(TRENTON) – Assembly Democrats Gordon
Johnson and Valerie Vainieri Huttle (both D-Bergen) have introduced legislation
to boost firearm safety by requiring gun owners to complete a safety training
class before purchasing a firearm.
“This bill will help promote
competency and safety in gun ownership,” said Johnson. “Learning how to
properly handle and store weapons can go a long way in helping to avoid
unnecessary tragedies.”
The bill (A-3510) would require the
successful completion of a firearms safety class or course for all applicants
for firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a handgun.
Although introduced just prior to the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the
sponsors noted that the tragedy further underscores the need for training in the
safe and proper handling and storage of guns.
“This is one of many components that
are needed in order to tackle the gun violence epidemic and keep firearms out of
the wrong hands,” said Vainieri Huttle. “This measure will help create safer,
more responsible gun owners.”
Under the provisions of the bill,
applicants for firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a
handgun would be required to present evidence that they have successfully
completed a firearms safety class or course approved by the Superintendent of
State Police as a condition for being issued their card or permit.
The class or course may be offered by
the National Rifle Association, a State or local law enforcement agency, junior
college, college, university firearms training school, or any other entity
approved by the superintendent. The superintendent is to determine the form of
the evidence and the manner in which it is to be presented by the applicant.
Applicants who have received firearms
training through law enforcement or military service may substitute that
experience for the required class or course training.
At least seven other states require a
firearm safety training course prior to issuance of a gun license or permit
according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, including: California,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode
Island.
The Johnson and Vainieri Huttle
legislation has been referred to the Assembly Law and Public Safety
Committee.
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