The Virginia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement applauding the Virginia Senate for passing HB 2387 which would give gun owners the ability to receive a rebate of up to $300 a year on their state taxes when they buy a secure firearm storage device including gun safes, lock boxes and cases. This bill comes on the heels of the tragic shooting last month at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia where a six-year-old student got access to a gun, and shot and wounded a teacher.
“We applaud the Senate for their responsiveness and bipartisan leadership to encourage responsible gun ownership by making secure storage more accessible,” said Mike Fox, a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Our communities are still reeling from the shooting at Richneck Elementary School and we hope that the House follows the Senate’s lead so we can continue taking steps to protect our kids and communities from gun violence.”
Keeping our kids and educators safe in school means stopping gun violence before it happens in the first place by implementing a comprehensive set of proven solutions and focusing on preventing kids and adults who have shown a history of dangerous behavior from accessing firearms. Guns are the number one killer of children in America, and when they aren’t properly stored, tragedy can strike – whether it’s a child finding a firearm and injuring or killing themselves, or someone stealing it and using it to commit crime. Secure gun storage can prevent both. It is crucial for adults to store guns securely, if they have them — and encourage friends and neighbors to practice secure storage when children visit their homes. Guns should be stored unloaded and separately from ammunition, secured with cable locks, and locked in lock boxes or firearm safes. More information about secure storage is available here.
In an average year in Virginia, 1,065 people die by guns and 1,911 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Virginia $14.2 billion each year, of which $288.3 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Virginia is available here.
To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.