Many people believe the number of tragic youth shootings and suicides in our nation could be significantly reduced by making guns less accessible to children. Each year, about 1,500 American children under 18 are killed and thousands more injured in accidental shootings. About a third of all families with children now keep a gun in the house. Gun safety advocates warn us that guns should be kept unloaded and stored in safes or securely locked away at home. Many parents believe their children are unaware of where they keep their guns. However, studies have shown that most children over 11 know where their parents store their guns and ammunition. It is estimated 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one gun that is loaded and unlocked. In 2016, 238,000 firearms were reported stolen in the United States and in the last decade, nearly 2,000,000 firearms have been reported stolen in the U.S. One recent study shows that up to a third of youth gun suicides, deaths and injuries could be prevented if guns are properly stored and ammunition is stored separately.

Pending Legislation: H.R.748 - Ethan's Law
Sponsor: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT)
Status: House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security
Chair: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX)