Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert in response to an increase in accidental shootings involving children accessing improperly stored firearms. Despite existing laws making it a crime to store firearms in a way that allows access to unsupervised minors, firearm-related accidents among adolescents have become a pressing public safety issue.

Attorney General Bonta stated, “Unfortunately, there has been a rise in accidental and preventable deaths. We are seeing reports weekly of children accessing guns that are not being properly stored. We respect responsible gun owners who take action to safeguard themselves and loved ones from these horrific tragedies." He urged gun owners to use the Department of Justice's certified list of approved safety devices for secure storage, emphasizing that "safe and secure gun storage saves lives."

Recent weeks have seen an increase in deaths due to improper firearm storage, often resulting from parents or guardians failing to unload or securely lock their firearms. This has led to children accidentally firing loaded guns, causing fatalities. Improperly stored firearms are also linked to school shootings and adolescent suicides.

The California Legislature notes that 75% of school shootings involve children accessing unsecured firearms at home. Additionally, 87% of children know where their parents' guns are stored, and 60% have handled them. Over 80% of teens who died by suicide used a family member's firearm.

In January 2026, new laws will come into effect aimed at improving firearm safety. Senate Bill 53 requires individuals to secure firearms at all times when not in use with DOJ-certified safety devices or gun safes. Assembly Bill 3064 mandates that manufacturers mark firearm safety devices with make and model information for easier recall or theft tracking.

To enhance personal safety, the Attorney General advises storing guns and ammunition separately, using California-approved safety devices like trigger locks or cable locks on unloaded firearms kept in locked containers such as lock boxes or gun safes.

For more information on certified Firearm Safety Devices and other resources on firearm safety measures, individuals can visit designated online platforms provided by the state.