NC H72

Department of Public Safety shall launch a two-year statewide firearm safe storage awareness initiative in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and Wildlife Resources Commission.

Department must develop a website by July 1, 2024 providing information on safe firearm storage methods, free gun lock availability, state laws, and resources related to domestic violence, hunter education, and suicide prevention.

Department must create a toolkit for local communities to tailor and use for launching local firearm safe storage education campaigns, awareness events, and gun lock distribution programs.

Initiative funds cannot be used to advocate for new firearm regulations or changes to existing laws, only to explain existing laws and promote best practices for firearm storage and safety.

Department must submit a progress report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by September 1, 2024, with the act effective July 1, 2023.