I feel there has been a big hole in the debate on gun control policy. The focus has been on laws that will do little or nothing to protect people from the daily street crime happening across the country. There has never been enough focus on stolen handguns and on preventing guns from being stolen in the first place.
As you know, home invasions and car thefts happen every day, and many times this results in guns being stolen. A criminal should not be able to simply break a glass window and walk away with a bag full of guns in a matter of minutes.
There is no federal law requiring the secure storage of guns. A child safety lock may come with a gun, but there is no real requirement that you use it, and that does not prevent a gun from being stolen the way a lock box or safe would. A few states have laws requiring the safe storage of guns, but most do not.
Right now, someone can leave a gun in the glove box of a car, and if that gun is stolen and later used in a crime, nothing may happen to them. Right now, someone could have a dozen guns in their home, and there is no law requiring them to keep those guns in a safe.
This is the problem. From 2017 through 2021, more than 1.07 million firearms were reported stolen, averaging roughly 200,000 guns stolen per year. That is a huge problem in my opinion, and one that still does not receive nearly enough attention.
I believe my gun policy should get support from both Democrats and Republicans, including the NRA and all responsible gun owners, because gun safety requires safe storage of guns. No responsible gun owner wants their firearm to end up in the hands of criminals.
Gun Safety That Works: Stopping Gun Theft Before It Happens
Every day in America, legally purchased handguns are stolen from cars, homes, and closets and end up in the hands of criminals. These are not rare events. They are the backbone of street crime in many of our cities.
The Problem
While many politicians focus on mass shootings, most gun violence in America happens one bullet at a time, with stolen handguns used in robberies, assaults, and drive by shootings. Each year, hundreds of thousands of firearms are stolen, often from unsecured vehicles and homes. These weapons flood our streets, with minimal accountability for how they got there.
Our Solution: Responsible Gun Ownership Means Safe Storage
I am proposing a Secure Storage Law that requires firearms to be locked when not in use, just as we expect drivers to use seat belts and parents to use car seats.
Here is what it means:
- Every firearm must be stored in a lock box or gun safe when not under the owner’s direct control.
- Vehicles and homes are both covered. If a gun is left unattended, it must be secured.
- If a gun is stolen because it was not secured, the owner can be held accountable.
- Firearm owners must report stolen guns within 48 hours, with no exceptions.
Why This Matters
- Over 80% of stolen guns are handguns, and many are used in crimes within days of being stolen.
- In cities across the United States, guns left in cars are now the number one source of illegal firearms.
- This law protects families, communities, and gun owners themselves by helping prevent their guns from being used in crimes.
This Isn’t a Gun Ban. It’s a Safety Standard.
If you can afford a $500 handgun, you can afford a lock box. Requiring responsible storage will not stop anyone from buying a gun, but it can stop someone else from stealing one and using it to commit a crime.
Enhanced Secure Storage Standards
To prevent stolen firearms from fueling street crime, every gun owner must secure their firearm with a lock box or safe that meets minimum technical safety standards.
Storage Requirements
-
For Handguns:
Must be secured in a DOJ certified lock box or equivalent that:- Is made of steel or equivalent hardened material
- Has a tamper resistant locking mechanism (key, combination, or biometric)
- Is certified by:
- California DOJ Firearm Safety Device standards, or
- UL 1037 / UL 1610 standards (Underwriters Laboratories), or
- ASTM F2456 or similar pry resistance specifications
-
For Rifles and Shotguns:
Must be stored in a gun cabinet or safe that:- Has a mechanical or electronic lock
- Is bolted to the structure or floor, or
- Weighs over 150 pounds to prevent easy removal
- Meets UL Residential Security Container (RSC) certification or California DOJ approval
-
For Firearms in Vehicles:
- Must be placed in a hard sided, opaque, locked container secured within the vehicle
- The vehicle must be locked
- If stored in a soft case, such as a rifle bag, it must include a trigger or cable lock meeting the same safety standards
Proof of Compliance
When purchasing a firearm, buyers must attest that they already have compliant storage or purchase compliant storage on site. After purchasing a new firearm, depending on the type of firearm and storage required, the owner would either bring the storage device to police or other law enforcement to confirm compliance, or law enforcement would come to the home to confirm compliance. There would also be annual confirmation that the owner has proper storage for the number of firearms they own.
Retailers would be incentivized to stock certified lock boxes and safes and provide discounts or bundled pricing. A tax credit would also be offered for first time safe purchases.
Why These Standards Matter
Not all safes or lock boxes are created equal. Many cheap models can be opened in seconds with basic tools. By requiring certified, tested storage, we reduce the likelihood of theft and increase accountability for gun owners. This policy supports law abiding owners who take firearm security seriously while making it harder for stolen guns to fuel daily crime.
Links - Examples of Storage Devices That Meet the Standard
- SnapSafe Lock Box X-Large https://www.snapsafe.com/lock-boxes/lock-box-xl/
- Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe https://www.ftknox.com/product/original-pistol-box/
- Stealth UL-RSC Gun Safe https://www.stealthsafes.com/collections/ul-gun-safes/products/stl-gun-safe-ul28
How My Proposal Compares to Washington’s HB 1152
Let’s compare my proposal for a federal secure storage law with the proposal for a state law in Washington. HB 1152 is currently on the table. It has no specific standards for a lock box or safe, only vague general standards. I believe that is a mistake.
It also requires handguns stored in vehicles to be kept unloaded. I believe that is also a mistake and will make the law more difficult to win support for. If the firearm is kept in secure storage, there should be no need to require that it be unloaded. In the event of an emergency, when the gun owner retrieves the firearm, they may not have time to load it. In a situation such as an attempted carjacking, they should be able to use it immediately.
There are also other key differences between the two proposals. I believe my proposal is better, and HB 1152 should be moved in the direction of my proposal. ( Updated- HB 1152 was not passed and is basically dead )
How My Proposal Compares to Ethan’s Law
- Scope and Specificity: My policy offers a more comprehensive approach by covering all firearms, including specific standards for storage devices, and addressing vehicle storage. Ethan’s Law focuses primarily on preventing unauthorized access by minors and prohibited individuals within homes.
- Enforcement and Compliance: My proposal includes proactive measures such as mandatory proof of compliant storage and annual checks, while Ethan’s Law relies mainly on penalties after an incident without routine compliance verification.
- Preventive Measures: By emphasizing theft prevention, my policy addresses broader issues of gun violence and unauthorized use beyond child access.
- Legislative Progress: Ethan’s Law was introduced and passed in the House on June 8, 2022, but has gone nowhere since then.
My proposal for a secure storage law is better. It is what is needed.
School shootings
Real Safety. Not Soundbites.
This is not about ideology. It is about facts, responsibility, and saving lives. Let’s make gun safety work for everyone.
If I am elected to Congress in 2026, this will be one of my top priorities. But let’s not wait until 2026. I invite all members of the Democratic Party to start work on this issue now.
Kincaid for Congress in 2026


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