Us Congress House Bill HR1432

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/10/24
• Refer: 9/10/24

Caption

Expressing support for the designation of September 10, 2024, as "National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day" to educate about the growing firearm suicide crisis in the United States and promote the importance of storing firearms safely and securely as an essential component of suicide prevention.

Impact

This resolution supports various public health initiatives and programs that promote firearm safety and encourage discussions around gun ownership and mental health issues. The focus on safe storage aims to mitigate the risk of suicide by increasing awareness among gun owners and their families. The bill advocates for community engagement and participation in mental health and gun safety dialogues, potentially influencing future state and federal legislation around health and safety protocols related to firearm usage. If adopted, this could lead to increased resources for education on safe firearm practices, which might contribute positively to public health outcomes.

Summary

HR1432 expresses support for the designation of September 10, 2024, as 'National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day.' The resolution aims to raise awareness about the increasing firearm suicide crisis in the United States and underscores the critical importance of safe and secure firearm storage as a fundamental component of preventing suicides. It highlights alarming statistics, including the fact that 74 individuals die by firearm suicide each day in the U.S. and that firearms are the deadliest method of suicide, with a shocking 90% fatality rate for attempts involving a gun. Therefore, effective measures toward safe storage are proposed as a vital step in combating this crisis.

Contention

While HR1432 is designed to foster support for suicide prevention efforts, it may encounter resistance from gun rights groups and individuals who perceive it as an encroachment on personal liberties regarding firearm ownership. The resolution seeks to balance the tragic reality of firearm suicides with the rights of individuals to own guns, which could lead to polarized opinions about the appropriateness and effectiveness of governmental intervention in personal firearm storage practices. Notably, the conversation surrounding this bill may invoke deeper issues regarding mental health support accessibility and social stigmas associated with discussing suicide and gun safety.