H.R. 1987: Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025

The "Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025" is a bill that aims to help veterans and some former members of the Armed Forces securely store their firearms to promote safety and prevent suicide. Here are the main components of the bill:

Program to Provide Secure Firearm Storage Items

The bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program that offers eligible individuals the following upon request:

• Covered items: These are lockboxes specifically designed for secure firearm storage.
• Redeemable vouchers: These can be used to obtain the covered items.
• Information: Details regarding the benefits and options for secure firearm storage.

To implement this program, the Secretary may collaborate with entities experienced in secure firearm storage solutions.

Annual Reporting Requirements

The Secretary is required to produce an annual report that outlines:

• How the program operates and its effectiveness in promoting secure firearm storage.
• The number of covered items and vouchers distributed and redeemed.
• Outreach efforts to veterans not enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs' system.
• Any obstacles encountered in outreach.
• Plans for improving the distribution process for eligible individuals.

Definitions

Key definitions within the bill include:

• Covered item: A lockbox that meets specific safety standards to prevent unauthorized access to firearms.
• Eligible individual: Refers to veterans and certain former members of the Armed Forces.

Education and Public Campaign

The bill mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to:

• Develop an informational video on secure firearm storage as a method to prevent suicide.
• Publish this information on the Department’s website.
• Design and implement a public education campaign to raise awareness about the program and its benefits without affecting individual rights concerning lawful firearm ownership.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $5 million annually from 2026 to 2036 for carrying out the program and associated educational efforts.

Protection of Rights

The bill includes provisions that ensure it does not:

• Collect personal information to track firearm ownership.
• Require individuals to register firearms with the government.
• Mandate firearm storage practices.
• Prohibit lawful firearm ownership.
• Discourage responsible firearm ownership or create a participant list.

Relevant Companies

None found