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Bill

S 2352

Imposes criminal liability on persons who allow minors to access firearms used to commit crimes.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill criminalizes adults who allow minors to access firearms used in crimes, targeting negligent gun storage and holding owners accountable for youth criminal misuse.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2352

Legislative bill overview

S 2352 establishes criminal liability for adults who negligently or knowingly allow minors to access firearms that are subsequently used to commit crimes. The bill targets gun owners and custodians whose failure to secure weapons results in minors obtaining and using those guns in criminal activity. This represents an expansion of existing safe storage laws by creating specific criminal penalties tied to criminal misuse outcomes.

Why is this important

Juvenile firearm access remains a significant public safety concern, with unsecured household guns frequently involved in school shootings, accidental deaths, and youth crime. This legislation attempts to incentivize responsible firearm storage by holding adults criminally accountable when preventable access leads to actual harm. The bill reflects ongoing national debate about balancing gun rights with child safety measures and parental/owner responsibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability scope and causation: Determining criminal responsibility when a minor accesses a gun and uses it in crime involves complex causation questions—does the gun owner bear liability even if the minor stole the weapon or acted against explicit instructions?
  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue the bill creates excessive criminal penalties for lawful gun owners and effectively discourages firearm ownership through liability exposure.
  • Enforcement disparities: Questions about whether enforcement will be applied equitably across communities, and whether this places disproportionate burden on lower-income households with fewer resources for secure storage solutions.

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

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