2 Essex County Democrats Cheer As NJ Gun Control Bill Advances

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey’s latest proposed gun control law is “reasonable” and “responsible,” according to a pair of lawmakers from Essex County who helped craft it.

A-4769 passed a vote in the New Jersey Assembly by a 42-29-1 vote on Monday. If it becomes law, the bill would expand background checks, add requirements for obtaining a concealed-carry permit, and criminalize carrying a gun in certain areas. The legislation would also require license holders to purchase liability insurance and require training — even for those who already have a permit to carry a handgun. Read More: 'Toughest In The Nation' Gun Measure Could Tighten NJ Concealed Carry

A companion bill, S-3214, now awaits further action in the state Senate.

Gun rights advocates have heavily criticized the proposed law, saying that it is a “copy-cat strategy” that is mimicking New York state’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision on New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen.

According to the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, the bill is a “thinly-veiled attempt” to circumvent the Supreme Court’s ruling and “utterly destroy” the right to carry in the Garden State.

The NRA Institute for Legislative Action has also blasted the proposed law.

“Over the last month, the bill has been assigned to multiple committees and has been amended several times to clean up drafting errors, among other things,” the group wrote.

“Incredibly, this bill is so deeply flawed that all of this time and effort has been spent in vain,” the group added. “Anti-gun majority Democrats are simply in denial that the United States Supreme Court affirmed the right to carry. The court spoke resolutely and were unambiguous.”

But according to Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Assemblyman John McKeon – both primary sponsors of the bill from the state’s 27th district (Essex, Passaic counties) – it’s a big win for New Jersey.

“We as a nation have witnessed too many acts of gun violence, more than 500 mass shootings this year alone,” McKeon said.

“It’s imperative that we do everything within our power to keep guns out of the wrong hands,” McKeon continued. “This legislation sets reasonable requirements on concealed carry in the state.”

Jasey said that “responsible” concealed carry laws have been in full force and effect in New Jersey for decades.

“This legislation restores responsible and reasonable safeguards that will protect our communities, our schools, houses of worship, and other public places,” Jasey added.

The recently redrawn 27th district includes Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Roseland and West Orange in Essex County, and Clifton in Passaic County.

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