A128, introduced by Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37), is an all-out assault on the civil liberties of honest gun-owners.  A128 would establish the "Firearm Automated Licensing System," an automated standardized statewide computer system containing information obtained by the State Police on retail dealer licensing and applications, as well as revocation, for permits to purchase handguns and firearms purchaser identification cards.  A128 would require the Attorney General to design and develop an electronic firearms purchaser identification card with a photo and electronic information transfer capability.  To fund the system, fee increases would be levied on firearm retail dealers and purchasers of firearms.  At the point of purchase, a dealer would be required to document time of the sale, the name, age, date of birth, complexion, occupation, residence, and a physical description including distinguishing physical characteristics, if any, of the purchaser, lessee or transferee, the name and permanent home address of the person making the sale, lease or transfer, the place of the transaction, and the make, model, manufacturer's number, caliber and other marks of identification on the handgun.

This frightening legislation is an attack on all law-abiding gun owners and dealers in the Garden State.  Since criminals do not obtain their firearms by legal means, this bill will have no impact on crime.  A128 is intended to be an invasion of privacy on law-abiding gun owners and an effort to put firearm dealers out of business in New Jersey.

Also introduced for the 2008 session is A632 by State Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-6).  A632 increases firearm permit and license fees in an attempt to raise the cost of the legal purchase of firearms and the cost of doing business for firearm dealers.

The registration fee for a firearms manufacturer and wholesaler license would increase to $500 from $150 and for a firearms retail license fee would be $200, up from $50. These licenses would be valid for three years.  The current fees for a permit to purchase a handgun, a firearms purchaser identification card, or a permit to carry a firearm are $2, $5, and $20, respectively. The new fees would be $10, $20, and $200, respectively. Additionally, this bill includes a new $10 fee for duplicate identification cards. Currently, there is no fee to acquire a duplicate identification card.

If these fee increases pass, along with A128, the firearm retail industry in New Jersey would be effectively shut down.

State Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-22) introduced S138 to prohibit the sale of imitation firearms to persons under age of 18.  Violation of this law would result in a fine of $1,000 and a possible six-months imprisonment.  This legislation provides nothing more than a distraction for law enforcement from fighting real crime being committed with real firearms.

NRA-ILA will keep a watchful eye on A128, A632, S138, and all other anti-gun, anti-freedom legislation introduced during the 2008-2009 New Jersey Legislative Session.  Please continue checking your email and refer to www.NRAILA.org for the status on these and any Second Amendment or hunting related legislation in the Garden State.