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Bill > A446
NJ A446
NJ A446Prohibits 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
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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 for the purpose of prohibiting firearm owners from leaving a loaded firearm within easy access, which is considered a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine, unless the firearm is stored in a locked box, secure location, or with a trigger lock. The bill 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 later to verify that the firearm has been secured. This change aims to enhance child safety by expanding the age range of minors protected by these firearm storage regulations and by adding a follow-up enforcement mechanism for law enforcement.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary 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/A446 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/446_I1.HTM |
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