New Jersey Assembly Bill A4383

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/27/22
• Refer: 6/27/22

Caption

Requires firearm transfer between members of immediate family be conducted through licensed retail firearm dealer.

Impact

Should A4383 be enacted, it will amend N.J.S.2C:58-3 to eliminate existing exceptions for immediate family firearm transfers and enforce stricter regulations on such transactions. As a consequence, failure to comply with the new law will be classified as unlawful disposition of a firearm, which is categorized as a fourth-degree crime. This status carries penalties of up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The new requirements may lead to an increase in the number of transactions conducted through licensed dealers, providing law enforcement with better oversight of firearm distributions.

Summary

Bill A4383 seeks to require that all firearm transfers between immediate family members be conducted through a licensed retail firearm dealer. This marks a significant shift from current New Jersey law, which allows such transfers to occur without dealer involvement. The bill aims to enhance accountability and safety in firearm transactions among family members, introducing a structured process that includes the completion of a National Instant Criminal Background Check prior to any transfer. By removing the exception that previously allowed family-to-family transfers without dealer oversight, A4383 aims to ensure greater compliance with background checks and reduce the potential for firearms to be misused.

Contention

The proposed bill may face opposition from gun rights advocates who argue that it infringes on personal freedoms and family rights by mandating that family members engage licensed professionals for transactions that have traditionally been private. Critics suggest that the bill could impose unnecessary burdens on familial relationships, complicating the process of passing down firearms within families. Furthermore, debates can arise around the implications of implementing background checks for family members, raising questions about privacy rights and the effectiveness of such measures in preventing gun violence.