Senate Passes Holzapfel Bill to Prevent Children’s Access to Loaded Firearms

Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms

Senator Jim Holzapfel’s (R-10) legislation to increase penalties for leaving a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor resulting in injury or death was approved by the New Jersey Senate in a 32-0 vote.

Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms

Sen. Jim Holzapfel’s legislation increases penalties for leaving a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor resulting in injury or death. (©iStock)

This bill was prompted by the tragic death of 6-year-old Brandon Holt, who was shot and killed by a 4-year-old friend with a gun that was left unsecured and accessible to the children in the house.

“As a former prosecutor, gun owner and supporter of the Second Amendment, I find it unconscionable that some gun owners could be so irresponsible,” said Holzapfel. “This legislation balances the rights of responsible gun owners with the public interest of reducing preventable deaths from planned and accidental shootings by children.”

Read the rest of Senate Passes Holzapfel Bill to Prevent Children’s Access to Loaded Firearms (192 words)

Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms

Senate passes holzapfel bill to prevent children’s access to loaded firearms

Shore News Network Staff Report

Shore News Network Staff Report is the official newsroom byline used by Shore News Network when a story is produced through the collaborative work of multiple members of the editorial team rather than a single reporter.

This newsroom account is reserved for articles that involve contributions from multiple journalists, editors, photographers, researchers, or news desk staff. It is also used for developing stories that are updated as new verified information becomes available, as well as for community announcements, weather coverage, public safety alerts, election results, and other newsroom-produced content.

Every article published under the Shore News Network Staff Report byline is reviewed and edited in accordance with the organization's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, attribution, and transparency. Information is verified through official government agencies, court records, law enforcement, public documents, direct reporting, interviews, and other reliable primary and secondary sources before publication whenever possible.

The Staff Report account does not use artificial intelligence to independently generate news or publish unverified information. AI-assisted tools may occasionally be used for editorial support tasks such as transcription, formatting, grammar review, or workflow efficiency, but all published content is subject to human editorial oversight and approval by Shore News Network's newsroom staff.

As an independently owned digital news organization, Shore News Network is committed to original reporting, public safety journalism, government accountability, local community coverage, and breaking news throughout New Jersey and surrounding regions. Stories published under the Staff Report byline reflect the collective experience and editorial judgment of the Shore News Network newsroom.

Readers who have corrections, additional information, or news tips related to a Staff Report article are encouraged to contact the newsroom at news@shorenewsnetwork.com. Shore News Network welcomes factual corrections and updates as part of its commitment to accurate, transparent journalism.