Statement by NRA Chief Lobbyist Chris Cox on New Jersey ‘Smart Gun` Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2002 FAIRFAX, VA-- The New Jersey General Assembly today passed the ‘smart gun` ban bill. This bill would require only so-called ‘smart guns` to be sold in the state once the technology is available. The measure would ban all existing firearms, outlawing any other gun ownership for the law-abiding citizens in New Jersey. This gun ban bill was designed to pander to the anti-gun advocates while imposing a de facto gun ban on the law-abiding gun owners of New Jersey. The fact is ‘smart gun` technology does not exist today. The firearms industry has deep reservations that the concept of such technology will ever exist to provide an effective, reliable, and affordable firearm to the average law-abiding consumer. Even if so-called ‘smart gun` technology ever existed, this type of absurd mandate would be unproductive for law enforcement and counterproductive to the right of self defense of law-abiding Americans. Additionally, the exorbitant cost of so-called ‘smart guns` would price out the right of self defense for law-abiding gun owners and make firearm ownership an elitist luxury. Sadly, this is class warfare. There is no such thing as a ‘smart gun,` only smart gun owners. NRA supports safe and responsible firearm ownership. The New Jersey legislature should trust law-abiding gun owners and uphold the Second Amendment before making laws based on non-existent technology. The 131 year-old NRA is the nation`s oldest civil rights group, and advocates enforcement of existing laws to prosecute and punish violent criminals. The NRA is the nation`s leader in teaching gun safety and promoting marksmanship among law enforcement officers nationwide. The Association has over 4 million members across America. --nra--