S.Amdt. 2919

This amendment aims to add a program to the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide eligible individuals with items for the secure storage of firearms.

Purpose and Changes

The amendment proposes the following additions and changes:

• Distribution of Storage Items: The Secretary would provide eligible individuals, upon request, with a covered item (a US-made lockbox meeting specific standards) or a redeemable voucher, along with information on secure firearm storage options.

• Public Education and Training: The Secretary is required to run a public education campaign and create an informational video on using secure storage as a suicide prevention strategy. The campaign must assure participants that using the program does not affect the lawful ownership of firearms.

• Reporting and Oversight: The Secretary must submit annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees starting October 1, 2025. These reports will cover program descriptions, the number of items distributed, and assessments of outreach efforts and obstacles.

• Protections and Rules: The amendment specifies that the program cannot be used to:

  • Track firearm ownership or collect personal information for that purpose.
  • Require firearm registration with any government unit.
  • Require mandatory firearm storage.
  • Prohibit the purchase or possession of firearms under section 922 of title 18.
  • Discourage lawful firearm ownership or maintain a list of participants.

• Funding: The amendment authorizes $5,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2036 to carry out these activities.