A new proposal would require San Mateo County gun owners to store their firearms in locked containers, or disable them with a trigger lock, when they are inside their homes — or face up to six months in County Jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa’s proposed ordinance appears on the agenda of Tuesday’s board meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. at 400 County Center in Redwood City.
“Keeping a firearm locked when it is not being carried ensures that it cannot be accessed and used by others without the owner’s knowledge or permission,” Canepa’s proposed ordinance states. “This simple measure significantly decreases the risk that the gun will be used to commit suicide, homicide, or inflict injury, whether intentionally or unintentionally.”
Sunnyvale voters approved similar regulations in 2013 that survived a court challenge by the National Rifle Association. In addition to safe storage rules, the Sunnyvale law also includes a ban on ammunition magazines that hold more ten rounds.
Canepa hopes his proposed ordinance will lead to other county cities adopting the regulation.
“In the past 10 years, there have been 800 gun-related deaths in San Mateo County,” the supervisor said. “Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the firearms were locked safely in the home. This ordinance will surely save lives, I have no doubt about it.”
