Safe Storage Saves Lives Act

Bill Number

H.R. 4152

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2025-09-10T08:06:41Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Safe Storage Saves Lives Act" (H.R. 4152) aims to enhance firearm safety by mandating the provision of secure gun storage devices, such as gun locks, with every firearm purchase or transfer. It expands existing requirements to cover all firearms (not just handguns) and applies to a broader range of sellers, promoting responsible ownership to prevent accidents, theft, or misuse.

Key Provisions

• Mandatory Gun Lock Provision: Any person transferring a firearm (e.g., selling or giving it) must provide a compatible secure gun storage or safety device (like a gun lock) at no extra cost to the recipient. This applies to all firearms, including long guns, and covers both licensed dealers and private sellers.
• Availability Requirement for Sellers: Anyone offering a firearm for sale must also offer a compatible gun lock or safety device for purchase alongside it.
• Clarified Definition: A "secure gun storage or safety device" is explicitly defined to include those provided with or built into the device itself, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Licensed manufacturers, importers, and dealers face existing penalties (fines up to $1,000 per violation and potential business restrictions). Non-licensed individuals or sellers face a new civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation, enforced by the Attorney General after notice and a hearing.
• Sense of Congress: Recommends that fines from violations be used to distribute free or low-cost gun locks or to fund public awareness campaigns on safe storage.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the scope of 18 U.S.C. § 922(z), which previously required gun locks only for handgun transfers by licensed entities, to now include all firearms and any person involved in a transfer (not just licensed ones).
• Introduces a new subsection (922(z)(4)) requiring sellers to stock compatible locks, with tailored penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(p).
• Updates the definition in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(34)(C) to emphasize that devices must be provided or integrated, closing potential loopholes in what qualifies as a safety device.
• Shifts enforcement authority from the Secretary (likely of the Treasury or ATF) to the Attorney General for consistency.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Firearm buyers will receive free compatible locks with purchases, potentially reducing risks of unauthorized access (e.g., by children or thieves), but may face slightly higher costs if sellers pass on stocking expenses. Private transfers become more regulated, encouraging safer practices.
• On Government Agencies: The Department of Justice (via the Attorney General) gains enforcement responsibilities, including investigations and civil penalties, which could increase administrative workload without new funding specified.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may align U.S. policy with global standards on firearm safety promoted by organizations like the UN.
• Overall, it could lead to fewer firearm-related incidents, but implementation might strain small sellers or rural areas with limited access to locks.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Firearm Purchasers and Owners: Required to receive locks; benefits from enhanced safety but may encounter new transfer rules.
• Gun Sellers and Transferors: Includes licensed dealers, manufacturers, importers, and private individuals; must comply with provision and stocking mandates, facing penalties for violations.
• Firearm Manufacturers: Need to ensure compatibility with safety devices, potentially influencing design or packaging.
• Government Entities: Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for enforcement; Congress for recommended use of fines.
• Public Safety Advocates and Communities: Indirectly benefits groups focused on preventing gun violence, suicides, or accidents.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens federal oversight of private firearm transfers under the Gun Control Act of 1968, but could invite lawsuits over enforcement practicality or definitions of "compatible" devices. Civil penalties provide a flexible, non-criminal approach to compliance.
• Constitutional: May raise Second Amendment concerns regarding burdens on gun ownership, though it focuses on safety add-ons rather than restrictions; courts might evaluate if it unduly infringes on individual rights (similar to past safe-storage laws upheld in some states).
• Political: As a bipartisan-introduced bill (though primarily Democratic sponsors), it advances gun safety reforms amid ongoing debates on firearm regulation, potentially influencing future legislation on storage or universal background checks. The non-binding "sense of Congress" provision signals support for using penalties constructively without mandating it.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]

Cosponsors (39)

Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-06-26: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-26: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2977)
• 2025-06-26: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Safe Storage Saves Lives Act — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (4 pages)