TRENTON, NJ — In a significant move toward stricter gun control, Congressman Andy Kim of New Jersey has reintroduced legislation mandating federal firearms licensing for all gun owners. This bill, if passed, would override current New Jersey state laws regarding gun ownership.
The proposal stipulates that gun owners would need to obtain a federal license from the Department of Justice, negating existing New Jersey firearms licenses. As part of the licensing process, applicants must complete safety training, pass a written examination, and demonstrate firearm proficiency.
The federal license would have a five-year validity, after which gun owners would be required to reapply. Failure to comply with these new regulations could lead to severe penalties, including firearm confiscation, fines, or imprisonment.
A key provision grants the attorney general the authority to investigate an individual’s moral character before issuing a license. Purchasing ammunition or merely possessing a firearm could trigger scrutiny under the new law.
Those denied a federal license would be compelled to appeal the decision in court. Moreover, current New Jersey firearm ID holders would be subject to the federal Rap Back system, permitting the FBI to perform background checks at any time without prior notification.
The bill also allows for state-level licensing, provided the states comply with the same stringent federal standards. New Jersey’s current licensing system, which does not mandate testing or training, would thus be rendered obsolete.