Firearms; storage requirements provided; criminal penalty for violation resulting in possession by minor under certain circumstances, subject to exceptions

HB 316 requires parents or legal guardians to store firearms securely (e.g., in a locked safe or with a trigger lock) to prevent minors from accessing them. If a minor unlawfully possesses a firearm on public school grounds due to the parent/guardian's failure to store it safely, the parent or guardian faces a Class A misdemeanor charge. The law includes exceptions, such as for minors possessing firearms under specific legal provisions or when firearms are in school parking areas. This bill directly affects parents and guardians of minors in Alabama, with effective dates starting October 1, 2026.