(Trenton) – The General Assembly approved today
legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Linda Stender and Angel Fuentes to
deny any person on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist a firearms identification card or
permit. This measure is one of numerous bills in a sweeping Assembly Democratic
gun violence prevention bill package.
The bill
(A-3687) would disqualify a person named on the consolidated Terrorist Watchlist
maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Terrorist Screening Center from being issued either a
firearm’s identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun. It would be
effective immediately upon enactment.
“"Terrorists are on the Watchlist
because their intentions to harm people and property are well known,” said
Stender (D-Middlesex, Somerset and Union.) “It’s reasonable protection that terrorists are
denied access to NJ gun permits and licenses.
“It’s
simple common sense.”
The
sponsors note in the bill that current law does provide that the issuance of a
firearms identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun may be denied to
any person if it “would not be in the interest of the public health, safety or
welfare.” However, the sponsors said the intention of this legislation to
provide a separate statutory provision for a person on the Terrorist Watchlist
given the seriousness and mass-threatening nature of their criminal
activity.
“The
individuals on this list are wanted for plotting, attempting or carrying through
life-changing criminal acts against humanity,” said Fuentes (D-Camden,
Gloucester).
“The state would be made aware that any person on this Watchlist would be
immediately denied.
“By
specifically establishing this provision, we are ensuring the people of this
state greater protection down the line.”
The
Assembly Democratic gun violence prevention package was proposed in response to
the national call for impactful legislative action that will help curb the
long-standing issue of gun violence occurring in New Jersey’s communities.
The bill
passed 63-3-10. It will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
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