A proposal by Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton seeks to make it illegal to expose firearms to children.

The measure, titled H.B. 1189, says guns must be "secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant trigger lock, cable lock, mechanical lock, or other safety device that is properly engaged so as to render the firearm inoperable."

According to the bill, the crime is defined as:

...the intentional or criminally negligent exposure by anyone who is 17 years of age or older to any child under the age of 10 years to a firearm which is not secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant trigger lock, cable lock, mechanical lock, or other safety device that is properly engaged so as to render the firearm inoperable.

First offenders would face a fine of as much as $300. A second offense could cost $500. The bill does have exceptions for children engaged in hunting or other supervised activities with an adult.

The bill is before the House Criminal Justice Committee. If approved, it could be headed to the full House.

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