New Jersey already has one of the strictest gun laws in the country, and they are about to get a lot tougher. As former NJ Governor, Chris Christie, tried to move New Jersey in the direction of right-wing gun laws and loosen the agenda, Phil Murphy, who assumes the role of a Democrat and was sworn into office as Governor of New Jersey in 2017, has decided that won’t be the case for New Jersey’s future after all.
Murphy has called for limits on ammunition, stricter conceal carry rules, and a development of smarter gun technology. Murphy, who believes that gun violence is a matter of public health, has advocated for a statewide study of gun violence and supports the idea of restricting certain people from being able to carry. Who are those certain people? We will have to wait and see.
Limits on gun ammunition is not a new conversation at the roundtable. Gun control advocates have been pushing for more regulation since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting back in 2012, arguing that limits on ammunition would prevent future tragedies from taking place on United States soil. After the limitations were vetoed by Christie for defying “common sense” back in 2014, Murphy has reopened the conversation and is eager to work with advocates to ensure public safety and health in what seems to be a current democrat controlled state.
Murphy is also on board with banning .50-caliber assault weapons that Christie previously supported but later withdrew from when he started his run for presidency. Murphy has also announced that he wants to repeal Christie’s legislation that makes it easier for New Jersey citizens to get away with carrying a concealed handgun, and has discussed a bill, A-2758, which defines what applicants need to show in order to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon in New Jersey. He has also been vocal about expressing his support for prohibiting bullets that are capable of penetrating body armor, and would make it a fourth-degree crime if found with ammunition that is capable of piercing armor.
The most popular conversation right now? Background checks. After the Stoneman Douglas shooter was able to legally pass a background check and purchase a semi-automatic rifle that took the lives of 17 individuals and prompted a nation wide protest and outrage, it becomes ever more clear that background checks play a critical role in ensuring public safety and fighting gun violence. Murphy offers another proposal, A-2757, that would require all purchases of a firearm to be made through a licensed retail dealer, who must require a background check before purchasing the weapon. The measure is also designed to require private gun sales to use background checks, with few exceptions.
It is evident that New Jersey will not be moving in the direction of lesser gun laws and regulations any time now, especially following the recent shooting in Parkland, Florida.
