Christie Task Force Issues Report on Weapon Laws, Gun Violence

Nearly 50 recommendations, including tougher penalties for violating the state's gun laws, stricter regulation of ammunition and modernization of the gun-permitting process, have been made by a task force charged by Gov. Chris Christie with undertaking a comprehensive review of the state's gun laws and other factors that might contribute to gun violence in New Jersey.

The task force’s report was met with little enthusiasm from those on both sides of the issue. It received lukewarm approval from gun-control advocates who are concerned that its recommendations do not go far enough to address access to firearms. Gun-rights groups remain skeptical of calls for stricter rules.

The NJ SAFE Task Force was appointed in January by Christie following the December school shooting in Connecticut that left 20 children and six adults dead. The task force was led by two former state attorney generals -- retired Supreme Court Justice Peter G. Verniero and John J. Degnan.

Christie said he would hold off approving any changes to current New Jersey gun laws until the report was issued. As a result, Democrats have been accusing him of dragging his feet on the issue as the state Assembly has passed a package of gun-related bills.

Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, issued a written statement saying the governor would "review the report and its recommendations, as well as current legislative initiatives and provide his specific proposals in the next seven to 10 days."

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