this is becoming more and more important if we made sure more legal guns were secured properly maybe we could avoid some of these school shootings etc that are killing our kids.
The problem though continues not to be “Improperly” stored guns - but irresponsible, untrained and downright criminally negligent owners.
I do not disagree that owners have a responsibility to secure weapons properly - and that tragic consequences result from cases where they don’t. School shootings though simply haven’t been one of those consequences lately.
The last case involved a parent BUYING their kid a gun AFTER he threatened to shoot us a school. The issue is parents wanting to be their kids friend and not their parent. Too many people who can’t understand that being a parent is not a popularity contest.
It’s like saying you’re going to end the opioid epidemic by cracking down and tightening supply - it won’t solve it - only make things more difficult for patients who legitimately need opioids. Those who want to obtain drugs illegally will continue to be able to do so using existing channels. Yes - it might cause price increases (which will just push crime up) - but it won’t stop someone from using. Likewise - putting a penalty in place for an unsecured gun won’t make people be more responsible than they were before - it will just create more issues for law enforcement with one additional thing to police.
If you want more security - the solution is simpler. Mandate trigger locks and additional security features on any weapon sold. Cost would be minimal - and the choice would remain with owners. Ignore and don’t use - you face huge civil suits if you so something stupid. Remove bankruptcy protection and homestead protections from suits too - expose the stupid to full responsibility for their lack of action.
Think of it similarly to how ATV manufacturers solved their issues with lawsuits in the 1980s. Anytime you bought an ATV after like 1990 - you got a certificate good for like a $200 rebate for taking an approved safety course and a free helmet. Didn’t stop accidents of course - but made sure riders were given safety incentives. Do the same with guns - trigger lock and $50-100 for taking an approved safety course at a local range.