Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8619
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-15: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3541)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-20T08:08:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act (H.R. 8619)
Purpose
The legislation aims to promote safe firearm storage to prevent loss, theft, and unauthorized access. It requires notices and devices with firearm sales, establishes best practices, creates a grant program for distributing storage devices, and offers a tax credit for retailers selling them.
Key Provisions
- Best Practices (Sec. 2): The Attorney General must create voluntary guidelines for safe storage in businesses, vehicles, homes, off-site facilities, and other locations within 180 days of enactment. These must be published online and in print within 1 year, with annual reviews.
- Notices for Manufacturers and Importers (Sec. 3): Starting January 1, 2029, licensed manufacturers and importers producing/serializing 250+ firearms annually must attach a notice to each handgun, rifle, or shotgun saying "SAFE STORAGE SAVES LIVES" with a link to the Attorney General's website.
- Safe Storage Devices with Sales (Sec. 4): Licensed dealers must provide a safe storage device (e.g., lockbox or trigger lock) with every handgun, rifle, or shotgun sale, effective 180 days after enactment.
- Grant Program (Sec. 5): Authorizes $10 million annually (FY 2027–2037) for grants to states and Indian tribes to fund programs distributing safe storage devices to the public. At least 75% of funds go directly to distribution; grantees report annually, and the Attorney General reports to Congress.
- Tax Credit (Sec. 6): Offers a 10% tax credit (up to $400 per device) on the first retail sale of qualifying safe storage devices through 2035. Retailers claim it as part of the general business credit; Treasury reports usage by state.
- Severability (Sec. 7): If any part is ruled invalid, the rest remains in effect.
Definition of Safe Firearm Storage Device: A lock (key, combination, or biometric) designed to prevent unauthorized access to firearms or ammunition, excluding built-in firearm features or recalled devices.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the existing federal requirement (18 U.S.C. § 922(z)) for safe storage devices from handguns only to include rifles and shotguns for licensed dealer sales.
- Adds a new notice requirement (18 U.S.C. § 923(m)) for licensed manufacturers and importers.
- Introduces entirely new elements: best practices, grants, and a tax credit (new IRC § 45BB).
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Department of Justice (Attorney General) handles best practices, website, and grants; Treasury/IRS administers tax credit and reporting.
- Citizens: Gun buyers receive mandatory notices and devices, potentially reducing accidents/thefts; public gains access to free devices via grants and cheaper ones via retailer incentives.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Licensed firearm businesses: Manufacturers, importers, and dealers face new notice and device requirements.
- States, Indian tribes, and local governments: Eligible for grants to distribute devices.
- Retailers of storage devices: Benefit from tax credit.
- Gun owners and public: Receive education, devices, and incentives for safe storage.
- Nonprofits: Can partner on grant-funded distribution.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on existing Gun Control Act provisions without banning sales; includes severability to protect intact parts if challenged. Reporting avoids collecting personal data on device recipients.
- Constitutional: Focuses on safety education and accessories, not core firearm rights, but could prompt Second Amendment lawsuits over sales mandates.
- Political: Named after a victim (Kimberly Vaughan), signals emphasis on preventing family/accidental shootings; bipartisan committee referral (Judiciary and Ways/Means). Long-term funding (11 years) suggests sustained policy commitment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-15: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3541)
- 2026-04-30: 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.
- 2026-04-30: 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.
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (10 pages)