New Jersey Attorney General Introduces New Permit-to-Carry Dashboard; Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond 

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund’s grassroots network, released the following statement in response to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin’s announcement launching a Permit-to-Carry Dashboard that would publicize data related to handgun permit applications across the state. Attorney General Platkin will also provide new “Gun Free Zone” decals for free to business owners who want to provide clear notice of their intention to prohibit firearms on their property. Yesterday, Attorney General Platkin also announced the creation of an Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR), which will focus on expanding the use of “alternative responses” to gun violence, including Extreme Risk Protection Orders. 

“New Jersey is already a leader in gun violence prevention, and we’re grateful to have a partner in Attorney General Platkin who recognizes that these laws work best when coupled with data analysis and education,” said Theresa Turner, a volunteer with the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action. “After the misguided Bruen decision from the Supreme Court in 2022, New Jersey got straight to work to keep us safe by passing legislation that strengthened the rules for who can get a permit to carry a firearm in public and established a list of places where guns cannot be carried. Today’s announcement from Attorney General Platkin continues to make sure that these laws have the necessary tools and resources to be implemented effectively – making the Garden State even safer from gun violence.” 

The Bruen decision in 2022 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, which also impacted New Jersey that had a similar law. Lawmakers immediately passed legislation to respond to this heightened risk by setting strong minimum standards for who may carry concealed guns in public and creating clear rules on where guns are prohibited. Currently, New Jersey’s common-sense concealed carry law is under review by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. How the court decides will determine whether any aspects of New Jersey’s life-saving law will be struck down. 

In an average year, 427 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. 

To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.