GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2025

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 167

Short Title:      Firearm in Unattended Vehicle/Safely Store.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representatives Morey, Lopez, Logan, and Longest (Primary Sponsors). For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
Referred to:	Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

February 24, 2025

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to prohibit leaving a firearm in an unattended motor vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and the firearm is secured or otherwise safely stored.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 35 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 14‑269.9.  Firearms in unattended motor vehicles.

(a) Definition. – For purposes of this section, the term "firearm" is as defined in G.S. 14‑408.1.

(b) Prohibition. – It is unlawful to leave a firearm in an unattended motor vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and the firearm is either (i) secured with a trigger lock or other safety device designed to prevent an unauthorized user from operating the firearm or (ii) in a locked container.

(c) Penalty. – Any person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor."

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.