WATCH: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Makes Announcement On Gun Violence

Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday announced the appointment of a senior advisor to the governor on firearms for the state of New Jersey (see video of announcement below).

Bill Castner, a public interest attorney, will serve in that role, Murphy said.

Castner began his professional career drafting legislation for the Law & Public Safety division of the New Jersey Legislature's nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services (OLS) and later became a public interest attorney for the Fair Share Housing Center, where he litigated New Jersey’s affordable housing and civil rights laws.

“New Jersey is leading the nation in tackling the epidemic of gun violence that takes innocent lives daily,” said Murphy.

“The creation of the States for Gun Safety coalition was only the beginning," he added. "Bill Castner will play an active role in enhancing the coalition and will help our administration to advance new common-sense gun measures and potential avenues for legal challenges to stop the scourge of gun violence.

"Leading the force for gun violence protection to build safer communities and protect families at the state level is of the utmost importance, and I am confident that Bill will generate ideas and solutions that will save lives.”

“Governor Murphy in a very short period of time has already emerged as a national leader in our fight against gun violence,” said Bill Castner. “Despite complete inaction in Washington, New Jersey will lead the way in taking on the gun industry with aggressive, innovative and impactful ways to combat gun violence.”

In 2002, General Assembly Speaker Albio Sires appointed Castner as the general counsel to the New Jersey General Assembly where he served as the chief legislative adviser to that body. In 2006, Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. promoted Castner as the Executive Director of the New Jersey General Assembly where he helped advance legislative measures on gun violence prevention.

Governor Jon S. Corzine appointed Castner Chief Counsel in 2009 where he provided legal advice to the governor on a wide variety of legislative, regulatory and policy measures; was responsible for judicial appointments; and drafted executive orders. Castner served a lead role in the passage of New Jersey’s one-gun-a-month law in 2009.

In 2015, Castner was named senior vice President of corporate & regulatory affairs at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey where he served as a senior officer.

Murphy has had an active week. Last week, he signed a bill that may have a big impact on your life – and how you use your sick days at work.

Murphy signed a bill that requires employers to provide earned sick leave to workers in New Jersey, promising that the legislation will benefit workers and not hurt businesses.

Murphy also signed a bill into law that's a workaround for the Trump tax bill and its potentially negative impact on New Jersey – even though some lawmakers say it likely won't pass muster with the IRS.

Murphy signed legislation on Friday allowing municipalities to establish charitable funds where taxpayers can donate in return for a property tax credit.

Here is the live stream:

Gov. Phil Murphy photo