VA to Offer Free, U.S.-Made Firearm Lockboxes to Veterans Under New Suicide Prevention Program

The new Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025 establishes a specialized program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aimed squarely at suicide prevention through secure firearm storage. This bill is straightforward: the VA must now provide eligible veterans with either a free, secure storage item—like a lockbox—or a voucher to purchase one. This isn't just a handout; it’s a public health initiative backed by $5 million in annual funding authorized from Fiscal Year 2026 through 2036, signaling a long-term commitment to this approach.

The Free Lockbox Program: What’s Included

For veterans, the main takeaway is access to free safety equipment. The bill mandates that the VA’s “covered items” must meet strict criteria: they have to be lockboxes designed to secure both a firearm and ammunition, prevent unauthorized access, and open only via a key or combination. Crucially, these items must be manufactured in the U.S. and cannot be intended for resale by the veteran. Think of it as the VA providing the tools needed to keep firearms secure from unauthorized access, particularly in moments of crisis, without costing the veteran a dime.

No Strings Attached: Addressing Gun Owners’ Concerns

This legislation goes out of its way to reassure veterans who own firearms that participation is entirely voluntary and won't affect their rights. The bill explicitly states that participating in the program will not result in the VA or any other government entity tracking gun ownership, requiring firearm registration, or discouraging lawful gun ownership. For the busy veteran, this means they can accept a free lockbox—a tangible safety benefit—without the fear of ending up on a list or having their legal rights infringed upon. This clarity is built directly into the law, which is a significant detail.

Reaching the Right People

Beyond just distributing lockboxes, the VA is required to launch a public awareness campaign to inform eligible veterans about the program. They also have to create and post an informational video, developed with suicide prevention groups, demonstrating how secure storage can save lives. This is where the rubber meets the road: the VA must report back to Congress annually, starting in October 2025, on how many lockboxes and vouchers were distributed and, importantly, what steps they are taking to reach veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA’s main patient system. If you’re a veteran who uses private healthcare or hasn't signed up for VA services, the VA is still obligated to find ways to get this information and the free resources to you.