New data from the Virginia Department of Taxation shows that 1,905 Virginians used a new tax credit in 2023 to help cover the cost of gun storage devices like safes and locks.
Lori Haas from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions told 8News, “Easy access to firearms can lead to injury and death in impulsive moments.”
In 2023, the General Assembly passed a law allowing up to $300 off taxes for buying a firearm safety device. Haas says these safes and locks can prevent people from hurting themselves or others.
“It can create a delay, giving someone time to reconsider their actions,” said Haas.
Haas also mentioned that it can prevent tragedies caused by children accessing guns, like when a six-year-old boy brought his mother’s gun to school and shot a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News.
“Children don’t understand deadly consequences,” Haas said. “It’s crucial for parents to lock up their firearms.”
The tax credit is available until 2027.