Ethan's Law
S 173, "Ethan's Law," requires firearm owners to store guns securely in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals ineligible to own firearms might access them. It amends federal law to make non-compliant storage an offense punishable by a $500 fine per violation, with enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death results. The bill creates a federal grant program to support states with laws matching its secure storage requirements, offering funding incentives for states that enact similar measures. It directly affects homeowners with firearms in households containing minors or prohibited persons, aiming to reduce accidental child access and firearm-related injuries.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jan 31, 2023
Last action Jan 31, 2023
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 31, 2023
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
upper
Jan 31, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 42 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Richard Blumenthal
DDemocratic
Co
Alex Padilla
DDemocratic
Co
Angus S. King, Jr.
IIndependent
Co
Ben Ray Luján
DDemocratic
Co
Benjamin L. Cardin
DDemocratic
Co
Bernard Sanders
IIndependent
Co
Brian Schatz
DDemocratic
Co
Charles E. Schumer
DDemocratic
Co
Chris Van Hollen
DDemocratic
Co
Christopher A. Coons
DDemocratic
Co
Christopher Murphy
DDemocratic
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