FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997                            (202) 514-2008
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

          RENO CALLS FOR ENACTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY LOCKS
                                 
       Senate Judiciary Committee Takes Up Measure Tomorrow


     UPPER MARLBORO, MD -- Attorney General Janet Reno called on
the Senate Judiciary Committee today to support an amendment
requiring licensed firearm dealers to include a child safety lock
with every handgun sale.  The amendment is expected to be
introduced tomorrow by Senator Kohl (D-WI) when the committee
begins its mark-up of juvenile justice legislation.

     "Child safety locks are just common sense," Reno said.  "We
protect children with safety caps on aspirin bottles and child
seats in our cars.  We should do everything we can to protect them
from guns."

     Reno's call came at a joint bill signing ceremony at the
Prince George's County Employee Day Care Center in Upper Marlboro,
Maryland.  Prince George's County Executive Wayne K. Curry and
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan signed legislation
enacted by their county councils to require the sale of child
safety locks with every handgun sold in their jurisdictions. 
Maryland Attorney General Joseph P. Curran and Handgun Control
Chair Sarah Brady also spoke.

     "Children under 19 made up half of accidental shooting deaths
in 1994, and for every child who dies from an accidental gunshot,
many more receive non-fatal gunshot injuries," Reno said.  "We are
all hopeful that the Senate Judiciary Committee will support the
amendment so that all Americans, not just those in Prince George's
and Montgomery Counties, will be protected."

     Reno also read a letter to the County Executives from Vice
President Al Gore.  "The important step you are taking will help
protect the citizens of your two counties from much firearm
violence through the addition of a simple gun lock costing less
than five dollars," Gore wrote. 

     The county legislation, proposed by Duncan and Curry in
February, is designed to help prevent the unintentional discharge
and unauthorized use of handguns by children.  The two bills, which
differ slightly, were passed by the Montgomery and Prince George's
County Councils on July 1.
     
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