New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is expected to sign six new “gun control” laws this week, which Governor Murphy touts are “sweeping gun safety legislation” that will be some of the “toughest gun laws” in the nation. Here is the “Renzulli Run Down” of what you need to know: 

  • Bill No. A1181 mandates the seizure of firearms owned by individuals if a mental health professional determines they pose a threat to themselves or others. This seizure is permanent unless the individual produces evidence from a mental health professional that they no longer suffer from the condition that led to the original seizure.  
  • Bill No. A1217 establishes the procedure for an individual’s firearms to be seized and that individual to be banned from purchasing or possessing firearms for up to one year based on the sworn testimony or affidavit of any individual. While the affected individual has the right to a hearing, this right is only applicable after the seizure has been made. The court issuing the order is required to hold a hearing within fourteen (14) days after the seizure. The state must prove by “clear and convincing” evidence that the individual poses a “significant risk of personal injury.”
  •  Bill No. A2757 mandates that all private sales of firearms must be conducted through a licensed dealer, who is required to conduct a background check.    
  • Bill No. A2758 heightens the requirement to obtain a concealed carry permit by requiring individuals to prove that a specific threat of violence exists against them and the permit is necessary for their protection.  
  • Bill No. A2759 bans the possession of armor-piercing handgun ammunition throughout the State of New Jersey, with some exceptions, e.g., law enforcement and on private property.  
  • Bill No. A2761 bans magazines holding over 10 rounds, with only a few exceptions. 

Additionally, New Jersey’s Senate has passed a “ghost gun” ban bill. This bill would make it illegal for an individual who is not a licensed manufacturer of firearms to purchase or obtain “any combination of parts from which a firearm without a serial number may be readily manufactured,” or a “firearm frame or receiver” without a federally registered serial number. “Firearm frame or receiver” is defined as “the part of a firearm that provides housing for the firearm’s internal components, such as the hammer, bolt or breechblock, action, and firing mechanism.” This bill will now go to the New Jersey General Assembly for a vote.