Gun Safety Incentive Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4487
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Taxation
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:06:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Gun Safety Incentive Act aims to promote safe firearm storage practices to prevent loss, theft, and unauthorized access. It encourages education, provides resources like notices and devices, and offers financial incentives to reduce risks associated with firearms in homes, vehicles, businesses, and other locations.
Key Provisions
- Best Practices for Safe Storage (Section 2): The Attorney General must establish voluntary guidelines within 180 days of enactment, focusing on preventing unauthorized access in places like businesses, vehicles, private homes, off-site storage, and other relevant locations. These guidelines are for public education only, require public input, and must be published online and in print within one year, with annual reviews and updates.
- Promotion of Safe Storage Notices (Section 3): Starting January 1, 2027, licensed manufacturers and importers that serialize at least 250 firearms per year must include a clear, conspicuous written notice with each handgun, rifle, or shotgun. The notice states "SAFE STORAGE SAVES LIVES" and directs to a public website with the best practices.
- Safe Storage Devices for Firearm Sales (Section 4): Licensed dealers must provide a safe storage device (or information on where to obtain one) with every handgun, rifle, or shotgun sale. A "safe storage device" is defined as a lock or mechanism (e.g., combination, key, or biometric) designed to prevent unauthorized access to firearms or ammunition. This takes effect 180 days after enactment.
- Grant Program for Safe Storage (Section 5): The Attorney General can award grants to states and Indian Tribes to fund "Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Programs" run by local governments or tribes. These programs acquire and distribute safe storage devices to the public. At least 75% of funds go directly to these programs, with up to 25% for partnerships with nonprofits. Annual reporting is required from grantees and the Attorney General to Congress. Up to $10 million is authorized annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
- Tax Credit for Safe Storage Devices (Section 6): Retail sellers can claim a tax credit equal to 10% of the sale price (up to $400 per device) for the first retail sale of qualifying safe storage devices used in the U.S. This applies to taxable years beginning after enactment and ends for sales after December 31, 2032. The Treasury Secretary must report annual credit amounts by state. Devices built into firearms or subject to recalls are excluded.
- Severability (Section 7): If any part of the Act is ruled invalid, the rest remains in effect.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 923 of Title 18, U.S. Code (Gun Control Act), by adding a requirement for safe storage notices on firearms from larger manufacturers and importers, which previously had no such mandate.
- Amends Section 922(z) of Title 18, U.S. Code, expanding the existing requirement for safe storage devices (previously limited to handguns sold by dealers) to include rifles and shotguns.
- Adds a new tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code (Section 45BB), providing a business incentive not previously available for safe storage devices.
- Introduces new programs: voluntary best practices by the Attorney General and a federal grant program for storage device distribution, which did not exist before.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Justice (via the Attorney General) gains responsibilities for developing guidelines, managing grants, and reporting to Congress, potentially increasing administrative workload. The Department of the Treasury will handle tax credit claims and annual reports, affecting IRS operations.
- Citizens: Gun owners and buyers benefit from required notices, free or subsidized storage devices through grants, and a tax incentive that could lower the cost of devices (e.g., a $500 device might effectively cost $450 after credit). This may improve public safety by reducing accidental access, but could add minor costs or steps to firearm purchases.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic firearm sales, storage, and incentives.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Licensed Firearms Businesses: Manufacturers, importers, and dealers must comply with notice and device requirements, facing potential fines for non-compliance (under existing Gun Control Act penalties).
- Gun Owners and Purchasers: Directly impacted by mandatory notices and devices at purchase, with incentives like grants and tax credits to encourage safe storage.
- State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Eligible for grants to distribute devices, potentially partnering with nonprofits to reach communities.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Can receive up to 25% of grant funds to assist in device distribution.
- General Public: Benefits from educational best practices aimed at preventing firearm-related incidents like theft or unauthorized use.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on the Gun Control Act without creating new outright bans, but enforces existing dealer obligations more broadly (e.g., extending to long guns). The voluntary nature of best practices limits enforceability, while the severability clause protects the Act's overall structure if challenged. Definitions of "safe storage devices" align with federal standards to avoid ambiguity in enforcement.
- Constitutional: Could face scrutiny under the Second Amendment (right to bear arms), as requirements might be seen as burdens on firearm commerce, though courts have upheld similar safety measures (e.g., child access prevention laws) if they do not unduly restrict ownership. No direct conflict with other rights noted.
- Political: Promotes gun safety through incentives rather than restrictions, potentially appealing across ideologies by focusing on education and prevention. Introduced by Democrats, it may spark debates on federal overreach in gun policy, but the time-limited provisions (e.g., tax credit ends 2032) allow for future review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (28)
Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-17: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E686)
- 2025-07-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Gun Safety Incentive Act — issued 2025-07-17 — PDF (10 pages)