As a non-American, it’s crazy to me that there (apparently) aren’t any safe storage laws enforced. Would it really infringe people’s gun rights to require that all firearms may only be in a safe, in your hands, or on your person (in a holster, sling, etc.)?
About half of US states have safe storage laws. You can probably guess which ones. Surprisingly, both Texas and Florida are both on this list, though, so credit where it’s due.
The enforcement of those laws is another story, though. And to be fair, enforcement can be difficult. You can always charge them with a safe storage violation after an incident happens and police/EMS/etc enter the home legally, but otherwise, nobody is coming into your home to ensure that you’re locking up your guns properly. It’s illegal without a warrant, and surprise safety checks aren’t something you can issue a warrant for.
Of course, charging them after the fact means they’ll regret it… but it won’t prevent anyone from doing the same. After all, such bad accidents only ever happen to other people.
As a non-American, it’s crazy to me that there (apparently) aren’t any safe storage laws enforced. Would it really infringe people’s gun rights to require that all firearms may only be in a safe, in your hands, or on your person (in a holster, sling, etc.)?
About half of US states have safe storage laws. You can probably guess which ones. Surprisingly, both Texas and Florida are both on this list, though, so credit where it’s due.
The enforcement of those laws is another story, though. And to be fair, enforcement can be difficult. You can always charge them with a safe storage violation after an incident happens and police/EMS/etc enter the home legally, but otherwise, nobody is coming into your home to ensure that you’re locking up your guns properly. It’s illegal without a warrant, and surprise safety checks aren’t something you can issue a warrant for.
Of course, charging them after the fact means they’ll regret it… but it won’t prevent anyone from doing the same. After all, such bad accidents only ever happen to other people.