Senate Bill 368 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 sections of the statutes related to the prosecution of individuals who are parents or guardians of children injured or killed in accidental shootings. Specifically, it removes references to previous penalties and allows district attorneys to consider the impact of the injury or death on the alleged violator when deciding whether to issue a complaint. Furthermore, it stipulates that law enforcement officers cannot arrest a parent or guardian for violations related to accidental shootings until at least seven days after the incident.

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