Bill mandating locked guns advances in Philly Council

A Philadelphia City Council committee has approved a bill intended to prevent death and serious injuries to children. 

The measure calls for keeping firearms locked or in a locked safe in any home where children live.  Council President Darrell Clarke said the bill is designed to keep firearms out of the hands of unsupervised children.

“Young people have gotten access to guns and, unfortunately, either shot themselves or a family member,” he said. “This is something we can clearly prevent if you use the appropriate measures as it relates to gun safety.”

Shira Goodman of CeaseFire Pennsylvania said the penalties that come with the bill are important. Adults convicted of having unsecured guns could face up to 30 days in jail and a fine.

“We often hear gun owners want to do the right thing, they just don’t want to be told what to do,” she said. “But we know from the experience in other jurisdictions it can make a difference in saving lives.”