The New Jersey Safe Storage of Firearms Act aims to enhance firearm safety by establishing specific storage requirements and penalties for improper storage. Under the new law, firearm owners must store unloaded firearms in a securely locked gun safe or container and keep ammunition stored separately. If a firearm is accessed by another person due to improper storage, resulting in serious injury or death, the owner faces a fourth-degree crime charge. The bill introduces community service requirements for first-time offenders and escalates penalties for repeat offenses, including potential imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the Attorney General is tasked with creating a public awareness campaign to educate the public about these new requirements and the associated risks of unsecured firearms, with a budget of $500,000 allocated for this initiative.

The bill also repeals existing laws that specifically address minors' access to firearms, replacing them with broader storage requirements applicable to all firearm owners. It mandates that licensed firearms dealers provide written warnings about the new storage laws to purchasers and display signage outlining the requirements and penalties. Furthermore, the Attorney General is required to collect data on the implementation of the law and its impact on public safety, submitting annual reports to the Legislature. Overall, the act seeks to reduce gun violence and accidental injuries by promoting responsible firearm storage practices.