the past and bring the poll tax back and raise even more revenue on the backs of the law abiding who are simply exercising a basic civil right. Let's raise yet more cash and pass an excise tax for book publishers as well!

HB919 & HB1094 creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers. Our new Governor campaigned on reducing the cost of living for Virginians, although it seems this promise doesn't apply to law-abiding gun owners - and as it turns out, it doesn't apply to anybody given all the new taxes proposed. These bills amount to a 'sin tax' for a lawful activity - and a basic civil right. Why stop there? Let's relive the past and bring the poll tax back and raise even more revenue on the backs of the law abiding who are simply exercising a basic civil right. Let's raise yet more cash and pass an excise tax for book publishers as well! As far as HB207 goes, the $500 tax on suppressors - this is yet another unwarranted punishment singling out gun owners. Owners of NFA-controlled items such as suppressors are some of the most law-abiding on Earth, yet they are punished - in advance - for simply wanting to preserve their hearing, either at the range or while engaging in lawful hunting activities. The last crime committed with a legally-owned suppressor was in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone' - lots of good those zones do - so this is hardly a pressing public safety issue. It is yet another solution in search of a problem, and is yet another slap in the face of the law-abiding. But that's what passes for governing these days when Democrats run things: punish the law abiding and reward the criminals.

I oppose any and all legislation that goes against the second amendment. The 2nd amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away period . How about dealing with the criminals and being harder on them like reinstating the death penalty!

I oppose the "sin" taxes you are placing on lawful citizens for purchases you oppose. There is not a single item in the Commonwealth the General Assembly has placed a 3 figure tax on. Additionally I do not understand how anyone can support taxing poorer people out of the opportunity to own a device that reduces traumatic brain injuries such as a suppressor.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I am opposing HB207, HB919 and HB1094 (which are similar in argument). I do not understand the opposition to suppressors, and I cannot understand regulating them. They are not the silencers from the movies that let you kill people without being heard. They are legitimate safety devices that both quiet the noise of a gun and soften the blast, making shooting safer for everyone. This is the same as telling construction workers that they can buy helmets, but it's a $500 tax on top of the cost, and anyone who buys a helmet is a construction-obsessed freak that needs to be registered for everyone's safety. HB919 and HB 1094 I am opposing because "money to prevent gun violence" is not a plan, and increasing the cost of ammo (and guns) only ensures that people practice less, making them less safe. I would oppose any additional tax without a plan, like if there was an 11% tax on adopting kitten to "prevent cruelty to animals". Virginia needs taxes to run, I understand that. But I can't abide being taxed for nebulous reasons, especially since it makes a hobby that I love more expensive, when everything in Virginia is becoming more expensive.

Both HB919 and HB1094 are designed to deter CITIZENS from exercising an enumerated right as stated in the Virginia and US constitutions. Our elected representatives have taken an oath to support and defend these constitutions. No constitutional right should be subjected to taxation under any circumstance. Not only is this an abomination, it's a slippery slope. What's next, taxing the practice (or not practicing) of a religion? What about taxing abortions? Virginia will not always be ruled by one party, and the other side will likely retaliate. Importantly, it's time for our elected officials to recognize and respect the citizenry. All citizens are to be governed fairly. Their interests matter more than those of any political party. What is unfortunate is that our elected representatives are owned by their party bosses and contributors. They make no efforts to debate and seek reasonable compromises. None have the guts to even try.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

HB 207 What people see in the movies seldom translates to reality. Suppressors serve a legitimate purpose in firing range practice and hunting to reduce sound to a manageable level. They don't silence as shown in films. Simply owning a suppressor doesn’t cause a person to commit a crime. Like other inanimate objects, they can't act on their own and form criminal intent. Indeed, the last use of one in a crime was in 2019. They are already federally regulated and until recently had been heavily taxed. The amount of this tax comes to 160% in many cases. It is simply a cash grab and does not solve any real problem nor impact criminal behavior. OPPOSE HB 919 / 1094 Taxing firearms and ammunition to set up an unnecessary bureaucracy with a dubious mission and no measures of performance is a waste of money - our tax money. It taxes a basic civil right guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. It sets a precedent for taxing other basic rights including free speech and religion. I also object to the term "gun violence" being used in written law as it is clearly partisan language aimed at political opponents.

I strongly opposed both bills that arbitrarily single out firearms and ammunition for an excise tax. These bills are contrary to your "affordability" platform and seek to deprive citizens of their right to self defense items.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. These efforts only harm law abiding gun owners and will have no appreciable benefits to the Commonwealth.

HB 919 & HB 1094 create a new 11 percent excise tax on the retail sale of firearms and ammunition, imposing a targeted and punitive burden on a single lawful industry while exempting government purchasers from the same costs. Framed as a revenue measure, this bill functions as a discriminatory tax that will harm small businesses, reduce lawful commerce, and drive economic activity out of the Commonwealth. The bills would significantly increase the cost of firearms and ammunition for consumers by stacking a new excise tax on top of existing sales and use taxes. This cost increase will fall hardest on working class Virginians, rural residents, and small independent retailers who operate on thin margins. Many small firearms dealers and ammunition vendors rely on volume sales to remain viable, and an additional 11 percent tax will price customers out of the market or push them to purchase from out of state competitors. HB 919 & HB 1094 also create a strong incentive for cross border commerce and tax avoidance. Neighboring states do not impose comparable excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, making it economically rational for consumers to shop elsewhere. This will reduce in state sales, lower overall tax collections from existing revenue streams, and weaken local businesses without delivering the projected fiscal benefits promised by the bills. These bills also place Virginia based manufacturers and retailers at a competitive disadvantage. Firearms manufacturers that engage in retail sales within the Commonwealth will face higher operating costs than out of state sellers who can ship products to Virginia consumers through alternative channels. This undermines economic development efforts and discourages manufacturers from expanding or maintaining operations in Virginia. HB 919 & HB 1094 further raises concerns about the stability and predictability of the tax base. Firearm and ammunition sales fluctuate significantly based on market conditions, supply chain disruptions, and consumer behavior. Relying on a volatile and shrinking tax base to fund ongoing government programs creates long term budgetary risk rather than sustainable revenue. Finally, the bills earmark all proceeds for a specific program while ignoring the broader economic harm caused to lawful businesses and employees. Selectively taxing a single industry to fund unrelated policy goals sets a dangerous precedent and opens the door to future industry specific taxes whenever political priorities shift. HB 919 & HB 1094 do not represent sound tax policy. It harms Virginia businesses, reduces consumer spending in state, destabilizes existing revenue streams, and drives economic activity elsewhere. For these reasons, these bills should be rejected.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. Virginia doesn't want these gun control bills, it's making national news even.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE ALL THREE OF THESE DEMOCRAT PARTY INSTIGATED ATTACKS ON CITIZEN'S SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS!!! The imposition of an 11% excess tax on firearms and ammunition (HB 919 and HB 1094) and a $500 tax on suppressors (HB207) are the equivalent of imposing a POLL TAX on the exercise of our constitution right to vote. They are simply another attempt to disarm the citizens of the Commonwealth, particularly members of our poorer communities, by levying punitive economic costs. SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to HB1094 and HB919 as they apply a tax to a constitutional right. This is equivalent to a poll tax. I must remind the ones who approve of this bill that this will also impact the poor and minorities the most causing inequality as to who is able to use their constitutional rights.

I strongly oppose the passing of these legislations. Not only are they unconstitutional. They have no merit in public safety in regards to deterring or preventing crime. These types of legislations have been challenged and defeated in court. HB1094 & HB 919: Taxation without Representation or justification. This raises ammunition and firearms prices to manufacturers and law abiding citizens tgat have no intention of committing crimes and that are using firearms for self- defense, hunting, target shooting, range practice, sporting clays and home defense. 2005, Congress passed the bipartisan Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to prevent and curb never-ending series of lawsuits against manufacturers and retailers of firearms to hold them financially responsible for crimes committed using the weapons manufactured or sold by those entities. These taxes are a blatant attempt to circumvent federal law. HB207: Taxation without Representation or Justofication. The Federal Suppressor Tax: Overturned by the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco and deemed UnConstitutional. Suppressors are not firearms. They are not creating, inciting or doing crimes. They suppress noise, reduce harmful noise decibels and combined with hearing protection prevent hearing loss, increased medical costs on the users and spectators. They reduce noise pollution. They are less likely to spook livestock or pets when used for predator control, hunting and recreational shooting. They reduce noise at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. They are not a gun. They are not dangerous or otherwise environmentally damaging. They are no different than a scope or a pair of ear muffs. The only difference is where they are attached to a firearm and that they are not worn by a person. The sales of hearing aides will go down and permanent hearing loss will be reduced by using suppressors and ear muff or ear plugs. That is a win for Medicare, Medicaid, the user, spectators, healthcare costs, health insurance providers and more. PUBLIC SAFETY is provided by using suppressors. Again, these legislations are just a means to increase taxes, they do not prevent or deter crimes and only serve to push a party narrative. They are purely a party push and serve only to prevent men and women from lowering their healthcare costs, reducing noise pollution, reducing health insurance claims, or reducing affordability. I hope the GOA, NRA, VCDL, Gun and Ammo manufacturers, Health insurance companies and combine forces and take you to court and win if these legislations are passed.

I strongly urge this committee to reject HB919 and HB1094. These bills create an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth that will be passed on to the citizen. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Because ammunition can be purchased across state lines, I would expect patrons will go to neighboring states or buy online. This will hurt revenue for Virginia and the businesses that operate in the Commonwealth.

HB207 - There should be no tax on suppressors, you are just making it more expensive for people to be able to shoot their firearms at a lower and safer decibel rating. Even if you use hearing protection, suppressors make shooting guns safer by further reducing the decibel count. And the amount of this tax is ridiculous , $500? This bill is really just trying to make suppressors, which are already expensive on their own, out of reach for people. And aren’t we all already tired of getting hit by more taxes? HB919 - There shouldn’t be an additional tax on firearms and ammunition, these are tools that we use to defend ourselves. Also a 11% tax is a ridiculous amount. Isn’t everyone already getting pinched in today’s economy? HB1094 - There shouldn’t be an additional tax on firearms and ammunition, these are tools that we use to defend ourselves. Also a 11% tax is a ridiculous amount. Isn’t everyone already getting pinched in today’s economy?

I urge you not to support HB207 ,HB919, and HB1094. Suppressors are beneficial for hunter's ear protection and for reducing noise from target practice in neighborhoods. Charging this excessive tax in HB207 is wrong and affects a basic civil right, plus it discriminates against the poor. Also, guns save lives! The excise tax in HB919 and HB1094 are an affront to law abiding citizens exercising their second amendment civil rights.

I am against these three bills as they are designed to punish fire arm owners. Owning fire arms is a constitutional right according to the second amendment, this is an underhanded way of curtailing our second amendment rights. What part of shall not be infringed do you not understand?

Please do not place additional tax on these items. It’s bad visibility to increase the financial burden for lower income citizens of the commonwealth to enjoy their lawful freedoms.

OPPOSE HB207, HB919, and HB1094. This bill is DISCRIMINATORY and makes hearing risk reduction unaffordable for mostly minority gun owners. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I am OPPOSED to HB919 and HB1094. Excessive taxation of a constitutionally protected right on top of already being a heavily taxed firearms market is unethical and immoral.

Please oppose this bill. Additional taxes on guns and ammo amounts to a sin tax… It will not help to stop gun crime. The only thing that will be accomplished is to put money in the government for leftist social engineering projects that I do not support. Where the heck is the AFFORDIBILITY that Gov. Spanberger campaigned on?

As a hunter, I am already paying a 13% excise tax for guns and ammunition through the Pittman-Robertson (PR) act. That tax produces a significant amount of the country's conservation funding and effectively doubles the states conservation allocated funding. Placing an additional tax on firearms and ammo will effectively lower our conservation funding from the PR act since people will not be able to afford the increased prices. Virginia citizens should not be subject to an additional tax and our DWR should not have to work with reduced conservation funding. As a hunter, I use a suppressor on my rifle which lowers the impact on my hearing. Research has shown the sounds from a rifle, even with hearing protection, are enough to cause damage. Since every citizen has the right to keep and bear arms, they should train frequently by shooting the firearm to remain proficient, and in the case of hunters, make an ethical shot. The recent tax removal on suppressors nationally was a step in the right direction for sportsman. Virginia would be taking a step backwards by making this safety device more difficult to purchase. Criminals looking to create a quieter shooting device will simply purchase an illegal fuel cannister and utilize it as a suppressor. This bill only hurts law abiding citizens.

The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I seriously hope you oppose these bills as they are only going to accomplish a lengthy costly court issue and would provide no tangible results based on objective accurate history! Stop punishing the law abiders and I for 1 will remember during next election!

These bills are very reminiscent of Jim Crow Laws and will disproportionately infringe on the rights of lower income demographics. Creating a sin tax for our constitutional rights is a clear violation of your constituents civil rights. Expanding the red flag laws creates a huge potential for abuse and misuse for personal reasons. I have been in law enforcement for over a decade and I cannot think of one instance where the current red flag laws were used. I urge you to vote no on all matters regarding gun control and taxation. These laws do nothing to stop criminals from hurting people. They only place unlawful restrictions on responsible law abiding citizens. Passing and enforcing these laws is also blatantly in violation of US code section 242 of Title 18 Violation of constitutional rights under color of law.

“As the next governor of Virginia, my overarching, unrelenting focus in 2026 will be making the commonwealth more affordable for our fellow Virginians,” -Spanberger. Creating or raising taxes in Virginia would be seen as a direct contradiction to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s 2026 "unrelenting focus" on affordability.

These bills will increase the cost of firearm + firearm accessory ownership in a country where people are already finding it hard to afford other basic necessities. People have it hard enough as is. Adding an extra $500 on the cost of suppressors and extra taxes on firearms and ammunition will make the 2nd amendment a privilege instead of a right. We do not charge women so they have a “privilege” to vote nor do we charge our fellow Americans for the “privilege” of not being a slave. This is because constitutionally we have the right to not be enslaved, have women vote, speak freely and practice our religions, and also to bear arms without any infringements. Adding what is essentially a sin tax to suppressors, firearms, and ammunition is unnecessary and unacceptable. I don’t support HB 1094 and HB 919

I oppose HB919 & HB1094 and I urge you to do the same. I fully support comments made by the Virginia Citizens Defense League and the NRA. This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. What other punitive taxes will be created? We are already taxed on these items as well as everything else we buy, along with utility taxes, fuel tax, personal property taxes, real estate taxes, and of course income tax. You pay to earn it and pay to spend it, even on necessities. Enough with all of the taxes and fees already!

I do not support HB207, HB919, and HB 1094 and want you to vote against them. These bills seem like bills of attainder against Virgina gun owners. The economic impact will hurt the poorest of citizens disproportionately and represents a sin tax against civil rights. Additionally, The cost of litigation to defend these laws will cost the Commonwealth millions of dollars. These types of bills may be good candidates for AAG Dhillon of the DOJ Civil Rights Division to pursue. Please do not vote for these bad bills.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I am opposed to ANY law that limits my ability to carry, use, purchase, or own firearms. This includes the right to carry in public places or my vehicle, and it includes the right to defend myself. I am totally and completely opposed to ANY leftist agenda, and I am informing you, whoever you are, that there is a lot of anger out here over what's going on in our state, and indeed, in our nation and our world. It's become apparent that, far from what we voted for, Pres. Trump will continue to knuckle under to the left. Therefore, we shall have to fight for our rights in our state. Be warned: not everyone will knuckle under! There are some of us patriots left!

The recent passage of HB217 and related gun control measures in the Virginia House, including bans on so-called "assault firearms" and large-capacity magazines, represents a direct assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. These laws, which criminalize the sale, manufacture, and transfer of commonly owned firearms, ignore the Constitution's clear protections and the Founding Fathers' intent. The Second Amendment states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." James Madison, the amendment's primary drafter, emphasized in Federalist No. 46 that an armed citizenry serves as a bulwark against tyranny, arguing that the federal government would be restrained by "the advantage of being armed which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation." Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote in a 1787 letter to William Stephens Smith that "what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms." The Founders viewed the right to bear arms as essential for self-defense, hunting, and resisting oppression—not limited to outdated muskets, but evolving with technology. Supreme Court precedents affirm this. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense, and struck down D.C.'s handgun ban. Justice Scalia noted that it safeguards "arms in common use at the time," which today includes semi-automatic rifles like those targeted by HB217. McDonald v. Chicago (2010) extended this to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. Most recently, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) invalidated restrictive carry laws, requiring gun regulations to align with historical traditions—something Virginia's broad bans fail to do, as they prohibit weapons millions of Americans own without incident. These measures won't reduce crime—criminals ignore laws—but they disarm the innocent. Virginia's Founders, like Patrick Henry, warned against disarming the people: "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel." Lawmakers should repeal these unconstitutional infringements and uphold our heritage of freedom.

The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

You have all betrayed your constituents with all of these new laws stripping our constitutional rights. Trying to make it so hard to own, carry, and purchase guns and ammunition that people just give up or cant afford it. Expansion of the Red Flag laws to people who are in no way qualified to make that decision to strip someone of their constitution rights. Giving that option especially to Spouses like no one would ever use that to satisfy a grudge against an ex. Also creating a system that punishes people for seeking help with medical counselors or lose their constitutional rights. The tax on ammunition alone is an obvious attempt to make it even harder for people to afford to practice with their firearms which is required for proficiency and price people out of purchasing them to begin with. The tax on suppressor when the fed stamp has been removed is just more obvious money grabbing and trying to make it restricted by putting a "poll tax" on it just like ammunition. Trying to outlaw the sale of commononly used firearms like AKs and ARs even though the Supreme Court has already ruled that the second amendment protects guns in common use. This is the first time ever I have been absolutely ashamed to be a Virginian in my entire life. You have all sold out the people and every one of you should lose your seat if you vote for these bills. Why do you need all these new taxes when you were handed a several billion dollar surplus at the end of last year? Answer is its not about the money, its about taking away guns. Try staying out of our wallets, homes, and lives for a change. How about fulfilling the promise of affordability that was made? How about reducing taxes instead of creating new ones? How about protecting the freedom of Virginians instead of trying to control us so you can use us like little cash shelters. Disgusting behavior and you should all be ashamed.

I oppose this bill because the proposed $500 tax on suppressors is excessive, punitive, and disconnected from reality. Suppressors are not tools of crime, they don’t make guns silent, they simply reduce noise to safer levels, similar to the difference between a jet engine and a jackhammer. They help protect hearing, reduce noise complaints, and make lawful target shooting more neighbor-friendly. The fact that the last known criminal misuse of a legally owned suppressor in Virginia was years ago, and in a gun-free zone, underscores how misplaced this tax is. For suppressors that cost around $300, a $500 tax amounts to a 160% surcharge, effectively pricing lower-income shooters and hunters out of a basic safety tool. This bill doesn’t improve public safety; it just penalizes responsible, law-abiding people for taking reasonable steps to reduce noise and protect their hearing.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill

bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I am a Virginia resident, a home-based Federal Firearms Licensee, and a responsible gun owner. I strongly oppose HB919 and HB1094. These bills impose an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition sold into the Commonwealth. This type of tax functions as a “sin tax” on the exercise of a constitutional right, disproportionately affecting lower- and middle-income Virginians while placing small, independent dealers at a competitive disadvantage. Firearms ownership is lawful and responsible for the vast majority of citizens. Taxing firearms and ammunition to discourage access sets a dangerous precedent. We do not levy special excise taxes on books, newspapers, or internet access to fund First Amendment initiatives, nor should we tax the Second Amendment out of reach for ordinary citizens. From a business perspective, this tax will reduce sales, push customers to out-of-state or online markets, and harm small Virginia FFLs that already operate on thin margins. The long-term economic impact on lawful commerce and jobs should not be ignored. I respectfully ask the committee to reject these bills and pursue public-safety solutions that do not rely on selectively taxing a civil right or undermining small local businesses.

VOTE NO on HB207: This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? VOTE NO on HB919 & HB1094: These bills creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I am opposed to HB207. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? I am also opposed to HB919 and HB1094. These bills create an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I oppose the firearms and ammo tax increase bills HB919 HB 1094. This will be a heavy burden on gun owners across the commonwealth, (Law Enforcement included) who need firearm practice and proficiency. I oppose HB 207.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I oppose these HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. HB207: I oppose because I think reducing ambient noise is a public and environmental good. We should be encouraging people to use suppressors while they responsibly enjoy the use of their firearms. I hike and camping year round and it would be more pleasant for everyone if hunters used suppressed rifles. Hiking near trap and skeet and shooting ranges would also be nicer. Additionally, people who are at shooting ranges would benefit from reduced hearing risk. I suspect if suppressors were widely used, ranges would be safer as verbal communication would be improved. I do not think that suppressors will result in a new wave of crime. They are still NFA items and they have been affordable to responsible law abiding citizens for some time, suppressors make gunss much larger, generally less reliable, and harder to conceal. They also, as far as I know, reduce the sound to the level depicted in movies and people will still know that there are guns being used at a distance. We should be encouraging their use to increase hearing safety just like we are encouraging the disuse of obnoxious leaf blowers. HB 919 & HB 1094 (11% Excise Taxes): While the mission of the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund is noble, these taxes punishment on responsible people to pay for the acts of irresponsible people. In general we do not have social corollary to this (we don't charge charge parents special taxes even though some of children do eventually go on to become problems to society). I would rather this initiative be funded through through broader means. Especially because reducing sales through taxes will just force criminals to achieve their violence through other means while reducing peoples ability to enjoy their freedoms and defend themselves.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

My Wife and I strongly oppose HB207 HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

My name is Jonathan Gatell, and I am a resident of West Springfield and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094 currently under consideration in the House Finance Committee. As a lawful gun owner, I am deeply concerned that these bills represent an unconstitutional and regressive approach to public safety. Rather than addressing the root causes of violence, these measures create significant financial barriers that disenfranchise low-income Virginians and vulnerable communities. My specific concerns regarding this legislative package include: • HB 207 ($500 Suppressor Tax): This is a punitive tax on essential safety equipment. Contrary to popular media portrayals, suppressors are hearing-protection devices that reduce the report of a firearm to safer levels; they do not "silence" it. Imposing a $500 tax makes shooting sports and self-defense training more dangerous for those without significant disposable income. • HB 919 & HB 1094 (11% Excise Taxes): While the mission of the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund is noble, funding it through a flat 11% excise tax is fundamentally regressive. Much like the "poll taxes" of the past, these costs disproportionately impact lower-income and minority citizens. These are the very groups who are historically the most frequent targets of hate crimes and who may rely on affordable means of self-defense. By imposing these "sin taxes" on a constitutionally protected right, the Commonwealth risks alienating moderate and progressive gun owners who support responsible safety measures but oppose economic discrimination. Rights should not be luxuries reserved only for the wealthy. I appreciate your dedication to mitigating gun violence, but I ask that you seek solutions that do not involve regressive taxation or the financial disenfranchisement of your constituents.

I am a resident of Arlington and a dedicated Democrat. My commitment to the party is deep; I have worked on campaigns for Gerry Connolly and Terry McAuliffe, and even traveled to canvas for Raphael Warnock during his special election. I am writing to you today because I am deeply invested in our party’s success and its commitment to progressive values. However, I am writing to strongly urge you to oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. As a lawful gun owner, I believe these bills are not only electorally risky but also fundamentally regressive. At a time when we are fighting to protect vulnerable populations, these measures would disproportionately disenfranchise the very people who need protection most. My specific concerns include: HB207 ($500 Suppressor Tax): This is a punitive tax on safety equipment. Suppressors are vital tools for hearing protection at the range. Pricing them out of reach for average citizens does not improve public safety; it simply makes shooting sports more dangerous for those without significant disposable income. HB919 & HB1094 (11% Firearm and Ammunition Taxes): While I support the mission of the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund, funding it through a flat 11% excise tax is a regressive move. Similar to "poll taxes" of the past, these costs overwhelmingly impact lower-income and minority communities—groups that are historically the most frequent targets of hate crimes and political targeting. By validating the "anti-gun" labels often used by the opposition, these bills risk alienating moderate and progressive gun owners alike. More importantly, they create a financial barrier to a constitutional right that will primarily affect those in the most vulnerable economic tiers. I appreciate the focus on mitigating gun violence, but I ask that you seek solutions that do not involve regressive taxation or the disenfranchisement of your own constituents. Sincerely, Samuel Reid Lipton Arlington, VA

I oppose these HB207, HB919, HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB909, HB1094. These bills unnecessarily increase costs for law abiding firearm owners and create a situation where only the wealthy can afford to exercise their rights.

I oppose these bills because it punishes lawful gun owners by making them pay more to practice responsible gun ownership. Being a responsible gun owner requires commitment and training and that means using a considerable amount of ammo at the range. 90% of firearms used in crime are either bought illegally or stolen - so taxes would not apply and they would not help curb crime or violence in any way. Again, this is a bill that punishes responsible gun owners. We all want to same thing - to end gun violence in Virginia. These bills will not do that.

I oppose HB919 and HB1094. These bills impose a regressive 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition on top of Virginia’s existing sales tax. This proposal primarily taxes lawful, regulated retail purchases, not the people committing gun violence. It is fundamentally unfair to make responsible Virginians pay a special surcharge for crimes they did not commit. If the goal is to fund violence-prevention efforts, the funding mechanism should target violent offenders, not lawful commerce. Instead, the General Assembly should consider approaches that require those convicted of gun crimes to contribute (e.g., restitution or work programs), rather than pricing out lawful citizens who are trying to train and remain proficient and safe. The bill is also likely to be counterproductive for revenue. Tripling the effective tax burden on these products increases incentives to buy out of state, delay purchases, or avoid the market entirely. This means Virginia could plausibly collect less revenue, not more, while harming in-state small businesses. Even the Department of Taxation describes its revenue estimate as speculative and the actual revenue impact as uncertain. These bills also expand government bureaucracy and impose new compliance burdens on Virginia businesses. The fiscal impact statement for HB1094 indicates additional administrative costs, including the need for dedicated personnel to administer the new tax. That is more overhead and paperwork for both the Commonwealth and lawful dealers and vendors, on top of an already uncertain revenue stream. Supporters cite Everytown’s data that “gun violence costs Virginia $14.2B each year, of which $288.3M is paid by taxpayers.” However, that figure is not representative of the Virginia General Fund burden. It is a modeled estimate that bundles combined federal, state, and local government spending and includes federal programs and long-term assumption-based items, so it should not be presented as what Virginia taxpayers or the Virginia General Fund actually pay. Virginia’s JLARC analysis, based on Virginia claims data, suggests a much smaller direct public medical cost burden. JLARC found about $28.5M in paid claims for initial treatment over 2021–2023, with Medicaid paying about 80% of that, and noted those Medicaid costs were less than 0.05% of total Medicaid claim expenditures. That implies that 0.05% of annual Medicaid claim spending is on the order of about $8M per year. Even if you still accept the $288.3M figure, it is unfairly being used to justify punishing lawful buyers. Virginia’s overall spending is on the order of tens of billions per year (e.g., $87.5B total spending reported for FY2025), making $288.3M roughly about 0.3% of annual spending. That does not justify creating a new, targeted sin-tax on constitutionally protected, highly regulated purchases by law-abiding residents. Virginia should reject HB919 and HB1094 and focus on targeted enforcement against violent offenders and evidence-based interventions, without taxing responsible citizens and undermining lawful training and safety.

I support this bill because gun violence costs Virginia $14.2 billion each year, of which $288.3 million is paid by taxpayers.

The slew of new "taxes" as well as the attack on firearm's enthusiasts and the 2nd amendment will solidify my moving out of state once passed. It's become very clear that we are fundamentally opposed to each others views and ways of life. However, rather than adopt a live and let live approach like myself, you seek to undermine and impose your views on me. How dare you, how dare you single out citizens and residents of this great commonwealth and demand they pay additional "taxes" on things like firearms and ammunition when they already pay the state sales tax. What's troubling is you will lie and state a myriad of reasons why these additional taxes exist, but the reality is you're just trying to inconvenience and restrict gun owners. You just don't have the integrity to come out and say it. Good riddance.

I am 41 years old and despite never being in the military, being exposed to excessively loud noises throughout my life, and having no genetic preconditions for hearing loss, I have tinnitus. It started to creep up within the first year I began training with a pistol for the purpose of self-defense after being jumped and attacked no less than 5 times in the 2 years prior to buying that pistol. When I went to the range, I wore ear plugs AND ear muffs (the latter costing nearly $300 in an attempt to get the best of the best) and STILL I realized quickly that, despite being in a quiet room, I was hearing loud ringing. This combination is capable of reducing the concussive noise of a gunshot only minimally. My doctor says there's really no possible other source other than my exposure to firearms. My exposure that was only a tiny fraction of what soldiers are subjected to, what shooting sports enthusiasts are subjected to, and so forth. Had I been able to afford a suppressor and $200 NFA tax at the time, I would have been able to reduce the decibel output of my pistol by up to 35 dB. Combine that with my hearing protection, and I would have NEVER come to have tinnitus from shooting sports AND everyone else in the range with me would have been subjected to far less noise as well. A suppressor should be easily accessible, taxed only at the prevailing consumer goods sales tax, and require no government approval so that there are no barriers to protecting the hearing of a shooter and those around them while exercising one's 2nd amendment rights. It seems as if a $500 tax on suppressors is a retaliatory action not grounded in any kind of premise of safety or health. It would limit once again access to what is fundamentally a hearing protection device to wealthy VA residents. Is this the message Democrats want to send: "We want guns to be as loud as possible and if you are keen to be respectful to your own hearing and others, we will force you to pay $500!" That doesn't land well with anyone. It fundamentally makes no sense, especially since in Europe, South Africa, and other parts of the world you can simply walk into a store, buy a suppressor (you're encouraged to do so), and walk out in as much time as it takes to drink a cup of coffee. This tax obviously solves nothing, will not raise revenue fairly and justly, and will likely cost VA more to defend than it rakes in as suppressors are already commonly $1,000 or more. Anti-2A laws do not reduce crime in the same way anti-reproductive rights laws do not reduce abortions... in both instances the result is worse. Stop infringing on Constitutional rights and start focusing on what matters.

Opposition to HOUSE BILL NO. 919 Retail Firearm and Ammunition Tax (11%) HB 919 expands a constitutional defect by directly taxing retail purchasers, effectively penalizing individual Virginians for exercising their rights. A. Direct Consumer Taxation Is More Constitutionally Suspect This bill taxes the point of exercise of the Second Amendment itself. Under Heller, firearms and ammunition are not accessories—they are essential. A right that cannot be practically exercised is no right at all. Courts have repeatedly recognized that: Ammunition is protected under the Second Amendment (see Jackson v. City and County of San Francisco, 746 F.3d 953 (9th Cir. 2014)) Excessive costs imposed by law can amount to a de facto ban An 11% tax—on top of existing federal excise taxes and state sales taxes—substantially increases the cost of lawful ownership. B. Selective Exemptions Undermine the State’s Rationale The exemption for law-enforcement officers and low-volume sellers reveals that the tax is not genuinely about violence prevention, but about discouraging civilian ownership. Under equal-protection principles and Bruen, selective exemptions weaken any claim of historical consistency. Pro-Second Amendment groups have emphasized that civilian gun ownership has declined in many high-tax jurisdictions without corresponding reductions in violent crime, including cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, undermining the public-safety justification. C. Revenue Earmarking Does Not Cure Constitutional Violations Directing funds to a “Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund” does not legitimize an unconstitutional tax. The Supreme Court has never allowed the government to violate a right so long as the proceeds are used for a well-intentioned purpose. The Virginia General Assembly should reject HB 919 in defense of: 1) Constitutional fidelity 2) Equal treatment of fundamental rights 3) Evidence-based public policy Firearm policy disagreements cannot override constitutional guarantees. Rights do not become privileges simply because they are politically disfavored. Adoption of HOUSE BILL NO. 919 opens the Commonwealth of Virginia to legal action that would inflict an undue and unecessary burden on the citizens of the Commonwealth.

These bills are as anti-gun and anti-2nd amendment at their core. Many bills related to firearms this legislative session at least use the cover of safety to cover their anti-gun intention, these bills HB 207, SB 763, HB 919 and HB 1094 do no such thing. They just financially punish law abiding Virginians for using firearms to hunt, target shoot and protect their families. The result of these bills is that law-abiding Virginians will simple go to another state to make a firearm related purchase, and no one will come to Virginia to make a purchaser. The result, at a minimum, will be: 1. reducing state and local sales tax revenue 2. impacting small independent firearm business by reducing their revenue with the potential for staff reductions or closure I do not support this bill nor do the 200+ active members, 2000+ inactive members of Northern Virginia's largest hunting association - The National Sportsman Association.

As a Virginia resident and voter, I am writing to let you know that I strongly oppose HB207 and HB 919. The ATF has already removed the $200 tax stamp at the Federal level so why do ya'll think you can impose a $500 tax on something that is helpful to shooters and hunters. The felons and law breakers do use suppressors in their acts of crime so why are you punishing the lawful people of VA. Ya'll are suppose to be helping Virginians not suppressing them! As far as the addition taxes ya'll want to impose on gun owners that is despicable!!!! What are you going to do with the extra money gained from this? Ya'll have yet to tell us what is the plan for the excess funds VA will be raking in about the 2.1B surplus we have every year and this will make VA the highest taxed state in the US. Don't ya'lll see what is happening in CA and NY where business and people are leaving because of the excess taxes being imposed?

As the Assistant Manager, Mid-Atlantic States for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), I respectfully urge you to oppose House Bill 919 (HB 919) – discriminatory legislation that would establish an 11% excise tax rate for firearms and ammunition manufacturers, intended to provide funding for the “Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund” which will likely result in the financial burden falling upon law abiding sportsmen and women. Virginia’s sportsmen and women are already the backbone of the funding structure for conservation efforts that benefit wildlife and their habitat throughout the Commonwealth, as well as the citizenry at large. The passage of financially discriminatory legislation like HB 919, will likely result in an unintended and consequential diminishment of the state’s conservation funding.

Abjectly opposed to ANY new taxes for ANY reason. We have an overabundance of money in this state as it is and are taxed enough.

Strongly Oppose HB919. Stop the grift. Tax, tax, tax! GET OUT OF MY POCKET!

I strongly oppose this bill.

I live in Southwestern Virginia and I stand firmly against all these Bills the Democrats are trying to pass, especially my 2nd Amendment rights. I am a law abiding citizen with a concealed weapons permit. I use to work for the Department Of Corrections. I have had a lot of firearms training. I am safe and respect others. These gun laws that are trying to be passed is tyrannical gun laws. I was given this right by my Forefathers, "The right to bear arms Shall Not Be INFRINGED"! It's the law of the land. Democrats are about going against our rights. I will never ever vote for one single Democrat until they go back to the Party of the 1980's and before. Now they are against American Patriots and values. I oppose all gun laws. I oppose all the taxes as well that the Democrats get rich from us poor people. Please reconsider taking people's rights because that will have big consequences at Election time. Sandford Fields

Vote NO on bills 207, 919, and 1094. Further, do not allow bill 954 to pass. Thank you K. P. Chess

Virginia was in good shape, we had a surplus of money that Gov Youngkin gave back to the taxpayers. And NOW you want to raise taxes on everything. There are alot of us on a fixed income and can't afford the taxes. These taxes are no necessary unless it is putting money into your pockets. This needs to stop or we will vote you out, after we do a recall. You are not doing what is best for the taxpayers in Virginia. You are doing this for you and how much money it will put in your pockets. STOP THE RAISING OF ANY TAXES ON VIRGINIANS.

These proposed bills are a blatant attack on our 2nd amendment rights and personal liberties. They will do nothing to stop crime but as usual, restrict the law abiding responsible gun owners. Why don't you stop making it easier for criminals to walk our streets and at the same time try to restrict our ability to defend our families and ourselves??? You are allowed to be protected by armed security but what you're saying in these proposals is that we don't have the same right.

I oppose All of the above Gun Bills. I am not a criminal nor have I ever been one. Our Government can Not protect me my property, or my Family. I have a God given right to bear and own guns Also 2A rights. You work for ME ! You are supposed to represent ME ! Stop with All the Over reach . Let me tell you what you should be doing , You should be passing bills to benefit the American people like Health care, economy, Get rid of these taxes that benefit your needs !! Finish deporting these illegal immigrants you brought into this country !! Again No on Gun bills .

The 2nd amendment does not in any way shape or form all these changes constitutional. Every bill you are pushing through house is definition of infringement. Also the first amendment grants all US citizens the freedom of speech . As a Christian I am subject to hate speech from others and have no avenue of protection other than my 2 nd amendment rights !

I oppose ALL of the above gun bills. I am not a criminal never have been . Our Goverment can not protect me , my family or my property I have a God given right to bear arms also 2A rights .You work for ME !! You are suppose to represent ME ! Stop the over reach . Do something that benefits the American citizens , Healthcare, economy, get rid of All these taxes you have burdened the people with , Finish deporting illegal immigrates .

As a retired federal officer (Not ICE), I am concerned about a few things; the proposed magazine and firearms ban, leaving Virginia citizens unprotected against criminals who will not follow the laws, and the retired Federal, State and Local officers who DO NOT have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round magazines. As retired officers, most of us are still quietly acting as Sheepdogs, still watching over our neighbors and strangers. Not exempting retired officers from the magazine ban can be catastrophic, whether you realize it or not. While some state and local officers have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round mags, some municipalities and all Federal officers do NOT have this luxury, and it will create a disparity among those who can purchase and keep their 15 round magazines and those who cannot by either law or policy. The US Constitution does not regulate what firearms Americans can keep, with some exceptions; but it DOES permit US Citizens to keep & bear arms. Historically kept firearms have been recognized by the high courts as not illegal and have ruled in favor of this. Like many, I feel that this "gun grab" as it's called was rushed through too quickly without considering the retirees who have served this state with honor and dignity. I urge you to not just ban 15 round mags for our citizens, but especially for the retirees. The way the language is currently written, the 15 round ban will not affect officers who have the ability to purchase their duty firearms upon retirement, but would not apply to many others including all federal officers & agents. Not a good way to keep your voters; and could be considered biased by the high courts. We are all the same; we served and protected. Thank you.

I oppose all of these bills as they are against to 2nd Amendment. More importantly, do you really believe that criminals will follow these laws? No. They will continue to commit crimes and if necessary go out of state to acquire what they need. Law abiding patriots, when armed are the best deterrent to crime! I also assume that you folks will not have personal protection details and if you do they will not be allowed to carry the type of firearms you are trying to outlaw!

❌ Oppose HB 207 (Keys-Gamarra) HB 207 imposes additional firearm restrictions that burden lawful gun owners while doing nothing to address violent crime. Laws that target possession rather than criminal misuse undermine constitutional protections and divert attention from enforcing existing laws against violent offenders. ❌ Oppose HB 566 (McNamara) HB 566 expands government control over lawful firearm ownership without historical justification or evidence of effectiveness. The Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary citizens to keep and bear arms, and broad regulatory schemes like this fail constitutional scrutiny under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework. ❌ Oppose HB 919 (Lopez) HB 919 penalizes lawful firearm possession and commerce rather than criminal behavior. Public safety is not enhanced by placing additional legal and financial barriers on responsible citizens, and this bill risks chilling the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right. ❌ Oppose HB 954 (Watts) HB 954 advances sweeping firearm restrictions that are unsupported by historical precedent. Under the Constitution, rights cannot be limited simply because lawmakers believe regulation is preferable—restrictions must be narrowly tailored and historically grounded, which this bill is not. ❌ Oppose HB 1008 (Tran) HB 1008 infringes on the rights of law-abiding Virginians by expanding firearm prohibitions beyond constitutional limits. Collective punishment and preemptive restrictions violate due process and ignore the Supreme Court’s clear instruction that firearm regulations must align with historical tradition. ❌ Oppose HB 1094 (Laufer) HB 1094 imposes excessive regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact responsible gun owners while failing to deter criminal violence. The Constitution does not allow rights to be conditioned on convenience, compliance costs, or bureaucratic discretion. ❌ Oppose HB 1362 (McNamara) HB 1362 further erodes the Second Amendment by restricting access to commonly owned firearms and lawful activities. Policies that treat constitutional rights as privileges undermine public trust and expose the Commonwealth to costly and unnecessary litigation. ❌ Oppose HB 1474 (O’Quinn) HB 1474 expands government authority over private firearm ownership in ways that conflict with constitutional protections and established legal precedent. Virginia should focus on punishing criminal misuse of firearms—not restricting the rights of citizens who obey the law.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094!!!

To All Involved, We the People DO NOT want all of the tyrannically oppressive bills you are considering to be passed. Especially the ones related to OUR second amendment rights. No where in the constitution is a state given the authority to restrict any of OUR rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. To make any attempt to do so is dancing precariously close to the line of exercising DESPOTISM over the people. Which is exactly why the founding fathers ensured we had a bill of rights written and ratified. At least take some time to seriously think through the implications of any legislation you may want to consider. V/R Charles

What happened to the campaign promise of cost cutting, lower taxes and making life more affordable for citizens? Defending the bills in court will use taxpayers cash, court time ,labor..Raising taxes on items you don't like and stating costs will lowered is a lie..from the general assembly to the governors office..Honor your oath and correct your lies with truth..Vote no on gun bills..

Politicians system of tax , spend, waste, is a system created by them ..This has been around for years A corrupt system of power. A group think of nonsense..Where they can only see there side and are blinded to any common sense..Will not listen to anyone and if they seem interested it is just to look good in front of everyone..They pretend to listen.But there mind is made up already on there own plans. The liberal base who voted for them include guns owners..This should tell you they don't care about there voting bloc..They know this will end up in court ..Wasting tax payers money ..The courts time..And don't care about citizens in general. There campaign mantra was cut costs for citizens.But taxpayer cash will be used to defend there gun bills

I urge you to vote "NO" on all the above bills,. We are already taxed enough! I believe the new Governor pledged to make VA affordable and that would logically mean no more taxation!

Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. I’m here today to address why this proposed state tax on suppressors is unnecessary, economically harmful, and disconnected from public safety. At the federal level, lawmakers recently removed the $200 federal tax stamp that had long been attached to suppressors. That change recognized an important reality: suppressors are not criminal tools—they are safety devices. They reduce harmful noise, protect hearing, and lessen the impact on surrounding communities. Despite that federal shift, this proposal would move our state in the opposite direction by imposing a $500 state tax on the very same lawful item. Suppressors remain heavily regulated even without the federal tax. Purchasers are still subject to extensive background checks, fingerprinting, registration requirements, and approval processes through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nothing about this bill improves oversight or accountability. It simply adds cost. That cost has real consequences. A $500 state tax will not deter criminals—because criminals do not acquire suppressors through lawful channels. What it will do is suppress economic activity inside this state. Consumers will purchase elsewhere, businesses will lose sales, and in-state manufacturers and dealers will be put at a competitive disadvantage. Lawful commerce will decline, while neighboring states benefit. This proposal effectively replaces a removed federal tax with a larger state-level penalty, undoing economic momentum rather than building on it. Any projected revenue must be weighed against reduced sales, lost jobs, and businesses choosing not to operate here at all. There is also a fairness issue. When the government stacks fees this high, it creates a system where lawful ownership is dictated by income. That is not public safety—it is a financial barrier imposed on compliance. Finally, this bill sets a troubling precedent. If the state can justify a $500 tax on suppressors today, it becomes easier to justify new taxes on other lawful equipment tomorrow. That kind of incremental policy creep erodes trust and punishes responsibility. Suppressors reduce noise. They protect hearing. They are already regulated. The federal government recognized this by removing its tax burden. This bill ignores that reality and replaces it with an even heavier one—at the expense of our state’s economy and law-abiding citizens. For those reasons, I urge you to oppose this proposal. Thank you for your time.

How did the authors of the bills such as a 500 dollar tax on suppressors,11 percent tax on ammo, create the numbers? Research ? Educated guess? Tax fairy? Similar to the dog walking tax...Nonsense tax meant to fund bloated programs...If as a delegate and if you have common sense you would vote against all of the anti gun bills..Citizens ,Lafave vs Fairfax county is a case of Fairfax county being sued in court by Lafave. Fairfax denied carry in parks.. The case had made its way to the supreme Court..Judge Roberts granted the writ on the shadow docket. Fairfax has until Feb 16 26 to answer ..If the case is accepted and plaintiff wins..This will affect other gun laws..

Adding a higher tax on firearms will make it so only the rich can afford them. This will not stop crime in any way or form.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

Do not vote for these bills

I oppose any and all legislation that goes against the second amendment. The 2nd amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away period . How about dealing with the criminals and being harder on them like reinstating the death penalty!

I am opposed to ANY law that limits my ability to carry, use, purchase, or own firearms. This includes the right to carry in public places or my vehicle, and it includes the right to defend myself. I am totally and completely opposed to ANY leftist agenda, and I am informing you, whoever you are, that there is a lot of anger out here over what's going on in our state, and indeed, in our nation and our world. It's become apparent that, far from what we voted for, Pres. Trump will continue to knuckle under to the left. Therefore, we shall have to fight for our rights in our state. Be warned: not everyone will knuckle under! There are some of us patriots left!

The recent passage of HB217 and related gun control measures in the Virginia House, including bans on so-called "assault firearms" and large-capacity magazines, represents a direct assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. These laws, which criminalize the sale, manufacture, and transfer of commonly owned firearms, ignore the Constitution's clear protections and the Founding Fathers' intent. The Second Amendment states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." James Madison, the amendment's primary drafter, emphasized in Federalist No. 46 that an armed citizenry serves as a bulwark against tyranny, arguing that the federal government would be restrained by "the advantage of being armed which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation." Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote in a 1787 letter to William Stephens Smith that "what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms." The Founders viewed the right to bear arms as essential for self-defense, hunting, and resisting oppression—not limited to outdated muskets, but evolving with technology. Supreme Court precedents affirm this. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense, and struck down D.C.'s handgun ban. Justice Scalia noted that it safeguards "arms in common use at the time," which today includes semi-automatic rifles like those targeted by HB217. McDonald v. Chicago (2010) extended this to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. Most recently, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) invalidated restrictive carry laws, requiring gun regulations to align with historical traditions—something Virginia's broad bans fail to do, as they prohibit weapons millions of Americans own without incident. These measures won't reduce crime—criminals ignore laws—but they disarm the innocent. Virginia's Founders, like Patrick Henry, warned against disarming the people: "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel." Lawmakers should repeal these unconstitutional infringements and uphold our heritage of freedom.

You have all betrayed your constituents with all of these new laws stripping our constitutional rights. Trying to make it so hard to own, carry, and purchase guns and ammunition that people just give up or cant afford it. Expansion of the Red Flag laws to people who are in no way qualified to make that decision to strip someone of their constitution rights. Giving that option especially to Spouses like no one would ever use that to satisfy a grudge against an ex. Also creating a system that punishes people for seeking help with medical counselors or lose their constitutional rights. The tax on ammunition alone is an obvious attempt to make it even harder for people to afford to practice with their firearms which is required for proficiency and price people out of purchasing them to begin with. The tax on suppressor when the fed stamp has been removed is just more obvious money grabbing and trying to make it restricted by putting a "poll tax" on it just like ammunition. Trying to outlaw the sale of commononly used firearms like AKs and ARs even though the Supreme Court has already ruled that the second amendment protects guns in common use. This is the first time ever I have been absolutely ashamed to be a Virginian in my entire life. You have all sold out the people and every one of you should lose your seat if you vote for these bills. Why do you need all these new taxes when you were handed a several billion dollar surplus at the end of last year? Answer is its not about the money, its about taking away guns. Try staying out of our wallets, homes, and lives for a change. How about fulfilling the promise of affordability that was made? How about reducing taxes instead of creating new ones? How about protecting the freedom of Virginians instead of trying to control us so you can use us like little cash shelters. Disgusting behavior and you should all be ashamed.

I live in Southwestern Virginia and I stand firmly against all these Bills the Democrats are trying to pass, especially my 2nd Amendment rights. I am a law abiding citizen with a concealed weapons permit. I use to work for the Department Of Corrections. I have had a lot of firearms training. I am safe and respect others. These gun laws that are trying to be passed is tyrannical gun laws. I was given this right by my Forefathers, "The right to bear arms Shall Not Be INFRINGED"! It's the law of the land. Democrats are about going against our rights. I will never ever vote for one single Democrat until they go back to the Party of the 1980's and before. Now they are against American Patriots and values. I oppose all gun laws. I oppose all the taxes as well that the Democrats get rich from us poor people. Please reconsider taking people's rights because that will have big consequences at Election time. Sandford Fields

Virginia was in good shape, we had a surplus of money that Gov Youngkin gave back to the taxpayers. And NOW you want to raise taxes on everything. There are alot of us on a fixed income and can't afford the taxes. These taxes are no necessary unless it is putting money into your pockets. This needs to stop or we will vote you out, after we do a recall. You are not doing what is best for the taxpayers in Virginia. You are doing this for you and how much money it will put in your pockets. STOP THE RAISING OF ANY TAXES ON VIRGINIANS.

These proposed bills are a blatant attack on our 2nd amendment rights and personal liberties. They will do nothing to stop crime but as usual, restrict the law abiding responsible gun owners. Why don't you stop making it easier for criminals to walk our streets and at the same time try to restrict our ability to defend our families and ourselves??? You are allowed to be protected by armed security but what you're saying in these proposals is that we don't have the same right.

I oppose All of the above Gun Bills. I am not a criminal nor have I ever been one. Our Government can Not protect me my property, or my Family. I have a God given right to bear and own guns Also 2A rights. You work for ME ! You are supposed to represent ME ! Stop with All the Over reach . Let me tell you what you should be doing , You should be passing bills to benefit the American people like Health care, economy, Get rid of these taxes that benefit your needs !! Finish deporting these illegal immigrants you brought into this country !! Again No on Gun bills .

The 2nd amendment does not in any way shape or form all these changes constitutional. Every bill you are pushing through house is definition of infringement. Also the first amendment grants all US citizens the freedom of speech . As a Christian I am subject to hate speech from others and have no avenue of protection other than my 2 nd amendment rights !

I oppose ALL of the above gun bills. I am not a criminal never have been . Our Goverment can not protect me , my family or my property I have a God given right to bear arms also 2A rights .You work for ME !! You are suppose to represent ME ! Stop the over reach . Do something that benefits the American citizens , Healthcare, economy, get rid of All these taxes you have burdened the people with , Finish deporting illegal immigrates .

As a retired federal officer (Not ICE), I am concerned about a few things; the proposed magazine and firearms ban, leaving Virginia citizens unprotected against criminals who will not follow the laws, and the retired Federal, State and Local officers who DO NOT have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round magazines. As retired officers, most of us are still quietly acting as Sheepdogs, still watching over our neighbors and strangers. Not exempting retired officers from the magazine ban can be catastrophic, whether you realize it or not. While some state and local officers have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round mags, some municipalities and all Federal officers do NOT have this luxury, and it will create a disparity among those who can purchase and keep their 15 round magazines and those who cannot by either law or policy. The US Constitution does not regulate what firearms Americans can keep, with some exceptions; but it DOES permit US Citizens to keep & bear arms. Historically kept firearms have been recognized by the high courts as not illegal and have ruled in favor of this. Like many, I feel that this "gun grab" as it's called was rushed through too quickly without considering the retirees who have served this state with honor and dignity. I urge you to not just ban 15 round mags for our citizens, but especially for the retirees. The way the language is currently written, the 15 round ban will not affect officers who have the ability to purchase their duty firearms upon retirement, but would not apply to many others including all federal officers & agents. Not a good way to keep your voters; and could be considered biased by the high courts. We are all the same; we served and protected. Thank you.

I oppose all of these bills as they are against to 2nd Amendment. More importantly, do you really believe that criminals will follow these laws? No. They will continue to commit crimes and if necessary go out of state to acquire what they need. Law abiding patriots, when armed are the best deterrent to crime! I also assume that you folks will not have personal protection details and if you do they will not be allowed to carry the type of firearms you are trying to outlaw!

❌ Oppose HB 207 (Keys-Gamarra) HB 207 imposes additional firearm restrictions that burden lawful gun owners while doing nothing to address violent crime. Laws that target possession rather than criminal misuse undermine constitutional protections and divert attention from enforcing existing laws against violent offenders. ❌ Oppose HB 566 (McNamara) HB 566 expands government control over lawful firearm ownership without historical justification or evidence of effectiveness. The Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary citizens to keep and bear arms, and broad regulatory schemes like this fail constitutional scrutiny under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework. ❌ Oppose HB 919 (Lopez) HB 919 penalizes lawful firearm possession and commerce rather than criminal behavior. Public safety is not enhanced by placing additional legal and financial barriers on responsible citizens, and this bill risks chilling the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right. ❌ Oppose HB 954 (Watts) HB 954 advances sweeping firearm restrictions that are unsupported by historical precedent. Under the Constitution, rights cannot be limited simply because lawmakers believe regulation is preferable—restrictions must be narrowly tailored and historically grounded, which this bill is not. ❌ Oppose HB 1008 (Tran) HB 1008 infringes on the rights of law-abiding Virginians by expanding firearm prohibitions beyond constitutional limits. Collective punishment and preemptive restrictions violate due process and ignore the Supreme Court’s clear instruction that firearm regulations must align with historical tradition. ❌ Oppose HB 1094 (Laufer) HB 1094 imposes excessive regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact responsible gun owners while failing to deter criminal violence. The Constitution does not allow rights to be conditioned on convenience, compliance costs, or bureaucratic discretion. ❌ Oppose HB 1362 (McNamara) HB 1362 further erodes the Second Amendment by restricting access to commonly owned firearms and lawful activities. Policies that treat constitutional rights as privileges undermine public trust and expose the Commonwealth to costly and unnecessary litigation. ❌ Oppose HB 1474 (O’Quinn) HB 1474 expands government authority over private firearm ownership in ways that conflict with constitutional protections and established legal precedent. Virginia should focus on punishing criminal misuse of firearms—not restricting the rights of citizens who obey the law.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094!!!

To All Involved, We the People DO NOT want all of the tyrannically oppressive bills you are considering to be passed. Especially the ones related to OUR second amendment rights. No where in the constitution is a state given the authority to restrict any of OUR rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. To make any attempt to do so is dancing precariously close to the line of exercising DESPOTISM over the people. Which is exactly why the founding fathers ensured we had a bill of rights written and ratified. At least take some time to seriously think through the implications of any legislation you may want to consider. V/R Charles

What happened to the campaign promise of cost cutting, lower taxes and making life more affordable for citizens? Defending the bills in court will use taxpayers cash, court time ,labor..Raising taxes on items you don't like and stating costs will lowered is a lie..from the general assembly to the governors office..Honor your oath and correct your lies with truth..Vote no on gun bills..

Politicians system of tax , spend, waste, is a system created by them ..This has been around for years A corrupt system of power. A group think of nonsense..Where they can only see there side and are blinded to any common sense..Will not listen to anyone and if they seem interested it is just to look good in front of everyone..They pretend to listen.But there mind is made up already on there own plans. The liberal base who voted for them include guns owners..This should tell you they don't care about there voting bloc..They know this will end up in court ..Wasting tax payers money ..The courts time..And don't care about citizens in general. There campaign mantra was cut costs for citizens.But taxpayer cash will be used to defend there gun bills

I urge you to vote "NO" on all the above bills,. We are already taxed enough! I believe the new Governor pledged to make VA affordable and that would logically mean no more taxation!

Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. I’m here today to address why this proposed state tax on suppressors is unnecessary, economically harmful, and disconnected from public safety. At the federal level, lawmakers recently removed the $200 federal tax stamp that had long been attached to suppressors. That change recognized an important reality: suppressors are not criminal tools—they are safety devices. They reduce harmful noise, protect hearing, and lessen the impact on surrounding communities. Despite that federal shift, this proposal would move our state in the opposite direction by imposing a $500 state tax on the very same lawful item. Suppressors remain heavily regulated even without the federal tax. Purchasers are still subject to extensive background checks, fingerprinting, registration requirements, and approval processes through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nothing about this bill improves oversight or accountability. It simply adds cost. That cost has real consequences. A $500 state tax will not deter criminals—because criminals do not acquire suppressors through lawful channels. What it will do is suppress economic activity inside this state. Consumers will purchase elsewhere, businesses will lose sales, and in-state manufacturers and dealers will be put at a competitive disadvantage. Lawful commerce will decline, while neighboring states benefit. This proposal effectively replaces a removed federal tax with a larger state-level penalty, undoing economic momentum rather than building on it. Any projected revenue must be weighed against reduced sales, lost jobs, and businesses choosing not to operate here at all. There is also a fairness issue. When the government stacks fees this high, it creates a system where lawful ownership is dictated by income. That is not public safety—it is a financial barrier imposed on compliance. Finally, this bill sets a troubling precedent. If the state can justify a $500 tax on suppressors today, it becomes easier to justify new taxes on other lawful equipment tomorrow. That kind of incremental policy creep erodes trust and punishes responsibility. Suppressors reduce noise. They protect hearing. They are already regulated. The federal government recognized this by removing its tax burden. This bill ignores that reality and replaces it with an even heavier one—at the expense of our state’s economy and law-abiding citizens. For those reasons, I urge you to oppose this proposal. Thank you for your time.

How did the authors of the bills such as a 500 dollar tax on suppressors,11 percent tax on ammo, create the numbers? Research ? Educated guess? Tax fairy? Similar to the dog walking tax...Nonsense tax meant to fund bloated programs...If as a delegate and if you have common sense you would vote against all of the anti gun bills..Citizens ,Lafave vs Fairfax county is a case of Fairfax county being sued in court by Lafave. Fairfax denied carry in parks.. The case had made its way to the supreme Court..Judge Roberts granted the writ on the shadow docket. Fairfax has until Feb 16 26 to answer ..If the case is accepted and plaintiff wins..This will affect other gun laws..

Adding a higher tax on firearms will make it so only the rich can afford them. This will not stop crime in any way or form.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

Do not vote for these bills

I oppose any and all legislation that goes against the second amendment. The 2nd amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away period . How about dealing with the criminals and being harder on them like reinstating the death penalty!

I am opposed to ANY law that limits my ability to carry, use, purchase, or own firearms. This includes the right to carry in public places or my vehicle, and it includes the right to defend myself. I am totally and completely opposed to ANY leftist agenda, and I am informing you, whoever you are, that there is a lot of anger out here over what's going on in our state, and indeed, in our nation and our world. It's become apparent that, far from what we voted for, Pres. Trump will continue to knuckle under to the left. Therefore, we shall have to fight for our rights in our state. Be warned: not everyone will knuckle under! There are some of us patriots left!

The recent passage of HB217 and related gun control measures in the Virginia House, including bans on so-called "assault firearms" and large-capacity magazines, represents a direct assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. These laws, which criminalize the sale, manufacture, and transfer of commonly owned firearms, ignore the Constitution's clear protections and the Founding Fathers' intent. The Second Amendment states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." James Madison, the amendment's primary drafter, emphasized in Federalist No. 46 that an armed citizenry serves as a bulwark against tyranny, arguing that the federal government would be restrained by "the advantage of being armed which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation." Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote in a 1787 letter to William Stephens Smith that "what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms." The Founders viewed the right to bear arms as essential for self-defense, hunting, and resisting oppression—not limited to outdated muskets, but evolving with technology. Supreme Court precedents affirm this. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense, and struck down D.C.'s handgun ban. Justice Scalia noted that it safeguards "arms in common use at the time," which today includes semi-automatic rifles like those targeted by HB217. McDonald v. Chicago (2010) extended this to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. Most recently, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) invalidated restrictive carry laws, requiring gun regulations to align with historical traditions—something Virginia's broad bans fail to do, as they prohibit weapons millions of Americans own without incident. These measures won't reduce crime—criminals ignore laws—but they disarm the innocent. Virginia's Founders, like Patrick Henry, warned against disarming the people: "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel." Lawmakers should repeal these unconstitutional infringements and uphold our heritage of freedom.

You have all betrayed your constituents with all of these new laws stripping our constitutional rights. Trying to make it so hard to own, carry, and purchase guns and ammunition that people just give up or cant afford it. Expansion of the Red Flag laws to people who are in no way qualified to make that decision to strip someone of their constitution rights. Giving that option especially to Spouses like no one would ever use that to satisfy a grudge against an ex. Also creating a system that punishes people for seeking help with medical counselors or lose their constitutional rights. The tax on ammunition alone is an obvious attempt to make it even harder for people to afford to practice with their firearms which is required for proficiency and price people out of purchasing them to begin with. The tax on suppressor when the fed stamp has been removed is just more obvious money grabbing and trying to make it restricted by putting a "poll tax" on it just like ammunition. Trying to outlaw the sale of commononly used firearms like AKs and ARs even though the Supreme Court has already ruled that the second amendment protects guns in common use. This is the first time ever I have been absolutely ashamed to be a Virginian in my entire life. You have all sold out the people and every one of you should lose your seat if you vote for these bills. Why do you need all these new taxes when you were handed a several billion dollar surplus at the end of last year? Answer is its not about the money, its about taking away guns. Try staying out of our wallets, homes, and lives for a change. How about fulfilling the promise of affordability that was made? How about reducing taxes instead of creating new ones? How about protecting the freedom of Virginians instead of trying to control us so you can use us like little cash shelters. Disgusting behavior and you should all be ashamed.

I am 41 years old and despite never being in the military, being exposed to excessively loud noises throughout my life, and having no genetic preconditions for hearing loss, I have tinnitus. It started to creep up within the first year I began training with a pistol for the purpose of self-defense after being jumped and attacked no less than 5 times in the 2 years prior to buying that pistol. When I went to the range, I wore ear plugs AND ear muffs (the latter costing nearly $300 in an attempt to get the best of the best) and STILL I realized quickly that, despite being in a quiet room, I was hearing loud ringing. This combination is capable of reducing the concussive noise of a gunshot only minimally. My doctor says there's really no possible other source other than my exposure to firearms. My exposure that was only a tiny fraction of what soldiers are subjected to, what shooting sports enthusiasts are subjected to, and so forth. Had I been able to afford a suppressor and $200 NFA tax at the time, I would have been able to reduce the decibel output of my pistol by up to 35 dB. Combine that with my hearing protection, and I would have NEVER come to have tinnitus from shooting sports AND everyone else in the range with me would have been subjected to far less noise as well. A suppressor should be easily accessible, taxed only at the prevailing consumer goods sales tax, and require no government approval so that there are no barriers to protecting the hearing of a shooter and those around them while exercising one's 2nd amendment rights. It seems as if a $500 tax on suppressors is a retaliatory action not grounded in any kind of premise of safety or health. It would limit once again access to what is fundamentally a hearing protection device to wealthy VA residents. Is this the message Democrats want to send: "We want guns to be as loud as possible and if you are keen to be respectful to your own hearing and others, we will force you to pay $500!" That doesn't land well with anyone. It fundamentally makes no sense, especially since in Europe, South Africa, and other parts of the world you can simply walk into a store, buy a suppressor (you're encouraged to do so), and walk out in as much time as it takes to drink a cup of coffee. This tax obviously solves nothing, will not raise revenue fairly and justly, and will likely cost VA more to defend than it rakes in as suppressors are already commonly $1,000 or more. Anti-2A laws do not reduce crime in the same way anti-reproductive rights laws do not reduce abortions... in both instances the result is worse. Stop infringing on Constitutional rights and start focusing on what matters.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

I am against HB1094 and HB 207.

I am writing to oppose the outrageous bills being discussed to limit/restrict Virginians Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms. Nonsensical limitations on weapons type and magazine capacity will have zero impact in reducing violent crime in our State. That I can state with authority having spent 30 years in law enforcement. Taxing firearms and ammunition only prevents our poorest residents from personal Defence and could be viewed as racist by many. Respectfully request that you come to your senses and focus on areas that will benefit and not harm citizens of the Commonwealth.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I live in Southwestern Virginia and I stand firmly against all these Bills the Democrats are trying to pass, especially my 2nd Amendment rights. I am a law abiding citizen with a concealed weapons permit. I use to work for the Department Of Corrections. I have had a lot of firearms training. I am safe and respect others. These gun laws that are trying to be passed is tyrannical gun laws. I was given this right by my Forefathers, "The right to bear arms Shall Not Be INFRINGED"! It's the law of the land. Democrats are about going against our rights. I will never ever vote for one single Democrat until they go back to the Party of the 1980's and before. Now they are against American Patriots and values. I oppose all gun laws. I oppose all the taxes as well that the Democrats get rich from us poor people. Please reconsider taking people's rights because that will have big consequences at Election time. Sandford Fields

Dear Elected Representatives, It is very clear to me that the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Commonwealth in Virginia is now considered a disfavored right. The bills in question will not deter a single criminal nor prevent a single crime, but will punish honest, law-abiding citizens for exercising their rights. May we expect an 11% tax or a $500 fee for free speech, freedom of assembly, or worshipping as we please? I think not. We already have some 32,000 gun laws in this country and the problem is not more regulation but the lack of enforcement of those existing laws. The Second Amendment protects a right to keep and carry firearms, not a privilege, not a perk, not a whim. It is as integral to our citizenship as speaking freely, petitioning our government for grievances, and worshipping and living where we like. It is a brake on tyranny, and the fact that some people abuse that right does not nullify that right, and those that do ought to be punished. The people have a right to defend themselves wherever they happen to be, to deliberately interfere with that right puts the people in danger, and 100 million gun owners are not a "vocal minority." The measures proposed, in my view, would violate the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, increase the risk to the general public (the Washington Post found that 86% of mass shootings between 2009-2016 occurred in “gun-free” zones), and signal that the ownership of firearms is discouraged. Perhaps the latter is the real goal, that despite volumes of data indicating that gun ownership tends to prevent crime, certain dogma holds otherwise, but again, dogma should not and cannot trump a Constitutional right.

My household of 4 (who are all of voting age) oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

OPPOSED to these bills!!!

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094, these bills single out specific Virginian’s by targeting them with punitive tax and is a further attack on our 2nd Amendment right.

I oppose bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. Americans have a God given right, recognized in the Constitution of the United Sates of America and affirmed by the Supreme Court, to possess, utilize, and train with firearms and other related equipment. Taxing ammunition, firearm sales, and firearm related sales punishes every citizen of Virginia for exercising a RIGHT. Furthermore, taxing these items punishes most those most in need of protection - the average working class man or woman. People who work long hours for average or below average wages often have the most need for an affordable means to protect themselves and their families. These bills add to the financial burden of good people, in addition to insulting their heritage as Virginians. These three bills are poor policy on every level. The people of this state deserve better.

I am a Virginia resident who is deeply concerned by HB207, HB919, and HB1094. These bills do not simply raise revenue. They send a clear message that law abiding citizens who exercise a constitutional right are an acceptable target for excessive taxation. HB207’s $500 suppressor tax feels especially punitive. Many suppressors cost far less than the tax itself. For ordinary Virginians like me, this is not a fee. It is a wall. Suppressors are not tools of crime. They do not silence firearms. They reduce noise to safer levels that help prevent permanent hearing damage and reduce disturbance to neighbors. Hunters, sport shooters, and rural families benefit from this every day. The last known criminal misuse of a legally owned suppressor in Virginia occurred years ago, yet this bill treats every responsible owner as a problem to be taxed out of existence. This tax will not stop criminals. It will only ensure that working class Virginians cannot afford to comply with the law. HB919 and HB1094 are equally troubling. An 11 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition is a direct financial burden on the exercise of a civil right. These costs will not be absorbed by manufacturers. They will be passed on to people like me. If the state would never consider taxing books or newspapers to fund government programs, it should not tax the tools required to exercise the Second Amendment. Owning a firearm is not a sin. For many Virginians, it is about self defense, family safety, hunting traditions, and personal responsibility. From a budget standpoint, these bills are short sighted. Higher prices will push sales out of Virginia and hurt local businesses. Promised revenue will shrink while trust in the fairness of our tax system erodes. When the state selectively taxes constitutional rights, it creates resentment and division instead of stability. I ask this committee to consider who truly bears the cost of these bills. It is not criminals. It is not wealthy special interests. It is regular Virginians who follow the law, care about safety, and simply want to be left alone to live their lives responsibly. Please reject HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I oppose any bills that go against the constitution for the right to bear arms. This is the people’s only way against tyranny from the opposing party.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I understand that some members of the board believe these measures are necessary; however, I am struggling to see how the two proposals in question provide any tangible benefit to the Commonwealth. From my perspective, they appear primarily to restrict lawful access and impose additional financial burdens on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners exercising their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights. In particular, I would appreciate clarification on how the proposed $500 tax on suppressors serves the public interest. It is difficult to understand how this measure accomplishes anything beyond penalizing individuals who are otherwise complying with existing laws. I respectfully ask what public safety or policy objective this tax is intended to achieve. I believe this issue deserves thoughtful discussion, and I hope policymakers will carefully consider how these proposals impact responsible citizens across the Commonwealth. -Sic Semper Tyranni—

I understand that some members of the board believe these measures are necessary; however, I am struggling to see how the two proposals in question provide any tangible benefit to the Commonwealth. From my perspective, they appear primarily to restrict lawful access and impose additional financial burdens on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners exercising their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights. In particular, I would appreciate clarification on how the proposed $500 tax on suppressors serves the public interest. It is difficult to understand how this measure accomplishes anything beyond penalizing individuals who are otherwise complying with existing laws. I respectfully ask what public safety or policy objective this tax is intended to achieve. I believe this issue deserves thoughtful discussion, and I hope policymakers will carefully consider how these proposals impact responsible citizens across the Commonwealth. -Sic Semper Tyrannis-

Vote NO on bills 207, 919, and 1094. Further, do not allow bill 954 to pass. Thank you K. P. Chess

Comment is in reference to HB919 and HB1094. These bills unfairly single out firearms and ammunition and impose an undue burden on firearms owners and users. An 11% tax per bill which aggregates to a 22% excise tax on the end consumer for new firearms (already on top of sales and other taxes) since one can reasonably assume any taxes on the manufacturer and/or retail seller will be passed on to the consumer not only places an undue financial barrier to those who wish to lawfully exercise their rights as guaranteed in both the U.S. Constitution and the Commonwealth of Virginia Constitution, the ammunition tax itself will discourage the purchase of needed live ammunition with which to train, making the firearms owner *less* safe. Gun owners who train often are far safer with their firearms than those who train infrequently (or not at all), much like drivers who safely practice their skills in actual traffic conditions are overall safer drivers than those who rarely drive. It will also have the effect of encouraging ammunition "hoarding" which I believe is contrary to the intent of the bill.

House bills 207, 919, and 1094 impose taxes on the exercise of a constitutional right. In the case of 207, it imposes a significant burden on a health saving device that reduces hearing damage for all lawful uses of arms. Individuals are safer with guns when they can practice regularly. Regular practice is safer with the use of a suppressor as it reduces permanent hearing damage. Individuals across Virginia are struggling with affordability. Do not impose a modern poll tax on a constitutional right. I and many of my liberal friends are gun owners who practice regularly and will be immediately impacted by these laws. These bills are not in the best interests of Virginians.

I oppose these bills.

NO MORE TAXES!! Stop discriminating against my poor community and people! This is a Poll Tax targeted against my people and we will NOT support Democrats in their effort to punish the poor even more.

Dear Sir/Madam, I am against (HB 207) the $500 Tax Scheme on Suppressors, which helps with hearing and being kind to others' hearing. I, also, fought against the Federal $200 Tax Scheme, which adds extra burdens on persons who wish to protect their hearing better, while exercising their 2nd Amendment and it makes it harder for people who may be on lower or fixed incomes, are disabled, elderly and the like, from gaining the benefits of the use of suppressors. Turning a Right into a Poll Tax, which my father fought, regarding voting. This is unacceptable and, also, almost a "Sin Tax." I am against (HB 919 and 1094) that would add an 11% on a Right, essentially as a "Sin Tax" against one(s) wishing to exercise their 2nd Amendment Right. This would, also, hurt those on fixed incomes (the elderly, disabled, etc.) and who make less money, especially, harder to be able to exercise their 2nd Amendment Constitutional Rights. These taxes are both unacceptable and further taxation on a Right. Thank you for your time.

I oppose these bills because of the overall hardship for costs on the consumer. My understanding was that agenda of incoming democrats were to increase safety by reducing the number of ARs there were in the public. This does not increase safety but simply makes training and purchasing unaffordable, widen the gap between the wealthy and middle class, increasing noise pollution for unaffordable suppressors for hunting. With our current political climate, hate crimes and abuses made by federal law enforcement , we should impede law abiding citizens from simply making purchases. I would ask to kill these tax bills or at minimum reduce them all to a more reasonable number than 11 percent and a 500 dollar tax stamp on top of increased prices due to tariffs.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

**Opposition to HB 207** **1. Privacy Violations** HB 207 mandates unnecessary surveillance and governmental interference in personal activities, especially in education and healthcare. This encroaches on privacy rights and contradicts Virginia’s commitment to protecting individual autonomy. **2. Discriminatory Impact** The bill disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly low-income families and communities of color. Rather than addressing systemic inequalities, it exacerbates them by limiting access to essential services and opportunities. **3. Ineffective Overreach** The bill’s enforcement mechanisms are inefficient and redundant. There’s no evidence that this broad intervention would meaningfully address the issues it targets. It would divert resources from more effective solutions. **Opposition to HB 919** **1. Healthcare Autonomy Undermined** HB 919 restricts individuals' rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By limiting access to reproductive health services, the bill infringes on the right to choose one’s medical provider and treatment, interfering with essential care. **2. Excessive Government Interference** This bill increases state control over private healthcare decisions, undermining medical professionals' expertise and judgment. It creates legal risks for healthcare providers and risks delays and confusion in delivering care. **3. Public Health Risks** By restricting access to essential healthcare services, particularly reproductive health care, HB 919 could lead to poor health outcomes. It may drive individuals to unsafe alternatives, jeopardizing public health, especially in maternal care. **Opposition to HB 1094** **1. Worker Rights Erosion** HB 1094 weakens protections for workers by expanding employer power and creating loopholes in labor laws. This bill prioritizes corporate interests over workers' rights, potentially exploiting vulnerable employees. **2. Economic Inequity** The bill disproportionately harms lower-income workers who have less leverage to negotiate fair terms. It undermines efforts to create a more equitable workforce, worsening economic inequality in Virginia. **3. Constitutional Concerns** HB 1094 raises serious constitutional issues, particularly regarding workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. It could violate fundamental rights and reduce access to due process for workers.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. All three bills would serve to unduly burden law-abiding Virginians from exercising their lawful right to keep and bear arms. In a time of high inflation and increased cost of living, it is profoundly unjust to levy these additional high costs onto ordinary Virginians. Further, these tax measure would disproportionately impact those of lower household income -- Virginians of all economic statuses are entitled to the rights and liberties under the Constitutions of the United States and Virginia. This legislature should not seek to economically burden these rights further.

Please oppose HB919 and HB1094. These bills promote an excessive, regressive tax that places an unreasonable burden on citizens seeking to exercise fundamental civil rights. It is a throwback to the days of segration and oppressive laws targeting specific peoples, and unworthy of our great Commonwealth.

HB919 and HB1094 This tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun should not be in question. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. And by allowing legitimate and law-abiding citizens the right to practice safely only adds to the safety of this state. For instance, no one wants to talk about the lawful and responsible use of a firearm protecting self, family, and others. Read some statistics that are suppressed by media outlets and biased reporting; “A recent study by John Lott and Carlisle Moody "Do Armed Civilians Stop Active Shooters More Effectively Than Uniformed Police"? The study took place from 2014 to 2022, armed civilians not only stopped more active shooter incidents than police, but they also saved more lives and made fewer mistakes. Law enforcement is rarely on site when violence occurs, most often they are reactive and that takes time...time you may not have.” “Crime Research.com suggests that there are potentially millions of defensive gun uses annually, ranging from 760,000 to 3.6 million, with an average around 2 million. However, some data suggests a much lower number, with only 70,000 defensive gun uses per year being reported by the government. Other research suggests that between 1.67 and 2.8 million defensive uses occur each year, with approximately 50 million total incidents over time. Here's a more detailed look: Lott's Estimates: Lott's study estimates a range of 760,000 to 3.6 million defensive gun uses per year, suggesting that there are more defensive gun uses than murders in the United States. Government Data: The government reports approximately 70,000 defensive gun uses per year, making them much rarer events. Extrapolated Data: Extrapolating data from surveys, some studies estimate that between 1.67 and 2.8 million defensive gun uses occur annually.” Virginia Citizens Defense League reports that 2.5 million Defensive Uses Each Year. Point being, legal and law-abiding gun ownership in this state protect lives. Allow these citizens the right to practice in order to limit unnecessary collateral damage by legislative suppression of our rights.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom. Respectfully Submitted by a Law Abiding Concerned American Citizen and Resident of Virginia

I am writing as a Virginia resident to strongly request that the proposed bills HB1094, HB919, and HB207 are not voted on and do not pass through committee. Suppressor taxes and firearms related excise taxes are a tax on rights protected by the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution. We are already taxed on these items through sales tax and via a Federal excise tax from the Pittman-Robertson Act. These proposed bills will not address current social issues in VA (e.g., violent crime). Additionally, VA is already becoming unaffordable to live; therefore, proposing any new tax, to include firearms related taxes, decreases affordability for everyday citizens. Next, Virginians deserve policy solutions that target criminals, not responsible firearm owners. These proposed bills make it harder for low income citizens to exercise the rights as defined by the 2nd Amendment. VA already has a surplus of revenue, why do we need more taxes? We are already taxed enough in VA. If the VA Legislature is trying to decrease crime and gun related issues, then we should go after the core of the issues, i.e., mental health treatment, decrease drug trafficking, help with homeless, etc. These proposed bills do not fund any of these issues. At least the revenue from the Pittman-Robertson Act benefits everyone that use our public lands. The revenue from these bills will go into the "General Fund" to be used at the VA Legislature's will. Regardless, a tax on a right limits VA citizens from exercising that right. Please oppose all anti gun legislation and prevent these bills from moving forward out of committee.

As a statesman of Virginia, and citizen of the Constitutional Republic of the United States of America, I strongly oppose these usurpations and violations of our inalienable rights and liberty, that are in the form of bills such as HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I proposed bills HB207,HB919 and HB1094

I rise in opposition to HB207, HB919, and HB1094 because these bills do not promote safety—they punish Virginians for exercising a constitutional right. By imposing excessive taxes on firearms, ammunition, and suppressors, the state is effectively placing a financial barrier on the Second Amendment. Rights guaranteed by the Constitution are not privileges to be taxed into submission. These proposals disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens, including rural residents, minorities, and lower-income individuals who rely on firearms for lawful self-defense. Wealthier individuals will still be able to afford these costs, while others are priced out of a fundamental right. That is neither equitable nor just. The Constitution does not allow the government to discourage the exercise of a protected right through targeted taxation. We do not impose special taxes on free speech, religious practice, or voting—and we should not do so here. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to reject these bills.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919 and HB 1094

Good morning, I am writing to oppose proposed bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. I am against these bills on the basis of their effect on U.S. and Virginia citizens' right to self defense and bearing arms; the bills' insubordination with respect to the U.S. Constitution and Bill Of Rights; and the bills' net effects of disenfranchising the poor and middle class by making the costs of owning, maintaining, and properly training on firearms prohibitive. These bills set a dangerous precedent of illegally restricting rights through legislative smoke shields in order to advance the disarmament of the U.S. citizen and the Virginia citizen. I urge the Virginia legislature to oppose these measures and vote 'no' on HB207, HB919, HB1094, and any subsequent measures like them. Thank you. Very Respectfully, Lara Abila

I oppose HB207;HB919,HB1094

Good morning, I wanted to provide a few comments for three of the bills before the council today. To begin with, HB207. As a lifelong hunter and shooter, the recent improvements in accessibility for the hearing protection devices known as suppressors has been a real boon. Previously--particularly during hunting season, when I have to leave my ears uncovered to properly listen to my surroundings--I would sustain real, measurable hearing damage with every shot. Now that I have been able to purchase a suppressor, this is no longer the case. The recent reduction of the Federal tax stamp down to $0 has now made this accessible to just about anyone, as it has removed a major roadblock to acquiring these medically recommended (the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has endorsed their use) devices. Reinstalling and more than doubling this tax at the state level would not just be an imposition, it is one that would primarily fall upon those less fortunate and thus less able to bear this needless tax. Having access to basic technology to preserve one's health and hearing should not depend upon one's financial ability to pay a completely arbitrary tax, with no sound purpose. Suppressors, after all, do not fully silence weapons, they barely reduce the decibels of most common firearms to a hearing safe level, and are still quite loud--often as loud as a jackhammer. This makes them distinctly unsuited in aiding crimes and shootings in the ways commonly imagined by those unfamiliar with them. HB919 and 1094 are related, so I will comment on them together. These pieces of legislation are a mistake for the same reason as the above. There is already an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition (and archery equipment) at the Federal level, which is used to more squarely target the upkeep of conservation, wildlife management and wild areas upon those who use said resources. Tacking on another tax would begin to make regular training and shooting unreachable for a whole class of hunters and shooters, and that class would, once again, be those less fortunate. This could potentially have even more unintended downstream effects, as less well-practiced and trained gun owners will likely be less safe with their firearms. Taking the money raised through this tax and shunting it into some sort of Gun Violence Prevention office, which will likely be used to do nothing more than recommend the further criminalization on law-abiding gun owners, is insult to injury. The bills have no chance at making Virginia more safe, have the potential to decrease the safety of Virginia shooters by making training more expensive, and will further erode gun owners' trust in government by funding an office to target them specifically. I urge an emphatic no vote on all three bills. Thank you for your time, David

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

I would like to provide some context as to who I am because It provides important context to my opinions and statements below. I have been a Virginia resident for 28 years in Fairfax and Arlington counties, and a public servant for 23 years. I am an independent voter and believe that no party adequately represents the full spectrum of my beliefs. I believe that it is the diversity of thought and experience in the different communities in Virginia what keeps VA purple AND What keeps it strong. We are blessed to have people we disagree with as our neighbors because it keeps our minds open and agile, and reenforces empathy for our fellow citizens. Our country and our neighbors are suffering deeply right now because the political pendulum is swinging so hard that it cannot be tolerated by our neighbors, and then when it swings in the other direction it cannot be tolerated by us. Pushing this pendulum to swing harder and faster and farther is what will tear our society apart. I voted for Governor Spanberger and Representative Walkinshaw in the last election because I wanted to defend the diversity that strengthens us as a country and also protect my family members in marginalized minority groups. I hoped I wasn’t voting for another extremist, or another person who was take the pendulum and swing it as hard as they could in the other direction. I definitely didn’t vote for nor do I support the more extreme elements of the proposed firearms legislation. HB207 - Keys-Gamarra Tax of $500 on suppressors is inherently discriminatory to low income individuals. The right to own firearms and firearms related equipment should not be one exclusively available to high income individuals HB919 – Lopez HB1094 - Laufer These bills are reasonable and where the revenue would go is directly applicable to what is being taxed. I support this legislation. HB217 - Helmer, Clark and Sullivan This proposed legislation is uninformed and written inconsistently. Capacity of up to 20 rounds is extremely common. Those extra rounds do not markedly decrease the lethality of a pistol or a rifle. It does not change a firearm from semiautomatic to a automatic. If someone had malicious intent to use a firearm, it takes less than one second to swap a magazine. This legislation significantly impacts the large sport shooting community in Virginia. In order to be competitive in national competitions you need to train with higher capacity magazines or you will not be nearly as competitive. It also makes it impossible to obtain new firearms to stay competitive as the sport advances. Many of the characteristics that have been steamed “assault-style” are extremely common in hunting scenarios, keep the hunter safe in dangerous conditions, and protect their hearing and the peacefulness of the area in which they’re hunting. I firmly believe in the fallibility of humans and their propensity towards greed and power. The Second Amendment was given to us by our forefathers to ensure the consent of the governed. This amendment goes too far to neuter the balance of power between governing forces and the people that are governed. This legislation will also further polarize the conservative constituents of Virginia. Do not legislate against something they deeply value unless you wish for them to legislate against something that you deeply value. I do not support this legislation.

I agree with the VCDL on these bills

My comments are directed at both HB919 and HB1094. At what point will the Democrat Party launch a full-frontal assault on all of our 10 bills of rights? An 111% tax on ammo and firearms is not needed. Former Governor Glenn Youngkin left the Democrats a $25 billion budget excess, so why the tax increase? This is nothing more than an attack on our civil rights. First eliminate the peasants’ ability to defend and protect themselves and their families. After that, it will all fall. No more free exercise of religion; no more freedom of speech; no more protection from search and seizure. This bill should be defeated by every freedom loving legislator.

I/We The People, strongly oppose the proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom. Our constitution prohibits tyrannical government. We The People oppose an attempt by a tyrannical state government to infringe our rights that the Constitution gives us. We The People Stand against any form of overreach that is unconstitutional. Thank you and God Bless this State and the USA.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 . This isn’t making things more affordable for Virginia families.

These bills are undermining the citizens ability to protect themselves as is a right via the constitution. It incriminates more responsible gun owners than those who are not. To make more criminals in effort to reduce the danger in our state is counter productive. Please do not pass this bill. Vote NO on these

I oppose this legislation

I oppose these bills. These bills will deprive me of my rightful property and my favorite hobbies. This is tyrannical governance at its best

As a retired Active Duty, Sergeant First Class that swore an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. I am watching firearms legislations being filed that appalls me to the core. Especially when these legislations are proposed and voted on by individuals that know nothing about firearms, Democrat veterans and Democrats Legislators, that took an oath to the Constitution that also want to disarm law abiding citizens and tell them what they can or cannot own. This is an assault on the Constitutional rights of all law-abiding, legal gun owners, veterans, servicemembers and military aged civilians between the ages of 18 and 20. For 250 years, our Constitutional Republic, Our Nation has upheld our Constitution and those rights that are enshrined in it are protected from infringement. These legislations do not promote public safety, not do they have anything to do with public safety. They are only suppressing the rights of individuals tgat are not committing crimes and that will not commit crimes. These legislations do NOT prevent or deter crime. These legislations suppress the the rights of Veterans, Law Abiding Citizens, Active Duty Servivemen and Women, National Guardsmen, and First Responders. I am sure you are going to exempt law enforcement and retired law enforcement from these legislations. Yet you will suppress the rights of people that never committed a crime.

I deeply oppose these bills

Why a tax on items used for sport/recreation? Why should law abiding citizens who choose to pursue a particular sport or hobby be burdened with the highest tax in the state? This seems like a 'hatred' tax towards gun owners and I urge you to remove this bill.

I strongly oppose these tax bills. These and other tax increases will not help make Virginia any more affordable for families already struggling with higher than ever cost of living. I urge you to please reject these tax increases.

To the Honorable Members of the House of Delegates, I am writing to express my firm opposition to HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Collectively, these bills seek to impose an unprecedented financial burden on law-abiding Virginians exercising their Second Amendment rights. The Impact of HB 207 (The Suppressor Tax). HB 207 proposes a $500 excise tax on firearm suppressors. This is a tax on safety equipment, not a luxury. • Hearing Protection: Suppressors do not "silence" firearms; they simply reduce the report to hearing-safe levels. They take a sound-level comparable to a jet plane taking off and lower it to that of a jackhammer. This is vital for the health of hunters and the peace of mind of neighbors near target ranges. • Negligible Criminal Use: The last instance of a legally owned suppressor used in a crime in Virginia was in 2019. Law-abiding owners should not be punitively taxed for a single event nearly seven years ago. • Economic Exclusion: With many suppressors priced at $300, a $500 tax represents a 160% tax rate. This effectively prices lower-income Virginians out of the market, making hearing protection a privilege only for the wealthy. The Impact of HB 919 and HB 1094 (Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax). These bills seek an 11% excise tax on the gross sales of firearms and ammunition. This functions as a "sin tax" on a fundamental civil right. • A Dangerous Precedent: We would never consider an excise tax on book publishers or news organizations, as it would clearly unconstitutionally increase the cost of exercising First Amendment rights. The Second Amendment deserves that same level of protection. • Public Safety: Owning a firearm is not a "sin." Firearms are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Furthermore, by increasing the cost of ammunition, the state actively discourages the regular training and proficiency that lead to responsible ownership. These measures do not address the root causes of crime; they only penalize the law-abiding. I urge you to vote "No" on HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Please protect the rights of your constituents to safely and affordably defend themselves.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

Vote no on these unconstitutional taxes.

I oppose these bills and any bill that punishes law-abiding American citizens from exercising their constitutional rights. Instead, you should increase penalties for criminals and revise bail laws.

Virginia was in good shape, we had a surplus of money that Gov Youngkin gave back to the taxpayers. And NOW you want to raise taxes on everything. There are alot of us on a fixed income and can't afford the taxes. These taxes are no necessary unless it is putting money into your pockets. This needs to stop or we will vote you out, after we do a recall. You are not doing what is best for the taxpayers in Virginia. You are doing this for you and how much money it will put in your pockets. STOP THE RAISING OF ANY TAXES ON VIRGINIANS.

I oppose HB 207, HB919, and HB1094! They are unconstitutional.

I oppose HB207: HB919, and HB1094.

All three of these bills are tantamount to a sin tax against those who are legally exercising their second amendment rights. Gun owners are not criminals and should not be punished in this way. Are free speech and first amendment rights going to be taxed as well by charging extra for books or ink or posters? These three bills are a gross misuse of power and are bad for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

These proposed bills are a blatant attack on our 2nd amendment rights and personal liberties. They will do nothing to stop crime but as usual, restrict the law abiding responsible gun owners. Why don't you stop making it easier for criminals to walk our streets and at the same time try to restrict our ability to defend our families and ourselves??? You are allowed to be protected by armed security but what you're saying in these proposals is that we don't have the same right.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 as they infringe our Second Amendment rights.

The proposed taxes in HB207, imposing a $500 fee on suppressors, and in HB919 and HB1094, levying an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, represent a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment rights of Virginia citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and individual, as in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), extending protections against state overreach. These bills effectively create financial barriers to exercising this constitutional right, akin to poll taxes that were struck down for suppressing voting rights in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966). By targeting tools essential for self-defense, hunting, and hearing protection—like suppressors that mitigate noise-induced hearing loss—these measures disproportionately burden law-abiding Virginians, punishing them for responsibly engaging in protected activities while doing nothing to deter criminals who ignore such laws. Virginia’s lawmakers should reject this unconstitutional scheme that erodes federal protections and sets a dangerous precedent for taxing other enumerated rights. Beyond their unconstitutionality, these taxes are profoundly unfair and detrimental to Virginia’s citizens, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling personal freedoms in a state already plagued by overregulation. An 11% hike on guns and ammo would hit low-income families hardest, making self-defense unaffordable for those in high-crime areas, while the $500 suppressor tax penalizes responsible gun owners seeking safer shooting practices without benefiting public safety. This revenue grab ignores Virginia’s history of fiscal mismanagement, diverting funds from real priorities like education and infrastructure to fund bloated government programs, all while infringing on the core American value of individual liberty. Lawmakers must oppose these bills to protect hardworking Virginians from discriminatory taxation that favors elite anti-gun agendas over the rights and wallets of everyday citizens, ensuring the Commonwealth doesn’t devolve into a nanny state that prioritizes control over freedom.

I’m opposed to these bills. I think it’s tyrannical to discriminate against law abiding gun owners or those who wish to be. We have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. These bills infringe upon the rights that the constitution says SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED! If you want to stop gun violence, put stronger penalties on those who commit acts of violence with guns. Be honest about the motivation for proposing these bills because they are only punitive to law abiding citizens, and will do NOTHING to prevent gun violence.

I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

This administration has chipped away at our 2A rights too much already. In less than a month hasrobbed us of our rights more than any other. This is Virginia not California . Southern States live with firearms. Our original framers would be highly upset and disappointed with all of this. Enough. It is outrageous and unconstitutional. This is just another example of Virginia s rights being taxed and taken away for a radical agenda. We do not support this. Shall not be infringed! Thankyou

I oppose the above bills, HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

Gun control advocates for years spouted that their stance is for "gun safety" not abolition. All three of the bills, 207, 954, and 1094 are blatant attempts at eventual abolition and restricting the availability of safety devices. A $500 tax on suppressors flies in the face of the new federal ruling that has reduced the tax to $0. Firearm suppressors are considered PPE by the military, law enforcement as well as the general public. Suppressors are virtually NEVER used in crime, approximately 0.003% of the 1.3 million legally owned suppressors in the our county used in crime. Suppressors protect the hearing of the user and bystanders when using firearms. So let me get this straight, Everytown for "gun safety" doesn't actually want guns to be safer?? Perhaps it comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of how firearms work, how suppressors work and maybe a fundamental misunderstanding for how guns are even used and to what degree they are actually used legally compared to when they are used illegally? You can quote disingenuous statistics until we are all blue in the face; so long as the listener never investigates those contrived statistics like "the leading cause of child deaths" except they don't tell you that stat includes up to 21 year olds and suicides. Excise taxes? To folks in underprivileged neighborhoods, that crime is often a fact of every day life, and yet the left would seek to make it more expensive for them to acquire the most effective equalizing tool to defend themselves? In the quiet back room, I'm sure you would call it "a sacrifice for the greater good" no doubt. User friendly firearms, enable the most weak of our society to defend themselves against the most strong. This is a liberating reality that has not been actualized for all of human society until the invention of firearms. The weapons that you seek to outlaw, are the very ones that provide the weakest among us the best possible chance of survival against an assailant that your weak judiciary system let out on the street after their 15th arrest. But of course, the left chooses to attack the ease of access to inanimate objects that perform no actions on their own, rather than seeking to tackle the root of the problem of crime and violence - culture. Firearms exist, knives exist, 3000lb automobiles exist, scalpels exist.. scalpels and forceps have killed more human beings than any other devices on the face of the earth..but thats a different topic I suppose. Firearms existence won't cease, you can't put the cat back in the bag. The lie of "we don't want to take your guns" is laid bare when its realized that the only reason you aren't attempting full abolition, is because your insidious agenda is to slowly degrade rights like a frog in boiling water. Every totalitarian regime begins first with disarming its people. Hundreds of millions of people just in the 20th century alone (and I do not exaggerate) have been murdered by their own governments under regimes claiming to uphold "the greater good" for "utopia". You cannot solve a cultural problem by attacking a mechanism. Britain's stabbing epidemic is indicative of this. Human sinful intent is the driving force, and sinful intent finds a way no matter what tools are available. Tools to defend life should be the best and most efficient possible. The ownership of weapons is not something that can be bestowed like a magic talisman to the "right people only", only the wrong people will have them if you try.

These taxes are regressive and hurt lower income Virginians. A recent study by the New York times of all places advocates that we should treat suppressors as personal protective equipment, as they are throughout most of Europe. Shooting on suppressed firearms at an indoor range can have serious health effects such as micro-concussions. The 11% tax on firearms and ammunition is a direct tax on exercising a right, will undoubtedly face constitutional scrutiny, and punishes law-abiding Virginians for something they didn't do

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

I am writing today to express my opposition to an excise tax on firearms and ammunition sales in VA. This will ultimately hurt the economy driving millions of dollars of sales out of the state and add to the financial struggle of millions of Virginians who exercise their 2nd amendment rights. WE did not vote or agree to be taxed more AND it is not constitutional to tax a right.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 and all unconstitutional acts. The US Constitution and the Virginia Constitution state clearly it is the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. The government has no power to alter that. No proposed bill will lessen gun violence, nor is it common sense reform. Less than 2.5% of gun owners commit any crime, let alone gun violence. This is an attack on reasonable, reaponsible, and lawful firearm owners. Meanwhile, citizens such as myself watch as criminals continuously are provided lax judgement and commit repeated offenses with minimal recourse. Uphold the laws aa they are written; writing new laws only threatens the free and lawful people you are supposed to represent.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB207, HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

To whom it may concern, I am AGAINST bill HB919 and HB1094 because they place an UNFAIR tax on law abiding gunowners. The $500 suppressor tax is especially heinous, seeing that there have been few, if ANY crimes committed using a Federally Registered suppressor (Or other firearms covered under the NFA act) since the law was enacted in 1934. There is absolutely NO reason to impose a $500 tax on suppressors except petty, political, partisan SPITE!

I oppose HB207 HB919 HB1094

I am 77 years old, and hard of hearing from both my past work environment and shooting sports. Even with ear protection, I have continued to lose my hearing. A suppressor in combination with a set of ear muffs would make my limited hearing sustainable for the few years I have left. It would also decrease the noise production less disturbing to the fellow firearm enthusiasts. It is but a muffler, and does not nullify firearm sounds. A tax added to the purchase of firearms and ammunition would make my continued enjoyment of the shooting sport difficult since I am on a just sustainable retirement income. It is one of the few enjoyments I have left. Don't take this beloved activity away from this older gentleman. Obey the constitution as written, and quail the tyrant you are producing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. That is all.

Lifetime resident of the Commonwealth and I OPPOSE HB207, HB919 and HB1094

HB207: Given the timing of this bills introduction occurring after the removal of the $200 dollar federal tax stamp on suppressors, Its no doubt this is a purely punitive tax meant to punish rather than to retain revenue for the state. Given the well established precedent by the supreme court ruling that rights cannot be taxed (ink for printing press per Minneapolis Star v. Minnesota) as it pertains to the first amendment, so too is the second amendment free from receiving separate and purely punitive taxes. Additionally, this taxation will not withstand the NYSRPA v Bruen ruling where a specific outlying tax on firearm and firearm accessories can be dated back to the founding. Millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars will be spent fighting this bill in court, far more than would ever be gained by the commonwealth in unconstitutional revenue. HB919 & HB1094: Similar to the above, Minneapolis Star v. Minnesota has already ruled that a tax on on ink and paper, being separate from a general sales tax on all goods, is an unconstitutional tax against free speech, so too is a specific 11% tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers which as applied will be passed on to the consumers. Additionally, this unconstitutional tax will gravely impact the training budgets of the over 20,000 law enforcement personnel in Virginia as well as the 27 military bases housing approx 130,000 active duty military personnel who rely on firearms and ammunition to train and protect our commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. The taxpayers in the commonwealth will pay millions of dollars to fight this tax through local and circuit courts over the coming years only to see it struck down by SCOTUS all while seeing ammo purchases simply go outside the state to acquire ammo outside of taxable revenue streams.

Among the litany of other tax bills on their way to the Governor, HB207 not only puts a 500$ tax on NFA items which are protected under the 2nd Amendment which is not only in the Bill of Rights and Virginia's Constitution, but HB1094 and HB919 puts an 11% tax on any firearm related purchase, these bills are nothing but a sin tax, and our right that is enshrined in our constitution should not be taxed away to the point where only the rich can exercise that right.

I am a lifelong citizen of Virginia and this has afforded me the opportunity to participate in many outdoor, hunting and sport shooting activities. I like many others hunt to provide food for my family and those I love. I target shoot to practice safety and to teach the generations that follow me how to properly use, handle and respect firearms. I also rely on firearms as a means to protect my home and family. I do not have the luxury of city living where help is mere moments away. Response times for my department can be delayed depending on what is going on in our county and the limited resources of our very dedicated Sheriff’s Department. Now as a political tool I am being told to exercise this right I will have to pay an unjust tax because I lawfully carry out these activities like millions of other citizens in this Commonwealth. This is nothing more than a punishment for those of use that rely on these firearms for our way of life and families. HB919 and HB1094 will only punish those that follow the law and will not prevent criminals from performing evil acts. As for HB207, contrary to stereotypes suppressors are an extremely useful hearing protection device. I suffer from tinnitus from my time in the military and work related hearing damage. I am very familiar with the dangers of the noise created with firearms and learned far too late the damage that can come from exposure. As a sportsmen and avid shooter I have used suppressors and hearing protection to protect myself, my kids, and my friends. The recent changes to the NFA Tax Stamp has made suppressors more affordable to protect more people. This bill is a step backwards for the safety of the citizens in Virginia. And why we ask, because of movie myths that portray these devices as something that can make firearms more deadly. They are for sound reduction not silencing of firearms. Decibel reduction is much different than the completely silent examples often portrayed. These items still have to be purchased through an extensive background check through the NFA which prevents these items from falling into the hands of criminals. Again this is an unjust tax being imposed out of fear of an object due to fiction and not fact and offers yet another hurdle without benefit for law abiding citizens of Virginia. I implore you as a neighbor of this Virginian and many more to vote down these measures that will punish law abiding citizens.

I wanted to share my opposition to these bills in light of the tremendous lack of data showing that any of these will dissuade criminal activity, lessen offenses, or better our communities in any articulable way. The data just doesn't support the need for increased taxation for law-abiding gun owners. It has been said throughout the years, and I have a hard time finding a counterargument: Criminals don't follow the law, so why should more laws, more taxation, or more firearm regulation persist? Instead, I suggest proposing efforts along the lines of mental health reform, addiction intervention, and stiffening penalties for offenses. These, unlike more gun control, are actually proven to reduce criminal activity while elevating the greatest asset in any culture, love. Reduce taxes, all of them. Find waste, fraud, and expose it. Tighten budgets, find savings. This is something all constituents will rally together to support. Do this, and you'll have my support, regardless of party affiliation.

Gentlemen, Concerning HB207, It concerns me that the state would charge such an outrageous tax on an item that protects the safety of the individual and any others standing near a Firearm being discharged, that has the capacity of causing hearing loss, especially at a range or shooting event. The suppressor only reduces the sound to a safe decibel level not deaden the sound completely. If a criminal wishes to use one in the commission of a crime he or she would more likely obtain one by theft or other illegal means. Therefore the average citizens will be penalized for using their Constitutional Right, especially those with lower incomes. In reference to Bills HB919 and HB1094, they too are designed to restrict the average American from having free access to ammunition for recreational shooting sports, for practice with a weapon used for protection (which by the way gives the user more active time with their weapon, which enables safer use of said weapon), and for hunting. These laws spit on every law abiding citizen and every veteran that has fought and died for the freedoms which you yourselves possess. Thank you Gentlemen, Troy Barrett

I profoundly disagree with passing any of these bills as detrimental to the US Cinstitution and the Virginia Constitution.

I am an avid hunter. On a yearly basis- I average 50-80 days of hunting per year during numerous season. I average $700-1000 in ammunition per year during these hunting seasons. This tax is going to tremendously impact my season by not allowing me to hunt as many days or purchase necessary equipment. This is basically robbing Peter to pay Paul. I spend these tax dollars in many different ways during these seasons via sales taxes, gas taxes, licenses and fees, vehicle and boat registrations as well as may others. This is an un necessary tax burden when we already have a multi-billion dollar surplus.

Chair, members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Grayson Davis, and I am a resident of King William County, Virginia. I’m writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. Each of these bills represents unnecessary government overreach that would impose new restrictions on responsible citizens while doing little to solve the issues they claim to address. As written, they risk penalizing law-abiding Virginians, burdening local enforcement, and undermining individual rights and community freedoms that our state has long respected. I urge this Subcommittee to consider the real impact these measures will have on ordinary citizens who already comply with existing laws. Instead of layering new regulations or controls, our focus should remain on practical, evidence-based solutions — ones that respect personal responsibility, property rights, and the freedoms guaranteed under both the Virginia and U.S. Constitutions. Please reject HB207, HB919, and HB1094, and stand with the Virginians who value liberty, accountability, and common-sense governance. Thank you for your time and your service to our Commonwealth.

I’m writing to strongly oppose House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. These bills place an unfair financial burden on Virginians who want to exercise their constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution clearly protect these rights and limit government interference. Taxing items like hearing protection (which is a safety measure), commonly used firearms, and ammunition is a clear attempt to discourage law-abiding citizens from exercising their rights. These added costs will mainly impact lower- and middle-income Virginians, making it harder for them to afford lawful self-defense, while wealthier residents will be less affected. This raises serious concerns about the intent and fairness of these proposals. These taxes also contradict recent promises to make Virginia more affordable. Under Governor Youngkin’s vetoes, Virginia remained more affordable and our constitutional rights were protected. These bills appear to be a deliberate attempt to impose new financial pressure on citizens who simply want to exercise fundamental freedoms. Unconstitutional burdens placed on basic liberties through excessive taxes—especially those that disproportionately affect working and middle-class Virginians—are an insult to freedom and a failure to represent the people fairly. I urge you to do the right thing: protect our constitutional rights, keep Virginia affordable, and vote “no” on these bills. With the current budget surplus, there is no need to balance the budget by targeting law-abiding Virginians exercising their rights.

HB207 The purpose of this bill is to make suppressors prohibitively expensive, just like the NFA act of 1934. This bill will once again price people out of being able to purchase these devices. This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax. HB919 & HB1094 These bills create an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. This is a "sin tax" that affects a basic civil right and yet another set of bills pricing people out of gun ownership.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

These gun laws only target lawful gun owners. Specifically, suppressors are hearing protection devices and should be made more accessible to all lawful gun owners. Suppressors do not eliminate noise like Hollywood mistakenly portrays. However, they do reduce the concussive blast experienced by the shooter and those nearby, so I encourage all lawful gun owners to use suppressors to protect their hearing and the hearing of those nearby. The federal government recently reduced the NFA tax on suppressors to zero dollars. This is a good thing. VA's proposed $500 supper tax would make them less accessible.

Bill Ballerd Good heads up. My comments: Dear General Assembly Members; HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB207, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB207, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Concerning HB919 and HB1094: Since both bills impose excise tax collections which will be provided to the new "Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund" (established pursuant to 9.1-116.6) and since that new fund does not specifically provide to localities for the specific purpose of improving public school physical security measures (to prevent gun violence), I urge opposing both HB919 and HB1094. Concerning HB207: Since this egregious level excise tax collection will be provided to the general fund, which is not specifically marked for improving public school physical security measures (to prevent gun violence), and since many suppressors retail at 300 dollars or less (resulting in a 160% tax), I urge opposing HB207.

Bills HB207, HB919 and HB1094 are fundamentally unconstitutional AND discriminatory. They punish people for exercising the constitutional right to purchase arms. Furthermore, they discriminate against minorities and less affluent people, making it disproportionately difficult for them to exercise their rights by targeting them with these invented taxes. These bills have nothing to do with safety, as criminals will have no problem paying these taxes. They are simple income-based discrimination.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 .

I oppose All of the above Gun Bills. I am not a criminal nor have I ever been one. Our Government can Not protect me my property, or my Family. I have a God given right to bear and own guns Also 2A rights. You work for ME ! You are supposed to represent ME ! Stop with All the Over reach . Let me tell you what you should be doing , You should be passing bills to benefit the American people like Health care, economy, Get rid of these taxes that benefit your needs !! Finish deporting these illegal immigrants you brought into this country !! Again No on Gun bills .

The 2nd amendment does not in any way shape or form all these changes constitutional. Every bill you are pushing through house is definition of infringement. Also the first amendment grants all US citizens the freedom of speech . As a Christian I am subject to hate speech from others and have no avenue of protection other than my 2 nd amendment rights !

I rise in opposition to HB207, HB919, and HB1094 because these bills do not promote safety—they punish Virginians for exercising a constitutional right. By imposing excessive taxes on firearms, ammunition, and suppressors, the state is effectively placing a financial barrier on the Second Amendment. Rights guaranteed by the Constitution are not privileges to be taxed into submission. These proposals disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens, including rural residents, minorities, and lower-income individuals who rely on firearms for lawful self-defense. Wealthier individuals will still be able to afford these costs, while others are priced out of a fundamental right. That is neither equitable nor just. The Constitution does not allow the government to discourage the exercise of a protected right through targeted taxation. We do not impose special taxes on free speech, religious practice, or voting—and we should not do so here. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to reject these bills.

HB207 - I strongly oppose the proposed suppressor tax because it directly conflicts with the values of equity, accessibility, disability accommodation, and public health that this body consistently says it supports. I have documented hearing loss. Audiologists have advised me not to shoot unsuppressed whenever it can be avoided, because further exposure causes irreversible damage. Suppressors are not optional or recreational for me—they are a medically recommended harm-reduction tool. I rely on them while hunting to provide food for my family and while training at the range to prevent further injury. Shooting unsuppressed also causes permanent hearing damage to animals, including working dogs and pets. By taxing a safety device, this bill actively harms Virginians with hearing impairments and creates a financial barrier to compliance with medical guidance. If this were any other disability-related protective equipment, imposing a special tax would rightly be viewed as discriminatory. The policy does not reduce risk—it shifts the burden onto people least able to absorb it. This bill will not meaningfully affect wealthy individuals. It will, however, restrict access for lower- and middle-income Virginians, rural residents, and people with disabilities. That outcome is not equity. It is the opposite. If equity and harm reduction are truly guiding principles, then lawmakers should not be pricing disabled Virginians out of protective equipment that prevents permanent injury. I urge the committee to reconsider and reject this bill. HB919 & HB1094- I oppose HB 919 because it imposes a targeted excise tax on the exercise of a constitutional right and does so in a way that is inequitable, classist, and harmful to working professionals. If the Commonwealth would not impose a special excise tax on book publishers or printing presses because their products enable First Amendment activity, it should not impose one on firearms and ammunition manufacturers whose products enable the exercise of Second Amendment rights. Constitutional rights should not be conditioned on the ability to pay a premium tax. I work in the security field, where firearm proficiency is not optional—it is a legal and professional requirement. We are required to train regularly and complete annual, state-mandated requalification. Ammunition costs are a direct and unavoidable expense of compliance. Any excise tax placed on manufacturers will be passed directly to consumers, increasing the cost of required training and lawful work. This bill does not meaningfully affect wealthy individuals or large institutions. It disproportionately harms armed security professionals, private-sector workers, and lower- and middle-income Virginians who must purchase ammunition and equipment to meet state requirements. That outcome is not equitable. If equity and access are guiding principles, the General Assembly should not price working people out of compliance with the law or impose selective taxes on constitutional activity. I urge the committee to reject HB 919.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094

As a law-abiding citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I urge you to vote NO on HB's 709, 919, and 1094. Virginia ended the last fiscal year with a $2+ Billion surplus. These proposed taxes are only meant to hinder and discourage law-abiding gun owners. They are also regressive in that they inhibit low income citizens from exercising their 2nd Amendment Rights to protect themselves and their loved ones.

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I oppose HBs 1094, 919, and 207, which levy excessive taxes on law-abiding gun owners for no apparent reason. Of all the gun control bills, these seem to be particularly punitive in nature, having not even the veneer of a public safety rationale. They just seem intended to exploit gun owners to raise revenue for pet Democrat projects, all while Virginia runs a budget surplus. Voters are noticing who Democrats are taking tax revenue from and who they are giving it to. You all are making national news with your naked wealth redistribution program every day. The voters will punish Democrats for it at the voting booth the first chance they get.

Dear Delegates, I am writing to urge you to oppose House Bills 207, 919, and 1094. These proposals would place additional financial barriers on lawful Virginians seeking to exercise their right to keep and bear arms. While public safety is important, policies that substantially increase the cost of commonly owned firearms, ammunition, or related equipment risk turning a constitutional right into something only affordable for those with greater financial means. Virginia’s Constitution and the Second Amendment recognize an individual right that should not depend on income level. When fees or taxes become significant enough to discourage ordinary citizens from lawful ownership, the burden falls most heavily on lower- and middle-income residents — the very people who may rely most on accessible means of self-defense. There are many ways to promote safety without creating disproportionate economic obstacles. I respectfully ask that you consider approaches that focus on enforcement against criminal misuse rather than measures that broadly impact compliant citizens. For these reasons, I ask you to vote no on these bills.

I oppose ALL of the above gun bills. I am not a criminal never have been . Our Goverment can not protect me , my family or my property I have a God given right to bear arms also 2A rights .You work for ME !! You are suppose to represent ME ! Stop the over reach . Do something that benefits the American citizens , Healthcare, economy, get rid of All these taxes you have burdened the people with , Finish deporting illegal immigrates .

As a retired federal officer (Not ICE), I am concerned about a few things; the proposed magazine and firearms ban, leaving Virginia citizens unprotected against criminals who will not follow the laws, and the retired Federal, State and Local officers who DO NOT have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round magazines. As retired officers, most of us are still quietly acting as Sheepdogs, still watching over our neighbors and strangers. Not exempting retired officers from the magazine ban can be catastrophic, whether you realize it or not. While some state and local officers have the ability to purchase their duty firearm and 15 round mags, some municipalities and all Federal officers do NOT have this luxury, and it will create a disparity among those who can purchase and keep their 15 round magazines and those who cannot by either law or policy. The US Constitution does not regulate what firearms Americans can keep, with some exceptions; but it DOES permit US Citizens to keep & bear arms. Historically kept firearms have been recognized by the high courts as not illegal and have ruled in favor of this. Like many, I feel that this "gun grab" as it's called was rushed through too quickly without considering the retirees who have served this state with honor and dignity. I urge you to not just ban 15 round mags for our citizens, but especially for the retirees. The way the language is currently written, the 15 round ban will not affect officers who have the ability to purchase their duty firearms upon retirement, but would not apply to many others including all federal officers & agents. Not a good way to keep your voters; and could be considered biased by the high courts. We are all the same; we served and protected. Thank you.

HB207: $500 tax on suppressors. This sounds like a poll tax that a Virginia resident would have to pay prior to exercising a constitutional right to own and shoot firearms. Might as well combine this with the Poll tax that was implemented for blacks and poor whites to vote . Oh wait, that tax was declared illegal. As should this tax. HB919/HB1094: 11% excise tax This sounds like a poll tax that a Virginia resident would have to pay prior to exercising a constitutional right to own and shoot firearms. Might as well combine this with the Poll tax that was implemented for blacks and poor whites to vote. Oh wait, that tax was declared illegal, as should this tax. I bet minority citizens will LOVE THIS tax, don't you think????

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. These bills are unconstitutional!

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, HB 1094.

I oppose all of these bills as they are against to 2nd Amendment. More importantly, do you really believe that criminals will follow these laws? No. They will continue to commit crimes and if necessary go out of state to acquire what they need. Law abiding patriots, when armed are the best deterrent to crime! I also assume that you folks will not have personal protection details and if you do they will not be allowed to carry the type of firearms you are trying to outlaw!

Good day, As a lifelong Democrat I respectfully ask the committee to vote against HB 207 (suppressor tax). Suppressors are an important aid in hearing protection for hunters and recreational shooters; for outdoor ranges or shooters that are hunting or shooting on their own property, they help keep the noise down for neighbors. Suppressors are not commonly used in crime; in fact, a suppressor has not been used in a crime in Virginia since 2019. In order to obtain a suppressor in the United States of America, the purchaser must submit paperwork to the ATF that requests permission to acquire a suppressor, along with fingerprints, background check, and a passport photo. Once the paperwork is submitted the ATF performs a background check and then decides to approve or deny the application. These are not items you walk into the gun shop and walk out with ten minutes later- in stark contrast, in fact, to most Western European countries, where that actually is how you buy a suppressor. The lack of a $200 federal tax on the tax stamp required to buy a suppressor does not mean that you don't have to do the paperwork with the ATF. A $500 tax on suppressors in Virginia would do little more than disenfranchise those without much money from being able to buy them, and increase costs for everyone across the board that is trying to protect their hearing or be polite to their neighbors. In addition, as a lifelong Democrat I respectfully ask the committee to vote against HB's 919 and 1094 (firearms and ammunition taxes). Prices for food, utilities, and housing are rising across the board and inflation continues to climb. Taxes on firearms and ammunition is not common-sense gun legislation, it is a brutal financial attack on the millions of Virginians that own firearms. If we want to solve the problem of gun violence the answer isn't to infringe on a constitutional right (churches don't pay taxes, and you don't get charged a tax to speak your mind or vote), it's to make it so that people to do not feel compelled to resort to violence to make ends meet. In other words, economic and labor legislation is what will fix gun violence (and a lot of other problems, I might add), not just making firearms and ammunition more expensive. High taxes on firearms and ammunition will do little more than raise costs for everyone and specifically disenfranchise low-income Virginians of their right to own and use firearms within the confines of the law. Thank you for taking my comments into consideration and I hope that you will vote against HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094.

I strongly oppose these bills. Adding an 11% tax to firearms and ammunition seems like a targeted tax against a constitutional right. Could this committee imagine adding an 11% sales tax to just the sale of bibles, Qurans, or Torah? Would this legislative body believe that would be a constitutional infringement? I imagine the answer to that question would be yes. Please consider opposing these bills and striking them down. Thank you for your time.

Aganist these bills that attack the second amendment ¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HB's 207, 919 and 1094 share some common traits. (1) They do NOTHING to improve public safety. (2) They are money-grabbing efforts by the current Legislative Bodies in Richmond. (The Commonwealth of Virginia already collects more than enough tax money. If the Legislative Bodies and Executive Branch would be good stewards of our tax dollars there would not be a need to create more ways to separate Virginians from their funds.) These, and bills like this, need to be defeated and defeated now.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, HB 1094, I feel these bills do not represent the interests of our state and do not reflect the majority of the citizens.

I oppose HB207/HB919 andHB1094

I passionately oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

HB207 is not an attempt at public safety, but rather an outrageous money-grab on the part of the Commonwealth. The end result is that the wealthy can own a suppressor and the State gets richer. HB 919 and HB1094 is yet another money-grab on the part of the Commonwealth...unreasonable taxation on a commodity.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

The increase of taxes for firearms, ammo, and accessories is 100% partisan tax increase on the gun community that doesn’t pose a safety problem in the state. These taxes will not create a safer Virginia or alter the amount of gun violence that takes place.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. These bills, if passed into state law, would immediately be repugnant to the U.S. Constitution, thus rendering them null and void. These proposed bills would be immediate violations of the Natural Rights of man, which the U.S. Constitution does not grant but acknowledges. As a legal American Citizen, as a legal citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and as a free man with inalienable Natural Rights endowed by our Creator, I hereby voice my opposition to these unconstitutional bills.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. They are unconstitutional and should be voted down. Address the real issue, criminals and their actions, not law abiding citizens.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094…these blatantly unconstitutional Bills have no place in a free society.

I oppose HB919, HB1094, and HB207. These taxes and unconstitutional—and unreasonable as a matter of basic sense. Suppressors are virtually never used in crimes. They are safety devices. The scale of the suppressor tax is also confiscatory and unreasonable, a clear effort at a ban by making these items too expensive for most people to obtain. As for the 11% tax, I cannot imagine a sensible rationale for taxing a basic civil right, nor is it constitutional to do so. This law will not reduce crime; people who want to commit crimes will not be dissuaded by an 11% tax. The clear purpose is to punish citizens of the Commonwealth for exercising their constitutional rights. It is as odious as an 11% sur-tax on books. I also cannot imagine a more egregious example of the General Assembly making plain that it despises rural Virginians, most of whom own firearms. Any elected official who supports these laws should be ashamed of their ignorance and their hostility to the approximately 45% of Commonwealth citizens who have firearms.

I'll keep it simple, there is no justification for these taxes. This is clearly political retribution being pushed on law abiding citizens.

I oppose these bills!!

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB 1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

I oppose these bills marked above, HB 207, 919, 1094. VOTE NO! These bills infringe upon my right to protect and defend myself if needed.

I oppose bills HB207, HB919, HB1094

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. This message might be used by a few people as it was written by the Culpeper County 2A Facebook page. Make no mistake, I truly feel strong in what is written and laws like these will only cause more harm than good for the law-abiding citizens in this state.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose the passing of HB207, HB1094, and HB919. I am a constituent of Prince William County and a citizen in good standing and ask that you please do not infringe upon my constitutional right to bear these arms. It is stated in our, mine and your United States Constitution and there gives me these rights. Also being voted on and made law by the Supreme Court of these United States of America. We the People elect you. We the people do not give you permission to take these rights. We The People do not want you to disregard Federal law !! In doing so any Federal recourse funnels down hill !! Thank you in advance for doing the right thing by the constituents of Va. Honestly Doug Fisher

Im a resident in the DMV area and I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. My rights shall not be infringed. Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws. Judicial Review: Federal courts, led by the Supreme Court, have the final authority to determine if statutes are constitutional.

Dear Members of the House Committee on Finance, I am writing to state my clear and unequivocal opposition to House Bill Nos. 207, 919, and 1094, and to the broader legislative approach they represent. I am opposed to these measures not only on technical or administrative grounds, but on principle. I oppose any and all forms of firearm regulation, including regulation imposed indirectly through taxation. Each of these bills seeks to use the tax code as a mechanism to discourage, burden, or penalize the lawful ownership, acquisition, or distribution of firearms, ammunition, or related components. Regardless of how they are framed procedurally, these proposals function as regulatory instruments, not neutral revenue measures. HB 207 imposes a flat $500 excise tax on firearm suppressors—devices that are already heavily regulated at the federal level and widely recognized as safety equipment. A flat tax of this magnitude is plainly punitive, bears no relationship to product value or public cost, and exists solely to price ordinary citizens out of lawful ownership. HB 919 and HB 1094 impose elevated percentage-based excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, while explicitly exempting government agencies and law enforcement. This creates a two-tier system in which the state reserves unrestricted access to arms for itself while deliberately increasing the cost and friction imposed on private citizens. I reject the premise that the exercise of a fundamental right should be treated as a taxable privilege. Taken together, these bills reveal a coordinated attempt to achieve gun control objectives through fiscal means—avoiding direct prohibitions while still suppressing lawful conduct through financial pressure. This is not sound tax policy, and it is not an appropriate use of the Commonwealth’s taxing authority. Further, earmarking the revenue from these targeted taxes to specific policy programs underscores their regulatory intent. When a narrowly tailored tax is imposed on a constitutionally protected activity and the proceeds are directed to programs designed to reduce or discourage that same activity, the tax ceases to be neutral and becomes a tool of coercion. I do not support amendments, consolidation, or further study of these proposals. I oppose them outright. I also oppose the broader concept of using taxation as a substitute for direct firearm regulation. Virginians do not forfeit constitutional protections by engaging in lawful commerce, and those protections should not depend on one’s ability to absorb artificially imposed costs. I urge the Committee to reject HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 in their entirety and to refrain from advancing any future measures that seek to regulate firearms, ammunition, or related components through the tax code or otherwise. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Obin Robinson Norfolk, VA US Navy Veteran with 20 years of honorable service

I am a proud Virginian. I represent thousands of Virginia's like me. I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094. Virginia will not lie down and die like California. There is a reason the woman on our state flag is armed. She stands tall with her foot over a defeated tyrant. Her weapon in hand. Chains broken. The living room I am writing mere feet from was built a few years before this country declared its independence. The same spirit and red hot blood that our forefathers had runs through my veins. Let us not be so naive to think that criminals will follow laws and that politicians will always do good to those they are sworn to serve. In the face of unconstitutional laws, it is my duty as an American to resist. I will include this next piece here since it is questionable that anyone who signs these bills has read it before; "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". Thank you for your time and for hearing these words. God bless our beautiful state and may he keep us and guide us by His love. -Taylor Helm

I support the comments of Virginia Civil Defense League on these bills.

I strongly oppose HB207, HB919, and HB1094, and will actively and aggressively advocate against anyone voting for them in future elections. Furthermore, given any opportunity I will join in and participate in lawsuits resulting from these efforts.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

I oppose HB bills 207, 919 and 1094. Vote NO. These bill infringe upon my right to defend myself and others if needed. VOTE NO.

These laws are in direct violation of our 2nd amendment and will not be enforced by any law enforcement that remember the oath they took. Stop making laws that restrict and violate the rights of law abiding citizens especially while you are going soft on criminals committing crimes with guns.

Unfair taxes opposed to HB 1094 and HB919

"I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by. "

I urge you to oppose HB207 (Gamarra), which creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing? I also urge you to oppose both HB919 (Lopez)& HB1094 (Laufer), which creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Thank you for your time!

HB207, HB919 and HB1094 I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 are in blatant violation of the below... Any law, federal or state, that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is invalid and void because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), courts are obligated to strike down such laws. This principle of judicial review ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. Key aspects regarding laws contrary to the Constitution include: Void Ab Initio: A law inconsistent with the Constitution is considered invalid, and courts must treat it as unenforceable. Supremacy Clause: This clause binds judges in every state, meaning federal law takes priority over conflicting state laws.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094.

Dear General Assembly Members; HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are unnecessary and retaliatory in nature, will have a negative impact on large and small Virginia businesses, and will impose undo hardships for many. These bills clearly target the 423,000+ law-abiding Virginia firearm owners and countless businesses reliant on the industry as their primary source of income. With the $200 NFA tax lifted, a $500 suppressor tax and 11% sales tax on firearms and ammunition are retaliatory and serve no other purpose than to target and financially burden Virginian firearm owners, especially those at an economic disadvantage, which is an egregious disservice to low-income earners. The General Assembly should instead pursue common sense and bipartisan legislation aimed at the affordability that was promised its citizens. HB217, HB919, and HB1094 are insults to good people with good intentions seeking a good life, especially when we closed 2025 with a general fund revenue surplus of $2.7B dollars. I oppose all these bills and hold you accountable to stay true to your sworn oath of office and Constitution of Virginia by opposing HB217, HB919, and HB1094. The governing body is in place to serve The People, not limit their well being. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I oppose bill HB207,HB919,HB1094.

I oppose HB207 HB919 HB1094 Stop this insanity

❌ Oppose HB 207 (Keys-Gamarra) HB 207 imposes additional firearm restrictions that burden lawful gun owners while doing nothing to address violent crime. Laws that target possession rather than criminal misuse undermine constitutional protections and divert attention from enforcing existing laws against violent offenders. ❌ Oppose HB 566 (McNamara) HB 566 expands government control over lawful firearm ownership without historical justification or evidence of effectiveness. The Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary citizens to keep and bear arms, and broad regulatory schemes like this fail constitutional scrutiny under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework. ❌ Oppose HB 919 (Lopez) HB 919 penalizes lawful firearm possession and commerce rather than criminal behavior. Public safety is not enhanced by placing additional legal and financial barriers on responsible citizens, and this bill risks chilling the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right. ❌ Oppose HB 954 (Watts) HB 954 advances sweeping firearm restrictions that are unsupported by historical precedent. Under the Constitution, rights cannot be limited simply because lawmakers believe regulation is preferable—restrictions must be narrowly tailored and historically grounded, which this bill is not. ❌ Oppose HB 1008 (Tran) HB 1008 infringes on the rights of law-abiding Virginians by expanding firearm prohibitions beyond constitutional limits. Collective punishment and preemptive restrictions violate due process and ignore the Supreme Court’s clear instruction that firearm regulations must align with historical tradition. ❌ Oppose HB 1094 (Laufer) HB 1094 imposes excessive regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact responsible gun owners while failing to deter criminal violence. The Constitution does not allow rights to be conditioned on convenience, compliance costs, or bureaucratic discretion. ❌ Oppose HB 1362 (McNamara) HB 1362 further erodes the Second Amendment by restricting access to commonly owned firearms and lawful activities. Policies that treat constitutional rights as privileges undermine public trust and expose the Commonwealth to costly and unnecessary litigation. ❌ Oppose HB 1474 (O’Quinn) HB 1474 expands government authority over private firearm ownership in ways that conflict with constitutional protections and established legal precedent. Virginia should focus on punishing criminal misuse of firearms—not restricting the rights of citizens who obey the law.

Taxes on Constitutionally protected items such as firearms and ammunition possessed by law abiding citizens is not only not “affordable”, it is tyrannical. These bills are forms of Jim Crow laws, meant to keep guns out of the hands of low income and minority citizens. Please vote these unconstitutional taxes down.

I oppose bill HB207,HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094 Stop this ridiculousness.

I OPPOSE these bills as do many other citizens that you represent. VOTE NO!!!

I oppose House Bill 207, House Bill 919 and House Bill 1094. House Bill 919 and House Bill 1094 both impose an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition; House Bill 207 adds a $500 tax on suppressors. These are regressive taxes that punish the working poor. A single mother in Louisa County who can only work part time has the same right to self-defense as a much wealthier constituent living in Alexandria, but these taxes may price her out of that right. Regarding HB 207, while movies and TV have led many to believe that suppressors allow one to discharge a firearm without being heard, that is not true; suppressors are safety devices. Hearing safe is far from silent. Both the CDC and NIOSH recognize that suppressors are the only tool capable of reducing dangerous gunfire noise at its source, making them critical for preventing lifelong hearing loss. Taxing safety equipment out of reach is bad public health policy.

I strongly oppose the following bills: HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. None of these bills will do anything to stop gun violence. All they do is restrict the right of lawful citizens.. I propose a scenario to highlight this: All the anti-2A bills are passed along with the elimination of mandatory sentencing. It's Labor Day weekend '26 and you're out with your family at the farmers market. A criminal, not affected by the anti-2A bills, walks around with a modified assault weapon and 4-30 round magazines. They kill the cops in the immediate area and then open up on the citizens. 63 killed and dozens injured. Now inamige this...same scenario, but this time there are 5 legally armed citizens. Upon hearing the initial shots, they move to neutralize the criminal. 6 killed, plus one crimal out of jail bcz of no mandatory sentencing. Please think about the gun bills you're passing, and explain to me how they would have prevented the first scenario. I'll wait... Please tell me that the safety of those attending the market is enhanced by the elimination of legally owned firearms. The way I see it, all your proposed bills do is prevent the legal gun owner from defending themselves and those around them against the criminal, who you let out of jail. You see, the criminal isn't going to obey any laws, that's why they're criminals. They now know that whoever they target will be unarmed and easy prey...you, your husband/wife, kida, parents...for robbery, sexual assault, assault - battery, or worse...murder. Your vote to disarm legal gun owners only increases the likelihood of more gun violence because now, only the criminal is armed. Please tell me how this makes sense. Again, I'll wait... Respectfully, A Constitutionally back legal gun owner

On behalf of all second amendment supporters, these bills are unconstitutional go against our second amendment right. If these bills become law, it should go without saying that you all should expect major backlash from the citizens of this Commonwealth, or should I say Communistwealth with the bullshit laws that are being proposed.

I oppose these bills. The government doesn’t need new taxes on anything. Taxing citizens that are making purchases for self defense is wrong. Limiting the citizens options for self defense goes against our constitutional rights as well. The 2A says it will not be infringed. Doesn’t say within the limits set forth by government.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. This is unconstitutional

I oppose HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094. Please stop intruding on our second amendment rights. Respectfully, instead of raising your salaries by 150%, maybe lower them so you don’t have to continue taxing us higher. You’re causing people to flee the state. Some moderate our governor is. I worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years and know what a fake looks like. Please stop ruining what was once a beautiful state to raise a family. I’m reconsidering with my wife now.

oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094"

February 9, 2026. I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. Gun control laws penalize the gun owners, not the violent criminals.

I oppose HB207, HB919, HB1094.

I'm writing to express my strong opposition to House Bills 207, 919, and 1094, all of which deliberately place an undue financial burden on Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. The proscriptions against government infringements upon these fundamental liberties are clearly and unambiguously articulated in the text of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, and Article I Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. Impeding Virginians' ability to exercise their rights through punitive taxes levied on hearing protection devices (a gun safety measure), arms in common use, and ammunition is a clear attempt to disincentivize the same, and will disadvantage all but the wealthiest Virginians. The disparate impact of such measures raises serious questions about their intent and likely disproportionate harm. Moreover, these taxes fly in the face of the now obviously dishonest recent campaign promises to make Virginia "affordable" again. It was affordable, and our constitutionally guaranteed rights were protected by Governor Youngkin's vetoes. These bills represent a deliberate, and dishonest attempt to extort those Virginians wishing to exercise their fundamental rights, and will disadvantage those least able to afford, and those most in need of readily available means of self defense. Unconstitutional infringements upon fundamental liberties by means of extortionate taxes that will disproportionately harm lower to middle income Virginians, and those in constitutionally protected classes are an insult to freedom loving peoples and a betrayal of your duty to represent the same. Do the right thing, protect our fundamental liberties, and vote "no" on these bills so you can "make Virginia affordable again" as promised. Given the budget surplus with which you were left, you ought to be able to scrape by.

I oppose HB-1094, HB- 919 and HB-207.

I oppose these bills as being a citizen of the USA this is infringing on my second amendment rights. I’m a law abiding citizen and will defend my rights .Criminals will still posses guns and buy ammunition no matter what you try to impose.

I oppose these bills and they need to be voted against Thank you. George Francis

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094!!!

Yes I oppose HB 207 , HB 919 and HB 1094 please do not pass these unconstitutional bills!! Thanks

I oppose HB207, HB919, and HB 1094.

To All Involved, We the People DO NOT want all of the tyrannically oppressive bills you are considering to be passed. Especially the ones related to OUR second amendment rights. No where in the constitution is a state given the authority to restrict any of OUR rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution. To make any attempt to do so is dancing precariously close to the line of exercising DESPOTISM over the people. Which is exactly why the founding fathers ensured we had a bill of rights written and ratified. At least take some time to seriously think through the implications of any legislation you may want to consider. V/R Charles

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

These bills are nothing but money grabs that will do nothing for public safety an just make purchasing items under these bills more expensive for law abideing citizens i ask you to vote no to both hb 1094 an hb 919. Thank you

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB 1094. These bills are ridiculous and an insult to law abiding Virginians. Will have zero affect on crime.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I am opposed to the new taxes outlined in House Bills 919, 1094 and 207. As Virginia currently has a budget surplus of nearly 2.7 billion dollars, I cannot help but conclude these bills are not about revenue. Rather, they appear to be collective punishment imposed upon law abiding gun owners. Apparently, this is on the theory they are responsible for the gun violence perpitrated by the criminal element and mentally ill, who do not follow the law. The Second Amendment is not tobacco and should not be treated as such. Thank you....

Any house bill that directly or indirectly excludes or increases the burden of lower income citizens from owning firearms is a direct violation of your oaths of office. Taxes should only be fair an reasonable and not hesitate a hindrance to ownership. They should also not be levied on individual categories unless the funds gathered are to aid in or compensate for damage cause by the category (for example, a has tax is used to repair roads from use). Taxes levied only on firearms and ammo should not be repressed in the general fund to be used for political pet projects, but instead utilized for firearm education, use to improve the municipal owned shooting ranges, or for hunter conservation efforts. None of these bills will make Virginia "safer", and regardless what your personal opinions of them is, you know that was never their intention. The purpose of the bills is to add another barrier to the legal ownership of firearms, and to use a state and federal constitutional right as a revenue stream. Instead of looking at your constituents as a bottomless wallet for you to take from, you should be looking at measures that balance the state budget instead of inflating it.

Increasing taxation on firearms,, ammunition and suppressors to discourage citizens from exercising their Second Amendment right has already been dealt with by the US Supreme Court. Which will be struck down in Virginia.

What happened to the campaign promise of cost cutting, lower taxes and making life more affordable for citizens? Defending the bills in court will use taxpayers cash, court time ,labor..Raising taxes on items you don't like and stating costs will lowered is a lie..from the general assembly to the governors office..Honor your oath and correct your lies with truth..Vote no on gun bills..

Politicians system of tax , spend, waste, is a system created by them ..This has been around for years A corrupt system of power. A group think of nonsense..Where they can only see there side and are blinded to any common sense..Will not listen to anyone and if they seem interested it is just to look good in front of everyone..They pretend to listen.But there mind is made up already on there own plans. The liberal base who voted for them include guns owners..This should tell you they don't care about there voting bloc..They know this will end up in court ..Wasting tax payers money ..The courts time..And don't care about citizens in general. There campaign mantra was cut costs for citizens.But taxpayer cash will be used to defend there gun bills

I urge you to vote No on HB bills 207, 919 and 1094. The financial and legal ramafications are purely to remove gun ownership by citizens in VA. Undoubtedly Unconstitutional and meant to harass VA Citizens.

I disagree with all three of these bills. It only restricts my 2nd amendment rights by making it increasingly costly to exercise the right! I strongly oppose!

First I would like to thank each of you for your dedication to our Commonwealth, it is appreciated. In my opinion these bills do nothing to curb gun violence of any kind and only penalize law abiding citizens. None of them should be passed. This is just another attack on our constitutional rights. I agree there need to be some guide lines and laws that need to be investigated and I would support bills that truly do reduce violence. Please start looking at what will really reduce violence of any kind.

In Opposition of HB207 ***--- HB 207 would effectively impose a punitive $500 state tax on firearm suppressors, on top of any federal requirements, making it significantly more expensive for law-abiding Virginians to purchase a safety device. This disproportionately affects working-class citizens and creates an undue financial barrier to lawful ownership and safety. Additionally, suppressors are often used to reduce hearing damage and improve safety during recreational shooting and hunting. Imposing a high tax discourages the purchase of hearing-protective equipment, contrary to public safety interests. A big concern that I have is the Constitutionality of a steep excise tax targeted at lawfully-used sporting equipment which may be viewed as a de-facto restriction rather than a bona fide tax. Targeted taxes on a specific class of constitutional rights carry potential constitutional concerns and could be seen as an infringement on lawful exercise of those rights. Finally, with the recent federal elimination of the $200 tax on suppressors, HB 207 would reimpose a larger state level cost, effectively nullifying the intended benefit of federal reform and raising the overall cost to consumers. In Opposition to bills HB919 and HB1094 ****----- Imposing an 11 % excise tax on firearms and ammunition — and potentially another 11 % on top of that — penalizes law-abiding Virginians exercising their legal rights. Many individuals rely on firearms and ammunition for self-defense, hunting, and recreation. Excessive taxation makes these basic tools unaffordable for working families. Not to mention there is no clear evidence that additional excise taxes on lawfully purchased firearms or ammunition reduce violent crime. Criminals, by definition, do not purchase items through legal channels. Raising taxes on legal sales will not meaningfully impact criminal behavior. I am very focused on supporting businesses in our local communities in Virginia. Gun shops, shooting ranges, and related small businesses already operate on thin margins. Additional taxes undermine local commerce, discourage investment, and could lead to closures, layoffs, and reduced tourism associated with hunting and shooting sports. Additionally, HB 1094’s proposal to levy a separate 11 % tax on top of HB 919’s tax would double-tax Virginians purchasing firearms or ammunition. Stacking taxes in this way is especially punitive and places a disproportionate burden on rural and moderate-income residents. Any tax policy must balance revenue needs with respect for constitutional rights. Targeted taxation of a specific category of constitutionally protected items — like firearms — risks treating lawful owners as revenue sources rather than citizens with rights. In summary HB 919 directs funds to a ‘Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund,’ but there is limited clarity about how funds will be spent or evaluated. Without clear accountability and measurable outcomes, such taxation lacks transparency and taxpayer protections. These bills are blatantly disingenuous for law-abiding citizens who are simply exercising our God-given right to the 2nd Amendment. Please do not continue to push these bills forward.

So Virginia is essentially taxing a basic civil right. How will the Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund actually use this money? What have they accomplished other than syphon money from the pockets of Virginia's citizens, and probably lining the pockets of Virginia's elected elite? Show us the accomplishments. Show us how this is a solution to any problem regarding violence in Virginia or anywhere else. This is nothing more than a sin tax. Owning a gun is not a sin. It is simply another attempt to impede a basic civil right. What real Virginians and all Americans want are ideas and actions that address the root causes of violence, such as mental illness, social instability, or criminal organizations, including illegal alien gangs. We don't need taxes that merely steal people's money for a cause you obviously do not have a solution for, given a history of decades of attacks on lawful gun ownership that haven't prevented any violence whatsoever.

As a tax payer, voter, and law abiding citizen of this Commonwealth, I request you vote no on HB1094, HB919, HB207

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

I oppose these racist bills! They prevent black and brown people from exercising their 2nd Amendment rights and from protecting themselves. The suppressor tax causes undue hearing damage by needlessly increasing the cost of a safety tool so these bills are not about safety but a denial of rights by emposing an undue financial burden on the very people it should be protecting.

I urge you to vote "NO" on all the above bills,. We are already taxed enough! I believe the new Governor pledged to make VA affordable and that would logically mean no more taxation!

Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. I’m here today to address why this proposed state tax on suppressors is unnecessary, economically harmful, and disconnected from public safety. At the federal level, lawmakers recently removed the $200 federal tax stamp that had long been attached to suppressors. That change recognized an important reality: suppressors are not criminal tools—they are safety devices. They reduce harmful noise, protect hearing, and lessen the impact on surrounding communities. Despite that federal shift, this proposal would move our state in the opposite direction by imposing a $500 state tax on the very same lawful item. Suppressors remain heavily regulated even without the federal tax. Purchasers are still subject to extensive background checks, fingerprinting, registration requirements, and approval processes through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nothing about this bill improves oversight or accountability. It simply adds cost. That cost has real consequences. A $500 state tax will not deter criminals—because criminals do not acquire suppressors through lawful channels. What it will do is suppress economic activity inside this state. Consumers will purchase elsewhere, businesses will lose sales, and in-state manufacturers and dealers will be put at a competitive disadvantage. Lawful commerce will decline, while neighboring states benefit. This proposal effectively replaces a removed federal tax with a larger state-level penalty, undoing economic momentum rather than building on it. Any projected revenue must be weighed against reduced sales, lost jobs, and businesses choosing not to operate here at all. There is also a fairness issue. When the government stacks fees this high, it creates a system where lawful ownership is dictated by income. That is not public safety—it is a financial barrier imposed on compliance. Finally, this bill sets a troubling precedent. If the state can justify a $500 tax on suppressors today, it becomes easier to justify new taxes on other lawful equipment tomorrow. That kind of incremental policy creep erodes trust and punishes responsibility. Suppressors reduce noise. They protect hearing. They are already regulated. The federal government recognized this by removing its tax burden. This bill ignores that reality and replaces it with an even heavier one—at the expense of our state’s economy and law-abiding citizens. For those reasons, I urge you to oppose this proposal. Thank you for your time.

These bills are nothing more than punitive taxes for those wishing to exercise a Constitutionally-protected Natural Right. There is no grounds for these taxes any more than for taxing hundreds of dollars to check out a library book or having a poll tax of hundreds of dollars to vote. None of these will stand up to the inevitable court challenges, and Virginia tax payers will be on the hook to foot that bill as well. The Commonwealth went into 2026 with a $2,700,000,000 budget surplus, yet the General Assembly, under Democrat rule, seems determined to further tax the citizens. These bills are a disgrace and I strongly urge you to relegate each to the trashcan of history.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Will this bill also implement an excise on other constitutional rights? Why not implement an excise tax on paper, pens, pencils, typewriters, or printers used by authors exercising their First Amendment rights to express political dissent? An excise tax on a constitutionally-granted civil right is a 'sin tax.' It does not matter if you're taxing Second Amendment or First Amendment rights, or any civil right. Why implement a bill that discriminates against low-income citizens by adding unnecessary burdens and obstructions that discourage exercising their civil rights?

How did the authors of the bills such as a 500 dollar tax on suppressors,11 percent tax on ammo, create the numbers? Research ? Educated guess? Tax fairy? Similar to the dog walking tax...Nonsense tax meant to fund bloated programs...If as a delegate and if you have common sense you would vote against all of the anti gun bills..Citizens ,Lafave vs Fairfax county is a case of Fairfax county being sued in court by Lafave. Fairfax denied carry in parks.. The case had made its way to the supreme Court..Judge Roberts granted the writ on the shadow docket. Fairfax has until Feb 16 26 to answer ..If the case is accepted and plaintiff wins..This will affect other gun laws..

Very much opposed to these bills. Looks like the Dems in Richmond are determined to disarm their Black voters. Very obvious that if they truly believe getting a Drivers License is a burden on Black people then adding exorbitant taxes and licensing costs on firearms and ammunition must be a conscious effort on the Dem's part to disarm the Black population. This is very sad!

HB 207 - This bill contradicts current federal regulations. Oppose. HB 919 and 1094 - These bills preclude disadvantaged populations (who Democrats are supposed to care about) from purchasing a product they are permitted to purchase under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1, Section 13 of the VA State Constitution. This financial burden may have the unintended consequence of forcing people toward illicit purchases. Oppose.

More contradiction from politicians. You asked for votes based on a promise of improving affordability, and out of the gate you want to tax everything including basic human rights. These taxes are unconstitutional and we will easily defeat them in court. We will also be requesting any monies collected be refunded.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this bill. If you vote yes it will show that you are going against honest Virginians. Please vote NO!

Adding a higher tax on firearms will make it so only the rich can afford them. This will not stop crime in any way or form.

I oppose poll taxes which limit the rights of citizens to only wealthy individuals. The wealthy elite should not be the only ones allowed freedom.

his bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year

Greetings: I write to oppose bills HB207, HB919, and HB1094. In the interest of the people of Virginia, increasing taxes on suppressors and introducing 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth does not improve the economic environment of Va., reduce class difference between citizens, or improve well being. Reducing the burden to acquiring suppressors allows Virginians to practice lawful use of firearms in a way that does not cause undue disruption to neighbors and protects hearing for greater well-being. Businesses who can sell more suppressors would be better off, and thus more economically contributive, if they're able to sell without the burdensome tax. Concerning businesses, it is also an undue burden on manufacturers to shoulder this excise tax and likely pass it to customers. It is nearly equivalent enacting the same tax on publishers of media containing lawful speech simply for do so and thus making that media more burdensome to acquire by lawful citizens. In the case of all three bills, it does not benefit business, Virginians, or Virginia as a whole and they should be rejected outright.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

Charging an extraordinary tax or any tax on a device that will protect my hearing and the hearing of those around me is unconscionable. I oppose this tax and want to see a NO vote on bill HB 207. I oppose any new taxes on ammo, parts, supplies and guns. Be it at the retail, whole sale or manufacture level. This is a “sin tax,” that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Vote NO on HB 919 and HB 1094.

These bills do nothing but set up financial roadblocks for law abiding citizens to own firearm accessories under the guise of public safety. With a slew of incoming taxes already about to become law, we as Virginia citizens can quite literally not afford to have anymore unjust and unconstitutional laws reign supreme over our livelihoods and liberties.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. There are a lot of things that need to be addressed to make the Commonwealth better for it citizens. This is not one of them. Kind of funny you didn't run on these issues during the last election. You can be sure the next election will point out how you serve your major donors and not your constituents or the Constitution. I used to be a democrat and a significant donor. But ever since I realized that the Virginia democratic party supported racists like the last and current democratic governor. I would rather vote for a rock then any so called democrat.

As the Assistant Manager, Mid-Atlantic States for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), I respectfully urge you to oppose House Bill 919 (HB 919) and House Bill 1094 (HB 1094) – discriminatory legislation that would establish an 11% excise tax rate for firearms and ammunition manufacturers, intended to provide funding for the “Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund” which will likely result in the financial burden falling upon law abiding sportsmen and women. Virginia’s sportsmen and women are already the backbone of the funding structure for conservation efforts that benefit wildlife and their habitat throughout the Commonwealth, as well as the citizenry at large. The passage of financially discriminatory legislation like HB 919 and HB 1094, will likely result in an unintended and consequential diminishment of the state’s conservation funding.

Please vote no on HB1094 and HB919. An 11% tax is unfairly burdensome to the people Virginia. We should not have to pay extra for the right to protect ourselves. This is a direct attack on all people of moderate income, (which is most of your constituents), and is an attack on the 2nd amendment. I will actively rally others and donate to groups that seek to depose you if you continue your attack on law abiding Virginians

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I’m writing to let my concerns known on all of these laws that are being voted upon. We as law aboding citizens are the only ones that will be affected and obey these laws. You want to decrease the time criminals do for horrible crimes such as murder and rape, but make law abiding citizens (that have done nothing wrong) into criminals. We obey the laws (most i see as unconstitutional) and then you turn around and make those rights into crimes and punishments. “Assault Weapons” as you refer to them have been around since the 1940s. Everything i have obtained, i did so legally. Now you want to make them illegal, and even go as far as to punish me for doing so. Why do we play these ignorant games. Legal one day, illegal another! We have right under the 2nd Amendment. How does doing any of this make people “safe”? Criminals will use whatever they do to commit crimes, cause that is their very nature. Disarm the public and allow criminals to take advantage of your laws. We will be less safe. How does charging $500 tax on suppressors make anyone safe? You are just mad they did away with the tax. We will still purchase these items, but you just punish us for doing so. You do nothing to make us safe , and you tax us on more than just firearms! You take, and take and take, yet provide nothing more! What happened to running on affordability? Taxes on dog grooming, home repairs, vehicle repairs, and so much more. Increase our taxes when our state was doing so well that we had a surplus if 2.2 billion dollars. You count on people being ignorant, but by doing that you educate them. I hope you can put you pride and egos aside, and realize we are starting to do better. All you will do is hurt your citizens with these numerous amount of laws and taxes. As politicians you are called upon to make our lives better. You cant make us safer by what you propose. You will only destroy our trust and our economy. We are not ignorant people that need to be taken care of. We need you to get out if our way and let us live our lives and protect ourselves. One last thing. Europe did this to their population and knife crimes skyrocketed. Everyone of you know this. Do the right thing and empower us to live our lives. Don't put more laws and taxes on us. There is more to Virginia than Richmond. As a veteran i have taken the same oath. I still honor that oath, as i hope you all do.

I suffer from persistent tinnitus as a result of considerable target shooting in my youth. While suppressors get a lot of attention in movies and TV, they aren't a significant factor in crime in Virginia. I'd ask the committee to avoid taxes designed to discourage their use.

HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 violate constitutionally protected rights and disproportionately burden low-income Virginians, effectively converting a fundamental right into a privilege available only to those who can afford it. These bills infringe the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, §13 of the Virginia Constitution by placing substantial restrictions on the ability of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms without sufficient justification or narrow tailoring. The right to keep and bear arms has been recognized as an individual, fundamental right, and laws burdening its exercise must meet heightened constitutional scrutiny—standards these bills fail to satisfy. In addition to their constitutional defects, these measures impose significant financial barriers on firearm ownership and lawful carry. Fees, mandatory training costs, recurring renewals, compliance expenses, travel requirements, and the risk of legal penalties fall most heavily on low-income individuals. For many Virginians, these costs are not minor inconveniences but insurmountable obstacles to exercising a protected right. Low-income residents are often the most reliant on lawful self-defense, particularly in rural or high-crime areas where police response times may be longer. By increasing the cost and complexity of compliance, these bills undermine the ability of economically disadvantaged individuals to protect themselves and their families, while doing little to deter criminal behavior by those who already disregard the law. The government may not condition the exercise of a fundamental right on a person’s financial means. Just as poll taxes and excessive fees tied to speech or voting are unconstitutional, laws that price citizens out of exercising the right to keep and bear arms are equally impermissible. HB 207, HB 919, and HB 1094 create a two-tiered system of rights—one for those who can afford compliance and one for those who cannot. Laws that both violate constitutional protections and disproportionately burden the poor are unjust and should be rejected.

Do not vote for these bills

Why are you singling out my purchase of a Constitutionally-protected firearm or firearm accessory for special and excessive taxation? This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with a desire to prevent honest people from obtaining firearms.

HB919 & HB1094 creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers. Our new Governor campaigned on reducing the cost of living for Virginians, although it seems this promise doesn't apply to law-abiding gun owners - and as it turns out, it doesn't apply to anybody given all the new taxes proposed. These bills amount to a 'sin tax' for a lawful activity - and a basic civil right. Why stop there? Let's relive the past and bring the poll tax back and raise even more revenue on the backs of the law abiding who are simply exercising a basic civil right. Let's raise yet more cash and pass an excise tax for book publishers as well!

HB919 & HB1094 creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers. Our new Governor campaigned on reducing the cost of living for Virginians, although it seems this promise doesn't apply to law-abiding gun owners - and as it turns out, it doesn't apply to anybody given all the new taxes proposed. These bills amount to a 'sin tax' for a lawful activity - and a basic civil right. Why stop there? Let's relive the past and bring the poll tax back and raise even more revenue on the backs of the law abiding who are simply exercising a basic civil right. Let's raise yet more cash and pass an excise tax for book publishers as well! As far as HB207 goes, the $500 tax on suppressors - this is yet another unwarranted punishment singling out gun owners. Owners of NFA-controlled items such as suppressors are some of the most law-abiding on Earth, yet they are punished - in advance - for simply wanting to preserve their hearing, either at the range or while engaging in lawful hunting activities. The last crime committed with a legally-owned suppressor was in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone' - lots of good those zones do - so this is hardly a pressing public safety issue. It is yet another solution in search of a problem, and is yet another slap in the face of the law-abiding. But that's what passes for governing these days when Democrats run things: punish the law abiding and reward the criminals.

I oppose any and all legislation that goes against the second amendment. The 2nd amendment is a right not a privilege that can be taken away period . How about dealing with the criminals and being harder on them like reinstating the death penalty!

I oppose the "sin" taxes you are placing on lawful citizens for purchases you oppose. There is not a single item in the Commonwealth the General Assembly has placed a 3 figure tax on. Additionally I do not understand how anyone can support taxing poorer people out of the opportunity to own a device that reduces traumatic brain injuries such as a suppressor.

This bill creates a $500 tax on suppressors. The last case of a legally owned suppressor being used in a crime in Virginia was back in 2019 in a Virginia Beach 'gun-free zone.' Suppressors don't eliminate a gun's sound. They merely lower the sound to a more hearing-safe level. They reduce a sound-level as loud as a jet plane taking off down to the sound-level of a jackhammer. The reduced sound-level is more neighbor-friendly when target shooting. Suppressors also protect a hunter's hearing. Some suppressors are priced around $300, so this would be a 160% tax! What exactly does such a high tax achieve, other than purposely pricing poor people out of the market, discouraging target shooters from reducing the sound-level heard by neighbors, or making it harder for a hunter to protect his hearing?

I am opposing HB207, HB919 and HB1094 (which are similar in argument). I do not understand the opposition to suppressors, and I cannot understand regulating them. They are not the silencers from the movies that let you kill people without being heard. They are legitimate safety devices that both quiet the noise of a gun and soften the blast, making shooting safer for everyone. This is the same as telling construction workers that they can buy helmets, but it's a $500 tax on top of the cost, and anyone who buys a helmet is a construction-obsessed freak that needs to be registered for everyone's safety. HB919 and HB 1094 I am opposing because "money to prevent gun violence" is not a plan, and increasing the cost of ammo (and guns) only ensures that people practice less, making them less safe. I would oppose any additional tax without a plan, like if there was an 11% tax on adopting kitten to "prevent cruelty to animals". Virginia needs taxes to run, I understand that. But I can't abide being taxed for nebulous reasons, especially since it makes a hobby that I love more expensive, when everything in Virginia is becoming more expensive.

Both HB919 and HB1094 are designed to deter CITIZENS from exercising an enumerated right as stated in the Virginia and US constitutions. Our elected representatives have taken an oath to support and defend these constitutions. No constitutional right should be subjected to taxation under any circumstance. Not only is this an abomination, it's a slippery slope. What's next, taxing the practice (or not practicing) of a religion? What about taxing abortions? Virginia will not always be ruled by one party, and the other side will likely retaliate. Importantly, it's time for our elected officials to recognize and respect the citizenry. All citizens are to be governed fairly. Their interests matter more than those of any political party. What is unfortunate is that our elected representatives are owned by their party bosses and contributors. They make no efforts to debate and seek reasonable compromises. None have the guts to even try.

This bill creates an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

HB 207 What people see in the movies seldom translates to reality. Suppressors serve a legitimate purpose in firing range practice and hunting to reduce sound to a manageable level. They don't silence as shown in films. Simply owning a suppressor doesn’t cause a person to commit a crime. Like other inanimate objects, they can't act on their own and form criminal intent. Indeed, the last use of one in a crime was in 2019. They are already federally regulated and until recently had been heavily taxed. The amount of this tax comes to 160% in many cases. It is simply a cash grab and does not solve any real problem nor impact criminal behavior. OPPOSE HB 919 / 1094 Taxing firearms and ammunition to set up an unnecessary bureaucracy with a dubious mission and no measures of performance is a waste of money - our tax money. It taxes a basic civil right guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. It sets a precedent for taxing other basic rights including free speech and religion. I also object to the term "gun violence" being used in written law as it is clearly partisan language aimed at political opponents.

I strongly opposed both bills that arbitrarily single out firearms and ammunition for an excise tax. These bills are contrary to your "affordability" platform and seek to deprive citizens of their right to self defense items.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. These efforts only harm law abiding gun owners and will have no appreciable benefits to the Commonwealth.

HB 919 & HB 1094 create a new 11 percent excise tax on the retail sale of firearms and ammunition, imposing a targeted and punitive burden on a single lawful industry while exempting government purchasers from the same costs. Framed as a revenue measure, this bill functions as a discriminatory tax that will harm small businesses, reduce lawful commerce, and drive economic activity out of the Commonwealth. The bills would significantly increase the cost of firearms and ammunition for consumers by stacking a new excise tax on top of existing sales and use taxes. This cost increase will fall hardest on working class Virginians, rural residents, and small independent retailers who operate on thin margins. Many small firearms dealers and ammunition vendors rely on volume sales to remain viable, and an additional 11 percent tax will price customers out of the market or push them to purchase from out of state competitors. HB 919 & HB 1094 also create a strong incentive for cross border commerce and tax avoidance. Neighboring states do not impose comparable excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, making it economically rational for consumers to shop elsewhere. This will reduce in state sales, lower overall tax collections from existing revenue streams, and weaken local businesses without delivering the projected fiscal benefits promised by the bills. These bills also place Virginia based manufacturers and retailers at a competitive disadvantage. Firearms manufacturers that engage in retail sales within the Commonwealth will face higher operating costs than out of state sellers who can ship products to Virginia consumers through alternative channels. This undermines economic development efforts and discourages manufacturers from expanding or maintaining operations in Virginia. HB 919 & HB 1094 further raises concerns about the stability and predictability of the tax base. Firearm and ammunition sales fluctuate significantly based on market conditions, supply chain disruptions, and consumer behavior. Relying on a volatile and shrinking tax base to fund ongoing government programs creates long term budgetary risk rather than sustainable revenue. Finally, the bills earmark all proceeds for a specific program while ignoring the broader economic harm caused to lawful businesses and employees. Selectively taxing a single industry to fund unrelated policy goals sets a dangerous precedent and opens the door to future industry specific taxes whenever political priorities shift. HB 919 & HB 1094 do not represent sound tax policy. It harms Virginia businesses, reduces consumer spending in state, destabilizes existing revenue streams, and drives economic activity elsewhere. For these reasons, these bills should be rejected.

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094. Virginia doesn't want these gun control bills, it's making national news even.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE ALL THREE OF THESE DEMOCRAT PARTY INSTIGATED ATTACKS ON CITIZEN'S SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS!!! The imposition of an 11% excess tax on firearms and ammunition (HB 919 and HB 1094) and a $500 tax on suppressors (HB207) are the equivalent of imposing a POLL TAX on the exercise of our constitution right to vote. They are simply another attempt to disarm the citizens of the Commonwealth, particularly members of our poorer communities, by levying punitive economic costs. SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!

I oppose HB207, HB919 and HB1094

I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to HB1094 and HB919 as they apply a tax to a constitutional right. This is equivalent to a poll tax. I must remind the ones who approve of this bill that this will also impact the poor and minorities the most causing inequality as to who is able to use their constitutional rights.

I strongly oppose the passing of these legislations. Not only are they unconstitutional. They have no merit in public safety in regards to deterring or preventing crime. These types of legislations have been challenged and defeated in court. HB1094 & HB 919: Taxation without Representation or justification. This raises ammunition and firearms prices to manufacturers and law abiding citizens tgat have no intention of committing crimes and that are using firearms for self- defense, hunting, target shooting, range practice, sporting clays and home defense. 2005, Congress passed the bipartisan Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to prevent and curb never-ending series of lawsuits against manufacturers and retailers of firearms to hold them financially responsible for crimes committed using the weapons manufactured or sold by those entities. These taxes are a blatant attempt to circumvent federal law. HB207: Taxation without Representation or Justofication. The Federal Suppressor Tax: Overturned by the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco and deemed UnConstitutional. Suppressors are not firearms. They are not creating, inciting or doing crimes. They suppress noise, reduce harmful noise decibels and combined with hearing protection prevent hearing loss, increased medical costs on the users and spectators. They reduce noise pollution. They are less likely to spook livestock or pets when used for predator control, hunting and recreational shooting. They reduce noise at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. They are not a gun. They are not dangerous or otherwise environmentally damaging. They are no different than a scope or a pair of ear muffs. The only difference is where they are attached to a firearm and that they are not worn by a person. The sales of hearing aides will go down and permanent hearing loss will be reduced by using suppressors and ear muff or ear plugs. That is a win for Medicare, Medicaid, the user, spectators, healthcare costs, health insurance providers and more. PUBLIC SAFETY is provided by using suppressors. Again, these legislations are just a means to increase taxes, they do not prevent or deter crimes and only serve to push a party narrative. They are purely a party push and serve only to prevent men and women from lowering their healthcare costs, reducing noise pollution, reducing health insurance claims, or reducing affordability. I hope the GOA, NRA, VCDL, Gun and Ammo manufacturers, Health insurance companies and combine forces and take you to court and win if these legislations are passed.

I strongly urge this committee to reject HB919 and HB1094. These bills create an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers for gross sales into the Commonwealth that will be passed on to the citizen. Is there going to be an excise tax for book publishers, raising the cost for people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights? This is a 'sin tax,' that affects a basic civil right. Owning a gun is not a sin. Guns are used to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Because ammunition can be purchased across state lines, I would expect patrons will go to neighboring states or buy online. This will hurt revenue for Virginia and the businesses that operate in the Commonwealth.

HB207 - There should be no tax on suppressors, you are just making it more expensive for people to be able to shoot their firearms at a lower and safer decibel rating. Even if you use hearing protection, suppressors make shooting guns safer by further reducing the decibel count. And the amount of this tax is ridiculous , $500? This bill is really just trying to make suppressors, which are already expensive on their own, out of reach for people. And aren’t we all already tired of getting hit by more taxes? HB919 - There shouldn’t be an additional tax on firearms and ammunition, these are tools that we use to defend ourselves. Also a 11% tax is a ridiculous amount. Isn’t everyone already getting pinched in today’s economy? HB1094 - There shouldn’t be an additional tax on firearms and ammunition, these are tools that we use to defend ourselves. Also a 11% tax is a ridiculous amount. Isn’t everyone already getting pinched in today’s economy?

I urge you not to support HB207 ,HB919, and HB1094. Suppressors are beneficial for hunter's ear protection and for reducing noise from target practice in neighborhoods. Charging this excessive tax in HB207 is wrong and affects a basic civil right, plus it discriminates against the poor. Also, guns save lives! The excise tax in HB919 and HB1094 are an affront to law abiding citizens exercising their second amendment civil rights.

I am against these three bills as they are designed to punish fire arm owners. Owning fire arms is a constitutional right according to the second amendment, this is an underhanded way of curtailing our second amendment rights. What part of shall not be infringed do you not understand?

Please do not place additional tax on these items. It’s bad visibility to increase the financial burden for lower income citizens of the commonwealth to enjoy their lawful freedoms.