The New Jersey Home Safety Act aims to enhance firearm storage and safety regulations by requiring individuals in possession of a firearm to secure it in a gun safe or a locked container when not in use. The bill introduces penalties for improper storage, including a petty disorderly persons offense for first violations and a disorderly persons offense for subsequent violations. If an improperly stored firearm is accessed by another person resulting in serious injury or death, the firearm owner could face a fourth-degree crime charge. The legislation also removes previous exceptions regarding minors accessing firearms, reinforcing the secure storage requirement.

Additionally, the bill establishes new restrictions for individuals convicted of specific firearm-related offenses, prohibiting them from purchasing or possessing firearms for one year and mandating the surrender of any firearms and permits. It allocates $500,000 for a public awareness campaign about the risks of unsecured firearms and requires licensed dealers to inform purchasers about the New Jersey Safe Storage of Firearms Act. The bill modifies the eligibility for the KeepSafe program rebate, necessitating the purchase of a secure storage device alongside the firearm, and repeals certain existing requirements for retail dealers regarding warnings and signage. The Attorney General is also tasked with collecting data on the bill's implementation and its impact on public safety, with annual reports to be submitted to the Legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:58-17, 2C:58-16