This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 61-7-13, to the Code of West Virginia, which mandates the safe storage of firearms. It establishes that any individual who stores or leaves a loaded firearm on premises they control must ensure that it is secured in a locked box or container, or with a trigger lock, if there is a reasonable expectation that a minor could access it without proper permission or supervision. Violating this requirement would result in a misdemeanor charge, with penalties including fines ranging from $50 to $500, or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a minor gains access to a firearm due to improper storage and subsequently possesses or exhibits it in a public place or in a threatening manner, the individual responsible for the firearm could face additional misdemeanor charges. This provision includes a specific exception for cases where the minor obtains the firearm through unlawful entry. The bill defines a "minor" as any person under the age of 16, emphasizing the importance of preventing access to firearms by young individuals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-7-13