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Saw this in the local paper.
Here's what to know about the new law:
Here's what to know about the new law:
- A firearm is not considered secured if a key or combination to the trigger, cable lock or the container is readily available to a person the owner or possessor has not authorized to carry or control the firearm or a handgun is left unattended in a vehicle and is within view of people outside the vehicle.
- The safe storage requirement doesn't apply if a gun owner is either alone in their home or with other people allowed to use the gun.
- Violations of the law are civil infractions, but the penalties increase if a minor gets access to an unsecured firearm as a result of the violation.
- If an owner violates the safe storage law and, as a result, the firearm is used to injure a person or property within two years of the violation, the injured party may bring a civil lawsuit against the owner and the court must find that the owner or possessor was negligent.
- If a person transfers a firearm and a criminal background check is required prior to the transfer, the person is also required to transfer the firearm with a trigger lock or in a locked container.
- A gun dealer must post in a prominent location a notice, in block letters not less than one inch in height, that states, "The purchaser of a firearm has an obligation to store firearms in a safe manner and to prevent unsupervised access to a firearm by a minor. If a minor or unauthorized person obtains access to a firearm and the owner failed to store the firearm in a safe manner, the owner may be in violation of the law."
- Failing to secure a firearm would result in a maximum fine of $500.
- That fine increases to $2,000 if a minor accesses an unsecured firearm.