Penalizes Unsafe Gun Storage Near Minors
New York · A01962 · Introduced Jan 14, 2025
Why it matters
Gun owners could face a violation or misdemeanor if a child or banned person gets an unlocked gun. The state would also publish yearly data on child gun injuries and deaths.
What it does
- Makes it a violation to leave a gun out of your control without locking it up
- Creates a misdemeanor when a minor or prohibited person gets access to an unlocked gun
- Exempts cases where the gun was taken in a break-in or used in self-defense
- Requires the state gun violence office to collect data on minors hurt or killed by unsecured guns
- Requires violators to receive free safe storage materials from the state
Status
Latest action (2026-10-21): approval memo.5 · Passed 41–20
About this bill
Would make it a crime to leave a gun where a minor or banned person can reach it. The state gun violence office would also track data on minors hurt by unsecured guns.
Enacts "Francesco's law" which establishes violations for the failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the presence of a minor or a prohibited person; requires the office of gun violence prevention to collect and analyze statistical and other information and data with respect to injuries or deaths of minors resulting from failure to safely store a firearm, rifle, or shotgun.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Child safety groups would likely say safe storage rules prevent tragic accidents with guns. They would argue clear penalties encourage owners to lock guns away.
💬 The case against
Some gun owner groups would likely say the rules are too broad for responsible owners. They may argue that a locked gun can still be an unfair legal burden.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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