Firearms.

Existing law requires a person leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle to secure the handgun in the trunk, in a locked container that is out of plain sight, or in a locked container, as defined, which is permanently affixed to the interior of the vehicle and not in plain view. Existing law makes the failure to comply with this requirement an infraction punishable by a fine. This bill would permit a peace officer, as defined, to store a handgun in the locked center utility console of a vehicle that does not have a trunk, under specified circumstances. The bill would also define the terms "trunk" and "plain view" for purposes of these provisions. By changing the definition of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.