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SB 362

Criminal Law - Child's Access to Firearms - Penalty (Ny'Kala Strawder Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dalya Attar

Maryland bill criminalizes negligent child access to firearms with penalties escalating if injury or death occurs.

Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 362

Legislative bill overview

SB 362, the N'Kala Strawder Act, creates criminal penalties for adults who negligently allow children to access firearms in Maryland. The bill establishes a new offense that holds gun owners and other adults responsible when minors gain unsupervised access to weapons, with penalties varying based on whether injury or death results.

Why is this important

Unintentional firearm deaths among children remain a significant public health concern, with pediatric access to unsecured guns cited as a factor in many incidents. This legislation attempts to address child firearm access through criminal accountability rather than relying solely on existing voluntary safe storage guidelines, creating a direct deterrent for negligent storage practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of liability: The bill may raise questions about who qualifies as responsible (gun owners, family members, visitors, etc.) and whether the penalties apply equally across different living situations
  • Negligence standards: Defining what constitutes "negligent" access versus accidental or unavoidable situations could create enforcement inconsistencies and potentially affect gun owners who take reasonable precautions
  • Second Amendment concerns: Some stakeholders may argue the penalties represent an unconstitutional restriction on firearm ownership or storage methods within one's home

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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