HB 1021 — Firearm storage (Summary)
Status & timeline
- Introduced: November 12, 2024 (filed); later read first time and referred to the Committee on Courts and Criminal Code (listed December 1, 2025).
- Effective date (as drafted): July 1, 2026 (if enacted).
- Current stage: Pending committee consideration (first reading / referral).
Purpose
- To increase criminal accountability for adults who fail to securely store loaded firearms when a dependent has access, and to impose related retail signage and definitional requirements. The bill aims to reduce injuries and deaths caused when dependents access unsecured loaded firearms.
Key provisions
- New criminal offense (neglect of a dependent tied to firearm storage):
- A person who has care of a dependent and who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fails to secure a loaded firearm in the person's residence or vehicle commits neglect of a dependent if the dependent uses the firearm to cause bodily injury or death to any person.
- Classified as a Level 6 felony in the base offense.
- The offense is enhanced to a Level 5 felony in specified aggravating circumstances (the bill text identifies “particular instances” for enhancement).
- Exceptions, defenses, and definitions:
- The bill expressly provides a set of exceptions and defenses (the introduced summary notes their existence but not full details). The statute also defines terms relevant to the offense (for example, “dependent,” “secure,” “loaded,” etc.) and makes conforming amendments to related statutes.
- Retail dealer obligations:
- The bill requires certain sign or notice requirements for retail firearm dealers (summary language provided; full text contains the exact signage/placement content and compliance rules).
Who would be affected
- Caregivers and adults who have temporary or ongoing responsibility for minors or dependents and who possess or store firearms in residences or vehicles.
- Dependents (children or other persons the statute defines as dependents) — indirectly, by measures intended to reduce access to loaded firearms.
- Firearm retailers — required to display specified signage or notices.
- Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts — enforcement, charging, and prosecution of new/modified offenses.
- Households with firearms — potential need to adopt or demonstrate compliant storage practices to avoid criminal exposure.
Potential impact & considerations
- Public safety: Seeks to reduce accidental and intentional firearm injuries and deaths involving dependents by creating criminal liability tied to unsafe storage.
- Criminal justice: Could increase investigations and prosecutions of negligent storage incidents that result in harm; introduces enhanced felony penalties in aggravating cases.
- Compliance costs: Firearm retailers may incur costs to post required signage; caregivers may face legal risk if storage practices are not consistent with the law’s standard.
- Enforcement and interpretation: The statute’s definitions, the scope of exceptions/defenses, and standards for proving “reckless/knowing/intentional” failure to secure a firearm will be central to application; practitioners and the public will need clarity from the legislative text and potential implementing guidance or case law.
Note
- This summary is based on the bill digest and introduced version information. For the precise legal language (definitions, listed exceptions/defenses, exact aggravating factors that trigger enhancement, and retailer sign text), consult the full bill text and any committee substitutes or amendments.
