- The Washington Times - Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Seattle made it official Monday night, trying to tax its way into a lower crime rate.

The city council voted 8-0 to approve a bill that would impose taxes on sales of both guns ($25 per weapon) and ammunition (2 cents to 5 cents per round, depending on the caliber), with the money designated for research into gun violence and other anti-gun programs.

“Gun violence is a public-health crisis in our city and our nation,” Council President Tim Burgess told the Seattle Times on Monday. “City government can and must pursue innovative gun-safety measures that save lives and save money. As it has in other areas of policy, Seattle can lead the way.”

Gun-rights groups have promised a legal fight, arguing, among other things, that state law does not allow cities to regulate firearms.

 

• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide