Hauppauge, NY - September 9, 2016 - Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory has proposed legislation that would require gun owners to install safety locking devices on their weapons or to store firearms in secure containers that lock in an effort to curb the growing number of fatalities from preventable child shooting deaths and impulsive acts of violence.
The legislation calls for an attachable device to be installed on the firearm, such as a trigger lock that requires a combination or key to prevent its unauthorized use, or for its storage in a safe or secure container that is incapable of being opened without a key, combination or other unlocking mechanism.
The law would apply to all gun owners. However, individuals with licensed firearms would not be required to lock or secure the weapon while carrying it on their person.
Presiding Officer Gregory said recent studies indicate that 70 percent of child shooting deaths could have been prevented if the firearm had been properly secured. In addition, he said that improperly stored firearms contribute to incidents of intentional self-harm and that research suggests an increased rate of suicide in homes where firearms are kept unsecured.
“Some of the most horrific acts of violence in this country in recent years have involved the use of firearms in school settings,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “It is imperative that if people are going to continue to own guns that we protect children and other innocents who inadvertently fall victim to firearms that are left unattended and unsecured. This is about responsible gun ownership.”
Any theft or loss of a firearm must be reported immediately to the Suffolk County Police Department, where a record will be maintained of all reported thefts. The record will include the identity of the owner of the firearm, the caliber of the weapon, the make, model and manufacturer’s name, the serial number of the firearm, the place where the theft or loss occurred, the manner in which the firearm had been stored and the time and date when the loss or theft was noticed.
The first offense of violating the law when it does not result in physical injury, serious physical injury or death is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $250 or by imprisonment not exceeding 15 days.
Conviction on a second offense or of a first offense resulting in physical injury, serious physical injury or death is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or by both a fine and imprisonment.
The law will be considered by the Public Safety Committee on Thursday, Sept. 29 and could be the subject of a public hearing as early as the Oct. 5 general meeting of the entire legislature.