Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 8, 2025
Bottom line
The bill creates a federal grant program to incentivize small businesses to develop and commercialize technology aimed at making guns safer by preventing accidental or unauthorized use.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Attorney General, through the National Institute of Justice, to establish a pilot program offering grants to small businesses for the development of gun safety technology. The program aims to support the commercialization of innovations designed to reduce accidental or unauthorized gun use. It specifically authorizes $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund between 3 and 5 grants.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will spur innovation in gun safety technology, making firearms less susceptible to misuse by children or unauthorized individuals. They contend that government investment is necessary to accelerate the development and market adoption of technologies like smart guns and personalized locking devices, ultimately saving lives and reducing gun violence.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that this bill represents an unnecessary government intervention into a market that should be driven by consumer demand and private sector innovation. Some may also express concerns that such technologies could be unreliable, infringe on Second Amendment rights, or create a de facto mandate for certain types of firearms, even if not explicitly stated.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions and implications within minutes.
Section 2(a), (b), (c), (d)
Gun Safety Technology Pilot Program Authorization and Structure
This provision authorizes the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Justice, to create a pilot program. This program will award grants to eligible small businesses to develop and commercialize gun safety technology. The bill specifies that between 3 and 5 grants will be awarded, and applicants must demonstrate a commitment to developing such technology and provide an initial product design.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated pilot program with a clear mandate and specific grant numbers provides a structured approach to foster innovation in a critical area. They believe that by targeting small businesses, the program can tap into agile and creative entities often at the forefront of technological advancements.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that limiting the number of grants to 3-5 may be insufficient to create a robust market for gun safety technology, potentially favoring a few entities without broad competition. They might also question the government's role in selecting specific technologies for development, suggesting market forces should dictate innovation.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to stimulate innovation with the need to manage a pilot program's scope. The limited number of grants aims to focus resources but might also restrict the diversity of approaches or the overall impact on the market.
Section 2(g)
Definition of Gun Safety Technology
This section defines 'gun safety technology' broadly as any technology designed to reduce the likelihood of accidental or unauthorized gun use. It includes specific examples such as 'smart guns,' 'user-authorized handguns,' 'childproof guns,' 'personalized guns,' and 'safes and locking devices that include personalized technology.' It also defines 'gun' by referencing the term 'firearm' in 18 U.S.C. 921.
Section 2(f)
Authorization of Appropriations
This provision authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund the gun safety technology pilot program. This means that Congress would need to pass a separate appropriations bill to actually provide these funds, but this bill sets the spending ceiling for the program.