Bill
Bill > S52
NJ S52
NJ S52Increases criminal penalties if leaving loaded firearm within easy access of minor results in injury or death.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill increases the penalties for allowing a minor to gain access to a loaded firearm when such a violation results in bodily injury or death. Under current law, a person who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to a loaded firearm at a premises under the person's control is required to store the firearm in a securely locked box or container or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure, or to secure the firearm with a trigger lock. A person who fails to follow these precautions is guilty of a disorderly person's offense if a minor gains access to the loaded firearm. This bill upgrades this offense to a crime of the fourth degree if a violation of the current law results in bodily injury, and a crime of the third degree if a violation results in serious bodily injury or death. A disorderly person's offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both; a crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Current law defines "bodily injury" as physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition. "Serious bodily injury" is defined as bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. In addition, under current law, a person is not guilty of the offense of allowing a minor to obtain a loaded firearm under circumstances where: 1) a minor uses a firearm for activities authorized by current law; or 2) a minor obtained a firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person. This bill clarifies that a person also is not guilty of the offense of allowing a minor to obtain a loaded firearm under circumstances where a minor obtained the firearm for the purpose of self-protection, as permitted under current law.
AI Summary
This bill increases the criminal penalties for individuals who fail to properly store loaded firearms, making them accessible to minors, when that access results in harm. Currently, failing to secure a loaded firearm from a minor is a disorderly persons offense, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. This bill elevates the offense to a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine, if a minor's access to the firearm causes bodily injury, defined as physical pain, illness, or impairment of physical condition. Furthermore, if the minor's access results in death or serious bodily injury, defined as injury creating a substantial risk of death or causing serious, permanent disfigurement or loss of function, the offense becomes a crime of the third degree, carrying a penalty of three to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The bill also clarifies that a person is not guilty if a minor obtains a firearm for self-protection as permitted by law, in addition to existing exceptions for authorized firearm activities by minors or if the firearm was obtained through an unlawful entry.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S52 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/52_I1.HTM |
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