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, 2023, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.