WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Securing All Firearms Effectively and Safely (SAFES) Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a 90 percent refundable tax credit up to $500 for individuals or $1,000 for couples to purchase a gun safe to safely store their firearms. Co-leading introduction of the bill with Congresswoman Williams are Representatives David Cicilline (RI-1), Ted Deutch (FL-22), and Chris Smith (NJ-04). 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:  

“I grew up in rural Alabama where I shot my first gun at six years old and by high school, I was an expert marksman. I also send my seven-year-old son to school, fearful of a school shooting. I know we can protect second graders and the Second Amendment at the same time. We must make sure guns are safely stored in our homes to reduce the tragedy of gun violence in our country. The SAFES Act is just one of the many steps we must take to end preventable gun deaths and injuries.”

Congressman David Cicilline (RI-1) said: 

“Too many children are being harmed and killed by ‘family fire’ when guns are left unlocked or unsupervised in their homes. But, this is preventable with safe storage. By making gun safes more affordable, the SAFES Act will hopefully enable more gun owners to safely store their firearms and prevent these tragedies. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Williams in this effort and thank her for her leadership.”

Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) said: 

“We have heard far too many tragic stories of children accessing unlocked weapons at home, resulting in preventable injuries and even deaths. Even adults can be harmed by an improperly stored firearm, with devastating consequences. That is why the SAFES Act incentivizes responsible gun owners to safely store their firearms at home. Encouraging safe storage is an important, commonsense way that Congress can work towards a future without gun violence.”

The SAFES Act is endorsed by the following organizations: Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Law Center and more.  

Kris Brown, Brady President said: 

“Every day, eight children and teens are unintentionally injured or killed in preventable instances of ‘family fire’ — a shooting involving an improperly stored or misused gun found in the home. Studies have shown that the overwhelming majority of school shootings and youth firearm suicides are also linked to firearms accessed at home. This legislation is a common-sense approach that will incentivize gun owners to safely store their firearms and will save lives. We are grateful to Congresswoman Nikema Williams for her leadership and thoughtful approach to this critical issue.” 

Adzi Vokhiwa, Federal Affairs Director at Giffords said: 

“Storing guns safely and securely in the home significantly reduces the risk of death or injury for youth. Incentivizing gun owners to safely store their firearms will keep children safe and help prevent firearms from being stolen and used in crimes. We thank Congresswoman Williams for her efforts to make gun safes more affordable and accessible, and keep kids safe in homes all over the country. We urge Congress to take up this legislation quickly.”

Click here for the text of the SAFES Act. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. Congresswoman Williams serves on the exclusive Financial Services Committee where she is Vice Chair of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Select Committee for the Modernization of Congress. She is Freshman Class President and Co-Chairs the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as a champion of voting rights, closing the racial wealth gap, and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of their ZIP code or bank account.

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