TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate Law & Public Safety Committee has advanced a series of gun control bills that were previously approved by the General Assembly in March. The legislation moved forward Thursday along party-line votes, with Democratic members in support.
The proposed measures, which aim to strengthen firearms regulations in the state, now head to the Senate floor for consideration. A vote could occur at any time.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) submitted testimony opposing the bills, arguing that they are redundant, impose excessive penalties, and infringe on the rights of lawful gun owners. Some amendments were made during the committee process, including exemptions for lawful self-defense, but opponents maintain the legislation remains overreaching.
Key bills advancing to the Senate floor
Among the legislation passed:
- S.1558: Makes it a first-degree crime to transport or dispose of a firearm without a serial number, including historical firearms that were legally manufactured and acquired.
- S.3893: Increases penalties related to “machine gun conversion devices,” which are already banned at the state and federal levels.
- S.3894: Criminalizes possession of digital files containing instructions for manufacturing illegal firearms or components, regardless of whether they are used.
- S.3706: Requires the use of Merchant Category Codes for firearm-related purchases, raising concerns about privacy and tracking of legal transactions.
Supporters say the bills will enhance public safety and close loopholes, while critics argue they place additional burdens on responsible gun owners without addressing enforcement of existing laws.
A package of controversial gun control bills has cleared a key New Jersey Senate committee and now awaits a full vote by the chamber.
