H.R.1272 - Secure Storage Information Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1272, the Secure Storage Information Act of 2025, aims to reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries by promoting secure firearm storage practices. It mandates that Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) provide secure storage information to firearm transferees and requires FFLs to stock a variety of secure gun storage devices. The bill also introduces a tax credit for the purchase of qualified gun safes.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely increase awareness of safe gun storage practices among gun owners. It may also incentivize the purchase of gun safes through the proposed tax credit. The requirement for FFLs to stock a variety of storage devices could increase the availability of such devices.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Accidental Shootings: Encouraging secure storage can prevent unintentional shootings, especially among children.
- Decreased Suicide Rates: Secure storage can make it more difficult for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation to access firearms.
- Lower Rates of Gun Theft: Secure storage can deter theft of firearms, reducing the number of guns available for criminal activity.
- Increased Awareness: Providing information at the point of transfer can educate new gun owners about responsible storage.
- Financial Assistance: The gun safe tax credit can make secure storage more accessible to low-income individuals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Burden on FFLs: The requirement to provide information and stock various storage devices may create additional costs and administrative burdens for FFLs.
- Limited Impact on Determined Individuals: Secure storage may not deter individuals who are determined to harm themselves or others.
- Privacy Concerns: Some may view the government's involvement in promoting gun storage as an infringement on privacy.
- Tax Credit Limitations: The $500 limit on the tax credit may not fully cover the cost of a high-quality gun safe.
- Enforcement Challenges: Ensuring compliance with the information provision requirement may be difficult to enforce.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on regulating firearm sales and storage touches upon the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear Arms. However, this right is not unlimited, and reasonable regulations are permissible. The requirement to provide storage information and the gun safe credit do not directly infringe upon the right to bear arms, but rather aim to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries. The bill does not appear to violate any other specific provisions of the Constitution.
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).