The Rhode Island House has passed the safe gun storage law by a vote of 45 to 23.
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 not in use.
The Senate previously passed its version of the bill.
Under the measure, violations would be a civil offense carrying fines or possible prison time for repeated violations.
The measure will return to the Senate for final approval before heading to the governor's desk.
(Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images