Firearms: vehicle storage.

Existing law requires a person, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, to lock the handgun in the vehicle's trunk, lock the handgun in a locked container and place the container out of plain view, lock the handgun in a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle's interior and not in plain view, or to lock the handgun in a locked toolbox or utility box. This bill would make these requirements applicable to all firearms and would additionally require the firearm to be secured to the vehicle using a cable or chain and lock or in a locked container that is secured using a cable or chain and lock or that is permanently affixed to the vehicle, as specified. The bill would make these requirements inapplicable to a peace officer who is on duty or on call. Because a violation of these new requirements would be a 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.