Representative David Byrd; District 71 Capitol Hill Update

Sales tax holiday for gun safes extended for additional year - Republican legislation that extends a tax cut making it less expensive for gun owners to safely store their firearms was approved by the Tennessee House of Representatives.

House Bill 1738 exempts the purchase of gun safes and gun locking devices from state retail sales tax in Tennessee through June 30, 2023. The state’s sales tax rate is 7 percent. The legislature approved similar legislation last year. However, the tax cut was set to expire on June 30 if an extension was not approved. House Bill 1738/Public Chapter 1053 was signed in to law on May 25th, 2022 and took effect on June 1, 2022.

Protecting children - The General Assembly unanimously approved Republican legislation that revises the penalties for continuous sexual abuse of a child.

House Bill 1855 clarifies that it is a Class A felony to commit three or more violations of aggravated rape, rape, aggravated sexual battery, rape of a child, solicitation of sexual abuse of a minor, aggravated rape of a child, trafficking for a commercial sex act if the victim is a minor or promoting prostitution if the victim is a minor. Two violations are a Class B felony and one offense is a Class C felony. The legislation also expands the definition of sexual abuse of a child to include trafficking for a commercial act and promoting prostitution if the victim is a minor. House Bill 1855 is now public Chapter 1025, signed in to law on May 25th, 2022.

As always, I am truly humbled and honored to be your voice on Capitol Hill. If there is ever any issue I can assist with, please reach out to my office by calling 615-741-2190 or emailing me at [email protected]