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Senate approves bill barring landlords from banning tenants’ lawful firearms in tenant-controlled spaces
Summary
SB 350 passed on third and final consideration. The bill prohibits landlords from forbidding tenants or their guests from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting or storing firearms and ammunition in tenant-controlled locations, including homes, apartments and vehicles; senators raised property-rights and scope concerns during floor debate.
Senate Bill 350 passed on third and final consideration after floor discussion about the scope and implications for property owners.
Senator Harshbarger, the sponsor, said the bill prohibits landlords from forbidding tenants or their guests from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting, or storing firearms or ammunition in tenant homes, apartments, businesses, vehicles parked in tenant-provided areas, or other locations controlled by the landlord. The sponsor characterized the measure as protecting lawful possession and storage within tenant-controlled spaces.
Leader Akbari and Senator Yarbrough questioned the scope and edge cases: Akbari asked about hotels that lease space to residents and whether common spaces like restaurants or event spaces would be affected; Harshbarger said buildings’ commercial areas (restaurants, event spaces) would remain subject to restrictions but tenants should be allowed to carry to and from rooms. Senator Yarbrough raised broader property-rights concerns and possible safety consequences of limiting landlords’ authority over common areas and accessory dwelling units.
After the exchange the bill passed (recorded tally Aye 27), with the motion to reconsider laid on the table.
The floor debate focused on defining where landlords can restrict firearms (commercial areas vs tenant spaces) and did not yield amendments altering the bill text on the floor.
