HB 521 -- Negligent Storage of a Firearm

Sponsor:  Fraser

This bill creates the crime of negligent storage of a firearm, a
class A misdemeanor.  A person commits the crime when he or she
stores a firearm on any premises under his or her control; knows
or reasonably should know that a minor has access to the firearm;
and a minor obtains the firearm and causes death or serious
injury to a person, exhibits the firearm in a public place, or
uses it to threaten injury to any person.

The bill defines "minor" as a person age 18 or younger.

The crime does not occur when:

(1)  The firearm was in a securely locked container;

(2)  The firearm was secured by a locking mechanism making the
firearm inoperable;

(3)  The firearm was in a dismantled state that rendered it
inoperable and the parts needed to make it operable were in a
securely locked container;

(4)  The firearm was unloaded and the ammunition was in a
securely locked container;

(5)  The owner of the firearm is a peace officer;

(6)  The minor obtained and discharged the firearm in an act of
self defense;

(7)  The minor obtained the firearm as the result of an unlawful
entry;

(8)  The minor was supervised by a person age 21 or older and was
engaged in hunting, sporting, or any other lawful purpose; or

(9)  The minor was engaged in an agricultural enterprise.

A notice must be displayed where firearms are sold explaining the
negligent storage of firearms law.  Persons not complying with
this notice provision will be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject
to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:19 pm