Assembly Bill 356 aims to enhance firearm safety in residences where children under the age of 18 are present. The bill prohibits individuals from storing or leaving a firearm in their home unless it is secured in a locked box, container, or location, or has a trigger lock engaged. Violations of this prohibition will result in a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class I felony for subsequent offenses. This new regulation replaces the existing law that penalizes reckless storage of loaded firearms accessible to children under 14, which had different criteria for penalties based on the child's actions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes regarding the consideration of circumstances by district attorneys and law enforcement officers in cases involving accidental shootings. Specifically, it removes references to previous penalties related to violations of firearm storage laws, allowing for a broader evaluation of the impact of an injury or death on the alleged violator before any legal action is taken. This change aims to provide a more nuanced approach to handling cases where a child is harmed due to firearm access in the home.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 948.55, 968.02(4), 968.02, 968.07(3), 968.07