The American Academy of Pediatrics advises: “The safest home for a child is one without guns.” But in homes with guns, safe storage requirements make a huge difference in preventing gun injuries in kids.

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Why is this important?

In 2020, guns became the #1 cause of death for American kids—surpassing cancer and car accidents (source). In no other peer country are guns even in the top 4 causes of pediatric death (source).

4.6 million U.S. kids live in homes with at least one loaded, unsecured gun. Up to 90% of guns used in youth suicides, unintentional shootings, and school shootings (w/ shooters < 18yo) were obtained from the child's home or the home of a relative. (source)

In Georgia, an average of 146 children and teens die by guns every year. Georgia has the 9th-highest rate of gun violence in the U.S. (source)

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A number of states have Child Access Prevention (CAP) or safe storage laws on the books. These laws vary widely in strength, definitions and detail, but it is worth noting that Florida and Texas have CAP/safe storage laws, while Georgia does not. (source)

Federal law makes it illegal for a licensed importer, manufacturer or dealer to sell/transfer a handgun unless the transferee is provided a “secure gun storage or safety device.” However, it does not require that the purchaser USE the secure gun storage or safety device.

The bill was introduced by Representative Dr. Michelle Au, who is a Vote Mama alumna.