Licensing Laws and Safe Storage: Essential Steps to Reducing Gun Violence
Many states across the U.S. currently have very flexible laws and minimal enforcement for gun licensing. Licensing laws are a simple way to make sure guns are purchased and used by responsible Americans, however the federal government—and too many states—have yet to put many of these smart gun laws in place.
Gun licensing has been proven to reduce gun violence and trafficking, and it remains a necessary component to crafting comprehensive, effective gun laws.
Another way to save lives is through the safe storage of firearms. Safe storage laws promote responsible gun-owning practices by requiring gun owners to keep their firearms out of the reach of others, such as children or prohibited persons, who could use the weapon to deadly effect. These laws help prevent tragedies due to unintentional discharges, suicide, and gun theft by creating an environment that helps to ensure firearms are only used by the their rightful owners.
Presently Massachusetts is the only state in the nation that requires that firearms be stored with a locking device in place in all cases when they are not in use.
Join us in working to expand these requirements across the U.S.!
During the month of December, while many of us will be fortunate enough to be surrounded by family and friends, Promise the Children will remain focused on gun licensing laws and the safe use and storage of guns. Please help us spread the word or consider a donation to our cause.
Our new legislators will take office on January 3, 2019. Please consider contacting your representatives to ask for:
– Stronger enforcement of gun licensing laws;
– Improved records that keep track of all gun purchases;
– Better training requirements for using and storing guns;
– Increased education in gun training and gun safety; and
– Stricter gun laws that keep firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them.
Thank you for your continued support on behalf of our youngest citizens. Wishing you and yours all the best during this holiday season.
Becky Richardson
President
Promise the Children
