Making firearm storage more affordable is a win for responsible gun owners and those who sell safes and storage devices. It makes sense and supports our right to live safely in our communities by encouraging the purchase and use in our homes and cars.

I support this bill. It is important to incentivize gun owners to secure their firearms safely. Including more locations where people can purchase safe storage devices for tax credit is inherently a good thing.

I am totally against this bill which redefines what constitutes an "eligible transaction" for the firearm safety device tax credit by expanding it from purchases made only at federally licensed dealers to include those from any commercial retailer as defined in the bill. Undermines Safety Standards: By broadening the definition to include any commercial retailer, this bill potentially undermines the safety and regulatory standards associated with firearm safety devices. Federally licensed dealers are subject to strict regulations ensuring the quality and safety of products, which might not be the case with all commercial retailers. Risk of Misuse: This change could lead to the sale of substandard or counterfeit safety devices by retailers not specialized in firearms, increasing the risk of these devices failing when needed, potentially leading to accidents or misuse. Regulatory Oversight: The current law's focus on federally licensed dealers ensures a level of regulatory oversight that this bill would dilute. Licensed dealers are monitored for compliance with federal laws regarding firearms, providing a safeguard that this legislation removes. Economic Incentive Misdirection: The tax credit's original intent was to incentivize the purchase of safety devices from reputable sources, ensuring quality and encouraging responsible gun ownership. By expanding eligibility, the bill might divert this economic incentive towards less regulated sales, potentially misaligning with public safety goals. Legal and Compliance Issues: This bill could complicate compliance for taxpayers and retailers alike, as the definition of a "commercial retailer" might be broad and vague, leading to confusion over eligibility and potential legal disputes. Public Safety Concern: Allowing purchases from any commercial retailer could dilute the focus on promoting firearm safety. Ensuring that safety devices come from knowledgeable and regulated sources is crucial for public safety, a principle this bill overlooks by broadening the purchasing scope. Fiscal Responsibility: From a fiscal perspective, the tax credit might be less effective if it's applied to purchases from retailers who might not specialize in firearm safety, potentially leading to less efficient use of state tax incentives. I strongly oppose this bill for its potential to compromise firearm safety, regulatory oversight, and the effective use of tax incentives, urging its rejection to maintain the integrity and purpose of the firearm safety device tax credit.

As a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, I have had the opportunity to speak with many community members over the years about the importance of secure storage as well as the availability of the secure storage device tax credit. This information is overwhelmingly met with an enthusiastic response and many leave with the information eager to follow up. Securely storing firearms is critical to reduce unintentional shootings, youth suicide and the ability to harm others. If a firearm owner is responsibly securing their firearms, it should be easy for them to purchase storage that allows them to benefit from the tax credit. Please support this bill so Virginians can be furthered encouraged to safely store firearms out of the hands of those who shouldn't have them. Thank you so much.

I'm a volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and I support this bill. Research shows secure storage practices play a vital role in reducing the risk of gun violence. Storing firearms securely protects children and adults by preventing unintentional shootings, gun suicides, and gun theft.