Missouri Congressman Wesley Bell has joined Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), and LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) in introducing the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act, which would invest $360 million in grant funding to establish state and local gun buyback programs to help prevent gun violence, remove unwanted firearms from communities nationwide and empower local safety efforts.
The bill engages state, local, and tribal entities, along with gun dealers who are in good federal standing, to establish gun buyback programs that pay 125% on a prepaid debit card to those who turn in firearms. The firearms would then be catalogued, turned over to a law enforcement entity, and destroyed.
“Every gun we get off the street is one less chance for tragedy,” said Bell.
“This bill puts real guardrails around buyback programs—smart prepaid cards that can’t be used to buy more guns, faster turn-ins to law enforcement, and checks to see if the weapon was used in a crime. It’s a smart, focused step to help cities like St. Louis take action against gun violence before it strikes.”
Safe States Alliance Executive Director Sharon Gilmartin said the organization “is proud to support the Act.”
“We prioritize policies that invest in prevention efforts. Congress has an opportunity to improve the safety of all Americans by working to pass legislation that will reduce the prevalence of guns in neighborhoods across the country,” she said.
“This bill would not only support the creation of gun buyback programs, but it would also allow gun dealers to step up in their communities and lead this important gun violence prevention effort.”
The Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act would:
– Authorize a three-year, $360 million annual grant program for state, local, and tribal entities, along with gun dealers (if the state or local government does not receive a grant), to implement gun buyback programs.
– Issue prepaid cards for buybacks, requiring gun dealers to provide at least 125% of the market value for surrendered firearms.
– Require that collected guns be submitted to the ATF or local authorities within 30 days.
– Ensure guns recovered by gun dealers through buyback programs are checked to see if they have been reported stolen
If a firearm has been determined that it has been stolen, will it be returned to the rightful owner?