Child Safety Lock Act of 1997
Latest action (12 Mar 1997): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 428, the Child Safety Lock Act of 1997, was introduced in the Senate on March 12, 1997, by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), with Sens. Boxer, Durbin, and Chafee as cosponsors. The bill would amend federal firearms law (chapter 44 of title 18, U.S. Code) to require that, starting 90 days after enactment, licensed manufacturers, importers, and dealers provide a locking device with every handgun sold or transferred to a non-licensee. It also would require handguns to carry a printed warning label and an accompanying paper notice advising that locking devices are only one part of responsible storage, that firearms should be stored unloaded and separately from ammunition and away from children, and that improper storage may carry civil or criminal liability. The bill defines what qualifies as a "locking device" and creates exceptions for government, law enforcement, and certain rail police transfers.
The requirements would apply to federally licensed handgun sellers and, indirectly, to handgun purchasers who would receive locking devices and warning labels. Violations by licensees could lead to suspension or revocation of their federal firearms license or a civil penalty of up to $10,000, subject to administrative review procedures.
The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee after introduction. According to congressional records, it did not receive a vote and saw no further action before the end of the 105th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Child Safety Lock Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define (firearm) "locking device." Makes it unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun without a locking device or a specified related warning, with exceptions for law enforcement and governmental entities. Sets forth civil penalties (in addition to any administrative penalties) for related violations, including suspension or loss of license.
Common questions
- What does S. 428 do?
- S. 428, the Child Safety Lock Act of 1997, was introduced in the Senate on March 12, 1997, by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), with Sens. Boxer, Durbin, and Chafee as cosponsors. The bill would amend federal firearms law (chapter 44 of title 18, U.S. Code) to require that, starting 90 days after enactment, licensed manufacturers, importers, and dealers provide a locking device with every handgun sold or transferred to a non-licensee. It also would require handguns to carry a printed warning label and an accompanying paper notice advising that locking devices are only one part of responsible storage, that firearms should be stored unloaded and separately from ammunition and away from children, and that improper storage may carry civil or criminal liability. The bill defines what qualifies as a "locking device" and creates exceptions for government, law enforcement, and certain rail police transfers. The requirements would apply to federally licensed handgun sellers and, indirectly, to handgun purchasers who would receive locking devices and warning labels. Violations by licensees could lead to suspension or revocation of their federal firearms license or a civil penalty of up to $10,000, subject to administrative review procedures. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee after introduction. According to congressional records, it did not receive a vote and saw no further action before the end of the 105th Congress.
- Has S. 428 become law?
- Not yet. As of 12 Mar 1997, S. 428 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 428?
- S. 428 was sponsored by Sen. Herbert “Herb” Kohl [D-WI, 1989-2012] (Democrat-WI), with 12 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 428?
- Introduced (12 Mar 1997).
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