Gun Child Access Prevention Laws by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether the state requires firearms to be secured to prevent child access (CAP laws), penalty class for violations, and the age threshold for the protected minor.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: March 2025

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Storage Required	Penalty Class	Age Threshold
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Misdemeanor/Felony	Under 18
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 18
Yes	Class D felony	Under 18
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 18
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 16
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 16
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 14
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Serious misdemeanor	Under 14
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
Yes (negligence)	Class D crime	Under 16
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 16
Yes	Felony	All (locked)
Yes	Misdemeanor/Felony	Under 18
Yes	Gross misdemeanor	Under 18
Yes (negligence)	Misdemeanor	Under 18
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 18
Yes (negligence)	Misdemeanor	Under 16
Yes	Disorderly persons	Under 16
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 18
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 16
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 18
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Class C misdemeanor	Under 18
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 16
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Class A/C misdemeanor	Under 17
No	N/A	N/A
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Class 1 misdemeanor	Under 14
Yes	Class C felony	Under 18
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Class A misdemeanor	Under 14
No	N/A	N/A
Yes	Misdemeanor	Under 18

CAP laws are evolving rapidly. Federal law also requires FFLs to provide secure gun storage devices with handgun sales. Penalties typically apply only after a child accesses or discharges the firearm.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.