WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Representatives Jahana Hayes (CT-05), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Wesley Bell (MO-01) introduced 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.
“Gun buyback programs are a common-sense solution to get unwanted guns off of the street and keep communities safe," said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “The Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act will create a strong incentive and ensure local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to implement these vital programs.”
“The United States has more than 393 million guns—more firearms than people—and our Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act is a sensible way to help states and localities get dangerous weapons off our streets and keep our communities safe,” said Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. “I’m proud to introduce this bill today to create more peace, safety, and opportunity for New Jersey and the nation.”
"Every gun we get off the street is one less chance for tragedy," said Congressman Wesley 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 is proud to support the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act. As a leader in the Injury and Violence Prevention arena, we prioritize policies that invest in prevention efforts. Thanks to the leadership of Representatives LaMonica McIver, Jahana Hayes, and Wesley Bell, 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,” said Safe States Alliance Executive Director Sharon Gilmartin. “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
Find the full text of the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2025 here.
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