HB 24-1348

HB 24-1348, known as the Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle bill, requires that any handgun left in an unattended vehicle must be stored in a locked hard-sided container out of plain view. For non-handgun firearms, they need to be in either a locked hard-sided or soft-sided container with a locking device installed if it's soft-sided. The law exempts certain groups like people with disabilities, farmers, hunters, and active military personnel from these requirements under specific conditions. This bill was signed into law by the governor on May 15, 2024, but won't take effect until January 1, 2025. Violating this law will result in a civil infraction.

Official Summary

The act prohibits knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is stored in a locked hard-sided container that is placed out of plain view and the container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of the locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle. The act prohibits knowingly leaving a firearm that is not a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is stored in a locked hard-sided or soft-sided container that is placed out of plain view and the container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of the locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle. A firearm that is not a handgun that is stored in a soft-sided container must have a locking device installed on the firearm while stored in the soft-sided container. A person who is considered to have a disability who stores a firearm in a locked soft-sided container does not violate the requirement to store a firearm in a hard-sided container. The act includes exceptions from the storage requirement for storing antique firearms, storing a firearm that is a not a handgun in a vehicle being used for farm or ranch operations, a person who lives in a vehicle or in a recreational vehicle, peace officers and active members of the armed forces, and certain activities related to lawful hunting. Unsafe storage of a firearm in a vehicle is a civil infraction. APPROVED by Governor May 15, 2024 EFFECTIVE January 1, 2025(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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