New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR130

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Urges Congress and President of US to enact legislation addressing interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition.

Impact

If enacted, the proposed changes are set to enhance the legal protections for gun owners during travel. The resolution aims to broaden the definition of 'transport' to include situations an individual may encounter while traveling, such as overnight stays, medical emergencies, or other incidental activities. By addressing these practical situations, ACR130 seeks to prevent the unintended criminalization of individuals who are compliant with federal regulations but find themselves in non-compliance under strict state laws, particularly in New Jersey.

Intent

Ultimately, the resolution serves as a mechanism to prompt legislative change at the federal level, encouraging lawmakers to consider the implications of existing laws on responsible gun owners on a nationwide scale. While it aims to assist law-abiding citizens, ACR130 highlights the ongoing debate between state rights and federal regulations regarding firearms and illustrates the complex landscape surrounding gun ownership in the United States.

Summary

ACR130 is a Concurrent Resolution introduced in the New Jersey legislature that urges Congress and the President of the United States to enact legislation addressing the interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition. The resolution calls for amendments to the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA) to ensure that individuals transporting legally owned firearms across state lines are not subjected to criminal penalties due to varying state laws. It highlights the discrepancies that can arise when law-abiding citizens try to follow federal and state regulations while traveling with firearms.

Contention

ACR130 emphasizes a significant case involving an individual named Greg Revell, who faced severe legal repercussions when attempting to transport his legally owned firearm through New Jersey. The bill points to this case as an example of the injustices faced by gun owners under current state policies, suggesting that existing laws do not adequately protect them from criminal charges in unforeseen circumstances. Opponents of stricter gun controls or those in favor of local governing authority may see this resolution as a direct challenge to state-level regulations intended to curb firearm accessibility and usage.