Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act

This proposal would create a pilot grant program to help small businesses build and bring to market gun safety technology that makes accidental or unauthorized use less likely. Examples include smart guns, user-authorized handguns, childproof features, and safes or locks with personalized tech. The goal is to move these ideas from design to real products people can use.

The Attorney General, through the National Institute of Justice, would award 3 to 5 grants. Companies must apply with an initial product design and report progress like building a prototype, testing reliability, planning trial production, and getting ready to sell. Congress would authorize $10 million for this in fiscal year 2026. Eligible applicants are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Small businesses developing gun safety tech; gun owners and families who might use safer products.
• What changes: A new grant program to fund development and commercialization of safety features like smart guns and personalized locks.
• How many grants: 3 to 5 awards.
• Funding: $10 million authorized for 2026.
• Oversight: Grantees must report milestones such as prototypes and testing.