Ethan's Law

Increased Safety for Minors and Ineligible Residents: By making it unlawful to store firearms where a minor or an ineligible resident is likely to gain access, the bill aims to prevent unauthorized access. This is intended to address risks associated with unintentional and intentional shootings (Section 3).

Prevention of Harm from Unsecured Firearms: The bill targets risks associated with firearms used in youth suicide attempts, unintentional injuries, and school shootings by requiring secure storage (Section s 2 and 3).

Financial Support for Law Enforcement and Courts: Through the Firearm Safe Storage Program, grants may be provided to States or Indian Tribes to assist law enforcement agencies or courts in enforcing and facilitating compliance with storage laws (Section 4).

Incentives for State and Tribal Legislation: The Attorney General is directed to give preference to grant applications from those who have enacted laws functionally identical to the requirements in this bill (Section 4).

Financial Penalties for Firearm Owners: Individuals who violate the storage requirements may be fined $500 per violation (Section 3).

Severe Penalties for Accidents Involving Injury or Death: If a minor or ineligible resident obtains an improperly stored firearm and causes injury or death, the owner faces enhanced penalties, including fines, up to five years in prison, or both (Section 3).

Loss of Property: Firearms stored in violation of these provisions are subject to seizure and forfeiture (Section 3).

Increased Legal Liability: The bill states the "Sense of Congress" that failure to comply with storage requirements constitutes negligence and should be deemed the legal or proximate cause of harm if a violation leads to a discharge of a firearm (Section 5).