State of New Jersey secondary Archives: on Gun Control
Barbara Buono:
Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Buono co-sponsored; bill passed Senate 23-16-1; bill passed House 46-29-4; Vetoed Sept. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
May 30, 2013
Bob Hugin:
Expanded background checks; bar people with mental illnesses
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Robert Hugin (R): Supports some measures, including expanded background checks & barring people with mental illnesses.
Robert Menendez (D): Yes. Supports universal background checks & closing gun show loopholes. Voted for assault weapons ban.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Jersey Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Bonnie Watson Coleman:
Supports licensing; background checks; and safety locks
Coleman indicates support of the following principles regarding guns. - Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
- Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
- Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
- Support current licensing requirements for gun possession.
Source: New Jersey 2005-2006 Gubernatorial Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2005
Chris Christie:
No criminalization of new classes of firearms
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Bill passed Senate 23-16-1; Bill passed House 46-29-4; Absolute Veto Sept. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
Sep 9, 2013
Cory Booker:
Common sense gun reform on day one
As Mayor, I did all I could to fight against gun violence:- I was deeply involved with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a coalition of mayors dedicated to bringing sanity to our gun laws;
- I focused my police department's efforts and resources on
gun crime;
- I attracted private philanthropy to invest in cutting edge technology like an acoustic gunshot detection system;
- I even travelled to Washington DC to personally appeal to the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and
Explosives for law enforcement access to crime gun trace data.
- But now I know that to better protect Newark, other New Jersey cities, and our suburbs and rural areas (which are experiencing more and more gun violence), the fight is in Congress.
Congress had the chance to get this right in the wake of Newtown. If elected to the Senate, I will start work on common sense gun reform on day one.
Source: 2014 New Jersey Senate campaign website CoryBooker.com
Jul 1, 2014
Cory Booker:
More background checks & gun trace data
Passing Common Sense Gun Safety Legislation: It is plainly unacceptable that we don't have background checks for every gun sale in America, as well as bans on high capacity magazines and assault weapons that have no practical sporting use, and countless
other reforms that will save lives. I even personally appealed to the ATF for law enforcement access to crime gun trace data so that my department, and departments across New Jersey, could do more to understand and battle against gun trafficking.
Source: 2014 New Jersey Senate campaign website CoryBooker.com
Jul 1, 2014
Donny DiFrancesco:
No gun permits until age 21; require ballistics ID
DiFrancesco was the co- sponsor on the following bills in the 2000-2001 NJ congressional session:- S2047: Increases age for permit to purchase a handgun from 18 to 21 years; changes related laws on temporary transfer and exemptions.
- S2048: Revises requirements for certain handgun sales; requires ballistics identifiers be submitted to qualified databases.
Source: New Jersey congressional voting records
Dec 25, 2000
Donny DiFrancesco:
Prosecute gun crimes more; restrict future sales more
DiFrancesco was the prime sponsor on the following bills in the 2000-2001 NJ congressional session:- S2045: Imposes restrictions on future retail sales of handguns; mandates sales of personalized handguns when found available for retail sales
purposes.
- S2046: Establishes “The Project Exile and Operation Ceasefire Enforcement Act of 2000” to strengthen prosecution of firearms crimes; appropriates $5 million.
Source: New Jersey congressional voting records
Dec 25, 2000
Hirsh Singh:
Enact reciprocity between states to own & carry firearms
The Second Amendment guarantees our constitutional right to own firearms, carry them how we choose and use them in defense of ourselves and our loved ones. Congress must affirm these rights by enacting National Reciprocity legislation and ensure our
constitutional rights are not abridged at state lines. Judges must fully acknowledge in no uncertain terms that our Second Amendment protects an individual's right to keep and bear arms -- without compromise.
Source: 2020 New Jersey Senate website HirshSingh.com
Feb 5, 2020
Hirsh Singh:
If they take AR-15 rifles, will cell phones be next?
If those in power can take AR-15 rifles away from everyone because a few criminals use these tools in their pursuits, then how can we guarantee our cell phones, cars and trucks won't be next?More Americans die annually from texting and driving than
by those who use AR-15 rifles. What do we do about your automobile? Every 50 minutes, someone is killed by a drunk driver. What about school vehicles, since more people are killed annually by them than by AR-15 rifles?
Source: 2020 New Jersey Senate campaign website HirshSingh.com
Jun 11, 2020
Jack Ciattarelli:
No criminalization of all 50-caliber weapons
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Ciattarelli voted NAY; bill passed Senate 23-16-1; bill passed House 46-29-4; vetoed Sept. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
Feb 21, 2013
Jeff Bell:
Debated who's most supportive of gun rights
Booker and Bell are split on many of the issues that are polarizing Washington and the nation, including abortion, gay rights, gun control and health insurance.Competitive primaries tend to attract a party's most hard-core supporters, and the
Republican candidates debated who was most supportive of gun owners' rights. Booker, meanwhile, advocates for stronger gun control measures and was active in the Mayors Against Illegal Guns organization founded by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Source: The Bergen Record on 2014 New Jersey Senate race
Jun 3, 2014
Jeff Bell:
Opposes more gun restrictions
Question topic: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety.
Bell: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 New Jersey Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Joe Kyrillos:
No criminalization of all 50-caliber weapons
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Kyrillos voted NAY; bill passed Senate 23-16-1; bill passed House 46-29-4; Vetoed Sept. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
May 30, 2013
Joe Rullo:
Goal is concealed carry without justifiable need
Second Amendment Stance: First--I will appoint 2A justices. Governor Christie just appointed a liberal Democrat. Silence from everyone?Second. I will elect Republicans to control both houses instead of running for President.
Third.
I will appoint Pro 2A/ Carry Conceal NJ AG for the obvious reasons.
Fourth. I will exhaust executive process and test courts.
And like I have more than proven will work with expert 2A resources to reach the goal of Carry Conceal without justifiable need in NJ.
Most importantly, I will present the argument of the change in times with domestic terrorist, shooters, and gangs all carrying illegally regardless of the law--leaving the law abiding sitting ducks.
Source: 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial campaign website Rullo2017.com
Jan 17, 2017
John Wisniewski:
Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Wisniewski voted YEA; bill passed Senate 23-16-1; bill passed House 46-29-4; Vetoed Sep. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
Feb 21, 2013
Murray Sabrin:
Opposes more gun restrictions
Question topic: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety.
Sabrin: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 New Jersey Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Rich Pezzullo:
Opposes new federal gun laws; high marks from NRA
Rich supports the individual right to keep and bear arms and opposes new federal gun control laws.
He has earned an AQ rating from the National Rifle Association, the highest rating that a candidate that does not hold public office can receive. He has been endorsed in the past by the GOA.
Source: 2018 New Jersey Senate campaign website pezzullo.com
Jan 1, 2018
Phil Murphy:
Sensible gun safety regulations: taxes & training
The gun violence epidemic is nothing short of a public health crisis. And yet, Governor Christie continues to stand in the way of sensible reforms. He has vetoed bills that had universal support from New Jerseyans. Governor Christie's continued
opposition to sensible gun safety regulations does not protect our 2nd Amendment rights. It simply makes us less safe. A truly comprehensive answer to reducing gun violence must come from the federal government. Yet that is not an excuse for inaction.
Phil Murphy believes that sensible regulations can encourage gun safety and lower levels of violence while still preserving Second Amendment rights for law-abiding residents. As governor, Phil would sign every piece of commonsense legislation
that Christie vetoed; mandate gun safety training; promote smart gun technology; and tax gun sales to fund law enforcement, mental health services, and drug treatment.
Source: 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial website, Murphy4NJ.com
Sep 19, 2016
Phil Murphy:
Reduce maximum magazine size from 15 rounds to 10
killed last year in accidental gun deaths in which the shooter was five years old or younger--deaths that personalized, smart gun technology would prevent.The gun violence epidemic is nothing short of a public health crisis. And yet, Governor
Christie continues to stand in the way of sensible reforms. These bipartisan measures would have kept guns out of the hands of gang members, restricted the size of gun magazines, and prohibited the sale of .50-caliber rifles.
Gov. Phil Murphy, who is expected to sign the bill, was also the object of scorn. One lady held up a sign that said Murphy "shreds" the Constitution; another sign depicted the governor with a dunce cap on his head.The problem, according
to many people in the crowd was between the government and its overzealous regulation of firearms, and with the criminals, who have got plenty of guns at their disposal.
Source: Bergen Record on 2020 New Jersey Senate race
Apr 14, 2018
Ray Lesniak:
Buy police weapons from socially responsible gun sellers
Gun rights advocates are blasting Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop for a new city initiative that the mayor says uses the power of the city's purse to reward "socially responsible" gun distributors. They say Fulop's plan will do nothing to stop the flow of
illegal guns into the city. Fulop shot back, saying [his critics have] "zero appreciation for the flow of illegal guns into cities."The city awarded a $500,000 contract to Lawmen Supply Company to provide weapons and ammunition to the police
department after a bid process that involved the city quizzing potential vendors about how they would handle firearms returned by the city, whether they sell assault weapons to citizens and whether they agree not to sell certain models of firearms for
civilian use.
The mayor's plan is backed by Ceasefire NJ, which lobbies for stricter gun control laws. The city plans to award the contract to Lawmen over the other bidder, Atlantic Tactical, whose bid was $10,000 less.
Source: NJTVonline.org on 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial race
Nov 13, 2015
Ray Lesniak:
Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Lesniak co-sponsored; bill passed Senate 23-16-1; bill passed House 46-29-4; vetoed Sep. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
May 30, 2013
Rich Pezzullo:
More conservative justices on federal bench
Rich Pezzullo believes the federal courts have gone way too far in legitimizing big government and attacking our conservative values. As a U.S. Senator, Rich will support more justices like Neil Gorsuch, chosen for his reverence for the Constitution,
keeping in the model of Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. Bob Menendez believes the courts are a place for Social Engineering and will advocate and oppose all but the most left-wing radicals offered seats on our federal bench.
Source: 2018 New Jersey Senate campaign website pezzullo.com
Jan 1, 2018
Richard Codey:
Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Codey voted YEA; bill passed Senate 23-16-1; bill passed House 46-29-4; Absolute Veto Sep. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
May 30, 2013
Rik Mehta:
Never back down from defending the 2nd Amendment
Rik will never back down from defending the 2nd Amendment. Stopping gun violence does not mean scapegoating or infringing upon the rights of law-abiding citizens who own guns for self-defense of any other purpose.
Rik supports expanding conceal carry laws coupled with an effective background check system to keep guns out of the hands of criminals or the mentally ill.
Source: 2020 New Jersey Senate campaign website RikForNJ.com
Mar 18, 2020
Robert Menendez:
Universal background checks & assault weapons ban
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Robert Hugin (R): Supports some measures, including expanded background checks & barring people with mental illnesses.
Robert Menendez (D): Yes. Supports universal background checks & closing gun show loopholes. Voted for assault weapons ban.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Jersey Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Seth Kaper-Dale:
Supports gun control, but check laws for racial bias
A 'bias assessment' should be part of any gun safety initiative. Bills need to be reviewed to consider their racial impact, and, if cleared through that process, should be signed into law.
Background checks and closing loopholes are important, but there must be care taken not to create a system that unfairly targets communities of color.
Source: 2018 New Jersey Governor website KaperDaleForGovernor.com
Aug 8, 2017
Steve Fulop:
Reward "socially responsible" gun distributors
Gun rights advocates are blasting Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop for a new city initiative that the mayor says uses the power of the city's purse to reward "socially responsible" gun distributors. They say Fulop's plan will do nothing to stop the flow of
illegal guns into the city, and is merely intended to tout his liberal credentials.Last week, the city announced it plans to award a $500,000 contract to Lawmen Supply Company to provide weapons and ammunition to the police department after a bid
process that involved the city quizzing potential vendors about their business practices. The city asked bidders how they would handle firearms returned by the city, whether they sell assault weapons to citizens and whether they agree not to sell
certain models of firearms for civilian use.
[One gun rights spokesperson said Fulop is trying] "to advance his gun-control agenda by politicizing the purchase of law enforcement equipment."
Source: Newark Star Ledger on 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial race
Oct 2, 2014
Stuart Meissner:
Supports 2nd Amendment, background checks
On gun control, he said that as a prosecutor he took illegal guns off the streets, "but law-abiding citizens should be allowed to defend themselves because we have a
Second Amendment in our constitution." He stressed that he is in favor of responsible gun ownership, though, including background checks.
Source: Jewish Link NJ e-zine on 2020 New Jersey Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
Thomas Kean Jr.:
No criminalization of all 50-caliber weapons
Excerpts from legislation: Revises definition of "destructive device" to include weapons of 50 caliber or greater. The current definition is 60 caliber.Exemptions for antique firearms or muzzleloader rifles; these firearms would
continue with the current 60 caliber restriction. Individuals who lawfully own one of these newly prohibited firearms have one year in which to dispose of them.Establishes a buyback program to facilitate the voluntary surrender of these firearms.
Excerpts from veto message: New Jersey already has the second strictest gun laws in the US. In early 2013, the NJ SAFE Task Force recommended narrowly limiting one specific type of firearm: the Barrett 50 caliber long-range rifle.
This bill goes well beyond that recommendation and would instead criminalize the ownership of a whole class of firearms.
Legislative outcome: Kean voted NAY; bill passed Senate 23-16-1; bill passed House 46-29-4; Absolute Veto Sept. 9
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: A 3659
May 30, 2013
Doug Steinhardt:
Gun owners are under constant attack from the left
Doug is an avid sportsman and knows that gun owners are under constant attack from the left. He will always support the Second Amendment and only
entertain common sense gun laws that punish illegal gun crime and promote and protect legal gun owners.
Source: 2021 New Jersey State Senate website Steinhardt4Senate.com
Oct 4, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023