Florida House Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson (D-21) introduced House Bill 15 (HB 15) in December, a proposed law designed to combat the rising trend of handgun thefts from private vehicles and vessels.
The legislation seeks to establish stricter storage requirements, launch public education campaigns, and hold parents accountable when minors are involved in handgun thefts.
The proposed legislation focuses on amending Section 790.25 of Florida Statutes to include mandatory guidelines for the storage of handguns in unattended vehicles and vessels. Key provisions of the bill aim to promote accountability and safety among firearm owners while addressing the alarming increase in firearm thefts.
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Under the proposed Secure Storage Requirement, individuals would be prohibited from leaving a handgun, loaded or unloaded, in an unoccupied and unsecured vehicle or vessel unless it is stored out of view and secured with a device affixed to the conveyance or locked within a trunk, utility box, glove box, or other container. Law enforcement agencies would also be tasked with conducting educational campaigns to inform the public about these new safety standards and the responsibilities that come with handgun ownership.
In addition to promoting secure storage, HB 15 mandates that all Florida counties adopt ordinances by July 1, 2025, to address juvenile involvement in handgun theft. The ordinances would impose sanctions on parents or guardians of minors caught stealing firearms from vehicles or vessels.
These sanctions could include parent education classes, community service projects, or family counseling, emphasizing shared responsibility in curbing juvenile crime.
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Alarming national statistics highlight the urgency of this legislation. According to HB 15, a gun is stolen from a vehicle every nine minutes in the United States, a rate that has tripled over the past decade.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the issue, with more than half of all gun thefts in 2022 occurring in vehicles. Cars parked at residences remain the most common source of stolen firearms, underscoring the need for secure storage practices.
Representative Hinson noted the importance of addressing this issue through tailored local solutions. By requiring counties to adopt ordinances and law enforcement agencies to engage in public awareness campaigns, the bill aims to reduce firearm theft and its subsequent contribution to crime. HB 15 seeks to balance firearm rights with public safety while addressing the root causes of juvenile involvement in handgun theft.
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The Legislature has also emphasized the broader implications of the bill. HB 15 is framed as a crucial step toward reducing the consequences of unsecured firearms and promoting responsible gun ownership. The bill includes a declaration of state interest, highlighting its importance in safeguarding communities and deterring juvenile crime.
The timeline for implementation provides ample time for compliance. The secure storage requirements outlined in HB 15 are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, while counties must adopt their respective ordinances by July 1, 2025. Law enforcement agencies will launch promotional campaigns to ensure that residents are informed of their responsibilities under the new law if passed.
HB 15 will likely gain bipartisan support, emphasizing its focus on community safety and shared accountability.
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