ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers are considering legislation that would increase criminal penalties for adults who leave loaded firearms accessible to unsupervised minors.
Senate Bill 362, introduced by Sen. Justin Attar and known as the Ny’Kala Strawder Act, on Jan. 23, 2026. The measure would amend state criminal law to increase the maximum penalty for improperly storing a loaded firearm where a minor could gain access. Under the proposal, a violation would remain a misdemeanor but would carry a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Under current law, the offense is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, with no potential jail sentence.
The legislation builds on Maryland’s existing child access prevention statute, commonly known as Jaelynn’s Law, which made it illegal to store or leave a loaded firearm accessible to an unsupervised minor. Senate Bill 362 would not change that prohibition but would significantly increase the criminal penalty for violating it.
The legislation is named for Ny’Kala Strawder, a Baltimore County child who was killed in 2021 after gaining access to an unsecured firearm, according to lawmakers sponsoring the bill.
Current law prohibits a person from storing or leaving a loaded firearm in a location where the individual knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor could access it. The bill does not change that prohibition but increases the possible term of imprisonment upon conviction.
The measure includes several exceptions, including situations where a minor’s access to a firearm is supervised by an adult, where access occurred as a result of an unlawful entry, or when the firearm is in the possession of a law enforcement officer performing official duties. The law would also not apply to minors who hold a valid firearm and hunter safety certificate issued by the state.
The bill specifies that a violation may not be used as evidence of negligence or contributory negligence in civil cases and may not be referenced during civil trials involving property damage, personal injury, or death.
Senate Bill 362 has been assigned to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, where a hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. If approved by the General Assembly and signed into law, the legislation would take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
The full text of Senate Bill 362 is available below:
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