Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act
Sponsored By: Representative Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a federal framework to promote safe firearm storage through public education, state and tribal grants, device licensing, and a tax credit. It sets voluntary best practices, expands retail coverage to include rifles and shotguns, and adds rules for messaging and device reporting.
Show full summary
- Families and communities: Would get clearer federal guidance and public education on secure storage and broader retail access to safe-storage devices for rifles and shotguns.
- States and Indian tribes: Could apply for Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Program grants funded at $10 million annually for fiscal years 2027–2037.
- Manufacturers, importers, and retailers: Would face licensing and messaging requirements and become eligible for a business tax credit equal to 10% of the first retail sale of a covered device, capped at $400 per device.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Grants for local firearm storage programs
If enacted, the Attorney General would be allowed to give grants to States and Indian Tribes to buy and distribute safe firearm storage devices. The bill would authorize $10 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2037, with the money available until spent. Grantees would have to use at least 75% of funds for local programs; up to 25% could go to nonprofits that partner with local governments to buy and hand out devices. Applicants would need to identify other funds when possible, and grantees would report device counts each year. The Attorney General would report to Congress beginning 13 months after the first grants are awarded and annually after that.
Tax credit for storage device sales
If enacted, businesses that sell qualifying safe firearm storage devices would be able to claim a new business tax credit equal to 10% of the device price, up to $400 per device. The credit would apply only to the first retail sale for use in the United States and only to the portion of the sale attributable to the device. The credit would not cover devices built into firearms or devices that had a mandatory Consumer Product Safety Commission recall on the day of sale. The credit would apply to tax years beginning after enactment and would not apply to sales after December 31, 2035. The Treasury would publish an annual, State-level report of credits claimed.
New safe-storage rules for firearms
If enacted, 180 days after enactment the federal safe-storage rule would be expanded to apply to handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The Attorney General would have to create voluntary safe-storage best practices within 180 days after public notice and a hearing, and publish them in print and online within one year. The Attorney General would have to review and update the guidance at least once a year. Beginning January 1, 2029, licensed manufacturers and importers that serialize at least 250 firearms a year would have to include a notice in each handgun, rifle, and shotgun package that says "SAFE STORAGE SAVES LIVES" and lists the Attorney General's public website.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]
TX • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov