Bill Overview
Title: Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish voluntary best practices for safe firearm storage solely for the purpose of public education. DOJ must give at least 90 days public notice and afford an opportunity for a hearing before establishing such best practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to award grants for the development, implementation, and evaluation of Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Programs. The bill also provides for a new tax credit through 2030 for 10% of amounts received from the retail sale of a safe firearm storage device for use in the United States.
Sponsors: Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]
Target Audience
Population: People living in households with firearms
Estimated Size: 130000000
- The bill focuses on safe firearm storage, which primarily impacts gun owners and those who live in households with firearms.
- There are approximately 400 million firearms in private hands in the United States, owned by about 30% of households.
- Best practices for firearm storage could potentially impact all these households, as they seek to align with DOJ standards for safety.
- By providing grants for Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Programs, the bill could positively influence all communities concerned with reducing gun-related accidents.
- The new tax credit for the sale of safe firearm storage devices will encourage purchases, impacting all stakeholders in the gun sales ecosystem.
Reasoning
- The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act primarily targets households with firearms, estimated to be around 130 million people across the US.
- The DOJ's recommendations will initially impact gun owners, particularly those interested or already engaging in safe firearm storage practices.
- Households without firearms or without interest in such matters will have minimal direct contact with the policy's impacts.
- The effectiveness of this policy relies heavily on its adoption and awareness among gun owners and sellers.
- Grants and tax incentives are likely to promote better storage practices, indirectly affecting those concerned about firearm safety, such as parents and educators.
- The limited budget in its early years, directed at public education and grants, suggests gradual, local impacts before possibly broader adoption as funding grows.
Simulated Interviews
Police Officer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a good step towards ensuring safety, especially in homes with children.
- As a law enforcement officer, I already practice safe storage, but the tax credit is an added incentive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public School Teacher (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's beneficial to educate the public on safe firearm storage.
- As a teacher, I appreciate any efforts that could reduce accidents involving firearms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retiree (Boise, Idaho)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always stored my guns safely, it's just common sense.
- The tax credit might help me upgrade to a larger storage unit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (New York City, New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fully support measures that encourage responsible gun ownership.
- Even though I don't own guns, I feel safer with more regulations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Firearm Store Owner (Jackson, Mississippi)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The tax incentives could boost sales of storage devices.
- I'm concerned about how the DOJ's guidelines might influence my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Community Organizer (San Diego, California)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Grants for safe storage programs can amplify our on-the-ground efforts.
- This bill is aligned with our community's goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring guns are stored safely could help reduce theft.
- The tax credit is a minor but positive incentive for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Psychologist (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any initiative that reduces gun violence and trauma is beneficial.
- Education on safe storage is a critical component.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Firearm Enthusiast and Blogger (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see recognition of safe storage practices.
- The grant program could help expand my educational initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Stay-at-home Parent (Miami, Florida)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill provides needed support to help ensure our home is as safe as possible.
- Hopefully, the tax credit increases the availability of affordable storage options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Key Considerations
- Public health benefits are anticipated, though not immediately quantifiable in dollar terms.
- The effectiveness of voluntary standards depends on public engagement.
- There is potential resistance from firearm owners' groups, which may lower uptake and impact.