Opinion
On Monday, March 24, 2025, the New Jersey Assembly passed several gun control bills. Most of the bills addressed issues which are already illegal under both state and federal law. It is an election year in New Jersey, and action on this package of bills appears to be more about politics than public safety. The votes largely followed party lines, with Republicans opposing and Democrats supporting the legislation—except for Democratic Assembly members David Bailey (D-3) and Heather Simmons (D-3), who voted against it, and Republican Assembly members Nancy Munoz (D-21) and Michele Matsikoudis (D-21), who voted in favor.
The following bills will now be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
A.4974 prescribing penalties for the sale and possession of “machine gun conversion devices.” Such devices are already banned at both the state and federal level. There has never been an explanation why this bill is necessary. Given that New Jersey’s definition would differ from the federal definition, this only makes the water murkier.
A.4975 creates a crime for the possession of digital instructions to manufacture firearms or components. This legislation creates a crime even if someone never produces a gun or component. Simply having a digital file on your computer could subject you to criminal penalties.
A.4976 establishes the crime of reckless discharge. Discharging a firearm in New Jersey is already a crime unless done “for a lawful purpose,” which is an affirmative defense. Given the lack of exceptions in both existing New Jersey law and this legislation, successfully raising such a defense would be exceedingly difficult. This is nothing more than a swipe at concealed carry. Now, every time a firearm is used, even in legitimate situations, rogue prosecutors will have even more ability to bring charges.
A.1389 requires confiscation of ammunition and certain firearms components in response to domestic violence restraining orders or convictions. Of course, New Jersey already has very harsh gun confiscation laws as they pertain to restraining orders. This bill is absurd as it would include components and accessories like spare grips, choke tubes, holsters, and slings. Keep in mind this bill applies to accusations, not just convictions. Even in cases of false accusations, surrender is ordered. We have always been clear that convicted abusers should be punished, but there must be due process.
A.5345 mandates the use of merchant consumer category codes for firearms purchases. This legislation amounts to government-sanctioned snooping. It is a dangerous bill which lays the groundwork for a gun registry and weaponizes the banking industry, leading to potential discrimination of gun owners.
Thank you to everyone who contacted their Assembly members. These bills must pass the Senate before going to the Governor. Fortunately, the Senate has not scheduled any action on the bills. Please continue to follow NRA-ILA alerts for the latest updates.
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About NRA-ILA:
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess, and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org
Add this to the large and growing pile of reasons to never go to New Jersey (or New York, or Illinois).
i grew up in NJ, it was a nice place, northern part 10 minutes from border of NJ and NY, lots of wooded areas, not now, anyway back then to buy a rifle you had to get a firearms purchasing permit, it took a while to get it, if you wanted to buy a pistol you had to get another permit and get the police chiefs permission in the town you lived in, to buy the pistol along with the firearm purchasing permit, i never thought much about the process, just figured thats the way it was, i was young… Read more »
On this date March 27, 1836, the Goliad, Texas massacre happened… , over 425 Texas freedom fighters soldiers were killed by Santa Ana Mexican forces.. There was a battle between the Texans and Santa Ana Mexican soldiers. In Goliad. Outnumbered, they told the Texans if they Gave Up Their Guns, they would be held then released. It was all a trick to disarm them.! The men were lead out on a dirt road and were shot, burned and left for coyotes and vultures. These are the same plans the far leftist democrats have for gun owners in America. The democrats… Read more »
bill of rights be dammed we are the law, and criminals and gangs rule, once a sht hole …..
NJ: the cancer within the pus inside a boil on the asshole of the universe. It once had the worst gun laws in the country and they seem desperate to retain the title.
“…possession of digital instructions to manufacture…” becomes a crime. Coming next, crime becomes thinking of building or manufacture….thought crimes. Where did we see that before….
NRA’s got a RICO lawsuit to be concerned about now…