Mothers' Views on the GOSAFE Act (S.3369)
January 15, 2024
Rapid Poll

In December 2023–January 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on the GOSAFE Act (S.3369), federal legislation regulating gas-operated semi-automatic firearms. Combining a national survey of mothers across regions and the political spectrum with in-depth interviews, the study captured perspectives on fixed-capacity restrictions, federal manufacturing regulation, conversion device bans, and a voluntary buy-back program. Mothers identified gun violence as a serious crisis affecting children and families — with broad support for the bill among liberal and moderate mothers, more divided views among conservative mothers, and differing emphases on solutions.

Related themes:

Child and Family Mental Health Access and Support

  • 94% of mothers support federal restrictions on conversion devices (bump stocks, Glock switches) — the highest-agreement finding in the study.
  • 93% of mothers support federal manufacturing regulation of gas-operated semi-automatic weapons, including design approval requirements and restrictions on unlawful self-assembly.
  • 93% of mothers support a voluntary federal buy-back program for non-transferrable firearms and magazines.
  • 93% of mothers believe the GOSAFE Act would have a positive overall impact on the safety, health, or well-being of kids and families.
  • 90% of mothers support federal fixed-capacity restrictions for semi-automatic, gas-operated firearms.
  • Support varied sharply by political ideology. Among very liberal, liberal, and moderate mothers, agreement consistently exceeded 96%. Among conservative mothers, agreement ranged from 36% to 59% by component. No very conservative mothers agreed with any provision.
  • Shared concern, differing solutions. Across the political spectrum, mothers identified gun violence as a serious crisis affecting children. Conservative mothers emphasized mental health and underlying social conditions; moderate and liberal mothers emphasized regulation of firearm manufacture, sale, and transfer.

Source: Count on Mothers, Mothers' Views on the GOSAFE Act (S.3369), January 2024. Community panel survey of U.S. mothers, n=314, with six in-depth interviews (two conservative, two moderate, two liberal). Research led by a PhD-credentialed researcher.

Research Library

Explore Count on Mothers reports — rapid polls and in-depth national studies.

Methodology
Count on Mothers conducts nationally representative research with U.S. mothers, weighted to reflect the population and reported in aggregate. Research is led by a PhD + MPH team. Findings have informed policy, industry, and media, and entered the Congressional Record on childcare, paid leave, and technology policy.
Rapid Poll

Mothers' Views on the Childcare for Working Families Act

In September 2023, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on the Child Care for Working Families Act (S.1354), federal legislation expanding access to affordable childcare and preschool. The study combined a national survey of mothers across regions and the political spectrum with in-depth interviews with mothers from conservative, moderate, and liberal backgrounds to provide qualitative context. Mothers showed strong cross-partisan support for the bill — including consensus on preschool access, childcare affordability limits, and federal-state cost sharing — with more variation on eligibility thresholds and workforce compensation. The findings were shared with the public and Congressional legislators to inform deliberations on childcare policy.
September 30, 2023
View Report →
Rapid Poll

Mothers' Views on the FAMILY Act

In August 2023, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on the FAMILY Act (S.1714), federal legislation establishing a national paid family and medical leave program. Drawing on mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey captured firsthand experience with health, caregiving, and work-related leave. Mothers showed strong cross-partisan agreement on core paid leave protections — including up to 12 weeks of paid leave, job-return guarantees, and partial wage replacement — with more varied views on specific implementation provisions. The aggregated findings were shared with the public and Congressional legislators to inform deliberations on paid leave policy.
August 31, 2023
View Report →
Rapid Poll

Parents Bill of Rights

In July 2023, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on the Parents Bill of Rights (H.R.5), a federal bill addressing parental rights in K–12 education. Drawing on mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey captured firsthand experience with public education and family decision-making. Mothers showed strong cross-partisan agreement on many core provisions of the bill — including the right to attend School Board meetings and parental consent for medical examinations — while expressing more varied views on specific implementation measures. The aggregated findings were shared with Congressional legislators to inform deliberations on policies affecting children and families.
July 31, 2023
View Report →
Rapid Poll

Mothers' Views on the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act

In June 2023, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on the components of the "Protecting Kids on Social Media Act" (later renamed the "Kids Off Social Media Act," or KOSMA). Drawing on mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey captured firsthand perspectives on minimum age requirements, parental consent, and algorithmic protections for children. Mothers showed strong cross-partisan agreement on core components of the bill, including a minimum age of 13 for social media engagement and restrictions on algorithmic content targeting minors.
June 30, 2023
View Report →
To learn more about partnerships, visit Partner With Us
Exploring how independent benchmark data could inform your work?
Partner With Us