TRENTON, N.J. – A new bill before the New Jersey Legislature aims to significantly toughen penalties for the illegal creation and distribution of untraceable firearms, known as “ghost guns.” The legislation upgrades several firearm-related offenses from second-degree to first-degree crimes, reflecting growing concern over the rapid rise of do-it-yourself and 3D-printed weapons in the state.
The measure amends section N.J.S.2C:39-9 of state law, raising penalties for manufacturing or possessing parts to build a firearm without a serial number, producing firearms with a 3D printer, distributing digital blueprints for unlicensed gun production, creating covert or undetectable weapons, and transporting unserialized firearms. Each offense would carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000 if convicted.
Currently, those crimes are classified as second-degree offenses, which carry penalties of 5 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Lawmakers sponsoring the measure said the escalation to first-degree reflects the increasing sophistication and accessibility of untraceable firearms, which can be produced from kits or printed components outside of regulated supply chains.
The bill also expands existing definitions to ensure that individuals who merely possess or obtain firearm parts with the intent to assemble a ghost gun can be prosecuted. It further clarifies that transporting unserialized firearm frames or receivers is illegal, and that the law applies only to weapons required under federal law to bear serial numbers.
Supporters argue the proposal strengthens New Jersey’s reputation as one of the nation’s strictest states on gun regulation. Opponents of similar measures have previously raised concerns about criminal penalties for hobbyists or collectors unaware of technical compliance issues. The bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024 legislative session and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
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Key points:
- Bill upgrades ghost gun–related crimes from second to first degree.
- Offenses include 3D printing, possession, and transport of unserialized firearms.
- First-degree classification carries penalties of 10–20 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines.
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