The bill H. 3587 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by introducing Section 16-23-540, which establishes the offense of criminally negligent storage of firearms. It defines key terms such as "child," "criminal negligence," "firearm," and "secure," and outlines the responsibilities of firearm owners to prevent children from accessing readily dischargeable firearms. A person is guilty of this offense if a child gains access to a firearm due to the owner's failure to secure it or if the firearm is left in a location where the owner should have known a child could access it.

The bill also specifies penalties for violations, categorizing them as misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year. If a child discharges the firearm and causes death or serious bodily injury, the penalties increase to fines up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to three years. Additionally, it requires firearm retailers to post warnings about the legal responsibilities regarding firearm storage and to provide written warnings to purchasers. A person who knowingly violates these retail provisions may face fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 16-23-540
Latest Version: 16-23-540