H.R.169 - Prevent Family Fire Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 169, the "Prevent Family Fire Act of 2025," proposes an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It introduces a tax credit for the retail sale of safe firearm storage devices. The credit is intended to incentivize the purchase and use of these devices, thereby reducing unauthorized access to firearms.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to make safe firearm storage devices more affordable through a tax credit. This could lead to increased adoption of these devices. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce accidental shootings, suicides, and theft of firearms.
Potential Benefits
- Increased affordability of safe firearm storage devices.
- Potential reduction in accidental firearm-related injuries and deaths, especially among children.
- May decrease firearm theft, reducing the number of illegally obtained weapons.
- Could promote responsible gun ownership.
- Provides a financial incentive for retailers to stock and sell these devices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential cost to taxpayers through the tax credit, although this is somewhat mitigated by the credit's sunset in 2032.
- Possible administrative burden for the IRS in managing and auditing the credit.
- The effectiveness of the credit depends on consumer awareness and willingness to purchase these devices.
- Some may argue that this is an indirect subsidy to the firearm industry.
- The definition of "safe firearm storage device" could be subject to interpretation and potential loopholes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill potentially aligns with the Second Amendment by promoting responsible gun ownership through safe storage practices, although some may argue about the extent to which the government can incentivize such behavior. The bill's focus on taxation falls under the purview of Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but taxation is a delegated power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).