Tax Free Holidays Proposed for Texas Hunters

AUSTIN — An East Texas lawmaker is drawing attention with a couple of bills he’s filed. In one measure, Republican Chris Paddie of Marshall says hunters should get a couple of tax-free holidays. The bill would create two such holidays, which would coincide with the openings of dove and deer seasons, the last weekends of August and October. Paddie says Louisiana has a similar holiday, making it a competitive issue. He says he wants to encourage hunters to “shop at home rather than going across the border” to get their supplies. Paddie thinks the bill will sail through. It would cover firearms, ammo, hunting blinds and stands, gun cases, safety equipment, and more. Paddie hopes the measure will encourage more folks to hunt.

Paddie has also filed a bill that would ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. He remarks, “It is my hope that this legislation would help protect our children from the dangers of smoking.” HB 970 would establish the minimum legal age at 18, and require valid proof of age and minimum age signage at retail stores. The bill would make it a criminal offense to sell electronic cigarettes to Texas youth under the age of 18.