Seattle City Council votes to adopt 'gun violence tax'





SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle's City Council approved a new tax Monday on the sale of firearms and ammunition — a measure designed to help offset the financial toll of gun violence.

But opponents quickly promised a legal challenge.

The council adopted the tax on an 8-0 vote, along with a companion measure to require mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms. The tax amounts to $25 for each firearm sold in the city, plus 5 cents per round for nearly every type of ammunition.

Council President Tim Burgess said the measures were designed to deal with gun violence.

But gun-rights activists promised to sue on the grounds that the city doesn't have the authority to adopt the measures.

Washington state prohibits local governments from adopting laws related to firearms unless those local ordinances are specifically authorized by state law.

Mayor Ed Murray issued the following statement after the  City Council vote

“The unanimous Council vote on this ordinance demonstrates the commitment of this City and this community to lead on the ongoing national epidemic of gun violence. While action at the federal level and in many other jurisdictions remains gridlocked, we are moving ahead to address an issue so damaging to the young people of Seattle, especially young people of color. Thanks, especially, to Councilmember Burgess for his advocacy for additional funding for gun violence research, prevention and education. Seattle’s youth deserve action and today’s Council vote is a meaningful step forward.”