Husch Blackwell attorneys have developed free online resources to help small business owners navigate changing gun laws and devise workplace violence policies.
During the last several years, more than 20 states have enacted “Parking Lot” or “Guns in Trunks” laws that allow employees to leave handguns in cars parked on employer property. Since federal law generally does not regulate firearms in the workplace, employers must become familiar with specific state laws, according to Husch Blackwell’s Terry Potter, a partner in the firm’s Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation group.
Potter and attorney Robert Rojas recently compiled and made publicly available their 50 State Survey of Workplace Firearms Laws report. The report describes individual state laws regarding firearms in employee parking lots and the requirements for posting notices that prohibit firearms on employer property.
“You have to look at each state to determine what your rights and responsibilities are as an employer,” Potter said. “Employers should get acquainted with the laws in their state and consider putting a workplace violence policy in place.”
Husch Blackwell’s resources on the topic include:
Husch Blackwell is an industry-focused, full-service litigation and business law firm with 16 offices across the U.S. and in London. The firm represents national and global leaders in major industries including energy and natural resources; financial services; food and agribusiness; healthcare, life sciences and education; real estate, development and construction; and technology, manufacturing and transportation. For more information, visit huschblackwell.com and follow us on Twitter: @HuschBlackwell.