The New Jersey chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement applauding the Assembly’s Judiciary and Appropriations Committees for acting quickly and intentionally to pass legislation to address the new dangers created by the Supreme Court’s flawed decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The legislation will strengthen the state’s firearm licensing laws and establish a comprehensive list of sensitive locations where guns may not be carried, including playgrounds, bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, train stations, and polling places.
“Speaker Coughlin, Assemblyman Danielsen, and members of the New Jersey Assembly continue to demonstrate the urgent and collaborative action needed to protect our communities from gun violence,” said Fran Carroll, a volunteer with the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action.“The Supreme Court’s dangerous Bruen decision failed to protect us, but we’re encouraged to see our legislative leaders develop nation-leading solutions to address the dangers created by the Supreme Court. We look forward to a swift vote in the Assembly and hope the Senate will follow their lead to get this bill across the finish line.”
The Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen struck down an important provision of New York State’s concealed carry permitting law that required an individual to prove they had “proper cause” to carry concealed firearms in public. The Bruen decision has dangerously lowered the bar for who can carry guns in public. If enacted, this bill will set strong minimum standards for who may carry concealed guns in public and create clear rules on where guns are prohibited.
In an average year, 439 people are killed by guns in New Jersey and another 874 are wounded. Gun violence costs New Jersey $5.3 billion each year, of which $168.9 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in New Jersey is available here.
