SECURE Firearm Storage Act

This bill sets security rules for federally licensed gun importers, makers, and dealers. When the shop is closed, they must lock up all guns and store paper records securely. It also lets the Justice Department add extra security rules, like alarms, cameras, stronger doors, and protection for electronic records, to cut the risk of theft.

Key points

• Who is affected: Federally licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers.
• What changes:
  • When closed, every gun must be either secured with a strong, locked rod through the trigger guard and anchored in place, or stored in a locked safe, a locked gun cabinet (with added locks if the cabinet isn’t steel), or a locked vault.
  • Paper records must be kept in a secure spot, like a locked fireproof safe or vault, when the store is closed.
  • The Attorney General can require more measures, such as alarms, security cameras, site hardening, and securing electronic records.
  • New license applicants must explain how they will meet these security rules, and that plan must be acceptable to the Attorney General.
• Penalties: First set of violations can bring a $1,000–$10,000 fine. A second set on the same day leads to license suspension until fixed (and possibly a fine). A third set on the same day leads to license revocation (and possibly a fine).
• When:
  • Paper record storage rules start 90 days after the law is enacted.
  • Gun storage rules start 1 year after enactment.

In short, the bill aims to keep guns and records in gun businesses secure after hours, with clear standards, enforcement, and timelines.