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. The bill also introduces a permissive inference that a firearm owner acted knowingly or recklessly if they fail to comply with these storage requirements, which could lead to serious bodily injury or death. Additionally, the act mandates that licensed retail firearms dealers provide written warnings to purchasers about these storage requirements and post signage in their establishments.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Attorney General to launch a public awareness campaign to educate the public on the dangers of unsecured firearms and the new storage requirements, with an appropriation of $500,000 allocated for this purpose. It also mandates the collection and analysis of data related to the implementation of the act, including the number of violations and their outcomes, with annual reports to be submitted to the Legislature. Notably, the act repeals existing laws that specifically address minors' access to firearms, replacing them with the broader storage requirements and penalties outlined in this legislation.