What will you do if HB 760 becomes law?

**N3HCP** · April 14th, 2007, 02:48 PM

Personally, I think there is very little chance HB 760 will pass. Even if it does it will face many legal challenges before it is actually enforced. But in the spirit of preparedness, it's worth thinking about how you would react if it were to happen.

Assuming none of us, being law abiding citizens, would willing violate the law, will you keep your current, perhaps extensive, gun collection and spent the time and money to comply or will you reduce the number of guns you own to a few favorite ones?

It saddens me to think that any of us might be forced to sell any of our prized firearms, but I suspect that for some of us at least, that may be the only way we will be able to afford to comply with the law.

**JIMMYC308** · April 14th, 2007, 03:10 PM

First I would cry in the fetal position for an hour or so and then I would take a good hard look at the collection see what I needed to hunt with and defend my home and family with then the rest would go. I'm not a rich man so I would do what I had to. So let's pray it goes nowhere!!!!!!!!

**Brick** · April 14th, 2007, 03:15 PM

The real imperative is to keep HB 760 from becoming law, so keep the opposition going!

But please remember, it does no good to defeat HB 760 if the other anti-gun bills are passed! What good will it do you not having a state registry of guns if your county can outlaw gun possession (see HB 18)? How are you helped when HB 30 is passed and you find that your CMP M1 Carbine is now an assault weapon and has to be registered anyhow?

Bear in mind, we loose if any of these bills are passed, while "they" gain a "good first step" toward ultimate control.

**Skuggi** · April 14th, 2007, 03:40 PM

In general I abide by all laws, except maybe a speed limit here and there

But in this case I find it morally wrong and will most likely not abide by any regsitration laws.

A few reasons why.

1. I cant afford to.
2. What if the government tries to take control ever, may sound weird but I dont want them coming to my house knocking first.
3. What if we are invaded, and the bad guys get a hold of that list, how will I be able to help take back control for the USA.
4. I cant afford to.

**wmriz** · April 14th, 2007, 04:32 PM

what is this new law

**awkx** · April 14th, 2007, 04:50 PM

The HB-760 annual tax on firearms would clearly be an unlawful infringement of the right to keep and bear arms. As Chief Justice John Marshall said, the power to tax involves the power to destroy; if a $10/gun tax is lawful, then so would be a $1,000,000/gun tax. (Cf. Arkansas Writers' Project v. Ragland, 481 U.S. 221: a magazine tax based on the content of the magazine is unlawful.)

If somehow all three branches of the PA government fail to uphold the Constitution, it would be high time for the citizens of this Commonwealth to exercise their right to "alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper" (Art. 1, Sec. 2 of PA Constitution).

On a more practical note, however, I suspect a lot of guns will become "lost" or "destroyed" if the HB-760 tax is enforced. If a tax is unconstitutional, then it is not unlawful to ignore or refuse to pay the tax; rather, it is unlawful for the State to enforce it, because the State has no authority to do so under the Constitution. If you can get away with disobeying an illegal, unconstitutional 'law', there is no moral imperative to do otherwise.

**awkx** · April 14th, 2007, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by wmriz

what is this new law

HB 760 is a bill that would require registration of all firearms and payment of an annual tax of $10 per firearm, among other nefarious things.

**mauser** · April 14th, 2007, 05:23 PM

You've been a member since December, you've probably seen the threads, but didn't read them for whatever reason. I'm not putting you down or making any implications here, just making a statement.
This is worthy of bringing to the attention of everyone you know who enjoys the freedom and rights we have. Read all threads on this forum that pertain to ANY House Bill, (HB), or House Resolution (HR), not just HB 760, there are a host of others. HB22, HB291, HB 957, HR 1022,.....
Look on the main forum page under Press Releases, News and Articles.
Use a search engine to get more information if you feel that you don't find enough here, and share that information with your friends and family. I'm sure that there are many who aren't aware of what legislation is being drafted and introduced.

Here's a start:

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/news-123/...-luncheon.html
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/pennsylva...istration.html
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/news-123/...ation-act.html
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/general-2...olunteers.html

And petitions to sign:

http://www.reprohrer.com/?sectionid=73&sectiontree=73
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takea...ltl=1176585485

**tes151** · April 14th, 2007, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by awkx

The HB-760 annual tax on firearms would clearly be an unlawful infringement of the right to keep and bear arms. As Chief Justice John Marshall said, the power to tax involves the power to destroy; if a $10/gun tax is lawful, then so would be a $1,000,000/gun tax. (Cf. Arkansas Writers' Project v. Ragland, 481 U.S. 221: a magazine tax based on the content of the magazine is unlawful.)

If somehow all three branches of the PA government fail to uphold the Constitution, it would be high time for the citizens of this Commonwealth to exercise their right to "alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper" (Art. 1, Sec. 2 of PA Constitution).

On a more practical note, however, I suspect a lot of guns will become "lost" or "destroyed" if the HB-760 tax is enforced. If a tax is unconstitutional, then it is not unlawful to ignore or refuse to pay the tax; rather, it is unlawful for the State to enforce it, because the State has no authority to do so under the Constitution. If you can get away with disobeying an illegal, unconstitutional 'law', there is no moral imperative to do otherwise.

Yeah, what he said. Guess I'll become an outlaw................
Hope it don't come to that. Doing what I can to stop it.

**N3HCP** · April 14th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by mauser

You've been a member since December, you've probably seen the threads, but didn't read them for whatever reason. I'm not putting you down or making any implications here, just making a statement.
This is worthy of bringing to the attention of everyone you know who enjoys the freedom and rights we have. Read all threads on this forum that pertain to ANY House Bill, (HB), or House Resolution (HR), not just HB 760, there are a host of others. HB22, HB291, HB 957, HR 1022,.....
Look on the main forum page under Press Releases, News and Articles.
Use a search engine to get more information if you feel that you don't find enough here, and share that information with your friends and family. I'm sure that there are many who aren't aware of what legislation is being drafted and introduced.

Here's a start:

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/news-123/...-luncheon.html
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/pennsylva...istration.html
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/news-123/...ation-act.html
http://www.pafoa.org/forum/general-2...olunteers.html

And petitions to sign:

http://www.reprohrer.com/?sectionid=73&sectiontree=73
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takea...ltl=1176585485

Thank you for your concern. I have indeed read all the threads you list. I am painfully aware of all the anti-gun bills presently under consideration. My question here was directed specify at HB 760 because of the financial impact on all gun owners. Of course I have contacted my state and federal representatives regarding these bills.