Jasey, Swain & Jaffer Bill Closing Registration Loophole for Gun Owners Who Move to New Jersey Heads to Governor

(TRENTON) – Aiming to close a loophole in the state’s gun registration system, a bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Mila Jasey, Lisa Swain and Sadaf Jaffer would require new residents to register firearms that they legally obtained in another state upon moving to New Jersey. The measure passed the full Assembly Wednesday by a vote of 51-27.

“Just as residents are required to register their vehicles with New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission when they first move here, gun owners would be held to the same standards,” said Assemblywoman Jasey (D-Essex, Morris). “This commonsense legislation will ensure that every legally-obtained gun is registered in our state to promote greater safety in our communities.”

Under the measure (S-1204/A-1179), anyone who brings a legally-obtained firearm with them when they move to New Jersey would have 60 days to obtain a firearm purchaser identification card (FPIC) and register their weapon with municipal or State law enforcement. The registration paperwork would include details such as their name and address, as well as the make, model and serial number of the gun.

“Firearm registration not only promotes responsible gun ownership, but helps protect first responders by alerting them to the possible presence of a firearm before they arrive at the scene of an emergency,” said Assemblywoman Swain (D-Bergen, Passaic). “These benefits cannot be fully realized unless every legal gun owner participates in our registration system, which is why this measure is so critical to ensuring the safety of residents throughout our state.”

Under current law, anyone who purchases a firearm in New Jersey must display their FPIC, which confirms the person meets the qualifications to purchase a gun in our state.

“Closing the loophole that allows new residents to own a gun without going through the process of registration will help keep our communities safe,” said Assemblywoman Jaffer (D-Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon). “This legislation encourages responsible gun ownership by requiring new residents to register their guns.”

Having passed the full Senate 23-15, the bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.