The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) this week published two models for states to consider in terms of legislation to address gun violence and improve gun safety.
The first model would lock in requirements for securing firearms in residences and vehicles to prevent their acquisition by children, teens and prohibited users. Based on model legislation on extreme risk protection orders first published by the department in 2021, as well as evidence that secure storage of firearms saves lives, the DOJ stated that safe storage protects both minors and adults, reducing everything from unintentional shootings to gun thefts and the risk of suicides.
Similar provisions are already in place in more than a dozen states.
“Whether stolen from lawful gun owners or found by children and teens, unsecured firearms are responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths across our country each year,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said. “We cannot resign ourselves to losing our neighbors, our loved ones — even our children — to misuse of firearms that could have been kept safely out of reach. The model legislation announced today provides states with new tools to improve the safety of legally-owned firearms and reduce the tragic toll of gun violence in our communities.”
A second model would help states build requirements for the swift reporting of lost or stolen firearms. According to the department, thousands of firearms are lost or stolen every year nationwide. Timely reporting could help police form investigative leads and identify patterns – a key means of hunting illicit firearms traffickers in particular. The model was based on similar laws already in effect across 15 states and Washington, D.C.
Both models provide foundations for states to produce requirements, notices, and penalties for their own versions.