Bill > S161

This bill, named the Jenesis Firearm Accountability Act, introduces several key provisions aimed at enhancing public safety and responsible firearm ownership. First, it establishes a new legal requirement for firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery, with specific details about the firearm and circumstances of its loss. The reporting requirement comes with a graduated penalty system: first-time offenders receive a warning, second-time offenders can be fined up to $500, and third-time offenders can be fined up to $1,000. Additionally, if a reported lost or stolen firearm is used in a criminal offense, the owner might face civil damages or criminal liability unless they can demonstrate a reasonable inability to report. The bill also provides immunity from liability for those who properly report lost or stolen firearms. To incentivize firearm safety, the legislation creates a sales tax exemption for equipment designed to prevent unauthorized firearm access, such as gun safes, lockboxes, and device locks. Furthermore, the bill allocates $500,000 to the Department of Public Safety to develop and implement an educational campaign to inform the public about the new reporting requirements, in consultation with law enforcement associations. The new reporting requirements and tax exemption will take effect on October 1, 2025, with the remainder of the act becoming effective on July 1, 2025.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S161