New Jersey Assembly Bill AR147

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/26/24
• Passed: 6/28/24

Caption

Condemns recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and reaffirms that bump stocks are a dangerous firearm component.

Impact

AR147 serves to reaffirm New Jersey's prior legislation, specifically P.L.2017, c.323, which prohibits the sale and possession of bump stocks in the state. The resolution highlights the risks associated with bump stocks and disapproves of the Supreme Court's stance that questioned the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in regulating these devices. By condemning this ruling, the New Jersey legislature aims to uphold its commitment to public safety in the face of federal decisions that may permit potentially harmful firearms accessories.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 147 (AR147) is a legislative measure introduced in June 2024, aimed at condemning a recent decision made by the United States Supreme Court in the case of Garland v. Cargill. This resolution asserts that bump stocks—devices that enable semi-automatic firearms to fire at a much faster rate—are dangerous components that should be prohibited. It references the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017, where the shooter used bump stocks, resulting in significant casualties. The resolution emphasizes the hazardous nature of these devices, capable of firing up to 800 rounds per minute, which blurs the line between semi-automatic and automatic firearms.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding AR147 lies in the disagreement between state legislative bodies and federal interpretations of firearm regulations. Proponents of the resolution argue that reversing the Supreme Court's decision is imperative for public safety, asserting that easier access to bump stocks endangers citizens. Conversely, opponents may argue that this resolution underscores a conflict between state-level gun control efforts and federal jurisdiction, raising questions about the limits of state legislative authority in establishing firearm regulations in response to Supreme Court interpretations.