New Jersey Senate Passes Two Gun-Control Bills

New Jersey Senate Passes Two Gun-Control Bills

Despite strong opposition from gun-rights activists alleging violations of the Second Amendment rights, the New Jersey Senate has given its final legislative approval to two gun-control measures.

The first bill (S2006), was passed in a 22-17 vote in the Senate. It was passed in March by the Assembly in a 46-31 vote. It proposes to reduce the capacity of magazine clips for automatic weapons from the current maximum of 15 rounds down to 10 rounds. Currently there are six other states and the District of Columbia that impose a 10 round limit. Additionally, under the federal assault weapons ban that began in 1994 and lapsed in 2004, magazines that could hold more than 10 rounds had been banned nationwide. But magazines owned before the ban took effect were exempt, unlike under the New Jersey legislation. If the bill is enacted, owners of ammunition clips holding more than 10 rounds would have three months to comply with the new restriction.

The second measure (A2777) places restrictions on the deviations that gun owners may take from their established routes when they are traveling with firearms. The Assembly also passed this bill in March and the Senate passed it in a 21-17 vote. Under the bill, deviations between home and the gun range would only be allowed for “reasonably necessary deviations of no more than 15 minutes in duration,” such as purchasing fuel or using the restroom.

Because the Senate changed both bills slightly, they will have to pass the lower house once again before the reach Governor Christie’s desk. Christie has not indicated whether he will sign the bills or not.

The legislation is supported by Ceasefire NJ, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and the parents of the 20 children shot and killed by Adam Lanza at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The opposition to the legislation is led by the National Rifle Association.

If you have any questions about the bills discussed above or would like to discuss other legislative matters, please contact me or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.