New Jersey Governor Signs Anti-Gun Legislation into Law

On Sunday, January 13, Governor Jon Corzine (D) once again vilified New Jersey’s law-abiding gun owners by signing S2470/A2602, S2934/A4620, and S2431 into law.  

S2470/A2602 criminalizes the transfer of handgun ammunition to anyone who does not have valid New Jersey firearms ID card, handgun carry or purchase permit.  While intended to prevent criminals from obtaining ammunition, the legislation will only impact honest gun owners, since criminals are unlikely to obtain ammunition through legal channels.  The legislation was amended to exempt shotgun shells, the majority of long-gun ammunition and non-fixed ammunition for muskets and muzzleloaders. The bill will, however, allow New Jersey residents and out-of-state firearm owners to purchase ammunition at the range for competition or target practice. 

S2934/A4620 as originally drafted, would have held honest gun owners criminally and civilly liable if their lost or stolen firearm is later used in a crime.  Even though the bills were amended to provide the legal owner 36 hours upon discovery to report the loss or theft of a firearm, NRA still opposed this legislation, as it holds honest gun-owners financially responsible for being victims of theft. 

S2431 is an overly broad attempt to address gang violence that could have unintended consequences for law-abiding gun owners.  Among other things, it criminalizes and severely punish the mere possession of certain firearms, including registered handguns, even while engaged in lawful activities.  

Thank you to all NRA members in the Garden State who answered the call in the fight to preserve our Second Amendment rights.  NRA-ILA will continue the battle to reverse these onerous restrictions on law-abiding gun owners.