Gun Safety Innovation Opportunity Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9204
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T15:25:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9204: Gun Safety Innovation Opportunity Act of 2026
Purpose
This legislation aims to promote the development and wider use of safe firearm storage devices through federal grants. It focuses on advancing technology that prevents unauthorized access to firearms and improving public adoption of such devices.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program Creation: The Attorney General may award grants to colleges and universities or firearms manufacturers for two main activities:
- Researching and developing technology for safe storage devices, such as those using biometric data to block unauthorized users.
- Studying consumer attitudes toward these devices and creating strategies to increase their use.
- Grant Application Requirements: Applicants must provide a detailed plan for using funds, explain how the technology would improve community safety, and describe steps to make the technology more affordable and accessible.
- Funding Authorization: Up to $10 million per year is authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2030.
- Reporting Obligations: Grant recipients must submit annual reports to the Attorney General on fund usage. The Attorney General must also submit a one-time report to Congress within one year of enactment, covering ways to support new storage technology, its use by law enforcement, and its role in preventing self-harm or suicide.
- Definitions: The bill defines "safe firearm storage device" as a lockable mechanism (using keys, combinations, or biometrics) designed to deny unauthorized access to firearms or ammunition. It references existing federal definitions for "firearm" and "ammunition."
- Amendment to Existing Law: The bill adds a new Part PP to Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces a new federal grant program dedicated to firearm storage technology, which did not previously exist under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. It expands the Attorney General's authority to support research and development in this area through targeted funding and oversight mechanisms.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Justice and Attorney General would administer the program, manage applications, distribute funds, and review reports, potentially requiring new administrative resources.
- Citizens: Gun owners and communities could gain access to advanced, lower-cost storage options, which may affect personal safety practices.
- Law Enforcement and Public Health: Officers might use the technology in their duties, and it could contribute to efforts reducing self-harm incidents.
- International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Institutions of higher education and firearms manufacturers (as grant applicants and recipients).
- The Attorney General and Department of Justice (as program administrators).
- Congress (through required reporting).
- Firearm owners, consumers, and communities (as end users of the technology).
- Law enforcement agencies (as potential deployers of the technology).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation operates within existing federal authority over crime control and public safety funding but does not address or alter constitutional provisions related to firearms. It focuses on voluntary grant-based support rather than mandates, which may influence debates on technology standards and consumer access without imposing new regulatory requirements.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Cosponsors (6)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Gun Safety Innovation Opportunity Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (5 pages)