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NJ Assembly Passes Six Gun Control Bills

Before the vote gun rights advocates hold rally at Trenton War Memorial

A package of bills approved by the New Jersey Assembly would make the state’s tough gun laws even tougher.

The bill that passed with the most opposition would make it more difficult to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi was among the lawmakers who voted against it, saying the restrictions would make it almost impossible to get a carry permit.

“As somebody who was a crime victim if I had a serious threat, if my life was in danger, if my daughter’s life was in danger, I want to be able to protect myself.”

The other bills would require background checks for all gun sales, ban armor-piercing bullets and gun magazines with more than 10 rounds, and require law enforcement to seize guns from

Individuals a healthcare professional determines is a threat to themselves or other.

Assembly Majority Lou Greenwald calls the bills common sense legislation that sends a message to the rest of the country. 

“It will give hope to the people that protested this weekend. It will give hope to the children of Parkland and the families of Sandy Hook.”

Republican Assemblyman Hal Wirths says the bills are just feel-good measures that won’t make the state safer.

“They are strictly going after law-abiding citizens and they’re going to do nothing for the criminals. I do believe the ultimate goal is to disarm as many law-abiding citizens as possible.”

If the Senate also passes those bills, Governor Phil Murphy says he’s committed to signing them into law.