S.52

Increases criminal penalties if leaving loaded firearm within easy access of minor results in injury or death.

Introduced·1/13/26
Introduced Text

New Jersey S52 increases penalties for leaving a loaded firearm accessible to minors, resulting in injury or death.

New Jersey S52 amends existing law to increase criminal penalties for individuals who leave a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor, resulting in injury or death. Currently, such an offense is a disorderly person’s offense, but this bill upgrades it to a fourth-degree crime if it results in bodily injury and to a third-degree crime if it results in serious bodily injury or death. The bill also clarifies that the offense does not apply if a minor obtained the firearm for self-protection.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
Law and Public Safety Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
3
RRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jan 13

Senate

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee