Bill > HB1021

This bill addresses firearm storage safety, particularly in households with dependents. It introduces a new provision making it a Level 6 felony for a person with care of a dependent to fail to secure a loaded firearm in their residence or vehicle if the dependent uses that firearm to cause bodily injury or death to another person. The offense can be elevated to a Level 5 felony if the caregiver has a prior unrelated conviction for neglect of a dependent. The bill defines key terms such as "loaded firearm" and "secure a loaded firearm," and provides several exceptions, including inoperable or antique firearms, firearms carried on a person, and instances of lawful self-defense. Additionally, the bill requires retail firearms dealers to display a sign informing customers about the potential legal consequences of unsecured firearms, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from a Class C to a Class A infraction. The legislation aims to reduce incidents of firearm-related injuries and deaths involving children or dependents by encouraging responsible firearm storage and ownership.

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https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1021/details