NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill SCR106

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR106

Introduced
5/9/22  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

Impact

If approved, SCR106 will amend Article I, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not infringed. Currently, while the state constitution recognizes the enjoyment and defense of life and liberty, it lacks a specific mention of the right to firearm ownership. The new amendment would fill this gap, thereby reshaping New Jersey's legal framework regarding gun rights. Opponents might highlight that while states cannot infringe on individual rights, this amendment could complicate existing gun regulations aimed at ensuring public safety.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 106 (SCR106) proposes an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that establishes the right of the state's residents to keep and bear arms. This amendment aims to explicitly protect the individual right to firearm ownership within the state constitution, extending the provisions already provided under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. The proposed change seeks to clarify that New Jersey residents have a constitutional right to possess firearms, aligning state legislation more closely with federal rights outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Contention

The introduction of SCR106 has been met with varied responses. Supporters, particularly gun rights advocates, argue that the amendment is a necessary step towards safeguarding individual freedoms and self-defense rights within New Jersey. They contend that it brings the state in line with broader constitutional interpretations favoring gun ownership. Conversely, critics of the amendment may point out potential drawbacks in terms of public safety and the state's ability to implement measures that regulate firearms ownership effectively. The debate surrounding this amendment represents a larger national discourse on gun rights and gun control.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR141

Same As Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR141

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

NJ ACR16

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

NJ ACR156

Proposes constitutional amendment recognizing fundamental right to reproductive freedom.

NJ HF664

Right of the people to keep and bear arms protected, and constitutional amendment proposed.

NJ HF1901

Right of the people to keep and bear arms protected, and constitutional amendment proposed.

NJ HF2796

Right of the people to keep and bear arms protected, and constitutional amendment proposed.

NJ SJR9

Constitutional amendment; expanding rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.

NJ SJR9

Constitutional amendment; expanding rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.

NJ ACR119

Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights.

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