H.R. 4225: Protect Children Through Safe Gun Ownership Act

This bill, known as the Protect Children Through Safe Gun Ownership Act, proposes several amendments to existing gun regulations primarily aimed at enhancing the safety of firearm possession among juveniles and ensuring secure storage of firearms. The main provisions include:

1. Supervision Requirement for Juveniles

The bill amends the law to make it illegal for any parent or guardian to allow a juvenile to possess a handgun without the knowledge that the juvenile will be under the direct supervision of an adult who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. This means that parents or guardians must ensure that if they give permission for a juvenile to use a handgun, it must be in a controlled and monitored situation.

2. Secure Gun Storage

The legislation establishes stricter requirements for gun owners regarding the storage of firearms:

• Unsecured Firearm Definition: A firearm that is not secured by a safe storage device is considered unsecured.
• Prohibition on Unsecured Firearms: It will be illegal to store firearms in an unsecured manner that has affected interstate commerce, unless the firearm is carried on the person or kept in a position within reach.
• Civil Action for Violations: Individuals injured due to unsecured firearms may file lawsuits for damages against violators or property owners aware of the unsecured firearms.

3. Penalties for Non-Compliance

The bill introduces penalties for non-compliance with the storage requirements:

• For a first violation, a civil monetary penalty up to $1,000.
• For subsequent violations, a penalty of up to $5,000.

4. Restrictions Based on Past Violations

The bill proposes restrictions on firearm transfers: individuals who have been penalized for violations related to unsecured firearms may be prohibited from acquiring new firearms for five years after their penalty.

5. Grant Program for Education on Safe Storage

A competitive grant program would be available through the Secretary of Education to support local educational agencies in providing educational materials about gun safety and the importance of secure gun storage to parents. This includes:

• Providing informational sessions or resources about gun safety.
• Best practices for storing guns securely to prevent access by children.
• Hiring personnel to oversee educational initiatives funded through these grants.

6. Reporting Requirements

The Attorney General is required to provide a report to Congress on the implementation of this Act within two years of its enactment, detailing how the provisions of the bill have been applied and reporting demographic data on enforcement outcomes.

Relevant Companies

• RGR (Sturm, Ruger & Co.): As a manufacturer of firearms, this company may face increased regulations and potential changes in market demand based on the provisions of the bill.
• XSX (Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.): Similar to Sturm Ruger, Smith & Wesson could be affected by changes in sales regulations and liability associated with safe storage practices.
• SHO (Olin Corporation): As a manufacturer of ammunition, any changes in firearm regulations could indirectly affect demand for their products.