New Jersey Senate Bill S2680

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/22
• Refer: 5/19/22

Caption

Establishes permit to transport handgun in motor vehicle anywhere in this State; creates training program.

Impact

Currently, New Jersey law imposes stringent requirements on carrying handguns, including a necessary demonstration of 'justifiable need' for public carry. S2680 seeks to relax this standard, thus opening the pathway for more residents to legally transport handguns without fulfilling the previous demands of proving urgent necessity. The bill would facilitate firearm ownership and transportation, a significant shift in the legal landscape of gun rights in New Jersey, establishing a distinct category for vehicle transport without harsh jurisdictional uncertainties.

Summary

Bill S2680 proposes the establishment of a motor vehicle handgun permit in New Jersey, allowing individuals to transport handguns within their vehicles for self-protection purposes. Under this legislation, permit holders would be permitted to carry loaded or unloaded handguns in safety containers, ranging from gun boxes to closed cases, within their vehicles. The introduction of a $50 fee to obtain this permit reflects the bill’s goal to streamline the legal carrying of firearms while traveling by vehicle, contributing to the ongoing debate surrounding gun rights and public safety in the state.

Contention

Supporters of the bill argue that it enhances personal safety and empowerment by providing individuals with the ability to carry firearms without excessive legal barriers. However, the legislation has faced criticism from various advocacy groups and lawmakers who believe it might lead to increased gun violence and diminish public safety. Critics are particularly concerned about the removal of the justifiable need requirement, claiming it could lead to an influx of guns in public spaces without proper oversight, potentially threatening community safety norms.