H.R. 7591 — Secure Firearm Storage and Suicide Prevention Act of 2026

This section states congressional findings that unintentional injuries and suicides related to firearms are significant causes of death among children and teenagers, including CDC data showing an approximately 11 percent increase in the annual firearm suicide rate from 2019 to 2022 (with 2024 provisional data indicating the highest rate since at least 1968); nearly 60 percent of gun-related deaths are suicides; firearm suicides accounted for approximately 55 percent of all suicides in 2021-2023; an average of 75 individuals died daily by firearm suicide in 2023; suicide was the third leading cause of death for youth under age 18 in 2023; and firearms were the leading mechanism of death among such youth in 2022 and 2023. The section further finds, per the Department of Health and Human Services, that 79 percent of firearms used in youth suicides under age 18 are family members' guns; 90 percent of firearm suicide attempts are fatal; education on secure storage and suicide risks from unsecured weapons is critical to prevention; such education fosters responsible firearm ownership; suicidal impulses can arise and act in under 10 minutes; and secure storage reduces suicide deaths.

This section amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by adding sections 4131 and 4132, which establish federal and local requirements for firearm safety resources to promote secure storage of firearms and prevent firearm-related suicide or unintentional injury. Section 4131 directs the Secretary of Education, not later than one year after enactment and in consultation with specified federal entities (including DHS's Federal Clearinghouse on School Safety Evidence-Based Practices), ATF, CDC, law enforcement, nonprofits, educators, and experts, to develop best practices covering secure storage methods, risk evaluation, suicide and injury prevention strategies, student education protocols, access to storage devices, relevant federal and state laws, and other resources—without encouraging or discouraging firearm possession. The Secretary must distribute these annually to local educational agencies (LEAs), notify covered LEAs of section 4132 requirements, and provide timing guidance; updates are required not later than four years after enactment and every three years thereafter based on feedback. Section 4132 requires each covered LEA, not later than one year after receiving the best practices, to develop local guidance incorporating and adapting them after consulting community health organizations, public safety officials, mental health professionals, educators, and other stakeholders, with regular updates to reflect federal changes and inclusion of local mental health resources.