The NRA is rightfully asking for those who value freedom to oppose S2470, S2934/A4620 and S2431/A3035.
Update: The bills passed. They were improved slightly. See below for updated text from the NRA email alert.
Anti-Gun Bills Moving to Governor’s Desk!
Please Contact Governor Corzine Today!
On Monday, January 7, the New Jersey legislature passed three bills of concern to law-abiding gun owners in New Jersey. Unfortunately, as usual, these bills do nothing to impact criminals, impact public safety, or assist police in fighting crime but only harass legal firearm owners. These bills will now head to Governor Jon Corzine (D) for his consideration.
Thanks to the activism of NRA members, these bills were amended from the original drafts, which would have placed onerous regulations on the purchase of all ammunition and held legal firearm owners criminally liable for having their firearms stolen.
As originally introduced, S2470/A2602 would criminalize 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 would 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 also 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 was used in a crime. Even though the bills were amended to provide the legal owner 36 hours upon discovery to report the lost or stolen firearm, NRA still opposes 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 honest gun owners. Among other things, it would criminalize and severely punish the mere possession of certain firearms, including registered handguns, even while engaged in lawful activities. As originally drafted, the bill puts law-abiding gun owners at risk of a potential 10-year prison sentence and a $150,000 fine.
Please contact the Governor's office today and respectfully urge him to veto these bills and concentrate on taking criminals off the street, not restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The Governor can bee reached by phone at (609) 292-6000 or visit http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html to send email.
Anti-Freedom Legislation Moving Forward in New Jersey!
Please Contact Your State Legislators Today!
On Thursday, January 3, the New Jersey State Senate passed S2934 sponsored by State Senator Shirley Turner (D-15) and S2431 sponsored by State Senators John Girgenti (D-35) and Paul Sarlo (D-36). Both bills now move for a full vote before the Assembly on Monday, January 7 along with the Assembly versions, A4620 and A3035.
As originally introduced, S2934 and A4620 would have held honest gun owners criminally liable if their stolen firearm was used in a crime. Before reaching the Senate floor, NRA and the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) was able to amend S2934 to give the owner 36 hours upon discovery of the theft to report the firearm stolen and only hold the owner liable to a civil penalty for failing to report. NRA still opposes this legislation and we ask that you to contact your members of the Assembly and strongly urge them to oppose this legislation that holds honest gun-owners financially responsible for being victims of theft.
Also on Monday, January 7, the State Senate will take up S2470, sponsored by Senator Turner. This bill would criminalize 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 would only impact honest gun owners, since criminals are unlikely to obtain their ammunition through legal channels. This bill should be defeated or amended so as not to affect law-abiding citizens.
Please contact your State Senator and members of the Assembly and respectfully urge them to oppose S2470, S2934/A4620 and S2431/A3035. Contact information can be found by visitinghttp://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp.