New Jersey: Smart Guns and Attack on Right to Carry Advance, Veto Override Postponed

On Monday, June 27, the anti-gun Legislature in Trenton forged ahead with more gun control.  While the smart gun bill and legislation undoing the Governor’s executive action on “justifiable need” passed, largely along party lines, the veto override attempt on “domestic violence” legislation was postponed.

The postponement could signal that anti-gun leaders in the Assembly and Senate have the votes to pass the bills, but not the requisite two-thirds to override the Governor’s veto.  Please continue contacting your Assembly member and Senator urging them to vote against the override.  This executive action is the last line of defense against rabid anti-gun leaders in the Legislature. 

In other action, the Senate passed S.2165/A.3689 on a 22-17 vote.  This bill would codify New Jersey’s “justifiable need” standard for concealed carry, and essentially block the incremental improvements resulting from the Governor’s recent actions.  This bill requires the Governor’s signature and he has 45 days to act.  That period is subject to extension if the Legislature is not in session.

The Assembly also passed the “smart gun” bill 44-30 in a vote that was again a largely party-line vote.  A.1426/S.816, as previously reported here, would undo New Jersey’s 2002 smart gun law, but it would force market acceptance of this unviable technology by requiring gun shops to offer at least one smart gun for sale.  The fear is that once the gun has been sold, lawmakers would simply readopt the old smart gun law which bans the sale of traditional handguns.  This bill also heads to the Governor’s desk.  During the 2015 legislative session, Gov. Christie vetoed the bill.

Again, please click the “Take Action” button above to continue contacting your Assembly member and state Senator and politely urging them to oppose the veto override on S.805/A.1211.  New Jersey already has some of the toughest domestic violence gun laws in the country, in addition to federal laws.  This bill is unnecessary and has little due process protection for those individuals who are falsely accused or exonerated.  Instead, respectfully ask lawmakers to support harsh penalties for convicted violent abusers if they are serious about addressing the issue. 

Please continue to follow these alerts for updated schedules.  When the postponed veto override action is scheduled, we will let our members know.