Bill targets unsafe home gun storage practices
In committeeH.R. 1564Latest action
Sponsor: Rosa L. DeLauro · Representative · CT
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Ethan's Law
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 1564 requires gun owners to lock up firearms at home so minors and prohibited people can't easily reach them.
60-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill makes it a federal crime to store a gun at home where a minor or a person legally banned from owning guns can easily get to it. To follow the law, an owner must use a lock or safe, keep the gun somewhere a reasonable person would call secure, or keep it on their person or within immediate reach.
Who does it affect?
This law applies to gun owners who store firearms in their home. It affects any household where a minor under 18 or a person prohibited from owning a gun could access those firearms.
Why does it matter?
If an owner does not follow the storage rules, they can be fined. If an unsecured gun is then obtained by a minor or prohibited person and someone is hurt or killed, the owner can face prison time, more fines, and loss of the firearm.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- $500 base fine
- Harm = prison up to 5 yrs
- Grants for states with storage laws
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 25, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 25, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.