Bill

Bill > S1448


NJ S1448

Prohibits 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
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

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 from under 16 to under 18 years old, prohibiting firearm owners from leaving a loaded firearm within easy access of these minors. It also requires law enforcement officers who observe unsecured firearms to conduct a follow-up visit to ensure the firearms are properly stored or secured, as the law requires. The bill maintains the existing law's disorderly persons offense for firearm owners who fail to take the necessary precautions, such as storing the firearm in a locked box or with a trigger lock.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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