Bill > H0159

This bill addresses the storage of handguns in private vehicles and vessels by establishing new requirements for securing firearms to prevent theft, particularly by minors. Specifically, the legislation mandates that handguns cannot be stored in an unoccupied, unsecured vehicle or vessel unless they are kept out of plain view and secured with a device affixed to the vehicle/vessel or locked in a trunk, glove box, or other locked container. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to conduct public education campaigns about these new storage requirements and mandates that firearms safety training courses include instruction on these storage guidelines. Additionally, the bill updates warning labels for firearm sales to include the new storage requirements, emphasizing the legal responsibilities of firearm owners to prevent unauthorized access. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and is motivated by statistical evidence showing a significant increase in gun thefts from vehicles over the past decade, with the legislature declaring this an important state interest aimed at reducing juvenile access to firearms and preventing theft.