Signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes negligently leaving a firearm accessible for a minor as a crime.

Highlights:

• Establishes that a person is committing a misdemeanor crime when they do the following (Sec. 1): 

• A firearm is improperly stored and accessible to a minor; 

• A minor accesses the fire-arm and brandishes it in a threatening manner 

• Establishes that someone is commiting a felony crime if a minor accesses the firearm and uses it in a manner that causes great bodily harm to or death of the minor or another person (Sec. 1).

• Exempts individuals from receiving misdemeanors or felonies if a firearm was kept in the following ways (Sec. 1): 

• Properly stored in a safe; 

• On one's person; 

• In a firearm safety device rendering it inoperable; 

• If it is stolen out of one’s home;

• With authorization from the minor's guardian or parent for hunting purposes. 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes negligently leaving a firearm accessible for a minor as a crime.

Highlights:

• Establishes that a person is committing a misdemeanor crime when they do the following (Sec. 1): 

• A firearm is improperly stored and accessible to a minor; 

• A minor accesses the fire-arm and brandishes it in a threatening manner 

• Establishes that someone is commiting a felony crime if a minor accesses the firearm and uses it in a manner that causes great bodily harm to or death of the minor or another person (Sec. 1).

• Exempts individuals from receiving misdemeanors or felonies if a firearm was kept in the following ways (Sec. 1): 

• Properly stored in a safe; 

• On one's person; 

• In a firearm safety device rendering it inoperable; 

• If it is stolen out of one’s home;

• With authorization from the minor's guardian or parent for hunting purposes. 

Full Bill Text