Firearms: unsafe handguns.

Assembly Member Patterson's proposal to modify California's unsafe handgun regulations would alter training requirements for county probation department peace officers and expand storage requirements for these weapons. The measure amends existing law that prohibits manufacturing, importing, selling, or lending unsafe handguns, with violations punishable by up to one year in county jail.

Under the bill, peace officers employed by county probation departments could satisfy their training requirements through completion of the firearm portion of courses prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). These officers must complete live-fire qualification at least every three months to carry unsafe handguns as service weapons. The legislation also extends vehicle storage mandates to additional personnel who obtain unsafe handguns, requiring the weapons to be secured in a locked trunk, locked container out of view, or locked container permanently mounted inside the vehicle when unattended. Violations incur fines up to $1,000.

The Department of Justice maintains oversight through a database tracking unsafe handguns obtained through exemptions, with holders required to report sales or transfers within 72 hours. While the measure creates new local responsibilities around storage requirements, it specifies that no state reimbursement is required since the changes relate to crime definition and enforcement.