The "New Jersey Safe Storage of Firearms Act" aims to enhance firearm safety by establishing specific storage requirements and penalties for improper storage of firearms. Under the new law, firearm owners must store unloaded firearms in a securely locked gun safe or container and keep ammunition stored separately in a locked box. 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 offenders, including potential imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the Attorney General is tasked with creating a list of approved entities for community service related to gun violence prevention.

The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the risks associated with unsecured firearms and the new storage requirements, with an appropriation of $500,000 for its implementation. It repeals existing laws that only addressed minors' access to firearms, replacing them with broader storage requirements applicable to all firearm owners. The Attorney General will collect data on the law's implementation and its impact on public safety, providing annual reports to the Legislature and making them publicly available.