Connecticut senators renew push for Ethan's Law on a federal level
Named in honor of Guilford teen Ethan Song, the bill would create federal requirements for safe gun storage and strong penalties for violations.
The gift of life: Ethan's Law re-introduced for Guilford's inaugural blood drive
Lawmakers and gun violence advocates are renewing their push to pass Ethan's Law on the federal level. The law, already in effect in Connecticut, would mandate the safe storage of guns across the U.S.
The bill honors the memory of Ethan Song, a Guilford teenager who was killed with an unsecured gun in early 2018.
U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Ethan's mother, Kristin Song, will be joined by gun violence advocates Tuesday at their press conference.
The bill passed the House of Representatives in 2022 as a part of the Protecting Our Kids Act but failed in the U.S. Senate. Tuesday marks a new effort to try to get it passed on the federal level.
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.
Congresswoman DeLauro said she has secured the support of over 60 of her colleagues ahead of the bill's reintroduction in Congress.
She said the goal is to help prevent unintentional shootings, suicide and even crime-related gun violence.
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