Guns In Cars Hidden From View

Sacramento, CA — The California Senate has approved legislation that even requires law enforcement officers to lock up any guns left in a vehicle.

Democratic Senator Jerry Hill of San Mateo authored SB869, which was approved Wednesday in a 26-12 vote with no one speaking against it on the floor. It now heads to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature. If approved, the bill would require that handguns be locked in the trunk or in a locked container out of view if left in unattended vehicles. Violators would face a fine of up to $1,000.

The bill stems from several high-profile thefts from the vehicles of law enforcement officers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Gun-control groups and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, which argues stolen guns can and have been used in crimes, support the measure.