Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Under this bill, it will be an offense for a person to store a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or firearm ammunition, in a motor vehicle or boat if the person is not in the motor vehicle or boat unless the firearm or ammunition is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, utility or glove box, or a locked container securely affixed to such motor vehicle or boat. A violation will be a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500.<br /> <br /> Generally under present law, the holder of a valid enhanced handgun carry permit or concealed handgun carry permit may, unless expressly prohibited by federal law, transport and store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the permit holder's motor vehicle while on or utilizing any public or private parking area if:<br /> <br /> (1) The permit holder's motor vehicle is parked in a location where it is permitted to be; and<br /> <br /> (2) The firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the motor vehicle:<br /> <br /> (A) Is kept from ordinary observation if the permit holder is in the motor vehicle; or<br /> <br /> (B) Is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the person's motor vehicle or a container securely affixed to such motor vehicle if the permit holder is not in the motor vehicle<br /> <br /> This bill revises (2)(B) above to instead provide that the firearm or ammunition must be stored in accordance with this bill if the permit holder is not in the vehicle.<br />