A Rhode Island House Judiciary committee has approved the safe storage law by a vote of 9 to 5.
The measure requires gun owners to keep their firearms secured in a locked container or equip them with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device when they are not in use.
If the bill becomes law, violations would be a civil offense carrying fines or possible prison time for repeated violations.
The bill now faces a full House vote.
(Photo credit should read TORU YAMANAKA/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: TORU YAMANAKA / AFP / Getty Images