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Final Abstract

This study explores the impact of child access prevention (CAP) laws on firearm-related deaths in the United States, analyzing the relationship between CAP laws and the corresponding firearm death rates by state. To evaluate the strength of each state’s CAP laws, each state was given a number from 0 (no law) to 3 (strongest protection). Firearm death rates were recorded as “n per 100,000” population. We performed a linear regression analysis that found a significant association between the strongest and moderate CAP laws and firearm deaths (strong = 3) -β = -14.0, p < .01; (moderate = 2) -( β = -7.4, p < .001) respectively. There was no significant difference between states with minimal protections (weak = 1) and those without CAP laws (none = 0). These results highlight that simply having a CAP law is insufficient; the strength of the law is a critical factor. This is further supported by the model, which showed that 43% of the variation in firearm deaths was directly linked to the strength of CAP laws. However, challenges such as gaps in enforcement, public awareness, and inconsistent legislation remain barriers. This paper proposes three key policy actions: (1) standardizing CAP laws nationwide, (2) requiring mandatory safe storage education for all firearm owners, and (3) expanding federal background checks to address purchase loopholes. Strengthening these areas would be a huge step toward reducing gun violence in the United States, particularly among youth.

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