A new study conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety, a leading gun control non-profit, has revealed that nearly 300,000 American lives could be saved if all states adopted gun control measures similar to those in California and New York. These two states have been at the forefront of enacting strict gun safety regulations, and according to the organization's rankings, they are considered the top two states for gun safety.

California, in particular, has implemented several consumer safety standards for firearms, including secure firearm storage requirements and notification protocols for school districts to inform families about secure storage options. The state has also allocated a significant amount of funding, approximately $200 million, towards gun violence prevention programs. Everytown for Gun Safety argues that all states should follow suit and implement background checks, purchase permits, extreme risk laws, and secure storage protocols. They also advocate for the elimination of permitless carry provisions and stand-your-ground statutes.

The organization's rankings indicate that the top 16 states with the strongest gun safety policies have at least five of these measures in place. On the other hand, Arkansas was listed as the state with the weakest gun laws, ranking last on the list. It recorded a staggering 22.1 deaths for every 100,000 residents. In contrast, California had 8.7 deaths, and New York had 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents.

However, Everytown for Gun Safety highlights that even strict gun regulations within a state may not be sufficient to ensure safety if neighboring states have weaker laws. They point to examples such as Illinois and Maryland, where the former was the primary supplier of crime guns to the latter until Maryland passed stricter purchase laws. Conversely, states like New Hampshire and Rhode Island, with weaker gun laws, have lower rates of gun deaths due to the strict laws enacted in their neighboring states.

The study also found a correlation between high gun ownership rates and increased firearm-related fatalities. States with above-average gun ownership rates, such as Nevada and New Mexico, reported higher numbers of gun deaths. This highlights the need for comprehensive gun control measures that address both the availability of firearms and the regulation of their usage.

The research suggests that federal laws could greatly benefit states in their efforts to reduce gun violence. However, the current system falls short as it does not mandate background checks for all gun sales and provides special immunity to the gun industry. Everytown for Gun Safety emphasizes the importance of addressing these loopholes to create a more effective and uniform approach to gun control nationwide.

In light of these findings, The Independent reached out to the National Rifle Association (NRA) for comment. The NRA, known for its staunch advocacy of gun rights, has been a vocal opponent of stricter gun control measures in the past. Their response to the study's conclusions and recommendations could provide valuable insight into the ongoing debate surrounding gun control in the United States.