Protect Children Through Safe Gun Ownership Act

House Votes

This proposal aims to keep kids safe around guns by tightening supervision rules and requiring safer storage at home. Parents could only give written consent for a minor to use a handgun if they know the child will be with, and actively watched by, a responsible adult who may legally have a gun. Gun owners would have to keep firearms locked with a safety device, or on their person within quick reach. Leaving a gun unsecured would be unlawful, and people hurt because of an unsecured gun could sue the person who broke the rule or the person in control of the property if they knew or should have known a gun was left unsecured. Civil fines could be up to $1,000 for a first violation and up to $5,000 for later ones. Anyone fined for unsafe storage would be blocked from buying guns for five years, background checks would be updated to deny those sales, and gun dealers would have to warn buyers about these penalties.

The plan also funds school districts (in states with similar safe‑storage laws) to give parents clear materials on gun safety and to hold public information sessions. The Education Department must issue best‑practice guidance before grants begin. The Attorney General must set rules within six months to update background checks and must report on how the law is working two years after it takes effect and every year after, including breakdowns by demographics .

• Who is affected:

  • Gun owners and parents/guardians of minors
  • People who control a property where an unsecured gun is present
  • Gun sellers and buyers flagged by background checks
  • School districts in states with similar safe‑storage laws, and parents they serve

• What changes:

  • Guns must be locked or kept on you; leaving one unsecured is unlawful
  • Parents can only consent to a minor using a handgun under active adult supervision
  • Fines up to $1,000 (first) and $5,000 (later); five‑year block on buying guns after a fine; dealers must warn buyers; background checks must deny those sales
  • Grants for parent education on safe storage; federal guidance on best practices

• When:

  • Rules to update background checks and dealer notices within six months
  • Guidance for school grants issued before grants start; reports due two years after enactment and then yearly