Bill Overview
Title: Firearm Industry Fairness Act
Description: This bill imposes a 20% surtax on the total revenue of each semi-automatic assault weapon manufacturer or importer. The bill defines semi-automatic assault weapon to include a semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than 15 rounds, semiautomatic pistols and shotguns, and other identified assault weapons. The bill establishes the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Trust Fund to hold tax revenues generated by this bill to carry out the Bureau of Justice Assistance Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative to prevent and reduce violent crime in communities.
Sponsors: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Target Audience
Population: People employed by semi-automatic assault weapon manufacturers or importers
Estimated Size: 2500
- The bill targets manufacturers or importers of semi-automatic assault weapons, which is a specific subset of the firearms industry.
- There are many manufacturers and importers of semi-automatic firearms globally, but the number of relevant businesses may be limited relative to all firearm manufacturers.
- The surtax may affect the pricing and availability of these weapons, potentially impacting the customers who purchase them.
- The fund created from tax revenues is aimed at preventing and reducing violent crime, likely impacting communities in need of such interventions globally.
- Many countries have strict regulations on assault weapons, which might limit the number of affected manufacturers globally.
Reasoning
- The policy imposes additional taxes on specific segments of the firearms industry, which may lead to changes in pricing and availability of certain weapons, directly impacting manufacturers, importers, and consumers.
- Funds collected from the surtax are aimed at reducing community violence, potentially leading to improved well-being in affected areas, especially those experiencing higher rates of gun violence.
- The target population primarily includes those working within the semi-automatic assault weapon industry, such as manufacturers and importers, as well as communities targeted by the intervention programs funded by the surtax.
- Given the budgetary restrictions, the initiative may prioritize high-violence communities or focus on pilot programs initially.
Simulated Interviews
Firearm Manufacturer Employee (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The surtax might lead to job insecurity at our plant if it affects revenues.
- I support the initiatives to reduce violence but worry how my family will cope if I lose my job.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Community Outreach Coordinator (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our community needs funds for violence intervention programs.
- I believe the policy could significantly reduce gun violence in our area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am supportive of the policy if it reduces gun violence across the country.
- It doesn't directly impact my life, but I feel safer with such measures in place.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Gun Store Owner (Montana)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The surtax might increase prices, affecting my sales.
- It's crucial to balance safety with respecting responsible gun owners.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could be a progressive step in violence reduction.
- It's vital to have measurable outcomes and accountability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired Police Officer (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Investment in crime prevention can be transformative.
- High hopes for less violence in my grandchildren's future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Journalist (New York, New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy helps highlight important debates on gun control.
- Hopeful about reduction in urban crime rates.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
High School Teacher (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything to make our neighborhoods safer is a win.
- Educators need all the help to cope with the impact of violence on youths.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Gun Range) (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could lead to increased costs for customers.
- It's important to advocate for responsible gun use and access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interested in how financial tools can aid in reducing violence.
- Hopeful about the research opportunities this policy might bring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- The elasticity of demand for taxed semi-automatic weapons is critical to understanding the generated tax revenue.
- The administrative capabilities to implement and enforce the surtax and manage the funds distributed.
- Potential price increases for these specific weapons could affect overall sales volume and revenue projections.