- Introduced -

SB 302 - This act makes criminally negligent storage of a firearm a Class A misdemeanor.

A person commits the crime of criminally negligent storage of a firearm if the person stores or keeps any loaded or unloaded firearm with ammunition under his or her control and knowingly or reasonably should know a minor is capable of gaining access to the firearm and the minor uses the firearm to threaten or cause the death of any person.

A person does NOT commit this crime if: (1) the firearm is stored in a locked box; (2) the firearm has a locking mechanism; (3) the firearm is stored in a dismantled state; or (4) the ammunition is stored away from an unloaded firearm. A minor who uses a weapon in self-defense or is being supervised while engaged in hunting or another lawful purpose does not fall under this law.

This act requires firearms dealers to post a written warning about the provision of this section in a conspicuous place where firearms are sold.

This act is similar to SB 922 (2002) and HB 1595 (2002).

SARAH MORROW