S.F. No. 5164 Summary

• Establishes safe storage requirements for firearm owners by requiring firearms not in direct physical control to be either unloaded and equipped with a locking device, or loaded or unloaded in a locked firearm storage unit.

• Creates tiered criminal penalties: misdemeanor for violation, gross misdemeanor if firearm is unsecured and loaded, felony with up to 2 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine if an unsecured loaded firearm is accessed by a child or prohibited person, and felony with up to 5 years imprisonment or $10,000 fine if unsecured firearm is used in violent felony.

• Defines key terms including "authorized user," "child" (under 18 years), "firearm storage unit," "loaded," and "locking device" (including biometric locks, trigger locks, barrel locks, or cylinder locks).

• Exempts inoperable antique firearms, collector's items, relics, museum pieces, and ornaments from safe storage requirements.

• Applies effective August 1, 2024, to crimes committed on or after that date and does not apply to access obtained through unlawful entry.