Congresswoman Nikema Williams Reintroduces Legislation to Promote Safe Gun Storage

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Storing All Firearms Effectively and Safely (SAFES) Act, legislation that creates a 90 percent refundable tax credit up to $500 for individuals or $1000 for couples to purchase a gun safe to safely store their firearms. Co-leading introduction of the bill with Congresswoman Williams are Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-1) and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).

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. Today, I send my ten-year-old son to school fearful of a shooting. I know we can protect second graders and the Second Amendment at the same time. We must ensure that guns are safely stored in our homes to reduce the tragedy of gun violence in our country. The SAFES Act is just one of many steps we must take to end preventable gun deaths and injuries.”

“Safe storage saves lives,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Rhode Island has led the way by mandating safe storage for all gun owners, but safe storage solutions are still expensive and out of reach for many. I’m proud to co-lead the SAFES Act to make gun safes more affordable and accessible for all Americans.”

Representative Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) said:

“Ensuring the safe storage of firearms is a commonsense measure we can take to avoid senseless gun violence, which is why I’m once again co-leading the SAFES Act with Congresswoman Williams. It’ll take every tool possible to end this epidemic, and I’ll continue to partner with anyone to save lives and protect our communities.”

The SAFES Act is endorsed by Brady United Against Gun Violence, GIFFORDS, and March for Our Lives. 

Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy for Brady said: 

“Unsecured firearms have deadly consequences. Every day in the U.S., eight kids are unintentionally shot with an unsecured firearm and 76% of school shooters under age 18 accessed their guns from the home of a parent or close relative. Storing guns securely — locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition — is critical to protecting ourselves and our loved ones from these preventable tragedies. That’s why we need legislation like the Securing All Firearms Effectively and Safely (SAFES) Act. Brady applauds Rep. Nikema Williams for reintroducing this important bill and is thankful for her commitment to increasing secure firearm storage.” 

Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS said: 

“Rep. Williams’ bill offers a smart solution to a deadly problem: guns that are not stored safely. Suicide and unintentional injury, especially among children and teens, decreases measurably when gun owners use safes. This bill encourages safe storage as a standard and affordable practice, and we urge Congress to pass this sensible piece of legislation.”

Click here for the text of the SAFES Act.

Click here for a one pager on the SAFES Act.