Criminal Law - Minor's Access to Firearms - Penalty

HB 1518 increases penalties for adults who store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where they knew or should have known an unsupervised minor could access it. The bill makes this a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. It directly affects property owners, caregivers, or anyone responsible for firearm storage near minors. Key exemptions include supervised access by an adult, lawful law enforcement use, or a minor possessing a valid hunter safety certificate. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.