A State Senate bill looks to do for Louisiana what a similar ordinance is doing for New Orleans.
Senate Bill 216 authored and supported by New Orleans State Senator Gary Carter.
And it’s getting big support from City Council President JP Morrell.
“People should not leave guns in unlocked cars,” Morrell says matter-of-factly. “The bill very specific and it says that people who leave firearms in unlocked vehicles, can be held civilly liable if those guns are later used in commission of felony.”
Gun owners found liable for letting their guns get stolen could face civil penalties ranging from paying for medical bills, restoration of property, and other financial responsibilities.
“People committing criminal acts many times just to get firearms then use in violent criminal acts. No responsible gun owner is leaving their firearm in an unlocked vehicle,” Morrell continued. “Everyone has to do their part, and everyone has to be held accountable. The City Council’s passed two ordinances that deal with leaving unsecured firearms, we are doing our part. And we believe the legislature should do its part. This just says there are consequences for those people who are not being responsible gun owners.”
Under the legislation, a firearm in a vehicle needs to be equipped with a gun lock and stored in a strongbox bolted down to the body of the vehicle. Just leaving it out of site in a center console is no longer going to be allowed, because crooks are breaking into cars 10 at a time, looking for guns.
“Legislation like this is wide ranging because it is just as likely that a firearm stolen from a vehicle in Jefferson Parish could be used to injure someone in Orleans Parish, and vice versa.”
SB 216 has been filed and referred to Senate Judiciary Committee-A.
State Senator Carter says Carter says he is in talks with both supporters and opponents of the bill about possible revisions to the legislation.
