NEW JERSEY – Aimed at ensuring all purchasers of firearms are aware of their duties to report stolen or lost firearms and the restriction to sell firearms to persons who are not legally qualified to own one, the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton that would expand disclosure requirements for firearm retailers upon the sale or transfer of a firearm.
“Reporting stolen or lost firearms allows law enforcement to better track patterns in possible thefts and connect them to weapon traffickers and other criminal groups,” said Singleton (D-Burlington). “Requiring disclosures when purchasing a firearm will make gun owners better informed of this legal requirement, and ultimately allow law enforcement to better protect the public.”
The bill, S-3468, would require firearm wholesale or retail dealers to provide disclosure of a customer’s responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms within 36 hours to the chief law enforcement officer of their respective municipality, or to the Superintendent of State Police, and that it is illegal to purchase a firearm with the intent to sell it to someone who does not have the necessary firearm license or permit. This disclosure would be written, and would be required to be provided upon the sale or transfer of firearms.
The legislation would additionally provide for penalties for firearms retailers who violate provisions of the law. Specifically, any firearm retailer who violated the provisions would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
All funds collected via the penalties would be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General to be used for gun violence prevention efforts.
The bill was advanced in a 3-1 vote, with one abstention.
