If an individual is on premises that are under their control (i.e. their home) and a minor is or is likely to be present, firearms must be:

• Stored in a locked box or container AND/OR
• Unloaded and locked with a locking device

If an individual is entering premises that are not under their control (i.e. a friend’s home), a minor is or is likely to be present on those premises, and they plan to leave firearms unattended on that premise, any firearms in the individual’s possession must be:

• Stored in a locked box or container, AND/OR
• Unloaded and locked with a locking device, AND/OR
• Stored in a locked box or container and/or unloaded and locked with a locking device in a locked car

It is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or jailtime if, because a firearm was left unsecured or unsafely stored, a child obtained the firearm and either possessed it in public or posessed it in a careless, reckless, or threatening manner around someone else.

It is a felony punishable by fines and/or jailtime if, because a firearm was left unsecured or unsafely stored, a child obtained the firearm and either wounded or killed themselves or someone else with it. 

It is legal for a minor to possess a firearm with permission from a parent or guardian, under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult, for purposes of the minors’ employment, ranching or farming, if the minor is being trained in the safe use of a firearm, or if the minor obtains the firearm for self-defense or defense of another. Minors may also possess a firearm for hunting, with permission from a parent or guardian, while complying with all applicable hunting laws.

A firearm owner is not liable under this law if a minor obtained a firearm through unlawful entry to property or a vehicle where a firearm is stored. Likewise, if a minor obtained a firearm for the purpose of lawful self defense or the defense of another person, the firearm owner is not liable under this law.