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

    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: 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

    Source: New Jersey congressional voting records Dec 25, 2000

    Donny DiFrancesco: Prosecute gun crimes more; restrict future sales more

    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

    Tammy Murphy: Owe it to our children to end the epidemic of gun violence

    New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy has made her campaign agenda clear. She intends to defend abortions and support legislation to take guns away from Americans. "We owe it to our children and grandchildren to fight for abortion rights, end the epidemic of gun violence, address climate change, and protect our democracy. Will you join me?" Murphy posted on Twitter.

    Murphy’s comments come as Democrats on the federal level are attempting to reintroduce a federal assault weapon ban, ammunition limits and a federal firearms ID that would invalidate state firearms licenses in New Jersey.

    While Tammy Murphy rails against gun violence, New Jersey, with the nation’s toughest gun laws, is among the safest states in the United States. While the Murphys take aim at legal gun ownership, Governor Murphy has laid the framework to allow countless criminals arrested for illegal gun charges to be set free under New Jersey bail reform laws.

    Source: Shore News Network on 2024 New Jersey Senate race Nov 20, 2023

    Andy Kim: Critical that Congress pass ban on bump stocks

    Andy Kim said the 6-3 Supreme Court decision on bump stocks "fails the American people." [the Supreme Court ruled that bump stocks don't count as automatic weapons]. "Sixty lives were stolen, hundreds injured, at the Vegas Route 91 festival in just over 10 minutes with the help of bump stocks," Kim said. "I voted to outlaw them to stop their carnage. "Today's ruling makes it critical Congress pass a ban now to save lives."

    Curtis Bashaw said he was also disappointed in the ruling. "I believe a bump stock ban is a reasonable and effective gun safety measure," Bashaw stated. "In the United States Senate, I will support bipartisan legislation that protects law-abiding citizens, while keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill."

    Source: New Jersey Globe on 2024 New Jersey Senate race Jun 14, 2024

    Curtis Bashaw: Bump stock ban reasonable; an effective safety measure

    Andy Kim said the 6-3 Supreme Court decision on bump stocks "fails the American people." [the Supreme Court ruled that bump stocks don't count as automatic weapons]. "Sixty lives were stolen, hundreds injured, at the Vegas Route 91 festival in just over 10 minutes with the help of bump stocks," Kim said. "I voted to outlaw them to stop their carnage. "Today's ruling makes it critical Congress pass a ban now to save lives."

    Curtis Bashaw said he was also disappointed in the ruling. "I believe a bump stock ban is a reasonable and effective gun safety measure," Bashaw stated. "In the United States Senate, I will support bipartisan legislation that protects law-abiding citizens, while keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill."

    Source: New Jersey Globe on 2024 New Jersey Senate race Jun 14, 2024

    Edward Durr: Opposed upgrading crimes related to manufacturing firearms

    S2846: Upgrades certain crimes related to manufacturing firearms from third degree to second degree.

    Governor`s press release 07/5/22: Governor Phil Murphy signed a sweeping series of gun safety reforms to continue the fight against gun violence in New Jersey. The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to reduce the epidemic of gun violence in New Jersey and signed seven comprehensive gun safety bills, six of which were part of his Gun Safety 3.0 package.

    Firearms Policy Coalition on reason to vote NO, July 05, 2022: By inking his name to seven onerous bills (A1302, A1765, A4368, A4370, S1204, S2846, and S2905), Murphy has doomed his constituents to the threat of having their lives upturned and locked in government cages for the mere exercise of their inalienable rights.

    Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 33-6-1 on Jun/29/22; State Sen. Edward Durr voted NO; passed Assembly 64-14-2 on Jun/29/22; signed by Governor Phil Murphy on Jul/5/22

    Source: FPC opinion on New Jersey legislative voting records: S2846 Jun 29, 2022

    Herb Conaway: 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.