Washington D.C. – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds Senate introduction of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act (S.1649) which addresses a significant gap in the collection of taxes for the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Trust Funds. Introduced by Sens. Tuberville (R-AL) and Crapo (R-ID), the bill would make online marketplace facilitators responsible for collecting excise taxes on archery and angling equipment sold directly to U.S. consumers from foreign vendors.

"We thank Senators Tuberville and Crapo for their leadership in helping to make the Sport Fish Restoration and Wildlife Restoration funds whole," said Jim Fredericks, Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Chair of the Association's Fisheries and Water Resources Policy Committee and. "State fisheries programs count on these funds to maintain the good quality fishing opportunities that keep our anglers coming back for more."

Archery and sportfishing manufacturers proudly contribute tens of millions of dollars annually to the American System of Conservation Funding through the collection of excise taxes under the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Programs, providing dedicated funding to state agencies for fish and wildlife conservation. However, these taxes are not captured from foreign companies selling directly to consumers online.

“State fish and wildlife agencies rely on every dollar from these excise taxes to fulfill their public trust responsibilities,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Fair and complete collection of these funds is critical to managing healthy habitats and abundant fish and wildlife populations, ensuring hunting, angling, and outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans.”

The bill would follow through on the recommendations from the Government Accountability Office by making online marketplace facilitators accountable for the collection of excise taxes on these products. The Association urges unanimous passage of this legislation and its House companion, H.R. 1494, led by Reps. Panetta (D-CA), Moore (R-UT) and nearly two dozen bipartisan cosponsors.