Sen. Barrasso Co-Sponsors Bill to Modernize Sporting Goods Excise Tax

TLDR:
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that would require online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay to collect federal excise taxes on imported sporting goods, ensuring equal treatment with local retailers.

What You Need to Know:

• Bill: S. 1649 (Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act), introduced May 7, 2025.
• Sponsors: Senators Tuberville (AL) and Crapo (ID). Co-sponsor: Sen. John Barrasso (WY).
• Purpose: Updates federal tax law so online marketplaces selling imported sporting goods are treated as importers responsible for paying excise taxes.
• Impact: Helps ensure imported sporting goods sold online are taxed at the same rate as products sold in U.S. stores.
• Relevance to Wyoming: Could level the playing field for Wyoming’s hunting, fishing, and outdoor equipment retailers, and sustain funding for conservation programs supported by excise taxes.
• Status: Referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Sources:

• Full text of S. 1649 (Congress.gov)
• Sen. John Barrasso’s Office
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Federal Aid from Excise Taxes