Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has introduced legislation (A.3163) to exempt items designed to ensure the safe handling and storage of firearms, including safes, safety locks and trigger locks, from sales and compensating use tax. This legislation is intended to encourage the use of these devices and the responsible storage of firearms.

“Safe storage devices are essential to gun safety and should not be taxed. They make homes and communities safer by preventing accidents and theft,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Research shows that secure firearm practices play a vital role in reducing the risk of gun violence.”

According to a recent study by Pew Research, the number of children and teens killed by gunfire in the United Sates increased 50% from 2019 to 2021, going from 1,732 per year to 2,590 per year. These numbers include homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths from firearms.

This bill has now been referred to the Ways and Means committee in the New York State Assembly.