New Jersey Assembly Bill A4890

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/21/24
• Refer: 10/21/24

Caption

Prohibits possession and sale of machine gun conversion device and establishes criminal penalties.

Impact

If enacted, A4890 would significantly affect state laws concerning firearm possession and use. Currently, possession of a machine gun is classified as a second-degree crime, carrying penalties of five to ten years of imprisonment and fines up to $150,000. A4890 establishes a new third-degree crime specifically for the possession of conversion devices and stipulates that penalties for possessing such devices will be served consecutively with those for possessing a machine gun. Additionally, manufacturing, transporting, or disposing of a machine gun conversion device would also result in third-degree criminal charges.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4890 aims to prohibit the possession and sale of machine gun conversion devices in New Jersey, a device intended to modify semiautomatic firearms to enable them to fire multiple shots with a single trigger pull. This legislation includes definitions for machine gun conversion devices and clarifies that any firearm affixed with such a device will be classified as a machine gun under the law. The bill introduces new measures to bolster public safety by implementing stricter regulations on firearm modifications.

Contention

The proposed bill stems from recommendations made in a report by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation that analyzes illegal firearm use. While supporters advocate for the legislation as a necessary step toward enhancing public safety, critics raise concerns about the implications of increased policing on lawful gun ownership. There is ongoing debate regarding the potential overreach of the law and its affects on citizens who utilize firearms legally for sport or hunting.