A potential new bill regarding gun storage in South Carolina is under discussion and has been referred to the state house judiciary committee. The bill proposes penalties for parents, guardians, and even firearm retailers who fail to store firearms properly, aiming to prevent children from accessing firearms.
The bill defines secure storage as taking reasonable steps, such as using locked containers or trigger locks, to prevent a child from accessing a loaded firearm.
If parents or guardians fail to comply with these measures, they could face fines or prison time, especially if a death or injury occurs. Firearm retailers would also be required to post safety warnings and provide written notices to buyers, in addition to selling firearms with trigger locks.
Gun shop owner H. Barney Limehouse expressed concerns about the challenge of defining negligence versus a child’s curiosity, despite supporting the goal of promoting safe gun storage.
The South Carolina State Legislature is set to convene on January 14, 2025, when the bill could move forward in the legislative process.