KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - E-Mail: "Guns Must Be Claimed on Tax Return"

E-Mail: "Guns Must Be Claimed on Tax Return"

by Michael Schwanke (WICHITA, Kan.)

The e-mail makes claims that would worry most gun owners.   

The headline reads: "Now all guns must be listed on your next (2010) tax return!"

The e-mail refers to Senate Bill SB-2099.  It claims it was introduced this year by the Obama administration, that it would require fingerprints for gun owners, and force them to pay $50 per gun.

The truth is it was proposed nine years ago.  The bill didn't go anywhere and has since died.
But it's still out there, and viewers are demanding Eyewitness News cover the issue.

It may be why gun shops like the Bullseye Indoor Shooting Range and owner Bill Vinduska have given President Obama an unofficial award.

"We all know he is the gun salesman of the year. He's been great for business. We've beat all kinds of store records," says Vinduska.

There is a second part to the e-mail, which does have truth to it.  It talks about bill HR-45.  It was proposed this year, and would basically require a federal license to own a handgun and some other semi automatic weapons.

Although it's still considered "active", it doesn't have a co-sponsor and nothing has happened with it in the last ten months.

"I don't look for it to go anywhere and certainly anyone who votes for it won't be in office after the next election," says Vinduska.

Eyewitness News talked to lawmakers and they agree.  They don't expect it to go anywhere either.

Gun rights advocates like Vinduska are still paying attention, but he says don't stop at just checking your email.

"Look at these things and make sure you have your facts straight before you send it on again."

Click here to read H.R. 45