SB 529 Summary

• Any citizen 18 years or older, except convicted felons, may transport a pistol openly loaded or unloaded in a vehicle without a valid handgun license, provided they are not involved in a crime.

• Citizens without a handgun license may leave a concealed, loaded pistol in a parked or locked vehicle if they are in legal possession of the pistol when away from their residence or business.

• Law enforcement officers cannot disarm or physically restrain an individual possessing an unconcealed weapon in a vehicle absent reasonable and articulable suspicion of other criminal activity.

• A person stopped for a moving traffic violation while transporting a loaded pistol without a valid handgun license may receive a $70.00 traffic citation plus court costs.

• Firearms may not be confiscated unless the person is arrested for violating another law (with weapon return if never charged, charges dismissed, or acquittal occurs) or the officer has probable cause the weapon is contraband or used in a crime; confiscation is prohibited absent a criminal act.