Senator Portantino Discusses Safe Storage Legislation at White House Initiative

State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who represents Pasadena, participated in the White House “Safer States” initiative panel on Tuesday to address California’s safe storage legislation.

The initiative, organized by the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, convened leaders to deliberate on responsible gun ownership, enhanced background checks, and industry accountability.

The panel’s discussions centered on the urgent need to implement national safe storage laws such as those championed by Portantino in California.

A statement from Portantino’s office said the senator, recognized nationally for his advocacy on gun safety, joined fellow legislators and advocates to exchange insights and strategies aimed at fostering gun sense success at the state level.

“The vast majority of accidental firearm death, suicide, and senseless acts of violence among children are due to easily accessible firearms,” Portantino said. “I was proud to present on my efforts to advance and champion safe storage policies in California. Today’s discussion is an important step towards preventing gun violence and saving lives on the local and national level.”

Portantino was among state lawmakers who were instrumental in advancing California’s safe storage policies, notably through SB 172 in 2019, which expanded criminal storage crimes, imposed a 10-year firearm ban for certain offenses, and created exemptions for firearm loans to prevent suicide.

This year, Portantino introduced SB 53, which seeks to further strengthen firearm safe storage laws in California. The measure will ensure firearms are stored in DOJ-approved locked boxes or safes within residences. Violations will result in escalating penalties.

Portantino also championed SB 906 in 2022, requiring local educational agencies to disseminate information annually to parents or guardians about California’s child access prevention laws and firearm storage regulations.

Throughout the U.S., firearm incidents rank as the leading cause of death among children, with states enforcing safe storage laws witnessing a 78% reduction in unintentional shootings involving them, Portantino’s statement said.