Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Storing All Firearms Effectively and Safely Act; SAFES Act

Summary

The SAFES Act introduces a refundable tax credit for the purchase of gun safes. This credit aims to incentivize responsible gun ownership and reduce unauthorized access to firearms. The bill also mandates a report from the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the effectiveness of different types of gun safes.

Expected Effects

The Act will likely increase the purchase and use of gun safes by individuals. This could lead to a decrease in accidental shootings and unauthorized access to firearms, particularly among children. The tax credit may also provide a small economic stimulus to the gun safe manufacturing industry.

Potential Benefits

  • Reduced accidental shootings, especially among children.
  • Increased responsible gun storage practices.
  • Potential decrease in gun-related suicides.
  • Financial relief for gun owners through tax credits.
  • Stimulation of the gun safe manufacturing industry.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased government debt due to tax credits.
  • Complexity in determining eligibility for the tax credit.
  • Possible burden on the Secretary of Health and Human Services to produce the required report.
  • Risk of fraud or abuse in claiming the tax credit.
  • Limited impact on overall gun violence if not combined with other measures.

Constitutional Alignment

The SAFES Act potentially aligns with the Second Amendment by promoting responsible gun ownership, which could be interpreted as supporting a "well-regulated Militia." However, some may argue that incentivizing gun safe purchases infringes upon the right to bear arms. The Act does not appear to violate any other specific constitutional provisions. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, and this Act does not appear to infringe on those reserved powers.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).