hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Mandates schools provide guidance on secure firearm storage and suicide prevention.
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) and several co-sponsors.
Introduced in House, awaiting committee review.
This bill requires the Department of Education to develop best practices for secure firearm storage and suicide prevention. Certain local school districts would then use these to create and distribute local guidance to students, parents, and the community. The lead sponsor is Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY), joined by several other House members. The bill has just been introduced and assigned to the House Education and Workforce Committee for consideration.
Introduced Feb 17, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 17, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. For it to become law, it must first pass in committee, then be voted on by the full House. If it passes there, it would then move to the Senate for their process before potentially being signed into law.
If this bill becomes law, schools in districts receiving certain federal funds would be required to develop and distribute guidance on secure firearm storage and suicide prevention. This information would include how to properly store firearms, ways to evaluate safety protocols at home and in vehicles, and resources for acquiring secure storage devices. Additionally, students would receive instruction on what to do if they encounter an unsecured firearm, such as not touching it and telling a trusted adult. This information would be distributed via email and physical handouts.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for reducing firearm-related suicides and accidental injuries, especially among children, through education.
Critics Say
Given the bill is newly introduced, specific criticisms haven't fully emerged, but some might express concerns about federal involvement in local school curriculum.
Proponents of the bill would emphasize the public health data cited in the bill's findings, highlighting that secure firearm storage can save lives by preventing accidental shootings and suicides, particularly as firearms are a leading cause of death for youth. The bill includes an explicit 'neutrality requirement' stating that the guidance cannot encourage or discourage firearm possession or ownership, aiming to keep the focus solely on safety practices rather than broader gun control debates.