Bipartisan Support Emerges for Firearms Storage in North Carolina

Promoting Secure Firearm Storage: A Bipartisan Effort in North Carolina

In a political landscape often divided on gun-related issues, one topic stands out with rare bipartisan support: firearms storage. Efforts to promote secure storage solutions have gained traction through a new initiative from the governor's office and a bipartisan-sponsored state House bill in North Carolina. Both endeavors focus on education and incentives to prevent gun-related accidents and promote responsible gun ownership. Research indicates that safe firearms storage significantly reduces injuries and deaths, yet a 2018 study by John Hopkins University found that over half of gun owners in the United States do not store their firearms safely.

Governor Cooper's NC SAFE Initiative

To bridge this gap and promote safe storage practices, Governor Roy Cooper recently announced a gun storage initiative called NC SAFE. Using existing state funding, the campaign aims to educate North Carolinians about secure firearm storage and provide gun locks and safes. While the governor's program is a positive step, Becky Ceartas, executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, believes it should continue beyond its initial endpoint in January to reach more individuals and raise awareness about safe storage.

Bipartisan Support in the Legislature

In a surprising turn, North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature recently overrode Governor Cooper's veto of a bill allowing handguns to be purchased without a permit. However, the same law includes provisions to educate communities throughout the state about gun storage practices. The bipartisan support for firearms storage is evident in the introduction of House Bill 56, sponsored by Representatives Erin Paré, John Bell, Jay Adams, and Allison Dahle. This bill proposes a temporary one-year sales tax exemption for firearms storage equipment. Although the original version of the bill included a tax credit for purchasing firearm safety devices, it was subsequently removed.

Representative Paré witnessed the consequences of unsafe storage in her district when a student fired a gun in a classroom, leading to charges against an adult for improper firearm storage around a minor. This incident underscored the need for the bill, which Paré describes as a "common sense measure" enjoying support from lawmakers across the political spectrum. The bill emphasizes incentivizing responsible gun ownership rather than implementing restrictive measures. While there is limited time left in the legislative session to pass the bill, its strong support suggests a smooth journey through the House. Paré plans to continue advocating for the bill if it doesn't pass this time and hopes to engage Senate leadership in discussions.

Balancing Security and Accessibility

Paul Valone, president of the gun rights group Grassroots NC, asserts that prioritizing proper firearm handling and secure storage should take precedence over restricting access to guns. Valone believes in voluntary education-based systems and opposes mandated storage practices. According to Valone, the compromise lies in finding the right balance between security and accessibility, enabling gun owners to protect themselves effectively when time is critical.

National and Local Perspectives

While eight states and the District of Columbia have already implemented secure firearms storage mandates, and 27 states have child access prevention laws, the debate over mandating storage practices continues. At the national level, efforts like Ethan's Law, named after a Connecticut teen who died due to improperly stored firearms, have been introduced by mostly Democratic lawmakers. In North Carolina, incremental progress towards promoting secure firearms storage is welcomed by Raleigh City Council member Megan Patton, who believes it is an issue that can bring people on both sides of the debate together. Patton hopes that these initiatives will contribute to positive change and, even if they prevent just one death, they will be considered successful.

Conclusion: Fostering a Culture of Responsible Firearm Storage

Promoting responsible gun ownership through secure storage is a crucial step towards reducing accidents and ensuring the safety of communities. With bipartisan support and ongoing efforts, North Carolina aims to foster a culture