[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF THE ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING PREVENTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I am joined by 33 of my colleagues 
in introducing the ``Accidental Shooting Prevention Act'' to address 
the large number of firearm injuries and deaths that occur when users 
mistakenly fire guns they believe are not loaded. This sensible 
bipartisan legislation would require that all semiautomatic firearms 
manufactured after January 1, 2006, which have removable magazines, be 
equipped with plainly visible chamber load indicators and magazine 
disconnect mechanisms.
  As with many other consumer products, firearm design can reduce the 
risk of injury. But unlike other products, gun design decisions have 
been largely left to manufacturers. Fortunately, firearms manufacturers 
have already produced many guns with safety devices, such as chamber 
load indicators and magazine disconnect mechanisms, which can help 
reduce the risk of accidental injuries.
  A chamber load indicator indicates that the gun's firing chamber is 
loaded with ammunition, but to be effective, a user must be aware of 
the indicator. Generally, chamber load indicators display the presence 
of ammunition via a small protrusion somewhere on the handgun. 
Unfortunately, most chamber load indicators do not clearly indicate 
their existence to untrained users or observers. We must ensure these 
indicators are easily visible to all gun users, and my legislation will 
do just that.
  By comparison, a magazine disconnect mechanism is an interlocking 
device which prevents a firearm from being fired when its ammunition 
magazine is removed, even if there is a round in the chamber. 
Interlocks are found on a wide variety of consumer products to reduce 
injury risks. For example, most new cars have an interlocking device 
that prevents the automatic transmission shifter from being moved from 
the ``park'' position unless the brake pedal is depressed. It is common 
sense that a product as dangerous as a gun should contain a similar 
safety mechanism.
  At the age of sixteen, I was left paralyzed when a police officer's 
gun accidentally discharged and severed my spine. Although the act was 
unintentional, I am reminded every day of the tragedies that can occur 
when firearms are mishandled. Unfortunately, I am not alone in my 
experience. In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control reported that over 
820 people were killed in the United States by accidental discharges of 
firearms, and many more were injured. Clearly, mistakes can happen even 
when guns are in the hands of highly-trained weapons experts, which is 
why safety devices are so critical.
  I urge my colleagues to join me and the 33 original co-sponsors of 
this bill in reducing the risk of unintentional shootings. Please co-
sponsor this responsible measure, and help make firearms and their 
storage safer while protecting those unfamiliar with the operation of 
guns.

                          ____________________