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House restricts minors’ access to firearms
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Posted on Feb 23 2000
In a move to address problems relating to the risks emerging from the children’s access to firearms, Rep. Rosiky Camacho yesterday introduced a legislation that will impose harsh penalties to reckless gun owners.
Mr. Camacho said many firearm owners keep the weapon in their houses where children can find it, thereby, posing threats to the lives not only of the children but the people around the neighborhood as well.
Called the Children Firearms Control Act of 2000, House Bill 12-084 makes persons who allow minors access to firearms will be liable for any damage that the guns may cause, whether to the child or to any other person or property.
It also imposes criminal penalties on persons who deliberately provide firearms to minors, as well as penalizes individuals who fail to secure their guns properly.
Individuals who intentionally allow minors hold or use a firearm shall be charged with misdemeanor which is punishable by a $1,000 fine and 30-day jail term.
Under House Bill 12-084, reckless gun owners who fail to secure their firearms in a way that it not easily accessible to children shall be held liable to a misdemeanor and face a $500 fine and three-day imprisonment.
The bill defines accessibility to the children being able to get hold of the firearm without unusual exertions such as breaking a door or window. Accordingly, a firearm that is kept locked with key or combination kept out of the possession of minors shall be presumed not easily accessible.
