Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee has taken a significant step towards combating illegal gun sales with the advancement of a bill spearheaded by Senators Troy Singleton and Linda Greenstein. This legislation aims to broaden the scope of accountability for those involved in firearms trafficking and the violation of state firearms regulations.
Senators Singleton (D-Burlington) and Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex) have been vocal advocates for stricter gun control measures, with Singleton having previously sponsored key legislation targeting gun traffickers and aiming to curb gun violence. The proposed bill, S-1425, seeks to extend culpability to individuals who may not knowingly, but recklessly, violate firearms transfer regulations and other related provisions.
Singleton emphasized the critical issue of gun crimes in New Jersey, with a significant number of incidents involving firearms procured from out of state. He highlighted that enhancing culpability requirements is essential to addressing the actions of those facilitating the majority of gun crimes through trafficking.
Greenstein, serving as the Chair of the Law and Public Safety Committee, pointed out the danger posed by out-of-state firearms, underscoring the need for the bill to empower prosecutors to tackle those who plead ignorance of New Jersey’s laws or circumvent them through non-compliant retailers.
The bill also proposes changes for licensed dealers, making it possible for them to be held accountable if they should have known a buyer intended to transfer a firearm to an individual prohibited from owning one. This marks a significant shift from the current law, which applies only when a dealer knowingly facilitates such a transfer.
Following a 3-2 vote, the bill continues to move through the legislative process, representing a continued effort to strengthen New Jersey’s response to illegal gun sales and trafficking.