Chris Christie Vetoes Firearm Ban For Domestic Violence Offenders, 4 Other Bills

Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed a firearm ban for domestic violence offenders, plus four other bills.

The bill, S805, would require domestic abusers to surrender all their guns if a domestic violence restraining order is in effect, or if they’re convicted of a domestic violence offense.

In his veto, Christie said he recognizes that the bill "may help enforce the disqualification of a convicted domestic violence offender and ensure that he does not possess any weapons he may have obtained – illegally – while the domestic violence case was pending."

He said he's recommending "a comprehensive plan to combat domestic violence, focusing on deterring and punishing abusers and protecting victims instead of limiting just one instrument of violence."

"This bill contains redundant restrictions on firearms ownership while ignoring the larger problem of domestic violence, which in most cases does not involve a firearm," he said. "Because of this attenuated approach, I cannot sign this bill in its present form."

The bill passed the state Assembly 50-17 and the state Senate 30-3 earlier this year.

Christie has leaned toward expanding gun owner's rights since he launched his presidential bid last year. Since dropping out of the race a few months ago, he has become a chief advocate for Donald Trump, who just received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association over the weekend.

The bill would also suspend the gun purchaser ID cards and permits of abusers; revoke such cards if an abuser is convicted of a domestic violence crime; and require the cross-checking of records to determine if an abuser owns a firearm.

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg today issued the following statement on Governor Christie’s conditional veto of legislation (S-805/A-1211), which she sponsored to limit domestic violence abusers’ access to firearms.

“This legislation sought to address the very real link between domestic violence and guns, by establishing a process to take firearms out of the hands of abusers who possess them. It was about saving lives.

“The fact is that the presence of a firearm in the home significantly increases the likelihood that a domestic violence incident will result in a tragedy. Statistics show that a woman is five times more likely to be murdered by her abuser if there is a gun in the home. This bill would have helped to protect victims against preventable and, too often, fatal gun violence.

“The sad reality is that we can do more to protect our residents, and we should. The governor’s conditional veto is beyond disappointing.”

The legislation was also championed by Assemblywoman Gabby Mosquera, as well as former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords:

Gun control supporters have praised the bill.

“Leaders in the New Jersey Senate voted to close a lethal loophole that gives domestic abusers easy access to guns,” said Robin Lloyd, State Legislative Director for Americans for Responsible Solutions. “We are grateful to Senator Weinberg for her leadership on this important issue and to all who stood up for this responsible legislation that will help protect New Jersey women and families from gun violence."

Christie did sign a law establishing a task force to better protect senior citizens and people with disabilities.

“This new law will protect our most-vulnerable residents by offering real solutions to prevent evolving forms of abuse, neglect, fraud and exploitation,” Governor Christie said. “It guarantees and affirms a commitment to our core mission to promote the health, wellness and safety of the elderly and individuals with disabilities.”

The governor also acted today on other pending legislation:

BILLS VETOED:

S-601/A-889 (Cunningham, Vitale, Singer/Muoio, Spencer, Sumter, Holley, Oliver, McKnight, Tucker) – CONDITIONAL - Revises treatment requirements for convicted drug offenders receiving general assistance benefits under Work First New Jersey program

S-708/A-2184 (Gordon, Weinberg/Vainieri Huttle, Wisniewski, Lagana, Eustace, Handlin) – CONDITIONAL - Provides transparency and accountability reforms at PANYNJ; modifies governance structure; provides legislative oversight of PANYNJ; and regulates capital planning process

S-969/A-780 (Smith, Bateman/Andrzejczak, McKeon, Spencer, Pintor Marin, Dancer, Vainieri Huttle, Houghtaling) – CONDITIONAL - Implements 2014 constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for certain environmental purposes; revises State’s open space, farmland, and historic preservation programs

S-996/A-1378 (Rice, Van Drew, Turner/Spencer, Muoio, Benson, Pintor Marin, Quijano, Schaer) -CONDITIONAL - Makes FY 2016 supplemental Grants-in-Aid appropriation of $10 million to DCA for Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund