Juvenile Firearms Safety Act of 2026

This bill amends federal law to create new criminal offenses related to firearms and juveniles. It makes it unlawful for an adult to knowingly provide a firearm , other than a handgun, to a juvenile if the adult knows or reasonably believes the juvenile intends to use it for self-harm or in a crime. Additionally, it criminalizes negligent firearm storage by an adult if they know or should know a juvenile is likely to gain unauthorized access, and the juvenile subsequently uses the firearm in a crime or causes injury or death. The bill specifies that liability for negligent storage does not apply if the firearm is kept with a secure gun storage or safety device , in a reasonably secure location, or carried by the adult. A fact finder may consider factors such as prior knowledge of the juvenile's mental health concerns, violent acts, or suicidality when determining intent or knowledge. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that it does not prohibit lawful juvenile activities involving firearms with parental permission. The bill establishes a tiered system of penalties for violations of these new provisions. A general violation of the unlawful acts can result in a fine and imprisonment for up to 1 year . If the firearm is used in the commission of a crime, the penalty increases to a fine and imprisonment for up to 2 years . More severe penalties apply when injury or death occurs. If a juvenile obtains a firearm due to negligent storage and causes injury or death, the responsible adult faces a fine and imprisonment for up to 5 years . The most stringent penalty, a fine and imprisonment for up to 10 years , is imposed if an adult knowingly provides a firearm to a juvenile with intent to commit a crime or self-harm, and the juvenile subsequently causes injury or death.