- Introduced -

SB 946 - 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 death or serious physical injury to another 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 and stores at least one part which is essential to the operation of the firearm in a locked box; or (4) the ammunition is stored away from an unloaded firearm in a locked box. 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. A person does not commit this crime if the minor obtained possession of the firearm due to unlawful entry onto the premises.

This act requires firearm 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 302 (2003).

SUSAN HENDERSON