Maryland legislators are considering Senate Bill 362, the Ny’Kayla Strawder Act, which would increase penalties for leaving loaded firearms accessible to unsupervised minors. The bill, sparked by several tragic incidents, proposes a standalone criminal charge carrying up to five years in jail for those who fail to secure their firearms.

GLEN BURNIE, MD (4-minute read) — A disturbing incident at Freetown Elementary School has put Maryland’s firearm storage laws back in the legislative spotlight. On Wednesday, a 7-year-old second-grader brought a loaded firearm from his home to his classroom, where it was discharged and injured the child’s hand. While the mother’s boyfriend was charged with a misdemeanor under current law, the incident has amplified calls for the passage of Senate Bill 362, also known as the Ny’Kayla Strawder Act.

Under current Maryland law, the maximum penalty for leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a minor is a $1,000 fine. State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess characterizes the current statutes as having “no teeth,” arguing that a standalone criminal charge is necessary to hold negligent adults accountable. The proposed legislation would establish a criminal penalty of up to five years in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for individuals who store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where they knew or should have known a minor had access to it.

Closing the Accountability Gap

The bill is named in memory of 15-year-old Ny’Kayla Strawder, who was fatally shot in 2022 by a 9-year-old boy using a firearm found in a relative’s closet. Prosecutors believe that creating a standalone charge for “access” will simplify the legal process, as existing charges like reckless endangerment often require proving gross negligence or specific intent, which can be difficult in these types of cases.

However, the bill faces opposition from gun rights advocates, such as Second Amendment Maryland. These groups argue that increased jail time does not effectively promote safety and that current statutes are sufficient if properly enforced. As the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee prepares for a hearing on the bill, the debate remains centered on the balance between parental responsibility and the constitutional rights of firearm owners.

Safety Tip: Safe storage is not just a legal requirement; it is a fundamental pillar of responsible ownership. If children are present in your home; even if they do not live there, firearms should be kept in a locked container, such as a biometric safe or a cable-locked case, that is physically inaccessible to them. Trigger locks and cable locks are excellent secondary measures, but they should be used in conjunction with a secure safe. Furthermore, education is key: teach children that if they ever see a firearm, they must “Stop, don’t touch, and go tell an adult.” As a firearm owner, your goal is to ensure that your tools for protection never become instruments of tragedy due to simple proximity.