André Carson unveils gun safety bill to reward responsible gun owners, reduce firearm accidents

(WXIN/WTTV) — U.S. Representative André Carson has introduced a new bill aimed at improving gun safety for Hoosiers.

According to a news release, Carson — a democrat who represents Indiana’s seventh district — unveiled the Gun Safety Incentive Act, which aims to incentivize gun owners by providing a federal tax credit for individuals who purchase certified firearm safes and secure storage devices.

Carson said the bill aims to “support gun owners who take steps to store their firearms safely” as part of a wider legislative effort to reduce the number of accidents, suicides and crimes involving firearms.

The bill, in its current language, would establish a 10% tax credit on certified firearm safes and storage devices through 2030. It would also instruct the Department of Justice to prioritize establishing “voluntary best practices” for safe firearms storage and would enact labeling requirements on “specified” handgun, rifle and shotgun manufacturers.

The bill would also provide funding for Safe Firearms Storage Assistance Programs to “promote secure storage practices through education, outreach, and local partnerships.”

Carson introduced the bill alongside Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06).

“Any discussion of public safety in Indianapolis and across the country must include commonsense gun safety reforms that everyone can support,” Congressman Carson said. “As a former law enforcement officer, I know that responsible gun ownership means responsible gun storage. By providing a tax credit, my bill incentivizes safe gun storage to lower the risk of accidents, suicides, and youth access to guns. As Dean of the Indiana Congressional Delegation, I invite all Hoosier lawmakers to join me in making our communities safer.”