New Jersey: Anti-Gun Bills Moving to Governor’s Desk!

Please Contact Governor Corzine Today!

On Monday, January 7, the New Jersey legislature passed three bills of concern to law-abiding gun owners in New Jersey. Unfortunately, as usual, these bills do nothing to impact criminals, impact public safety, or assist police in fighting crime but only harass legal firearm owners. These bills will now head to Governor Jon Corzine (D) for his consideration. 

Thanks to the activism of NRA members, these bills were amended from the original drafts, which would have placed onerous regulations on the purchase of all ammunition and held legal firearm owners criminally liable for having their firearms stolen. 

As originally introduced, S2470/A2602 would criminalize the transfer of handgun ammunition to anyone who does not have valid New Jersey firearms ID card, handgun carry or purchase permit.  While intended to prevent criminals from obtaining ammunition, the legislation would only impact honest gun owners, since criminals are unlikely to obtain ammunition through legal channels.  The legislation was amended to exempt shotgun shells, the majority of long-gun ammunition and non-fixed ammunition for muskets and muzzleloaders. The bill will also allow New Jersey residents and out-of-state firearm owners to purchase ammunition at the range for competition or target practice. 

S2934/A4620 as originally drafted, would have held honest gun owners criminally and civilly liable if their lost or stolen firearm was used in a crime.  Even though the bills were amended to provide the legal owner 36 hours upon discovery to report the lost or stolen firearm, NRA still opposes this legislation, as it holds honest gun-owners financially responsible for being victims of theft. 

S2431 is an overly broad attempt to address gang violence that could have unintended consequences for honest gun owners.  Among other things, it would criminalize and severely punish the mere possession of certain firearms, including registered handguns, even while engaged in lawful activities.  As originally drafted, the bill puts law-abiding gun owners at risk of a potential 10-year prison sentence and a $150,000 fine.

Please contact the Governor's office today and respectfully urge him to veto these bills and concentrate on taking criminals off the street, not restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.  The Governor can bee reached by phone at (609) 292-6000 or visit http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html to send email.