New Jersey Assembly Bill A931

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Increases from 18 to 21 age at which person is eligible to receive firearms purchaser identification.

Impact

If passed, this bill will have significant implications for the regulation of firearm purchases in New Jersey. The proposed law allows individuals aged under 21 to possess firearms only under specific circumstances, such as being supervised by a guardian or participating in military drills or approved shooting activities. This adjustment aims to limit unsupervised access to firearms among younger individuals while still allowing participation in controlled environments like hunting and sports shooting.

Summary

Bill A931 proposes to raise the minimum age from 18 to 21 years for individuals to obtain firearms purchaser identification cards. Currently, individuals aged 18 and older can apply for such a card, which is necessary for purchasing shotguns and rifles, while the age limit for handgun purchases remains 21. The new legislation seeks to align the age for all firearm types under the same policy, thereby addressing concerns related to youth access to firearms.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face contention regarding Second Amendment rights and the implications of restricting access based on age. Supporters argue that increasing the age limit can lead to safer communities and reduced gun violence. Conversely, opponents may view this move as an infringement on individual rights and personal freedoms, stressing that responsible young adults should not be penalized for the actions of others. Additionally, the bill preserves existing laws allowing youth hunting licenses, which may alleviate some concerns from opposing groups.