Senator MATTHEWS proposed the following amendment (CM\3094C005.GT.CM21):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION:

/SECTION___. Article 5, Chapter 23, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 16-23-540.(A) It shall be unlawfu l to store or keep any firearm unless it is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render such weapon inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. For purposes of this section, a firearm shall not be deemed stored or kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.

(B) A violation of the provisions of this section shall be evidence of wanton or reckless conduct in any criminal or civil proceeding if a person under the age of eighteen who was not a trespasser or was a foreseeable trespasser acquired access to a weapon, unless such person possessed a valid permit issued under Section 23-31-215 and was permitted by law to possess such weapon, and such access results in the personal injury to or the death of any person.

(C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both." /