04/23/2026
National PTA is asking us to support H.R.1564 , Ethan’s Law. This legislation would make it unlawful for a person to unsafely store a firearm if they know, or reasonably should know, that a child will gain access to the firearm. The Ethan in Ethan's Law refers to Ethan Song, a 15-year-old boy from Guilford, Connecticut, who tragically was killed by an unsecured firearm in 2018. His death prompted the creation of Ethan's Law, which establishes federal requirements for safe gun storage and imposes penalties for violations. The law aims to prevent unintentional shootings and protect children living in homes with fi****ms.
There are currently 5 US Representatives from WA State Sponsoring this bill. They include Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]*, Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]*, Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2] and Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]. If you are their constituent, please consider writing them to thank them for co-sponsoring this important bill.
We would like all other constituents, particularly those living in D-3 Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp - Representative, D-6 Randall, Emily - Representative, and D-8 Schrier, Kim - Representative, to urge their US Representative to co-sponsor this important legislation.
Please use the below template to craft your message to your legislator.
Thank you,
Beth Cogan
Region 6 Advocacy Chair
WSPTA Federal Legislative Committee Member
Dear _________,
As a PTA member and as your constituent, I’m writing to urge you to co-sponsor and champion Ethan’s Law (H.R. 1564).
This legislation would make it unlawful for a person to unsafely store a firearm if they know, or reasonably should know, that a child will gain access to the firearm.
An estimated 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one unlocked and loaded firearm in the United States, and a majority of the unintentional firearm-related shootings among children occur in or around the home. With school shootings, most fi****ms used by shooters under the age of 18 were acquired from the home or the homes of relatives or friends.
Limiting youth access to fi****ms by storing fi****ms locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition can reduce the risk of su***de and unintentional shootings amongst children and teens. Safe and secure firearm storage is a critical strategy that will help prevent and eliminate gun violence, promote the safety and well-being of all children and our country, and help ensure every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential.
Please co-sponsor this lifesaving legislation, Ethan’s Law (H.R. 1564). If you have any questions, please reach out to our government affairs team at [email protected]. Thank you!
