No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program under new 38 U.S.C. §1720M to provide eligible individuals—veterans or individuals described in 38 U.S.C. §1720I(b)—with covered items (i.e., U.S.-manufactured lockboxes compliant with ASTM F2456-20 standards for secure firearm and ammunition storage, unlockable only by key/combination and not intended for resale) or redeemable vouchers upon request, along with information on secure storage options; directs VA to partner with experienced organizations for distribution and conduct a public education campaign assuring no impact on lawful firearm ownership; and requires annual reports to congressional Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations Committees starting October 1, 2025, assessing program implementation, outreach to enrolled and unenrolled eligible individuals, obstacles, and planned improvements. The section further requires VA, in consultation with veteran suicide prevention partners, to develop and publish an informational video on secure firearm storage as a suicide prevention strategy and to inform program participants that covered items are not for resale. It clarifies via rule of construction that the program and amendments do not collect personally identifiable information to track firearm ownership, require firearm registration or mandatory storage, prohibit firearm possession under 18 U.S.C. §922, discourage lawful ownership, or create participant lists. The section authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually for FY2026 through FY2036.