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Committee considers ordinance to require secured storage of firearms in vehicles; matter continued for further hearing
Summary
Supervisors heard an ordinance to require that firearms left in vehicles in San Francisco be stored in locked trunks or secured lockboxes; the committee accepted proposed amendments but continued the item to a later committee hearing for additional legislative steps.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee considered an ordinance to amend the administrative code to prohibit leaving city‑issued or privately owned firearms unattended in vehicles unless secured in a locked container or locked trunk. Supervisor David Campos presented an amended version that would apply to all persons storing firearms in vehicles in San Francisco, requiring trunk storage or an affixed lockbox when a fully enclosed trunk is not present.
Campos framed the ordinance as part of a broader "security not scapegoating" package developed after the death of Kathryn "Kate" Steinle. He cited a series of regional stolen‑gun incidents and federal estimates, saying that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported over 10,000 guns stolen in California in 2012 and that about 15 percent of stolen firearms are used in crimes. The ordinance as outlined would create local clarity where state law is, Campos said, "vague" on vehicle storage requirements; the draft includes penalties of up to six months in jail and a $10,000 fine for violations as described in the hearing.
Survivors, clergy and advocates spoke in favor. Alan Martinez, whose nephew was killed in Isla Vista, described working with Everytown for Gun Safety; Shauna Earls and Paulette Brown recounted personal losses from gun violence and urged action; Lisonbee Anderman of the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence called the measure "smart, effective gun legislation." The committee discussed the ordinance and Campos moved to amend it along the lines described in his presentation.
A committee member noted the ordinance requires another committee hearing before forwarding; the Committee therefore voted to continue the matter to the call of the chair. No final committee vote on adoption was recorded during the meeting.
