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Bill > S1448
NJ S1448
NJ S1448Prohibits leaving loaded firearm within easy access of minor under age of 18; requires law enforcement officers who observe unsecured firearms to conduct follow-up.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under section 1 of P.L.1991, c.397 (C.2C:58-15), a firearm owner is prohibited from leaving a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor under the age of 16. This bill increases the age of a minor to under the age of 18. The bill also requires a law enforcement officer who observes that a firearm owner has not properly stored or secured his or her firearm to return to the firearm owner's premises to ensure that the firearms are properly secured. Under section 1 of P.L.1991, c.397 (C.2C:58-15), unless a firearm owner takes certain precautions, the owner is guilty of a disorderly persons offense if he or she knows, or reasonably should know, that a minor is likely to gain access to a loaded firearm at a premises under the owner's control and the minor gains access to the firearm. The precautions required under the law include storing the firearm in a securely locked box, secure location, or with a trigger lock. A disorderly person's offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to increase the age of a minor for whom a loaded firearm must be kept out of easy access from under 16 to under 18, meaning firearm owners are responsible for preventing access by anyone under 18. It also introduces a new requirement for law enforcement officers: if an officer observes that a firearm is not properly stored or secured, they must return to the owner's premises at a later time to verify that the firearm has been secured according to the law, which includes storing it in a locked box, a secure location, or with a trigger lock. Failure to comply with these firearm storage requirements, if a minor under 18 gains access to a loaded firearm, is a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1448 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1448_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1500/1448_I1.HTM |
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