H.R. 1097: Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective Firearm Storage Act

The bill titled "Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective Firearm Storage Act," also known as the "SECURE Firearm Storage Act," aims to establish new security requirements for federally licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers. Here is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

1. Security Requirements

The bill seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code by introducing specific security protocols that licensed firearms businesses must follow when storing firearms and business records. The main points include:

• Firearm Storage: Licensed firearm importers, manufacturers, and dealers are required to securely store firearms at their licensed premises.
  • When the business is closed, firearms must be secured either using a hardened steel rod or stored in a locked fireproof safe, locked gun cabinet, or locked vault.
• Paper Record Storage: All paper records related to firearm transactions must also be stored securely in a locked fireproof safe or locked vault when the business is not operating.
• Additional Security Measures: The bill allows the Attorney General to establish further security regulations, which may include requirements for alarm systems, security cameras, and electronic record security.

2. Penalties for Noncompliance

The bill outlines penalties for businesses that fail to comply with the new security requirements. The penalties include:

• For a first violation, businesses can face civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
• For subsequent violations, the penalties may include suspension of the business license until the issue is corrected, or revocation of the license after repeated violations.

3. Application Process

Licensed firearms businesses must describe their plans to comply with these new security requirements within their applications for licenses. This description must show that their proposed measures would meet the compliance standards set by the bill.

4. Effective Dates

The bill specifies different effective dates for its various requirements:

• The firearm storage requirements will take effect one year after the bill is enacted.
• The requirements for storing paper records will take effect 90 days after enactment.

Relevant Companies

• RGR (Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.) - As a firearms manufacturer, this company would need to comply with the new security storage requirements and may incur costs related to enhancing security measures.
• AOBC (American Outdoor Brands Corporation) - As a manufacturer and distributor of shooting sports products, compliance with the increased storage and security measures could impact operational protocols and costs.
• SAFM (Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.) - Involved in firearms storage solutions, this company could see increased demand for secure storage solutions due to the legislation.