The bill would require a parent or guardian giving written consent for a juvenile to possess a handgun to know that the juvenile will be with and actively supervised by an adult legally allowed to possess a firearm. It would generally require firearms to be secured unless carried or kept close enough for immediate use. A person injured because of a storage violation could sue the violator and, in some cases, the person in control of the premises. The bill would set civil penalties for violations of existing firearm-storage requirements, restrict firearm transfers to people assessed a penalty for a storage violation during the past five years, and require notice of penalties to firearm buyers. It would also create education grants for eligible local school agencies and require annual reports on implementation.
Parents and guardians providing written consent for a juvenile to possess a handgun would need actual knowledge of active adult supervision. Firearm owners would generally need to secure firearms when they are not carrying them or keeping them close for immediate use. People assessed a civil penalty for a storage violation could be barred from receiving a firearm for five years. Eligible local school agencies in states with similar storage laws could apply for grants to educate parents about gun safety and secure storage.
The bill specifies no funding amount. Grants would come from amounts made available to carry out the Act. Civil penalties could be up to $1,000 for a first violation and up to $5,000 for a later violation.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.