New Jersey Assembly Bill A4978

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/21/24
• Refer: 10/21/24
• Report Pass: 2/20/25
• Engrossed: 3/24/25
• Refer: 5/12/25
• Report Pass: 6/19/25

Caption

Requires AG to report data regarding shootings that did not result in bodily injury.

Impact

This legislation is set to influence the existing framework of firearm incident reporting in New Jersey significantly. By requiring quarterly data submission for a period of three years, the bill aims to systematically track non-fatal shooting incidents. The Attorney General is tasked with compiling this information and reporting it to both the Governor and the Legislature, enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement's handling of gun-related incidents. This proactive approach could potentially lead to more informed legislative action in the realm of gun control and public safety.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4978 mandates that county prosecutors in New Jersey must collect and report data to the Attorney General regarding firearm-related incidents that do not result in bodily injury. The objective of this bill is to create a structured database that can provide insights into incidents involving firearms, which can be crucial for understanding trends and crafting public safety policies. The data will include comprehensive details such as the complaint number, date and time of the incident, location, legal charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully or unlawfully.

Contention

While proponents argue that A4978 will enhance public safety by providing critical data for analysis and policymaking, there may also be concerns regarding the potential implications for privacy and the administrative burden on county prosecutors. Additionally, opponents might contend that focusing on firearms, especially non-fatal incidents, could detract from more pressing issues within public safety or public health, such as mental health support or community intervention programs. The effectiveness of the program in actually preventing gun violence remains to be seen and will likely be a topic of debate among lawmakers.