DeLauro, Blumenthal, Murphy Introduce Ethan’s Law
Video of Press Conference Introducing Ethan’s Law HERE
Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), introduced Ethan’s Law.
Ethan’s Law, named in honor of Guilford teen Ethan Song, would create federal requirements for safe gun storage and strong penalties for any violations. The bill honors the memory of Ethan Song—a Guilford teenager who was killed with an unsecured gun in early 2018. Ethan's Law would set federal standards for safe gun storage, as well as give states incentives to create and implement safe gun storage laws. Ethan’s Law will help prevent unintentional shootings, suicide and even crime-related gun violence. DeLauro has currently secured the support of over 90 of her colleagues ahead of the bill’s reintroduction in the 119th Congress.
"No parent should have to experience the unbearable pain of losing a child to senseless, preventable gun violence,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “But far too many families do—particularly the Songs, who experienced indescribable pain following the death of their son, Ethan. This legislation, named for Ethan, is about one simple, undeniable truth: secure firearm storage saves lives. It is about responsibility. It is about common sense. And above all, it is about protecting our children. Congress must choose—stand with grieving families and take action, or continue to allow avoidable tragedies to steal our kids’ and families’ futures. I refuse to accept inaction as the norm. The time to pass Ethan’s Law is now."
"Safe storage saves lives. Congress has the power to prevent the next gun violence tragedy by passing Ethan’s Law-- a basic, commonsense public safety measure. This vital legislation will help prevent unnecessary deaths and protect the thousands of children living in homes with unsecured weapons. I will continue fighting to pass Ethan's Law, because it’s a matter of life and death," said Senator Blumenthal.
"Safe storage saves lives, and Connecticut proved that with Ethan’s Law. It’s past time for Congress to make sure families across the country have the same protections. I’m grateful to the Song family for turning unimaginable tragedy into action, and I’m proud to fight alongside them to get this bill passed," said Murphy.
“My love for Ethan is endless,” said Kristin Song. “I will never let bullies stop me from fighting for a law that will save thousands of children. Each day DC politicians fail to protect innocent children from unsecured guns, they have failed families. We must make this lifesaving legislation law.”
“Newtown Action Alliance urges the 119th Congress to pass Senator Blumenthal and Congresswoman DeLauro's bill to keep kids safe from unsecured guns,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance. “The 2019 U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence showed that 76% of school shooters acquired their firearms from the home of a parent or another close relative. The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting—one of the deadliest school shootings in our nation’s history—could have been prevented if the shooter’s mother had stored her firearms safely. Instead, her unsecured weapons were used to take her life and the lives of 20 first graders and six educators. Ethan's Law will help to dramatically reduce school shootings, unintentional shootings, gun suicides, and prevent stolen guns from seeping into the black market. It will also promote responsible gun ownership in a nation with 465 million civilian gun stock."
“Ethan Song was just 15 when an unsecured gun cost him his life. He’s not alone—every day in the United States, eight kids are unintentionally shot with an unsecured gun from the home. Secure storage is a simple solution for gun owners to protect their loved ones, at home and beyond. If just 20% of gun-owning parents locked all household firearms, about one-third of youth firearm suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented. That’s why Brady is proud to stand behind the Song family and support Senator Blumenthal and Representative DeLauro’s re-introduction of Ethan’s Law, which will save thousands more children from preventable “family fire” tragedies.” — Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady United.
“Safe and secure firearm storage is a critical strategy that will help prevent and eliminate gun violence, promote the safety and well-being of all children and our country, and help ensure every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. “With evidence strongly suggesting that restricting children’s and teens’ access to firearms limits the risk of injury and death, our association applauds Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy and Representative DeLauro for reintroducing Ethan’s Law. This bill will make our schools and communities safer and save lives.”
Under Ethan’s Law, gun owners would be required to secure their firearms in a “secure gun storage or safety device” if a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without permission, or if a resident of the dwelling cannot legally possess a firearm under existing law. The bill also includes incentives for states to pass and enforce their own safe gun storage laws.
Ethan’s Law was passed by the Connecticut General Assembly in May of 2019 and signed by Governor Ned Lamont in June 2019. In 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Ethan’s Law as part of the Protecting Our Kids Act, a broader legislative package focused on addressing America’s gun violence epidemic. 25 states already have some form of safe storage or child access prevention laws already on the books.
The bill is endorsed by 186 organizations, including Brady United, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, the National Parent Teacher Association, Sandy Hook Promise, and Change the Ref.