Signed by Governor Ralph Northam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with the senate substitute and pass a bill that amends safety requirements for unsecured firearms and increased penalties for violations.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any individual from recklessly leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner that endangers the life or limb or a child under the age of 14 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that those found to have violated the previous highlight will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits any individual from knowingly authorizing a child under the age of 12 to use a firearm except when the child is under the supervision of an adult (Sec. 1).

• Defines “adult” as any parent, guardian, individual standing in loco parentis to the child, or an individual 21 years or over who has the permission of the parent, guardian or individual standing in loco parentis to supervise the child in the use of a firearm (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a substitute bill that amends safety requirements for unsecured firearms and increased penalties for violations.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any individual from recklessly leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner that endangers the life or limb or a child under the age of 14 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that those found to have violated the previous highlight will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits any individual from knowingly authorizing a child under the age of 12 to use a firearm except when the child is under the supervision of an adult (Sec. 1).

• Defines “adult” as any parent, guardian, individual standing in loco parentis to the child, or an individual 21 years or over who has the permission of the parent, guardian or individual standing in loco parentis to supervise the child in the use of a firearm (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text