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Bill

Bill

HB 159

Storage of Handguns in Private Conveyances and Vessels

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Campbell and 2 co-sponsors

Florida bill establishing handgun storage standards in vehicles and boats to reduce theft and unauthorized access while protecting lawful gun owner rights.

Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 159

Legislative bill overview

HB 159 addresses the storage and transportation of handguns in private vehicles and boats in Florida. The bill establishes legal requirements for how firearm owners must secure handguns when storing them in conveyances, likely aiming to balance Second Amendment rights with public safety concerns regarding unsecured firearms in vehicles.

Why is this important

Unsecured firearms in vehicles are a significant source of gun theft and accidental access by minors or unauthorized users. This legislation could impact millions of Florida vehicle owners and addresses a gap between home firearm safety standards and transportation-related storage practices, while also clarifying legal protections for gun owners who comply with storage requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Storage requirement specificity: Disagreement over whether requirements should be mandatory for all situations or limited to specific circumstances (parked vehicles, unattended situations)
  • Enforcement and penalties: Debate over whether violations should be criminal, civil, or carry no penalty; balancing accountability with practical compliance challenges
  • Second Amendment accommodation: Tension between gun rights advocates wanting minimal restrictions and public safety advocates seeking comprehensive storage mandates to prevent theft and unauthorized access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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