HB120 would create a new criminal offense for the unsafe storage of firearms when a person recklessly leaves or stores a gun in a way that allows a minor unsupervised access, and the minor then accesses the firearm without permission from a parent or guardian. The bill specifies that the firearm must be secured in a locked container, rendered temporarily inoperable by a device or mechanism, or carried on the person to avoid liability. It also amends Kentucky’s firearm definitions in KRS 527.010 to define “securely locked container,” including a clarification that a standard glove compartment does not qualify unless it can be manually locked.
The bill establishes penalties of a Class B misdemeanor for unlawful storage of a firearm, but increases the offense to a Class A misdemeanor if the minor uses the firearm without legal justification and causes physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to the minor or another person. It also provides an affirmative defense if the minor obtained the firearm by unlawfully entering the premises or vehicle where it was stored. The act would be cited as the Baby Dre Gun Safety Act.
Impact
HB120 would add a new section to KRS Chapter 527, creating a state-level criminal liability framework for firearm storage practices that allow minors access to unsecured guns. It would affect gun owners, parents, guardians, and other adults who store firearms in homes or vehicles, and would likely influence how firearms are secured in Kentucky by setting a statutory standard for locked storage, disabling devices, and carrying firearms on the body. The bill also modifies existing statutory definitions in Kentucky’s firearms code to support enforcement of the new offense.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated purpose and findings reflect a strongly supportive, child-safety-focused approach, emphasizing prevention of youth suicides, accidental shootings, and school shootings. No committee transcripts or recorded votes are available in the provided material, so there is no documented legislative debate or formal vote history to indicate broader chamber sentiment. Based on the bill text alone, the measure is framed as a public safety response to prevent children’s access to unsecured firearms.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the imposition of criminal liability on adults for firearm storage decisions, especially the use of a recklessness standard and the possibility of misdemeanor charges when a minor gains access to a gun. Supporters would likely emphasize child safety and prevention of tragic outcomes, while opponents may argue that the bill burdens lawful gun owners, creates uncertainty about what constitutes adequate storage, or risks penalizing victims of theft or unauthorized access. The affirmative defense for unlawful entry appears designed to address some of those concerns by exempting cases where a minor breaks in to obtain the firearm.