New Jersey is advancing a series of legislative measures aimed at strengthening gun safety regulations within the state.

On February 20, 2025, the Assembly Judiciary Committee approved ten bills designed to address various aspects of firearm safety and accountability. These proposals have sparked discussions among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and residents regarding their potential impact on public safety and individual rights.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation:

Ban on Digital Instructions for 3D-Printed Firearms: One of the bills seeks to criminalize the possession of digital files that provide instructions for 3D-printing firearms or firearm components. This measure aims to curb the unregulated production of firearms that lack serial numbers, commonly referred to as “ghost guns,” which are difficult to trace and can circumvent existing gun laws.

Prohibition of Machine Gun Conversion Devices: Another proposal targets devices known as “Glock switches” or “auto sears,” which can convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. The bill would make it illegal to possess or sell these conversion devices, aligning state law with existing federal regulations that already prohibit such items.

Expansion of Firearm Seizure in Domestic Violence Cases: A significant component of the legislative package includes expanding the scope of firearm seizures in domestic violence situations. The proposed bill would mandate the confiscation of not only firearms but also ammunition and firearm accessories from individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convictions. This expansion aims to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence by reducing the potential for firearm-related harm.

Implementation of Firearm Purchase Tracking: The legislative package also proposes requiring credit card companies to adopt a specific merchant category code (MCC) for firearm and ammunition purchases. This measure is intended to enable better tracking of firearm-related transactions, assisting in the identification of suspicious purchasing patterns that could indicate potential criminal activity.

Support and Advocacy:

Gun safety advocacy groups, including the New Jersey chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, have expressed strong support for the proposed legislation. Volunteers from these organizations joined state lawmakers at a press conference to advocate for the bills, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent gun violence and enhance community safety. They argue that updating laws to address evolving firearm technologies and closing existing loopholes are critical steps toward reducing gun-related incidents.

Opposition and Concerns:

Opponents of the bills, including gun rights advocates and organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA), have raised concerns about potential overreach and infringement on constitutional rights. They argue that certain measures, such as the confiscation of firearm accessories and the criminalization of possessing digital instructions, could set concerning precedents affecting both Second Amendment and First Amendment rights. Additionally, critics question the effectiveness of some proposals, suggesting that they may not significantly impact crime rates but could impose undue burdens on law-abiding gun owners.

National Context:

The proposed legislation in New Jersey aligns with broader national efforts by Democratic state attorneys general to uphold and strengthen gun regulations. In anticipation of potential federal policy shifts, more than a dozen Democratic attorneys general, including New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin, have committed to defending existing gun regulations facing legal challenges. This collective stance underscores the ongoing national debate over balancing gun rights with public safety concerns.

Next Steps:

The advancement of these bills by the Assembly Judiciary Committee marks an initial step in the legislative process. The proposals will proceed to further debates and votes in both the Assembly and the Senate. If passed, they will be presented to the Governor for final approval. The outcome of these legislative efforts will significantly influence the future landscape of gun regulation in New Jersey, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing gun violence while navigating the complexities of constitutional rights and public safety.