New jersey congressman wants your guns; proposes strict new federal firearms license
Rep. Kim on his Senate run, NJ Sen. Bramnick on GOP reaction to Menendez indictment | Chat Box - Published by NJ Spotlight News

New Jersey Congressman Wants Your Guns; Proposes Strict New Federal Firearms License

TRENTON, NJ – Andy Kim, a Democrat Congressman in New Jersey who has supported strict gun control legislation and assault weapons bans in the past, is once again calling for new gun control laws. This time, Kim is calling for all legally registered and licensed gun owners to re-license after a period of five years.

He also wants New Jersey gun owners to have to obtain federal firearms permits and undergo a federal training program to keep their guns. If they don’t they will lose their guns and could be put in jail.

The bill, requiring individuals to secure a firearm license from the Department of Justice (DOJ), was reintroduced by Congressman Andy Kim. Kim was a major supporter of the failed 2021 federal assault weapons ban legislation.

Under Kim’s law, it shall be a federal crime to possess a firearm without a federal firearms license, nullifying existing New Jersey firearms licensing laws.

To obtain a federal firearm license, Kim is demanding that all gun owners complete firearms safety training, pass a written test, and demonstrate hands-on firearms use, including accuracy.

That license would only be valid for five years and gun owners would have to repeat the process, or face losing their guns, being fined, or worse, going to jail.

Who gets a gun in New Jersey would be left to the politically appointed attorney general. The attorney general would be able to conduct his own investigation into an individual to determine that person’s moral standing before issuing a license.

Under the law, simply owning guns and purchasing ammunition could raise a red flag as to whether or not somebody can get a federal license.

Denied applicants would have to take their case to court in order to overturn the decision.

The law also allows for the confiscation of firearms for anyone who has a valid New Jersey firearms I.D., but fails the new federal eligibility standards.

Anyone with a firearms I.D. will also be entered into the federal Rap Back system, which allows the FBI to conduct a background check on a person ‘in public trust’ at any time, without cause and notice.

The law does allow for state licensing, only if the states adhere to the same standards. New Jersey licensing does not require testing or training, making New Jersey’s licensing system invalid and state firearms i.d. null and void.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.