This bill (A 987) requires background checks for all handgun and firearm purchasers through licensed dealers in New Jersey, as amended to N.J.S.2C:58-3. It mandates that dealers conduct National Instant Criminal Background Checks (NICB) before any sale or transfer, with specific exemptions for immediate family members, law enforcement, and collectors (as defined in federal law). The bill does not require background checks for household members of purchasers; it applies solely to the individual purchasing the firearm. Dealers must submit check results to state police, maintain non-public records, and may charge a fee (up to $70 for rifles/shotguns). The bill is currently in committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
This bill changes the process for denying firearm permits in New Jersey. It requires the chief of police or State Police superintendent to prove an applicant meets one of the disqualification reasons (like a criminal conviction or domestic violence offense) if their permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser ID card is denied. Previously, applicants may have had to prove they didn't qualify for denial. The bill does not change the list of disqualifying conditions but shifts the burden of proof to the issuing authority. This directly affects individuals whose applications are rejected for firearm permits or ID cards.
This bill (A2279) requires New Jersey county prosecutors to collect and report data on all firearm-related incidents where no physical harm occurred. Prosecutors must submit specific details - including location, time, charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully - for every such incident, regardless of case outcome. They would provide this data quarterly for three years to the Attorney General, who would then compile and publish a public report on the Department of Law's website. The law aims to create standardized data on non-injury shootings, which currently lack consistent reporting. (Note: The bill was withdrawn after being superseded by P.L.2025, c.365.)
ACR 72 is a New Jersey legislative resolution requesting Congress and the President to enact specific federal gun control measures. It calls for requiring background checks on all gun sales (including at gun shows), reinstating and strengthening the assault weapons ban, funding smart gun technology research and a federal gun buyback program targeting assault weapons, and repealing the Dickey Amendment to allow CDC research on gun violence. This resolution does not create new law but formally urges the federal government to adopt these policies. It is directed at Congress and the President, with no direct impact on New Jersey residents or state law.
New Jersey's A1411 requires firearm retailers to provide customers with a written disclosure at the point of sale. This disclosure informs buyers they must report lost or stolen firearms within 36 hours to local law enforcement or state police, and warns that purchasing firearms with intent to resell to ineligible buyers is illegal. Retailers must have customers sign and keep copies of this disclosure for 15 years, and post the same notice visibly at all sales counters. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeat violations, with collected fines funding gun violence prevention efforts.
This New Jersey bill increases penalties for improperly disclosing expunged criminal records and sets new requirements for background check businesses. It raises the maximum fine for revealing expunged records from $200 to $2,000 and requires background check companies to regularly update records, delete expunged entries promptly, and inform clients about record validity dates. Companies that distribute expunged records they know are sealed face $5,000 penalties or actual damages plus legal fees. The bill directly affects background check businesses and individuals with expunged records by strengthening protections against improper disclosure. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.
This New Jersey bill (A 3661) makes it a fourth-degree crime to knowingly and actively participate in a criminal street gang while promoting or assisting others in committing specific violent or serious offenses. It directly affects individuals who knowingly help gang members carry out crimes like robbery, carjacking, assault, sexual assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping, extortion, or certain drug/firearm violations. The law defines a "criminal street gang" as three or more people meeting specific criteria (such as shared symbols, clothing, or prior criminal activity) and sets penalties of up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill requires New Jersey's State Police to notify local law enforcement when a background check reveals someone is prohibited from buying firearms or ammunition. Specifically, if a background check shows a person has a criminal record, domestic violence conviction, or other disqualifying history (as defined in N.J.S. 2C:39-7), the State Police must inform the local chief law enforcement officer. Retail gun dealers must run these background checks and submit results to the State Police, who then trigger the local notification. The law applies to all firearm and ammunition purchases requiring a background check, directly affecting dealers, State Police, and local police departments.
This bill (A-414) lowers the minimum age from 15 to 14 for when New Jersey family court may waive jurisdiction over certain juvenile delinquency cases and refer them to adult court without the youth's consent. It applies to juveniles 14 or older accused of specific serious offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, firearm crimes, or drug trafficking. Prosecutors must file a motion with detailed reasons, and courts must review factors like the juvenile's age, prior record, mental health, and victim input before granting a waiver. The change aims to streamline referrals for the most severe cases while maintaining judicial oversight of the process.
This bill prohibits New Jersey school districts from banning active or retired law enforcement officers (including school resource officers) or registered security officers from carrying firearms while performing school security duties, provided those officers are already authorized to carry firearms under state law. It directly affects school districts that contract with such officers, requiring them to allow firearm carry during security duties if state law permits it. The key provision overrides existing restrictions (like N.J.S.2C:39-5) that might otherwise prevent officers from carrying weapons in schools. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
