New Jersey Firearm Laws :: American Gun Owners Alliance

Social, medical, psychological, legal and other records of the court and probation division, and records of law enforcement agencies, pertaining to juveniles charged as a delinquent or found to be part of a juvenile-family crisis, shall be strictly safeguarded from public inspection. Such records shall be made available only to:
1. Any court or probation division;
2. The Attorney General or county prosecutor;
3. The parents or guardian and to the attorney of the juvenile;
4. The Department of Human Services or Department of Children and Families, if providing care or custody of the juvenile;
5. Any institution or facility to which the juvenile is currently committed or in which the juvenile is placed;
6. Any person or agency interested in a case or in the work of the agency keeping the records, by order of the court for good cause shown, except that information concerning adjudications of delinquency, records of custodial confinement, payments owed on assessments imposed pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1979, c.396 (C.2C:43-3.1) or restitution ordered following conviction of a crime or adjudication of delinquency, and the juvenile's financial resources, shall be made available upon request to the Victims of Crime Compensation Agency established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2007, c.95 (C.52:4B-3.2), which shall keep such information and records confidential;
7. The Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170);
8. Law enforcement agencies for the purpose of reviewing applications for a permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card;
9. Any potential party in a subsequent civil action for damages related to an act of delinquency committed by a juvenile, including the victim or a member of the victim's immediate family, regardless of whether the action has been filed against the juvenile; provided, however, that records available under this paragraph shall be limited to official court documents, such as complaints, pleadings and orders, and that such records may be disclosed by the recipient only in connection with asserting legal claims or obtaining indemnification on behalf of the victim or the victim's family and otherwise shall be safeguarded from disclosure to other members of the public. Any potential party in a civil action related to the juvenile offense may file a motion with the civil trial judge seeking to have the juvenile's social, medical or psychological records admitted into evidence in a civil proceeding for damages;
10. Any potential party in a subsequent civil action for damages related to an act of delinquency committed by a juvenile, including the victim or a member of the victim's immediate family, regardless of whether the action has been filed against the juvenile; provided, however, that records available under this paragraph shall be limited to police or investigation reports concerning acts of delinquency, which shall be disclosed by a law enforcement agency only with the approval of the County Prosecutor's Office or the Division of Criminal Justice. Prior to disclosure, all personal information regarding all individuals, other than the requesting party and the arresting or investigating officer, shall be redacted. Such records may be disclosed by the recipient only in connection with asserting legal claims or obtaining indemnification on behalf of the victim or the victim's family, and otherwise shall be safeguarded from disclosure to other members of the public;
11. The Office of the Child Advocate established pursuant to P.L.2005, c.155 (C.52:27EE-1 et al.). Disclosure of juvenile information received by the child advocate pursuant to this paragraph shall be in accordance with the provisions of section 76 of P.L.2005, c.155 (C.52:27EE-76);
12. Law enforcement agencies with respect to information available on the juvenile central registry maintained by the courts pursuant to subsection g. of this section, including, but not limited to: records of official court documents, such as complaints, pleadings and orders for the purpose of obtaining juvenile arrest information; juvenile disposition information; juvenile pretrial information; and information concerning the probation status of a juvenile; and
13. A Court Appointed Special Advocate as defined in section 1 of P.L.2009, c.217 (C.2A:4A-92).
Records of law enforcement agencies may be disclosed for law enforcement purposes, or for the purpose of reviewing applications for a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card to any law enforcement agency of this State, another state or the United States, and the identity of a juvenile under warrant for arrest for commission of an act that would constitute a crime if committed by an adult may be disclosed to the public when necessary to execution of the warrant.
At the time of charge, adjudication or disposition, information as to the identity of a juvenile charged with an offense, the offense charged, the adjudication and disposition shall, upon request, be disclosed to:
1. The victim or a member of the victim's immediate family;
2. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2005, c.165).
3. On a confidential basis, the principal of the school where the juvenile is enrolled for use by the principal and such members of the staff and faculty of the school as the principal deems appropriate for maintaining order, safety or discipline in the school or to planning programs relevant to the juvenile's educational and social development, provided that no record of such information shall be maintained except as authorized by regulation of the Department of Education; or
4. A party in a subsequent legal proceeding involving the juvenile, upon approval by the court.
A law enforcement or prosecuting agency shall, at the time of a charge, adjudication or disposition, send written notice to the principal of the school where the juvenile is enrolled of the identity of the juvenile charged, the offense charged, the adjudication and the disposition if:
1. The offense occurred on school property or a school bus, occurred at a school-sponsored function or was committed against an employee or official of the school; or
2. The juvenile was taken into custody as a result of information or evidence provided by school officials; or
3. The offense, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime, and the offense:
  1. resulted in death or serious bodily injury or involved an attempt or conspiracy to cause death or serious bodily injury; or
  2. involved the unlawful use or possession of a firearm or other weapon; or
  3. involved the unlawful manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or
  4. was committed by a juvenile who acted with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity; or
  5. would be a crime of the first, second, or third degree.
Information provided to the principal pursuant to this subsection shall be maintained by the school and shall be treated as confidential but may be made available to such members of the staff and faculty of the school as the principal deems appropriate for maintaining order, safety or discipline in the school or for planning programs relevant to a juvenile's educational and social development.
Nothing in this section prohibits a law enforcement or prosecuting agency from providing the principal of a school with information identifying one or more juveniles who are under investigation or have been taken into custody for commission of any act that would constitute an offense if committed by an adult when the law enforcement or prosecuting agency determines that the information may be useful to the principal in maintaining order, safety or discipline in the school or in planning programs relevant to the juvenile's educational and social development. Information provided to the principal pursuant to this subsection shall be treated as confidential but may be made available to such members of the staff and faculty of the school as the principal deems appropriate for maintaining order, safety or discipline in the school or for planning programs relevant to the juvenile's educational and social development. No information provided pursuant to this section shall be maintained.
Information as to the identity of a juvenile adjudicated delinquent, the offense, the adjudication and the disposition shall be disclosed to the public where the offense for which the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime of the first, second or third degree, or aggravated assault, destruction or damage to property to an extent of more than $500.00, unless upon application at the time of disposition the juvenile demonstrates a substantial likelihood that specific and extraordinary harm would result from such disclosure in the specific case. Where the court finds that disclosure would be harmful to the juvenile, the reasons therefor shall be stated on the record.
1. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the establishment and maintaining of a central registry of the records of law enforcement agencies relating to juveniles for the purpose of exchange between State and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors of this State, another state, or the United States. These records of law enforcement agencies shall be available on a 24-hour basis.
2. Certain information and records relating to juveniles in the central registry maintained by the courts, as prescribed in paragraph (12) of subsection a. of this section, shall be available to State and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors on a 24-hour basis.
Whoever, except as provided by law, knowingly discloses, publishes, receives, or makes use of or knowingly permits the unauthorized use of information concerning a particular juvenile derived from records listed in subsection a. or acquired in the course of court proceedings, probation, or police duties, shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
Juvenile delinquency proceedings.
1. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the court may, upon application by the juvenile or his parent or guardian, the prosecutor or any other interested party, including the victim or complainant or members of the news media, permit public attendance during any court proceeding at a delinquency case, where it determines that a substantial likelihood that specific harm to the juvenile would not result. The court shall have the authority to limit and control attendance in any manner and to the extent it deems appropriate;
2. The court or, in cases where the county prosecutor has entered an appearance, the county prosecutor shall notify the victim or a member of the victim's immediate family of any court proceeding involving the juvenile and the court shall permit the attendance of the victim or family member at the proceeding except when, prior to completing testimony as a witness, the victim or family member is properly sequestered in accordance with the law or the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey or when the juvenile or the juvenile's family member shows, by clear and convincing evidence, that such attendance would result in a substantial likelihood that specific harm to the juvenile would result from the attendance of the victim or a family member at a proceeding or any portion of a proceeding and that such harm substantially outweighs the interest of the victim or family member to attend that portion of the proceeding;
3. The court shall permit a victim, or a family member of a victim to make a statement prior to ordering a disposition in any delinquency proceeding involving an offense that would constitute a crime if committed by an adult.
The Department of Education, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations concerning the creation, maintenance and disclosure of pupil records including information acquired pursuant to this section.

L.1982, c.79, s.1; amended 1994, c.56, s.1; 1995, c.135, s.8; 1995, c.280, s.15; 2001, c.3, s.2; 2001, c.191, s.1; 2001, c.407, s.1; 2005, c.155, s.106; 2005, c.165; 2006, c.47, s.19; 2009, c.157, s.3; 2009, c.217, s.2.

In any prosecution based on conduct which is justifiable under this chapter, justification is an affirmative defense.
The fact that conduct is justifiable under this chapter does not abolish or impair any remedy for such conduct which is available in any civil action.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

Necessity.
Conduct which would otherwise be an offense is justifiable by reason of necessity to the extent permitted by law and as to which neither the code nor other statutory law defining the offense provides exceptions or defenses dealing with the specific situation involved and a legislative purpose to exclude the justification claimed does not otherwise plainly appear.
Other justifications in general.
Conduct which would otherwise be an offense is justifiable by reason of any defense of justification provided by law for which neither the code nor other statutory law defining the offense provides exceptions or defenses dealing with the specific situation involved and a legislative purpose to exclude the justification claimed does not otherwise plainly appear.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-2, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, conduct is justifiable when it is required or authorized by:
1. The law defining the duties or functions of a public officer or the assistance to be rendered to such officer in the performance of his duties;
2. The law governing the execution of legal process;
3. The judgment or order of a competent court or tribunal;
4. The law governing the armed services or the lawful conduct of war; or
5. Any other provision of law imposing a public duty.
The other sections of this chapter apply to:
1. The use of force upon or toward the person of another for any of the purposes dealt with in such sections; and
2. The use of deadly force for any purpose, unless the use of such force is otherwise expressly authorized by law.
The justification afforded by subsection a. of this section applies:
1. When the actor reasonably believes his conduct to be required or authorized by the judgment or direction of a competent court or tribunal or in the lawful execution of legal process, notwithstanding lack of jurisdiction of the court or defect in the legal process; and
2. When the actor reasonably believes his conduct to be required or authorized to assist a public officer in the performance of his duties, notwithstanding that the officer exceeded his legal authority.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-3, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

Use of force justifiable for protection of the person. Subject to the provisions of this section and of section 2C:3-9, the use of force upon or toward another person is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes that such force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself against the use of unlawful force by such other person on the present occasion.
Limitations on justifying necessity for use of force.
1. The use of force is not justifiable under this section:
  1. To resist an arrest which the actor knows is being made by a peace officer in the performance of his duties, although the arrest is unlawful, unless the peace officer employs unlawful force to effect such arrest; or
  2. To resist force used by the occupier or possessor of property or by another person on his behalf, where the actor knows that the person using the force is doing so under a claim of right to protect the property, except that this limitation shall not apply if:
    1. The actor is a public officer acting in the performance of his duties or a person lawfully assisting him therein or a person making or assisting in a lawful arrest;
    2. The actor has been unlawfully dispossessed of the property and is making a reentry or recaption justified by section 2C:3-6; or
    3. The actor reasonably believes that such force is necessary to protect himself against death or serious bodily harm.
2. The use of deadly force is not justifiable under this section unless the actor reasonably believes that such force is necessary to protect himself against death or serious bodily harm; nor is it justifiable if:
  1. The actor, with the purpose of causing death or serious bodily harm, provoked the use of force against himself in the same encounter; or
  2. The actor knows that he can avoid the necessity of using such force with complete safety by retreating or by surrendering possession of a thing to a person asserting a claim of right thereto or by complying with a demand that he abstain from any action which he has no duty to take, except that:
    1. The actor is not obliged to retreat from his dwelling, unless he was the initial aggressor; and
    2. A public officer justified in using force in the performance of his duties or a person justified in using force in his assistance or a person justified in using force in making an arrest or preventing an escape is not obliged to desist from efforts to perform such duty, effect such arrest or prevent such escape because of resistance or threatened resistance by or on behalf of the person against whom such action is directed.
3. Except as required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, a person employing protective force may estimate the necessity of using force when the force is used, without retreating, surrendering possession, doing any other act which he has no legal duty to do or abstaining from any lawful action.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:3-5, N.J.S.2C:3-9, or this section, the use of force or deadly force upon or toward an intruder who is unlawfully in a dwelling is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes that the force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself or other persons in the dwelling against the use of unlawful force by the intruder on the present occasion.
2. A reasonable belief exists when the actor, to protect himself or a third person, was in his own dwelling at the time of the offense or was privileged to be thereon and the encounter between the actor and intruder was sudden and unexpected, compelling the actor to act instantly and:
  1. The actor reasonably believed that the intruder would inflict personal injury upon the actor or others in the dwelling; or
  2. The actor demanded that the intruder disarm, surrender or withdraw, and the intruder refused to do so.
3. An actor employing protective force may estimate the necessity of using force when the force is used, without retreating, surrendering possession, withdrawing or doing any other act which he has no legal duty to do or abstaining from any lawful action.

L.1978, c.95; amended 1987, c.120, s.1; 1999, c.73.

Subject to the provisions of this section and of section 2C:3-9, the use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable to protect a third person when:
1. The actor would be justified under section 2C:3-4 in using such force to protect himself against the injury he believes to be threatened to the person whom he seeks to protect; and
2. Under the circumstances as the actor reasonably believes them to be, the person whom he seeks to protect would be justified in using such protective force; and
3. The actor reasonably believes that his intervention is necessary for the protection of such other person.
Notwithstanding subsection a. of this section:
1. When the actor would be obliged under section 2C:3-4 b. (2)(b) to retreat or take other action he is not obliged to do so before using force for the protection of another person, unless he knows that he can thereby secure the complete safety of such other person, and
2. When the person whom the actor seeks to protect would be obliged under section 2C:3-4 b. (2)(b) to retreat or take similar action if he knew that he could obtain complete safety by so doing, the actor is obliged to try to cause him to do so before using force in his protection if the actor knows that he can obtain complete safety in that way; and
3. Neither the actor nor the person whom he seeks to protect is obliged to retreat when in the other's dwelling to any greater extent than in his own.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-5, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

Use of force in defense of premises. Subject to the provisions of this section and of section 2C:3-9, the use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable when the actor is in possession or control of premises or is licensed or privileged to be thereon and he reasonably believes such force necessary to prevent or terminate what he reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by such other person in or upon such premises.
Limitations on justifiable use of force in defense of premises.
1. Request to desist.
  The use of force is justifiable under this section only if the actor first requests the person against whom such force is used to desist from his interference with the property, unless the actor reasonably believes that:
  1. Such request would be useless;
  2. It would be dangerous to himself or another person to make the request; or
  3. Substantial harm will be done to the physical condition of the property which is sought to be protected before the request can effectively be made.
2. Exclusion of trespasser.
  The use of force is not justifiable under this section if the actor knows that the exclusion of the trespasser will expose him to substantial danger of serious bodily harm.
3. Use of deadly force.
  The use of deadly force is not justifiable under subsection a. of this section unless the actor reasonably believes that:
  1. The person against whom the force is used is attempting to dispossess him of his dwelling otherwise than under a claim of right to its possession; or
  2. The person against whom the force is used is attempting to commit or consummate arson, burglary, robbery or other criminal theft or property destruction; except that
  3. Deadly force does not become justifiable under subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection unless the actor reasonably believes that:
    1. The person against whom it is employed has employed or threatened deadly force against or in the presence of the actor; or
    2. The use of force other than deadly force to terminate or prevent the commission or the consummation of the crime would expose the actor or another in his presence to substantial danger of bodily harm. An actor within a dwelling shall be presumed to have a reasonable belief in the existence of the danger.
    The State must rebut this presumption by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Use of force in defense of personal property.
Subject to the provisions of subsection d. of this section and of section 2C:3-9, the use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes it necessary to prevent what he reasonably believes to be an attempt by such other person to commit theft, criminal mischief or other criminal interference with personal property in his possession or in the possession of another for whose protection he acts.
Limitations on justifiable use of force in defense of personal property.
1. Request to desist and exclusion of trespasser.
  The limitations of subsection b. (1) and (2) of this section apply to subsection c. of this section.
2. Use of deadly force.
  The use of deadly force in defense of personal property is not justified unless justified under another provision of this chapter.

L.1978, c.95; amended by L. 1987, c. 120, s. 2.

Use of force justifiable to effect an arrest.
Subject to the provisions of this section and of section 2C:3-9, the use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable when the actor is making or assisting in making an arrest and the actor reasonably believes that such force is immediately necessary to effect a lawful arrest.
Limitations on the use of force.
1. The use of force is not justifiable under this section unless:
  1. The actor makes known the purpose of the arrest or reasonably believes that it is otherwise known by or cannot reasonably be made known to the person to be arrested; and
  2. When the arrest is made under a warrant, the warrant is valid or reasonably believed by the actor to be valid.
2. The use of deadly force is not justifiable under this section unless:
  1. The actor effecting the arrest is authorized to act as a peace officer or has been summoned by and is assisting a person whom he reasonably believes to be authorized to act as a peace officer; and
  2. The actor reasonably believes that the force employed creates no substantial risk of injury to innocent persons; and
  3. The actor reasonably believes that the crime for which the arrest is made was homicide, kidnapping, an offense under 2C:14-2 or 2C:14-3, arson, robbery, burglary of a dwelling, or an attempt to commit one of these crimes; and
  4. The actor reasonably believes:
    1. There is an imminent threat of deadly force to himself or a third party; or
    2. The use of deadly force is necessary to thwart the commission of a crime as set forth in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph; or
    3. The use of deadly force is necessary to prevent an escape.
Use of force to prevent escape from custody.
The use of force to prevent the escape of an arrested person from custody is justifiable when the force could, under subsections a. and b. of this section, have been employed to effect the arrest under which the person is in custody. A correction officer or other person authorized to act as a peace officer is, however, justified in using any force including deadly force, which he reasonably believes to be immediately necessary to prevent the escape of a person committed to a jail, prison, or other institution for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of an offense so long as the actor believes that the force employed creates no substantial risk of injury to innocent persons.
Use of force by private person assisting an unlawful arrest.
1. A private person who is summoned by a peace officer to assist in effecting an unlawful arrest is justified in using any force which he would be justified in using if the arrest were lawful, provided that he does not believe the arrest is unlawful.
2. A private person who assists another private person in effecting an unlawful arrest, or who, not being summoned, assists a peace officer in effecting an unlawful arrest, is justified in using any force which he would be justified in using if the arrest were lawful, provided that (a) he reasonably believes the arrest is lawful, and (b) the arrest would be lawful if the facts were as he believes them to be and such belief is reasonable.
Use of force to prevent suicide or the commission of a crime. The use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes that such force is immediately necessary to prevent such other person from committing suicide, inflicting serious bodily harm upon himself, committing or consummating the commission of a crime involving or threatening bodily harm, damage to or loss of property or a breach of the peace, except that:
1. Any limitations imposed by the other provisions of this chapter on the justifiable use of force in self-protection, for the protection of others, the protection of property, the effectuation of an arrest or the prevention of an escape from custody shall apply notwithstanding the criminality of the conduct against which such force is used; and
2. The use of deadly force is not in any event justifiable under this subsection unless the actor reasonably believes that it is likely that the person whom he seeks to prevent from committing a crime will endanger human life or inflict serious bodily harm upon another unless the commission or the consummation of the crime is prevented and that the use of such force presents no substantial risk of injury to innocent persons.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-7, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 178, s. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1981, c. 290, s. 5, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.

The use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable as permitted by law or as would be a defense in a civil action based thereon where the actor has been vested or entrusted with special responsibility for the care, supervision, discipline or safety of another or of others and the force is used for the purpose of and, subject to section 2C:3-9(b), to the extent necessary to further that responsibility, unless:

The code or the law defining the offense deals with the specific situation involved; or
A legislative purpose to exclude the justification claimed otherwise plainly appears; or
Deadly force is used, in which case such force must be otherwise justifiable under the provisions of this chapter.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-8, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

The justification afforded by sections 2C:3-4 to 2C:3-7 is unavailable when:
1. The actor's belief in the unlawfulness of the force or conduct against which he employs protective force or his belief in the lawfulness of an arrest which he endeavors to effect by force is erroneous; and
2. His error is due to ignorance or mistake as to the provisions of the code, any other provisions of the criminal law or the law governing the legality of an arrest or search.
(Deleted by amendment; P.L.1981, c. 290.)
When the actor is justified under sections 2C:3-3 to 2C:3-8 in using force upon or toward the person of another but he recklessly or negligently injures or creates a risk of injury to innocent persons, the justification afforded by those sections is unavailable in a prosecution for such recklessness or negligence towards innocent persons.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-9, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 6, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.

Conduct involving the appropriation, seizure or destruction of, damage to, intrusion on, or interference with, property is justifiable under circumstances which would establish a defense of privilege in a civil action based thereon, unless:

The code or the law defining the offense deals with the specific situation involved; or
A legislative purpose to exclude the justification claimed otherwise plainly appears.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-10, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

In this chapter, unless a different meaning plainly is required:

"Unlawful force" means force, including confinement, which is employed without the consent of the person against whom it is directed and the employment of which constitutes an offense or actionable tort or would constitute such offense or tort except for a defense (such as the absence of intent, negligence, or mental capacity; duress, youth, or diplomatic status) not amounting to a privilege to use the force. Assent constitutes consent, within the meaning of this section, whether or not it otherwise is legally effective, except assent to the infliction of death or serious bodily harm.
"Deadly force" means force which the actor uses with the purpose of causing or which he knows to create a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily harm. Purposely firing a firearm in the direction of another person or at a vehicle, building or structure in which another person is believed to be constitutes deadly force unless the firearm is loaded with less-lethal ammunition and fired by a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer's official duties. A threat to cause death or serious bodily harm, by the production of a weapon or otherwise, so long as the actor's purpose is limited to creating an apprehension that he will use deadly force if necessary, does not constitute deadly force.
"Dwelling" means any building or structure, though movable or temporary, or a portion thereof, which is for the time being the actor's home or place of lodging except that, as used in 2C:3-7, the building or structure need not be the actor's own home or place of lodging.
"Serious bodily harm" means bodily harm which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ or which results from aggravated sexual assault or sexual assault.
"Bodily harm" means physical pain, or temporary disfigurement, or impairment of physical condition.
"Less-lethal ammunition" means ammunition approved by the Attorney General which is designed to stun, temporarily incapacitate or cause temporary discomfort to a person without penetrating the person's body. The term shall also include ammunition approved by the Attorney General which is designed to gain access to a building or structure and is used for that purpose.

L.1978, c.95; amended 1979, c.178, s.11; 1981, c.290, s.7; 1987, c.120, s.3; 2005, c.250, s.1.

The following definitions apply to this chapter and to chapter 58:

"Antique firearm" means any rifle or shotgun and "antique cannon" means a destructive device defined in paragraph (3) of subsection c. of this section, if the rifle, shotgun or destructive device, as the case may be, is incapable of being fired or discharged, or which does not fire fixed ammunition, regardless of date of manufacture, or was manufactured before 1898 for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available, and is possessed as a curiosity or ornament or for its historical significance or value.
"Deface" means to remove, deface, cover, alter or destroy the name of the maker, model designation, manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing identification mark or number on any firearm.
"Destructive device" means any device, instrument or object designed to explode or produce uncontrolled combustion, including
1. any explosive or incendiary bomb, mine or grenade;
2. any rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces or any missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter of an ounce;
3. any weapon capable of firing a projectile of a caliber greater than 60 caliber, except a shotgun or shotgun ammunition generally recognized as suitable for sporting purposes;
4. any Molotov cocktail or other device consisting of a breakable container containing flammable liquid and having a wick or similar device capable of being ignited. The term does not include any device manufactured for the purpose of illumination, distress signaling, line-throwing, safety or similar purposes.
"Dispose of" means to give, give away, lease, loan, keep for sale, offer, offer for sale, sell, transfer, or otherwise transfer possession.
"Explosive" means any chemical compound or mixture that is commonly used or is possessed for the purpose of producing an explosion and which contains any oxidizing and combustible materials or other ingredients in such proportions, quantities or packing that an ignition by fire, by friction, by concussion or by detonation of any part of the compound or mixture may cause such a sudden generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects. The term shall not include small arms ammunition, or explosives in the form prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopoeia.
"Firearm" means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. It shall also include, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person.
"Firearm silencer" means any instrument, attachment, weapon or appliance for causing the firing of any gun, revolver, pistol or other firearm to be silent, or intended to lessen or muffle the noise of the firing of any gun, revolver, pistol or other firearm.
"Gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force.
"Machine gun" means any firearm, mechanism or instrument not requiring that the trigger be pressed for each shot and having a reservoir, belt or other means of storing and carrying ammunition which can be loaded into the firearm, mechanism or instrument and fired therefrom. A machine gun also shall include, without limitation, any firearm with a trigger crank attached.
"Manufacturer" means any person who receives or obtains raw materials or parts and processes them into firearms or finished parts of firearms, except a person who exclusively processes grips, stocks and other nonmetal parts of firearms. The term does not include a person who repairs existing firearms or receives new and used raw materials or parts solely for the repair of existing firearms.
"Handgun" means any pistol, revolver or other firearm originally designed or manufactured to be fired by the use of a single hand.
"Retail dealer" means any person including a gunsmith, except a manufacturer or a wholesale dealer, who sells, transfers or assigns for a fee or profit any firearm or parts of firearms or ammunition which he has purchased or obtained with the intention, or for the purpose, of reselling or reassigning to persons who are reasonably understood to be the ultimate consumers, and includes any person who is engaged in the business of repairing firearms or who sells any firearm to satisfy a debt secured by the pledge of a firearm.
"Rifle" means any firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder and using the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger.
"Shotgun" means any firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder and using the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shots or a single projectile for each pull of the trigger, or any firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder which does not fire fixed ammunition.
"Sawed-off shotgun" means any shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length measured from the breech to the muzzle, or a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length measured from the breech to the muzzle, or any firearm made from a rifle or a shotgun, whether by alteration, or otherwise, if such firearm as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches.
"Switchblade knife" means any knife or similar device which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.
"Superintendent" means the Superintendent of the State Police.
"Weapon" means anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term includes, but is not limited to, all
1. firearms, even though not loaded or lacking a clip or other component to render them immediately operable;
2. components which can be readily assembled into a weapon;
3. gravity knives, switchblade knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, or other dangerous knives, billies, blackjacks, bludgeons, metal knuckles, sandclubs, slingshots, cesti or similar leather bands studded with metal filings or razor blades imbedded in wood; and
4. stun guns; and any weapon or other device which projects, releases, or emits tear gas or any other substance intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air.
"Wholesale dealer" means any person, except a manufacturer, who sells, transfers, or assigns firearms, or parts of firearms, to persons who are reasonably understood not to be the ultimate consumers, and includes persons who receive finished parts of firearms and assemble them into completed or partially completed firearms, in furtherance of such purpose, except that it shall not include those persons dealing exclusively in grips, stocks and other nonmetal parts of firearms.
"Stun gun" means any weapon or other device which emits an electrical charge or current intended to temporarily or permanently disable a person.
"Ballistic knife" means any weapon or other device capable of lethal use and which can propel a knife blade.
"Imitation firearm" means an object or device reasonably capable of being mistaken for a firearm.
"Assault firearm" means:
1. The following firearms:
  Algimec AGM1 type
  Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder such as the "Street Sweeper" or "Striker 12"
  Armalite AR-180 type
  Australian Automatic Arms SAR
  Avtomat Kalashnikov type semi-automatic firearms
  Beretta AR-70 and BM59 semi-automatic firearms
  Bushmaster Assault Rifle
  Calico M-900 Assault carbine and M-900
  CETME G3
  Chartered Industries of Singapore SR-88 type
  Colt AR-15 and CAR-15 series
  Daewoo K-1, K-2, Max 1 and Max 2, AR 100 types
  Demro TAC-1 carbine type
  Encom MP-9 and MP-45 carbine types
  FAMAS MAS223 types
  FN-FAL, FN-LAR, or FN-FNC type semi-automatic firearms
  Franchi SPAS 12 and LAW 12 shotguns
  G3SA type
  Galil type Heckler and Koch HK91, HK93, HK94, MP5, PSG-1
  Intratec TEC 9 and 22 semi-automatic firearms
  M1 carbine type
  M14S type
  MAC 10, MAC 11, MAC 11-9mm carbine type firearms
  PJK M-68 carbine type
  Plainfield Machine Company Carbine
  Ruger K-Mini-14/5F and Mini-14/5RF
  SIG AMT, SIG 550SP, SIG 551SP, SIG PE-57 types
  SKS with detachable magazine type
  Spectre Auto carbine type
  Springfield Armory BM59 and SAR-48 type
  Sterling MK-6, MK-7 and SAR types
  Steyr A.U.G. semi-automatic firearms
  USAS 12 semi-automatic type shotgun
  Uzi type semi-automatic firearms
  Valmet M62, M71S, M76, or M78 type semi-automatic firearms
  Weaver Arm Nighthawk.
2. Any firearm manufactured under any designation which is substantially identical to any of the firearms listed above.
3. A semi-automatic shotgun with either a magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, a pistol grip, or a folding stock.
4. A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds. "Assault firearm" shall not include a semi-automatic rifle which has an attached tubular device and which is capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
5. A part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault firearm, or any combination of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person.
6. A firearm with a bump stock attached.
"Semi-automatic" means a firearm which fires a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger and is self-reloading or automatically chambers a round, cartridge, or bullet.
"Large capacity ammunition magazine" means a box, drum, tube or other container which is capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly therefrom into a semi-automatic firearm. The term shall not include an attached tubular device which is capable of holding only .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
"Pistol grip" means a well-defined handle, similar to that found on a handgun, that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, and which permits the shotgun to be held and fired with one hand.
aa. "Antique handgun" means a handgun manufactured before 1898, or a replica thereof, which is recognized as being historical in nature or of historical significance and either
1. utilizes a match, friction, flint, or percussion ignition, or which utilizes a pin-fire cartridge in which the pin is part of the cartridge or
2. does not fire fixed ammunition or for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available.
bb. "Trigger lock" means a commercially available device approved by the Superintendent of State Police which is operated with a key or combination lock that prevents a firearm from being discharged while the device is attached to the firearm. It may include, but need not be limited to, devices that obstruct the barrel or cylinder of the firearm, as well as devices that immobilize the trigger.
cc. "Trigger locking device" means a device that, if installed on a firearm and secured by means of a key or mechanically, electronically or electromechanically operated combination lock, prevents the firearm from being discharged without first deactivating or removing the device by means of a key or mechanically, electronically or electromechanically operated combination lock.
dd. "Personalized handgun" means a handgun which incorporates within its design a permanent programmable feature as part of its manufacture that cannot be deactivated and renders the personalized handgun reasonably resistant to being fired except when activated by the lawful owner or other authorized user. No make or model of a handgun shall be deemed to be a "personalized handgun" unless the Personalized Handgun Authorization Commission established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.7) has determined in accordance with section 2 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.8), that the personalized handgun meets the performance standards and qualifying criteria established pursuant to section 2of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.8).
ee. "Bump stock" means any device or instrument for a firearm that increases the rate of fire achievable with the firearm by using energy from the recoil of the firearm to generate a reciprocating action that facilitates repeated activation of the trigger.
ff. "Trigger crank" means any device or instrument to be attached to a firearm that repeatedly activates the trigger of the firearm through the use of a lever or other part that is turned in a circular motion; provided, however, the term shall not include any weapon initially designed and manufactured to fire through the use of a crank or lever.
gg. "Armor piercing ammunition" means:
1. a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and is constructed entirely, excluding the presence of traces of other substances, from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or
2. a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile. "Armor piercing ammunition" shall not include shotgun shot required by federal or State environmental or game regulations for hunting purposes, a frangible projectile designed for target shooting, a projectile which the United States Attorney General finds is primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes, or any other projectile or projectile core which the United States Attorney General finds is intended to be used for industrial purposes, including a charge used in an oil gas well perforating device.
hh. "Covert firearm" means any firearm that is constructed in a shape or configuration such that it does not resemble a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or machine gun including, but not limited to, a firearm that resembles a key-chain, pen, cigarette lighter, cigarette package, cellphone, smart phone, wallet, or cane.
ii. "Undetectable firearm" means a firearm that:
1. (1) after removal of all parts other than major components, is not as detectable as the Security Exemplar, by walk-through metal detectors calibrated and operated to detect the Security Exemplar; or
2. (2) includes a major component which, if the firearm were subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices commonly used at airports for security screening, would not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component. "Undetectable firearm" shall not be construed to include a firearm subject to the provisions of paragraphs (3) through (6) of subsection (p) of 18 U.S.C. s.922.
jj. "Major component" means the slide or cylinder or the frame or receiver of a firearm and, in the case of a rifle or shotgun, also includes the barrel.
kk. "Security Exemplar" means the Security Exemplar fabricated in accordance with subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2) of subsection (p) of 18 U.S.C. s.922.
ll. "Authorized user" means the lawful owner of a personalized handgun or a person to whom the owner has given consent to use the personalized handgun.

L.1978, c.95; amended 1981, c.363, s.1; 1983, c.479, s.1; 1985, c.360, s.1; 1987, c.228, s.1; 1989, c.120, s.1; 1990, c.32, s.1; 1999, c.233, s.1; 1999, c.255, s.1; 2002, c.130, s.5; 2017, c.323, s.1; 2018, c.38, s.1; 2018, c.39, s.1; 2018, c.138, s.1; 2019, c.164, s.6.

Possession of firearms, weapons, destructive devices, silencers, or explosives in a vehicle. When a firearm, weapon, destructive device, silencer, or explosive described in this chapter is found in a vehicle, it is presumed to be in the possession of the occupant if there is but one. If there is more than one occupant in the vehicle, it shall be presumed to be in the possession of all, except under the following circumstances:
1. When it is found upon the person of one of the occupants, it shall be presumed to be in the possession of that occupant alone;
2. When the vehicle is not a stolen one and the weapon or other instrument is found out of view in a glove compartment, trunk or other enclosed customary depository, it shall be presumed to be in the possession of the occupant or occupants who own or have authority to operate the vehicle; and
3. When the vehicle is a taxicab and a weapon or other instrument is found in the passenger's portion of the vehicle, it shall be presumed to be in the possession of all the passengers, if there are any, and if not, in the possession of the driver.
Licenses and permits.
When the legality of a person's conduct under this chapter depends on his possession of a license or permit or on his having registered with or given notice to a particular person or agency, it shall be presumed that he does not possess such a license or permit or has not registered or given the required notice, until he establishes the contrary.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:39-2, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 179, s. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

Destructive devices.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession any destructive device is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Sawed-off shotguns.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession any sawed-off shotgun is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Silencers.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession any firearm silencer is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Defaced firearms.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession any firearm which has been defaced, except an antique firearm or an antique handgun, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Certain weapons.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession any gravity knife, switchblade knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto, billy, blackjack, metal knuckle, sandclub, slingshot, cestus or similar leather band studded with metal filings or razor blades imbedded in wood, ballistic knife, without any explainable lawful purpose, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Dum-dum or armor piercing ammunition.
1. Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum-dum bullet, or
2. any person, other than a collector of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921 (a) (13) and has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, who knowingly has in his possession any armor piercing ammunitionas defined in subsection gg. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
For purposes of this section, a collector may possess not more than three examples of each distinctive variation of the ammunition described above. A distinctive variation includes a different head stamp, composition, design, or color.
Exceptions.
1. 1. Nothing in subsection a., b., c., d., e., f., j. or k. of this section shall apply to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, or except as otherwise provided, to any law enforcement officer while actually on duty or traveling to or from an authorized place of duty, provided that his possession of the prohibited weapon or device has been duly authorized under the applicable laws, regulations or military or law enforcement orders.
  2. Nothing in subsection j. of this section shall apply to a law enforcement officer who possesses and carries while off-duty a large capacity ammunition magazine capable of holding not more than 17 rounds of ammunition that can be fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm.
  3. Notwithstanding subparagraph (b) of this paragraph, subsection j. of this section shall not apply to a law enforcement officer who possesses and carries while off-duty a large capacity ammunition magazine capable of holding more than 17 rounds of ammunition that can be fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm provided the large capacity ammunition magazine is used with a service firearm issued to the officer by the officer's employer for use in the officer's official duties.
  4. Nothing in subsection h. of this section shall apply to any law enforcement officer who is exempted from the provisions of that subsection by the Attorney General. Nothing in this section shall apply to the possession of any weapon or device by a law enforcement officer who has confiscated, seized or otherwise taken possession of said weapon or device as evidence of the commission of a crime or because he believed it to be possessed illegally by the person from whom it was taken, provided that said law enforcement officer promptly notifies his superiors of his possession of such prohibited weapon or device.
2. 1. Nothing in paragraph (1) of subsection f. of this section shall be construed to prevent a person from keeping such ammunition at his dwelling, premises or other land owned or possessed by him, or from carrying such ammunition from the place of purchase to said dwelling or land, nor shall paragraph (1) of subsection f. of this section be construed to prevent any licensed retail or wholesale firearms dealer from possessing such ammunition at its licensed premises, provided that the seller of any such ammunition shall maintain a record of the name, age and place of residence of any purchaser who is not a licensed dealer, together with the date of sale and quantity of ammunition sold.
  2. Nothing in paragraph (1) of subsection f. of this section shall be construed to prevent a designated employee or designated licensed agent for a nuclear power plant under the license of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from possessing hollow nose ammunition while in the actual performance of his official duties, if the federal licensee certifies that the designated employee or designated licensed agent is assigned to perform site protection, guard, armed response or armed escort duties and is appropriately trained and qualified, as prescribed by federal regulation, to perform those duties.
3. Nothing in paragraph (2) of subsection f. or in subsection j. of this section shall be construed to prevent any licensed retail or wholesale firearms dealer from possessing that ammunition or large capacity ammunition magazine at its licensed premises for sale or disposition to another licensed dealer, the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, or to a law enforcement agency, provided that the seller maintains a record of any sale or disposition to a law enforcement agency. The record shall include the name of the purchasing agency, together with written authorization of the chief of police or highest ranking official of the agency, the name and rank of the purchasing law enforcement officer, if applicable, and the date, time and amount of ammunition sold or otherwise disposed. A copy of this record shall be forwarded by the seller to the Superintendent of the Division of State Police within 48 hours of the sale or disposition.
4. Nothing in subsection a. of this section shall be construed to apply to antique cannons as exempted in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-6.
5. Nothing in subsection c. of this section shall be construed to apply to any person who is specifically identified in a special deer management permit issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife to utilize a firearm silencer as part of an alternative deer control method implemented in accordance with a special deer management permit issued pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2000, c.46 (C.23:4-42.6), while the person is in the actual performance of the permitted alternative deer control method and while going to and from the place where the permitted alternative deer control method is being utilized. This exception shall not, however, otherwise apply to any person to authorize the purchase or possession of a firearm silencer.
Stun guns.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession any stun gun is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Nothing in subsection e. of this section shall be construed to prevent any guard in the employ of a private security company, who is licensed to carry a firearm, from the possession of a nightstick when in the actual performance of his official duties, provided that he has satisfactorily completed a training course approved by the Police Training Commission in the use of a nightstick.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession a large capacity ammunition magazine is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree unless the person has registered;
1. an assault firearm pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12) and the magazine is maintained and used in connection with participation in competitive shooting matches sanctioned by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship of the United States Department of the Army: or
2. a firearm with a fixed magazine capacity or detachable magazine capable of holding up to 15 rounds pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2018, c.39 (C.2C:39-20).
Handcuffs.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession handcuffs as defined in P.L.1991, c.437 (C.2C:39-9.2), under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as handcuffs may have, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A law enforcement officer shall confiscate handcuffs possessed in violation of the law.
Bump stock or trigger crank.
Any person who knowingly possesses a bump stock as defined in subsection ee. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or a trigger crank as defined in subsection ff. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, regardless of whether the person is in possession of a firearm, is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provision of law, a conviction arising out of this subsection shall not merge with a conviction for possessing an assault firearm in violation of subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 or a machine gun in violation of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 and a separate sentence shall be imposed upon each conviction. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provisions of law, the sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection shall be served consecutively to that imposed for unlawfully possessing an assault firearm in violation of subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-5.
Covert or undetectable firearms. Any person who knowingly possesses any covert firearm as defined in subsection hh. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, an undetectable firearm as defined in subsection ii. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, or a firearm enclosed in a container or covering that is designed or modified to allow the firearm to be fired while so enclosed and that disguises or obscures the shape of the firearm such that it does not resemble a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or machine gun is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provision of law, a conviction arising out of this subsection shall not merge with a conviction for possessing an assault firearm in violation of subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 or a machine gun in violation of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 and a separate sentence shall be imposed upon each conviction. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provisions of law, the sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection shall be served consecutively to that imposed for unlawfully possessing an assault firearm in violation of subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-5.
Firearms without a serial number. Any person who knowingly possesses a firearm manufactured or otherwise assembled using a firearm frame or firearm receiver as defined in subsection k. of N.J.S.2C:39-9 which is not imprinted with a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer including, but not limited to, a firearm manufactured or otherwise assembled from parts purchased or otherwise obtained in violation of subsection k. of N.J.S.2C:39-9, is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

L.1978, c.95; amended 1979, c.179, s.2; 1983, c.58, s.1; 1983, c.479, s.2; 1985, c.360, s.2; 1987, c.228, s.2; 1989, c.11; 1990, c.32, s.10; 1991, c.437, s.1; 1999, c.233, s.2; 2000, c.46, s.5; 2003, c.168, s.1; 2018, c.38.; 2018, c.39, s.2; 2018, c.138, s.2; 2018, c.161; 2019, c.165, s.2.

Firearms.
1. Any person who has in his possession any firearm with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
2. Any person who possesses, receives or transfers a community gun is guilty of a crime of the second degree and shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court. The term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term. The minimum term shall be fixed at one-half of the sentence imposed by the court or three years, whichever is greater and during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. As used in this paragraph, "community gun" means a firearm that is transferred among, between or within any association of two or more persons who, while possessing that firearm, engage in criminal activity or use it unlawfully against the person or property of another.
Explosives. Any person who has in his possession or carries any explosive substance with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Destructive devices. Any person who has in his possession any destructive device with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Other weapons. Any person who has in his possession any weapon, except a firearm, with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Imitation firearms. Any person who has in his possession an imitation firearm under circumstances that would lead an observer to reasonably believe that it is possessed for an unlawful purpose is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

Amended 1979, c.179, s.3; 1989, c.120, s.2; 2007, c.24.

Any person who has in his possession any firearm while in the course of committing, attempting to commit, or conspiring to commit a violation of N.J.S.2C:35-3, N.J.S. 2C:35-4, N.J.S.2C:35-5, section 3 or section 5 of P.L.1997, c.194 (C.2C:35-5.2 or 2C:35-5.3), N.J.S.2C:35-6, section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7), section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), N.J.S.2C:35-11 or N.J.S.2C:16-1 is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Any person who has in his possession any weapon, except a firearm, with a purpose to use such weapon unlawfully against the person or property of another, while in the course of committing, attempting to commit, or conspiring to commit a violation of N.J.S.2C:35-3, N.J.S.2C:35-4, N.J.S.2C:35-5, section 3 or 5 of P.L.1997, c.194 (C.2C:35-5.2 or 2C:35-5.3), N.J.S.2C:35-6, section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7), section 1 of P.L.1997,c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), N.J.S.2C:35-11 or N.J.S.2C:16-1 is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Any person who has in his possession any weapon, except a firearm, under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as the weapon may have, while in the course of committing, attempting to commit, or conspiring to commit a violation of N.J.S.2C:35-3, N.J.S.2C:35-4, N.J.S.2C:35-5, section 3 or section 5 of P.L. 1997, c.194 (C.2C:35-5.2 or 2C:35-5.3), N.J.S.2C:35-6, section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7), section 1 of P.L.1997,c.327(C.2C:35-7.1), N.J.S.2C:35-11 or N.J.S.2C:16-1 is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provision of law, a conviction arising under this section shall not merge with a conviction for a violation of any of the sections of chapter 35 or chapter 16 referred to in this section nor shall any conviction under those sections merge with a conviction under this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:44-5 or any other provision of law, the sentence imposed upon a violation of this section shall be ordered to be served consecutively to that imposed for any conviction for a violation of any of the sections of chapter 35 or chapter 16 referred to in this section or a conviction for conspiracy or attempt to violate any of those sections.
Nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude, if the evidence so warrants, an indictment and conviction for a violation of N.J.S.2C:39-4 or N.J.S.2C:39-5 or any other provision of law.
Nothing herein shall prevent the court from also imposing enhanced punishments, pursuant to N.J.S.2C:35-8, section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2), or any other provision of law, or an extended term.

L.1998,c.26,s.1; amended 2001, c.443, s.4.

Machine guns. Any person who knowingly has in his possession a machine gun or any instrument or device adaptable for use as a machine gun, without being licensed to do so as provided in N.J.S.2C:58-5, is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Handguns.
1. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any handgun, including any antique handgun, without first having obtained a permit to carry the same as provided in N.J.S.2C:58-4, is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
2. If the handgun is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person it is a crime of the third degree.
Rifles and shotguns.
1. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any rifle or shotgun without having first obtained a firearms purchaser identification card in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2C:58-3, is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
2. Unless otherwise permitted by law, any person who knowingly has in his possession any loaded rifle or shotgun is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Other weapons. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Firearms or other weapons in educational institutions.
1. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any firearm in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution, without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution, is guilty of a crime of the third degree, irrespective of whether he possesses a valid permit to carry the firearm or a valid firearms purchaser identification card.
2. Any person who knowingly possesses any weapon enumerated in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or any components which can readily be assembled into a firearm or other weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful use as it may have, while in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
3. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any imitation firearm in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution, without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution, or while on any school bus is a disorderly person, irrespective of whether he possesses a valid permit to carry a firearm or a valid firearms purchaser identification card.
Assault firearms.
Any person who knowingly has in his possession an assault firearm is guilty of a crime of the second degree except if the assault firearm is licensed pursuant to N.J.S.2C:58-5; registered pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12); or rendered inoperable pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-13).
1. The temporary possession of a handgun, rifle or shotgun by a person receiving, possessing, carrying or using the handgun, rifle, or shotgun under the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1) shall not be considered unlawful possession under the provisions of subsection b. or c. of this section.
2. The temporary possession of a firearm by a person receiving, possessing, carrying or using the firearm under the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.375 (C.2C:58-3.2) shall not be considered unlawful possession under the provisions of this section.
A person who is convicted of a crime under subsection a., b., f. or j. of this section shall be ineligible for participation in any program of intensive supervision; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to a crime under subsection b. involving only a handgun which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person.
A person convicted of violating subsection a., b. or f. of this section shall be sentenced by the court to a term of imprisonment, which shall include the imposition of a minimum term during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole, if the court finds that the aggravating circumstance set forth in paragraph (5) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:44-1 applies. The minimum term of parole ineligibility shall be fixed at five years. The sentencing court shall make a finding on the record as to whether the aggravating circumstance set forth in paragraph (5) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:44-1 applies, and the court shall presume that there is a substantial likelihood that the defendant is involved in organized criminal activity if there is a substantial likelihood that the defendant is a member of an organization or group that engages in criminal activity. The prosecution at the sentencing hearing shall have the initial burden of producing evidence or information concerning the defendant's membership in such an organization or group.
A violation of subsections a., b., c. or f. of this section by a person who has a prior conviction of any of the crimes enumerated in subsection d. of section 2 of of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2) is a first degree crime.

Amended 1979, c.179, s.4; 1990, c.32, s.2; 1992, c.74, s.2; 1992, c.94, s.1; 1995, c.389; 1997, c.375, s.2; 2007, c.284; 2009, c.13; 2013, c.113, 1.

Provided a person complies with the requirements of subsection j. of this section, N.J.S.2C:39-5 does not apply to:
1. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the National Guard while actually on duty, or while traveling between places of duty and carrying authorized weapons in the manner prescribed by the appropriate military authorities;
2. Federal law enforcement officers, and any other federal officers and employees required to carry firearms in the performance of their official duties;
3. Members of the State Police and, under conditions prescribed by the superintendent, members of the Marine Law Enforcement Bureau of the Division of State Police;
4. A sheriff, undersheriff, sheriff's officer, county prosecutor, assistant prosecutor, prosecutor's detective or investigator, deputy attorney general or State investigator employed by the Division of Criminal Justice of the Department of Law and Public Safety, investigator employed by the State Commission of Investigation, inspector of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Bureau of the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety authorized to carry weapons by the Superintendent of State Police, State park police officer, or State conservation officer;
5. Except as hereinafter provided, a prison or jail warden of any penal institution in this State or his deputies, or an employee of the Department of Corrections engaged in the interstate transportation of convicted offenders, while in the performance of his duties, and when required to possess the weapon by his superior officer, or a corrections officer or keeper of a penal institution in this State at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided he annually passes an examination approved by the superintendent testing his proficiency in the handling of firearms;
6. A civilian employee of the United States Government under the supervision of the commanding officer of any post, camp, station, base or other military or naval installation located in this State who is required, in the performance of his official duties, to carry firearms, and who is authorized to carry firearms by the commanding officer, while in the actual performance of his official duties;
7. 1. A regularly employed member, including a detective, of the police department of any county or municipality, or of any State, interstate, municipal or county park police force or boulevard police force, at all times while in the State of New Jersey;
  2. A special law enforcement officer authorized to carry a weapon as provided in subsection b. of section 7 of P.L.1985, c.439 (C.40A:14-146.14);
  3. An airport security officer or a special law enforcement officer appointed by the governing body of any county or municipality, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, or by the commission, board or other body having control of a county park or airport or boulevard police force, while engaged in the actual performance of his official duties and when specifically authorized by the governing body to carry weapons;
8. A full-time, paid member of a paid or part-paid fire department or force of any municipality who is assigned full-time or part-time to an arson investigation unit created pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1981, c.409 (C.40A:14-7.1) or to the county arson investigation unit in the county prosecutor's office, while either engaged in the actual performance of arson investigation duties or while actually on call to perform arson investigation duties and when specifically authorized by the governing body or the county prosecutor, as the case may be, to carry weapons. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, a member shall take and successfully complete a firearms training course administered by the Police Training Commission pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm;
9. A juvenile corrections officer in the employment of the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170) subject to the regulations promulgated by the commission;
10. A designated employee or designated licensed agent for a nuclear power plant under license of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, while in the actual performance of his official duties, if the federal licensee certifies that the designated employee or designated licensed agent is assigned to perform site protection, guard, armed response or armed escort duties and is appropriately trained and qualified, as prescribed by federal regulation, to perform those duties. Any firearm utilized by an employee or agent for a nuclear power plant pursuant to this paragraph shall be returned each day at the end of the employee's or agent's authorized official duties to the employee's or agent's supervisor. All firearms returned each day pursuant to this paragraph shall be stored in locked containers located in a secure area;
11. A county corrections officer at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided he annually passes an examination approved by the superintendent testing his proficiency in the handling of firearms.
Subsections a., b. and c. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to:
1. A law enforcement officer employed by a governmental agency outside of the State of New Jersey while actually engaged in his official duties, provided, however, that he has first notified the superintendent or the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or the prosecutor of the county in which he is engaged; or
2. A licensed dealer in firearms and his registered employees during the course of their normal business while traveling to and from their place of business and other places for the purpose of demonstration, exhibition or delivery in connection with a sale, provided, however, that the weapon is carried in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section.
Provided a person complies with the requirements of subsection j. of this section, subsections b. and c. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to:
1. A special agent of the Division of Taxation who has passed an examination in an approved police training program testing proficiency in the handling of any firearm which he may be required to carry, while in the actual performance of his official duties and while going to or from his place of duty, or any other police officer, while in the actual performance of his official duties;
2. A State deputy conservation officer or a full-time employee of the Division of Parks and Forestry having the power of arrest and authorized to carry weapons, while in the actual performance of his official duties;
3. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1986, c.150.)
4. A court attendant appointed by the sheriff of the county or by the judge of any municipal court or other court of this State, while in the actual performance of his official duties;
5. A guard employed by any railway express company, banking or building and loan or savings and loan institution of this State, while in the actual performance of his official duties;
6. A member of a legally recognized military organization while actually under orders or while going to or from the prescribed place of meeting and carrying the weapons prescribed for drill, exercise or parade;
7. A humane law enforcement officer of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, while in the actual performance of his duties;
8. An employee of a public utilities corporation actually engaged in the transportation of explosives;
9. A railway policeman, except a transit police officer of the New Jersey Transit Police Department, at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided that he has passed an approved police academy training program consisting of at least 280 hours. The training program shall include, but need not be limited to, the handling of firearms, community relations, and juvenile relations;
10. A campus police officer appointed under P.L.1970, c.211 (C.18A:6-4.2 et seq.) at all times. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, a campus police officer shall take and successfully complete a firearms training course administered by the Police Training Commission, pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm;
11. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.168).
12. A transit police officer of the New Jersey Transit Police Department, at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided the officer has satisfied the training requirements of the Police Training Commission, pursuant to subsection c. of section 2 of P.L.1989, c.291 (C.27:25-15.1);
13. A parole officer employed by the State Parole Board at all times. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, a parole officer shall take and successfully complete a basic course for regular police officer training administered by the Police Training Commission, pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm;
14. A Human Services police officer at all times while in the State of New Jersey, as authorized by the Commissioner of Human Services;
15. A person or employee of any person who, pursuant to and as required by a contract with a governmental entity, supervises or transports persons charged with or convicted of an offense;
16. A housing authority police officer appointed under P.L.1997, c.210 (C.40A:14-146.19 et al.) at all times while in the State of New Jersey; or
17. A probation officer assigned to the "Probation Officer Community Safety Unit" created by section 2 of P.L.2001, c.362 (C.2B:10A-2) while in the actual performance of the probation officer's official duties. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, a probation officer shall take and successfully complete a basic course for regular police officer training administered by the Police Training Commission, pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm.
1. Subsections c. and d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to antique firearms, provided that the antique firearms are unloaded or are being fired for the purposes of exhibition or demonstration at an authorized target range or in another manner approved in writing by the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the exhibition or demonstration is held, or if not held on property under the control of a particular municipality, the superintendent.
2. Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to an antique cannon that is capable of being fired but that is unloaded and immobile, provided that the antique cannon is possessed by (a) a scholastic institution, a museum, a municipality, a county or the State, or (b) a person who obtained a firearms purchaser identification card as specified in N.J.S.2C:58-3.
3. Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to an unloaded antique cannon that is being transported by one eligible to possess it, in compliance with regulations the superintendent may promulgate, between its permanent location and place of purchase or repair.
4. Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to antique cannons that are being loaded or fired by one eligible to possess an antique cannon, for purposes of exhibition or demonstration at an authorized target range or in the manner as has been approved in writing by the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the exhibition or demonstration is held, or if not held on property under the control of a particular municipality, the superintendent, provided that performer has given at least 30 days' notice to the superintendent.
5. Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to the transportation of unloaded antique cannons directly to or from exhibitions or demonstrations authorized under paragraph (4) of subsection d. of this section, provided that the transportation is in compliance with safety regulations the superintendent may promulgate. Those subsections shall not apply to transportation directly to or from exhibitions or demonstrations authorized under the law of another jurisdiction, provided that the superintendent has been given 30 days' notice and that the transportation is in compliance with safety regulations the superintendent may promulgate.
Nothing in subsections b., c. and d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent a person keeping or carrying about his place of business, residence, premises or other land owned or possessed by him, any firearm, or from carrying the same, in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section, from any place of purchase to his residence or place of business, between his dwelling and his place of business, between one place of business or residence and another when moving, or between his dwelling or place of business and place where the firearms are repaired, for the purpose of repair. For the purposes of this section, a place of business shall be deemed to be a fixed location.
Nothing in subsections b., c. and d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent:
1. A member of any rifle or pistol club organized in accordance with the rules prescribed by the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice, in going to or from a place of target practice, carrying firearms necessary for target practice, provided that the club has filed a copy of its charter with the superintendent and annually submits a list of its members to the superintendent and provided further that the firearms are carried in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section;
2. A person carrying a firearm or knife in the woods or fields or upon the waters of this State for the purpose of hunting, target practice or fishing, provided that the firearm or knife is legal and appropriate for hunting or fishing purposes in this State and he has in his possession a valid hunting license, or, with respect to fresh water fishing, a valid fishing license;
3. A person transporting any firearm or knife while traveling:
  1. Directly to or from any place for the purpose of hunting or fishing, provided the person has in his possession a valid hunting or fishing license; or
  2. Directly to or from any target range, or other authorized place for the purpose of practice, match, target, trap or skeet shooting exhibitions, provided in all cases that during the course of the travel all firearms are carried in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section and the person has complied with all the provisions and requirements of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes and any amendments thereto and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; or
  3. In the case of a firearm, directly to or from any exhibition or display of firearms which is sponsored by any law enforcement agency, any rifle or pistol club, or any firearms collectors club, for the purpose of displaying the firearms to the public or to the members of the organization or club, provided, however, that not less than 30 days prior to the exhibition or display, notice of the exhibition or display shall be given to the Superintendent of the State Police by the sponsoring organization or club, and the sponsor has complied with any reasonable safety regulations the superintendent may promulgate. Any firearms transported pursuant to this section shall be transported in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section;
4. A person from keeping or carrying about a private or commercial aircraft or any boat, or from transporting to or from the aircraft or boat for the purpose of installation or repair of a visual distress signaling device approved by the United States Coast Guard.
Any weapon being transported under paragraph (2) of subsection b., subsection e., or paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection f. of this section shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported, and in the course of travel shall include only deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
Nothing in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any employee of a public utility, as defined in R.S.48:2-13, doing business in this State or any United States Postal Service employee, while in the actual performance of duties which specifically require regular and frequent visits to private premises, from possessing, carrying or using any device which projects, releases or emits any substance specified as being noninjurious to canines or other animals by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and which immobilizes only on a temporary basis and produces only temporary physical discomfort through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air for the sole purpose of repelling canine or other animal attacks.
The device shall be used solely to repel only those canine or other animal attacks when the canines or other animals are not restrained in a fashion sufficient to allow the employee to properly perform his duties.

Any device used pursuant to this act shall be selected from a list of products, which consist of active and inert ingredients, permitted by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services.
1. Nothing in N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any person who is 18 years of age or older and who has not been convicted of a crime, from possession for the purpose of personal self-defense of one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather, is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air. Any person in possession of any device in violation of this subsection shall be deemed and adjudged to be a disorderly person, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, nothing in N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent a health inspector or investigator operating pursuant to the provisions of section 7 of P.L.1977, c.443 (C.26:3A2-25) or a building inspector from possessing a device which is capable of releasing more than three-quarters of an ounce of a chemical substance, as described in paragraph (1), while in the actual performance of the inspector's or investigator's duties, provided that the device does not exceed the size of those used by law enforcement.
A person shall qualify for an exemption from the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-5, as specified under subsections a. and c. of this section, if the person has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course approved by the Police Training Commission.
The exempt person shall not possess or carry a firearm until the person has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon. For purposes of this subsection, a "firearms training course" means a course of instruction in the safe use, maintenance and storage of firearms which is approved by the Police Training Commission. The commission shall approve a firearms training course if the requirements of the course are substantially equivalent to the requirements for firearms training provided by police training courses which are certified under section 6 of P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-71). A person who is specified in paragraph (1), (2), (3) or (6) of subsection a. of this section shall be exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
Nothing in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any financial institution, or any duly authorized personnel of the institution, from possessing, carrying or using for the protection of money or property, any device which projects, releases or emits tear gas or other substances intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or temporary identification.
Nothing in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent a law enforcement officer who retired in good standing, including a retirement because of a disability pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1944, c.255 (C.43:16A-6), section 7 of P.L.1944, c.255 (C.43:16A-7), section 1 of P.L.1989, c.103 (C.43:16A-6.1) or any substantially similar statute governing the disability retirement of federal law enforcement officers, provided the officer was a regularly employed, full-time law enforcement officer for an aggregate of four or more years prior to his disability retirement and further provided that the disability which constituted the basis for the officer's retirement did not involve a certification that the officer was mentally incapacitated for the performance of his usual law enforcement duties and any other available duty in the department which his employer was willing to assign to him or does not subject that retired officer to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 which would disqualify the retired officer from possessing or carrying a firearm, who semi-annually qualifies in the use of the handgun he is permitted to carry in accordance with the requirements and procedures established by the Attorney General pursuant to subsection j. of this section and pays the actual costs associated with those semi-annual qualifications, who is 75 years of age or younger, and who was regularly employed as a full-time member of the State Police; a full-time member of an interstate police force; a full-time member of a county or municipal police department in this State; a full-time member of a State law enforcement agency; a full-time sheriff, undersheriff or sheriff's officer of a county of this State; a full-time State or county corrections officer; a full-time State or county park police officer; a full-time special agent of the Division of Taxation; a full-time Human Services police officer; a full-time transit police officer of the New Jersey Transit Police Department; a full-time campus police officer exempted pursuant to paragraph (10) of subsection c. of this section; a full-time State conservation officer exempted pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection a. of this section; a full-time Palisades Interstate Park officer appointed pursuant to R.S.32:14-21; a full-time Burlington County Bridge police officer appointed pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1960, c.168 (C.27:19-36.3); a full-time housing authority police officer exempted pursuant to pursuant to paragraph (16) of subsection c. of this section; a full-time juvenile corrections officer exempted pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection a. of this section; a full-time parole officer exempted pursuant to paragraph (13) of subsection c. of this section; a full-time railway policeman exempted pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection c. of this section; a full-time county prosecutor's detective or investigator; a full-time federal law enforcement officer; or is a qualified retired law enforcement officer, as used in the federal "Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004," Pub.L. 108-277, domiciled in this State from carrying a handgun in the same manner as law enforcement officers exempted under paragraph (7) of subsection a. of this section under the conditions provided herein:
1. The retired law enforcement officer shall make application in writing to the Superintendent of State Police for approval to carry a handgun for one year. An application for annual renewal shall be submitted in the same manner.
2. Upon receipt of the written application of the retired law enforcement officer, the superintendent shall request a verification of service from the chief law enforcement officer of the organization in which the retired officer was last regularly employed as a full-time law enforcement officer prior to retiring. The verification of service shall include:
  1. The name and address of the retired officer;
  2. The date that the retired officer was hired and the date that the officer retired;
  3. A list of all handguns known to be registered to that officer;
  4. A statement that, to the reasonable knowledge of the chief law enforcement officer, the retired officer is not subject to any of the restrictions set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3; and
  5. A statement that the officer retired in good standing.
3. If the superintendent approves a retired officer's application or reapplication to carry a handgun pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, the superintendent shall notify in writing the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality wherein that retired officer resides. In the event the retired officer resides in a municipality which has no chief law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency, the superintendent shall maintain a record of the approval.
4. The superintendent shall issue to an approved retired officer an identification card permitting the retired officer to carry a handgun pursuant to this subsection. This identification card shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and shall be valid throughout the State. The identification card shall not be transferable to any other person. The identification card shall be carried at all times on the person of the retired officer while the retired officer is carrying a handgun. The retired officer shall produce the identification card for review on the demand of any law enforcement officer or authority.
5. Any person aggrieved by the denial of the superintendent of approval for a permit to carry a handgun pursuant to this subsection may request a hearing in the Superior Court of New Jersey in the county in which he resides by filing a written request for such a hearing within 30 days of the denial. Copies of the request shall be served upon the superintendent and the county prosecutor. The hearing shall be held within 30 days of the filing of the request, and no formal pleading or filing fee shall be required. Appeals from the determination of such a hearing shall be in accordance with law and the rules governing the courts of this State.
6. A judge of the Superior Court may revoke a retired officer's privilege to carry a handgun pursuant to this subsection for good cause shown on the application of any interested person. A person who becomes subject to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 shall surrender, as prescribed by the superintendent, his identification card issued under paragraph (4) of this subsection to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality wherein he resides or the superintendent, and shall be permanently disqualified to carry a handgun under this subsection.
7. The superintendent may charge a reasonable application fee to retired officers to offset any costs associated with administering the application process set forth in this subsection.
Nothing in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent duly authorized personnel of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, while in the actual performance of duties, from possessing, transporting or using any device that projects, releases or emits any substance specified as being non-injurious to wildlife by the Director of the Division of Animal Health in the Department of Agriculture, and which may immobilize wildlife and produces only temporary physical discomfort through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air for the purpose of repelling bear or other animal attacks or for the aversive conditioning of wildlife.
Nothing in subsection b., c., d. or e. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent duly authorized personnel of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, while in the actual performance of duties, from possessing, transporting or using hand held pistol-like devices, rifles or shotguns that launch pyrotechnic missiles for the sole purpose of frightening, hazing or aversive conditioning of nuisance or depredating wildlife; from possessing, transporting or using rifles, pistols or similar devices for the sole purpose of chemically immobilizing wild or non-domestic animals; or, provided the duly authorized person complies with the requirements of subsection j. of this section, from possessing, transporting or using rifles or shotguns, upon completion of a Police Training Commission approved training course, in order to dispatch injured or dangerous animals or for non-lethal use for the purpose of frightening, hazing or aversive conditioning of nuisance or depredating wildlife.

Amended 1979, c.179, s.5; 1979, c.332, s.8; 1981, c.108, s.1; 1981, c.219, s.1; 1981, c.294, s.1; 1981, c.409, s.2; 1981, c.480, s.1; 1981, c.511, s.4; 1982, c.154, s.1; 1982, c.173, s.1; 1983, c.479, s.3; 1983, c.552; 1985, c.76, s.8; 1985, c.150, s.1; 1985, c.324, s.1 (s.3 eff. date amended 1986, c.64); 1985, c.376, s.1; 1985, c.439, s.13,(s.15 eff. date amended 1986, c.2); 1986, c.150, ss.7,8; 1987, c.139; 1987, c.172; 1989, c.291, s.4; 1991, c.327, s.2; 1991, c.386, s.3; 1992, c.94, s.2; 1993, c.246, s.2; 1995, c.273, s.2; 1995, c.280, s.21; 1997, c.67, s.1; 1997, c.210, s.6; 1997, c.393; 2001, c.79, s.15; 2001, c.362, s.4; 2003, c.168, s.2; 2005, c.216, s.1; 2005, c.372, s.14; 2007, c.313; 2007, c.314; 2013, c.219; 2017, c. 110.

6. Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons.

Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, any person, having been convicted in this State or elsewhere of the crime, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit the crime, of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, bias intimidation in violation of N.J.S.2C:16-1, carjacking in violation of section 1 of P.L.1993, c.221 (C.2C:15-2), gang criminality in violation of section 1 of P.L.2007, c.341 (C.2C:33-29), racketeering in violation of N.J.S.2C:41-2, terroristic threats in violation of N.J.S.2C:12-3, unlawful possession of a machine gun in violation of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, unlawful possession of a handgun in violation of paragraph (1) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, unlawful possession of an assault firearm in violation of subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, leader of firearms trafficking network in violation of section 1 of P.L.1995, c.405 (C.2C:39-16), or endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4, whether or not armed with or having in the person's possession any weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, or any person convicted of a crime, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-3, N.J.S.2C:39-4 or N.J.S.2C:39-9, or any person who has ever been committed for a mental disorder to any hospital, mental institution or sanitarium unless the person possesses a certificate of a medical doctor or psychiatrist licensed to practice in New Jersey or other satisfactory proof that the person is no longer suffering from a mental disorder which interferes with or handicaps the person in the handling of a firearm, or any person who has been convicted of an offense, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense, for the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2, other than a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense, who purchases, owns, possesses or controls any of the specified weapons or any ammunition as defined in section 2 of P.L.2018, c.35 (C.2C:58-21) is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
1. A person having been convicted in this State or elsewhere of the crime, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit the crime, of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, bias intimidation in violation of N.J.S.2C:16-1, carjacking in violation of section 1 of P.L.1993, c.221 (C.2C:15-2), gang criminality in violation of section 1 of P.L.2007, c.341 (C.2C:33-29), racketeering in violation of N.J.S.2C:41-2, terroristic threats in violation of N.J.S.2C:12-3, unlawful possession of a machine gun in violation of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, unlawful possession of a handgun in violation of paragraph (1) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, unlawful possession of an assault firearm in violation of subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, 1leader of firearms trafficking network in violation of section 1 of P.L.1995, c.405 (C.2C:39-16), endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4, stalking pursuant to P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10) or a crime, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime, involving domestic violence as defined in section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19), whether or not armed with or having in he person's possession a weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, or a person having been convicted of a crime, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:35-3 through N.J.S.2C:35-6, inclusive; section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7); N.J.S.2C:35-11; N.J.S.2C:39-3; N.J.S.2C:39-4; or N.J.S.2C:39-9 who purchases, owns, possesses or controls a firearm is guilty of a crime of the second degree and upon conviction thereof, the person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court. The term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term, which shall be fixed at five years, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. If the defendant is sentenced to an extended term of imprisonment pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-7, the extended term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term, which shall be fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed by the court or five years, whichever is greater, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.
2. A person having been convicted in this State or elsewhere of a disorderly persons offense involving domestic violence, whether or not armed with or having in the person's possession a weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, who purchases, owns, possesses or controls a firearm or ammunition is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
3. A person whose firearm is seized pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991,c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.) and whose firearm has not been returned, or who is subject to a court order prohibiting the possession of firearms issued pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991,c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.) who purchases, owns, possesses or controls a firearm is guilty of a crime of the third degree, except that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any law enforcement officer while actually on duty, or to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or member of the National Guard while actually on duty or traveling to or from an authorized place of duty.
4. A person who is subject to a court order prohibiting the custody, control, ownership, purchase, possession, or receipt of a firearm or ammunition issued pursuant to the "Extreme Risk Protective Order Act of 2018," P.L.2018, c.35 (C.2C:58-20 et al.) who purchases, acquires, owns, possesses, or controls a firearm or ammunition is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Whenever any person shall have been convicted in another state, territory, commonwealth or other jurisdiction of the United States, or any country in the world, in a court of competent jurisdiction, of a crime, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime, which in the other jurisdiction or country is comparable to one of the crimes enumerated in subsection a. or b. of this section, then that person shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

L.1979,c.179,s.6; 1987, c.106, s.6, 1991, c.436; 1992, c.74, s.3; 1995, c.114; 2001, c.216; 2001, c.443, s.5; 2003, c.277, s.3: 2018. c.35, s.13; 2019, c.165, s.1.

Machine guns.
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of any machine gun without being registered or licensed to do so as provided in chapter 58 is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Sawed-off shotguns.
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of any sawed-off shotgun is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Firearm silencers.
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of any firearm silencer is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Weapons.
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of any weapon, including gravity knives, switchblade knives, ballistic knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, billies, blackjacks, metal knuckles, sandclubs, slingshots, cesti or similar leather bands studded with metal filings, or, except as otherwise provided in subsection i. of this section, in the case of firearms if he is not licensed or registered to do so as provided in chapter 58 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of any weapon or other device which projects, releases or emits tear gas or other substances intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air, which is intended to be used for any purpose other than for authorized military or law enforcement purposes by duly authorized military or law enforcement personnel or the device is for the purpose of personal self-defense, is pocket-sized and contains not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, or other than to be used by any person permitted to possess such weapon or device under the provisions of subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, which is intended for use by financial and other business institutions as part of an integrated security system, placed at fixed locations, for the protection of money and property, by the duly authorized personnel of those institutions, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Defaced firearms.
Any person who defaces any firearm is guilty of a crime of the third degree. Any person who knowingly buys, receives, disposes of or conceals a defaced firearm, except an antique firearm or an antique handgun, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
1. Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sell, or disposes of any armor piercing ammunition, as defined in subsection gg. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, which is intended to be used for any purpose other than for authorized military or law enforcement purposes by duly authorized military or law enforcement personnel, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
2. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent a licensed collector of ammunition as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 from transporting the bullets defined in paragraph (1) of this subsection from
  1. any licensed retail or wholesale firearms dealer's place of business to the collector's dwelling, premises, or other land owned or possessed by him, or
  2. to or from the collector's dwelling, premises or other land owned or possessed by him to any gun show for the purposes of display, sale, trade, or transfer between collectors, or
  3. to or from the collector's dwelling, premises or other land owned or possessed by him to any rifle or pistol club organized in accordance with the rules prescribed by the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice;
  4. provided that the club has filed a copy of its charter with the superintendent of the State Police and annually submits a list of its members to the superintendent, and provided further that the ammunition being transported shall be carried not loaded in any firearm and contained in a closed and fastened case, gun box, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported, and the course of travel shall include only such deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
Assault firearms.
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of an assault firearm without being registered or licensed to do so pursuant to N.J.S.2C:58-1 et seq. is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Large capacity ammunition magazines.
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of a large capacity ammunition magazine which is intended to be used for any purpose other than for authorized military or law enforcement purposes by duly authorized military or law enforcement personnel is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Transporting firearms into this State for an unlawful sale or transfer. Any person who knowingly transports, ships or otherwise brings into this State any firearm for the purpose of unlawfully selling, transferring, giving, assigning or otherwise disposing of that firearm to another individual is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any motor vehicle used by a person to transport, ship, or otherwise bring a firearm into this State for unlawful sale or transfer shall be subject to forfeiture in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2C:64-1 et seq.; provided however, this forfeiture provision shall not apply to innocent owners, nor shall it affect the rights of a holder of a valid lien.
The temporary transfer of a firearm shall not constitute a violation of this subsection if that firearm is transfered:
1. while hunting or target shooting in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1);
2. for shooting competitions sponsored by a licensed dealer, law enforcement agency, legally recognized military organization, or a rifle or pistol club which has filed a copy of its charter with the superintendent in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1) ; or
3. for participation in a training course conducted by a certified instructor in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.375 (C.2C:58-3.2).
The transfer of any firearm that uses air or carbon dioxide to expel a projectile; or the transfer of an antique firearm shall not constitute a violation of this subsection.
Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells, or disposes of a bump stock as defined in subsection ee. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or a trigger crank as defined in subsection ff. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Purchasing firearm parts to manufacture a firearm without a serial number. In addition to any other criminal penalties provided under law, a person who, with the purpose to manufacture or otherwise assemble a firearm and without being registered or licensed do so as provided in chapter 58 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, purchases or otherwise obtains separately or as part of a kit a firearm frame or firearm receiver which is not imprinted with a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer or any combination of parts from which a firearm without a serial number may be readily manufactured or otherwise assembled, but which does not have the capacity to function as a firearm unless manufactured or otherwise assembled is guilty of a crime of the third degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other law, a conviction under this subsection shall not merge with a conviction for any other criminal offense and the court shall impose separate sentences upon a violation of this subsection and any other criminal offense.
As used in this subsection, "firearm frame or firearm receiver" means the part of a firearm that provides housing for the firearm's internal components, such as the hammer, bolt or breechblock, action, and firing mechanism, and includes without limitation any object or part which is not a firearm frame or receiver in finished form but is designed or intended to be used for that purpose and which may readily be made into a firearm frame or receiver through milling or other means.
Manufacturing or facilitating the manufacture of a firearm using a three-dimensional printer. In addition to any other criminal penalties provided under law it is a third degree crime for:
1. a person who is not registered or licensed to do so as a manufacturer as provided in chapter 58 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, to use a three-dimensional printer or similar device to manufacture or produce a firearm, firearm receiver, magazine, or firearm component; or
2. a person to distribute by any means, including the Internet, to a person in New Jersey who is not registered or licensed as a manufacturer as provided in chapter 58 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, digital instructions in the form of computer-aided design files or other code or instructions stored and displayed in electronic format as a digital model that may be used to program a three-dimensional printer to manufacture or produce a firearm, firearm receiver, magazine, or firearm component.
As used in this subsection: "three-dimensional printer" means a computer or computer-driven machine or device capable of producing a three-dimensional object from a digital model; and "distribute" means to sell, or to manufacture, give, provide, lend, trade, mail, deliver, publish, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, display, share, advertise, offer, or make available via the Internet or by any other means, whether for pecuniary gain or not, and includes an agreement or attempt to distribute.
Covert or undetectable firearms. Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of any covert firearm as defined in subsection hh. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or any undetectable firearm as defined in subsection ii. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Transporting a manufactured firearm without a serial number. In addition to any other criminal penalties provided under law, a person who transports, ships, sells, or disposes of a firearm manufactured or otherwise assembled using a firearm frame or firearm receiver as defined in subsection k. of this section which is not imprinted with a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer, including but not limited to a firearm manufactured or otherwise assembled from parts purchased or otherwise obtained in violation of subsection k. of this section, is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

Amended 1979, c.179, s.7; 1980, c.108; 1981, c.480, s.2; 1983, c.58, s.2; 1987, c.228, s.3; 1990, c.32, s.3; 1999, c.233, s.3; 2007, c.298; 2013, c.111, s.1;2017, c.323, s.3; 2018, c.38, s.3; 2018, c.138, s.3; 2019, c.165, s.3.

1. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) and paragraph (4) of this subsection, any person who knowingly violates the regulatory provisions relating to manufacturing or wholesaling of firearms N.J.S.2C:58-1, retailing of firearms N.J.S.2C:58-2, permits to purchase certain firearms N.J.S.2C:58-3, permits to carry certain firearms N.J.S.2C:58-4, licenses to procure machine guns or assault firearms N.J.S.2C:58-5, or incendiary or tracer ammunition N.J.S.2C:58-10, except acts which are punishable under section N.J.S.2C:58-5 or section N.J.S.2C:58-2, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
2. A licensed dealer who knowingly violates the provisions of subparagraph (d) of paragraph (5) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:58-2 is a disorderly person.
3. If, upon review, a law enforcement agency determines that a licensed dealer knowingly and intentionally has sold, transferred, assigned, or otherwise disposed of an inordinate number of firearms that, subsequent to that sale, transfer, assignment, or disposal, have been recovered as abandoned or discarded firearms, or as firearms seized or recovered because they were unlawfully possessed, or as firearms used for an unlawful purpose, or as firearms recovered from the scene of a crime, or as firearms reasonably believed to have been used or associated with the commission of a crime, that dealer's license shall, after hearing, be revoked permanently by the State Police.
4. A licensed dealer who sells or transfers a firearm to a person knowing that person intends to sell, transfer, assign, or otherwise dispose of that firearm to a person who is disqualified from possessing a firearm under State or federal law is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the sentence imposed for a conviction under this subsection shall include a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 18 months, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole; provided however, if the firearm was used in the commission of a crime, the sentence imposed under this subsection shall include a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. Further, a person convicted under this subsection shall be permanently disqualified from holding a retail license under N.J.S.2C:58-2.
5. A person who is disqualified from possessing a firearm under State or federal law who knowingly solicits, persuades, encourages, or entices a licensed dealer or other person to sell, give, transfer, or assign a firearm to the disqualified person under circumstances which the disqualified person knows would violate State or federal law is guilty of a crime of the third degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other law, a conviction under this subsection shall not merge with a conviction for any other criminal offense and the court shall impose separate sentences upon a violation of this subsection and any other criminal offense.
Any person who knowingly violates the regulatory provisions relating to notifying the authorities of possessing certain items of explosives N.J.S.2C:58-7, or of certain wounds N.J.S.2C:58-8 is a disorderly person.
Any person who gives or causes to be given any false information, or signs a fictitious name or address, in applying for a firearms purchaser identification card, a permit to purchase a handgun, a permit to carry a handgun, a permit to possess a machine gun, a permit to possess an assault firearm, or in completing the certificate or any other instrument required by law in purchasing or otherwise acquiring delivery of any rifle, shotgun, handgun, machine gun, or assault firearm or any other firearm, is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Any person who gives or causes to be given any false information in registering an assault firearm pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12) or in certifying that an assault firearm was rendered inoperable pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-13) commits a crime of the fourth degree.
Any person who knowingly sells, gives, transfers, assigns or otherwise disposes of a firearm to a person who is under the age of 18 years, except as permitted in section 14 of P.L.1979, c.179 (C.2C:58-6.1), is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the sentence imposed for a conviction under this subsection shall include a mandatory minimum five-year term of imprisonment, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.
Unless the recipient is authorized to possess the handgun in connection with the performance of official duties under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-6, any person who knowingly sells, gives, transfers, assigns or otherwise disposes of a handgun to a person who is under the age of 21 years, except as permitted in section 14 of P.L.1979, c.179 (C.2C:58-6.1), is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the sentence imposed for a conviction under this subsection shall include a mandatory minimum five-year term of imprisonment, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.
Unless the recipient is authorized to possess the handgun in connection with the performance of official duties under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-6, any person who knowingly sells, gives, transfers, assigns or otherwise disposes of a handgun to a person who is under the age of 21 years, except as permitted in section 14 of P.L.1979, c.179 (C.2C:58-6.1), is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Any person who knowingly gives or causes to be given any false information or knowingly engages in any other fraudulent conduct in applying for an exemption to purchase more than one handgun in a 30-day period in violation of the provisions of section 4 of P.L.2009, c.186 (C.2C:58-3.4) shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. The presumption of nonimprisonment set forth in N.J.S.2C:44-1 shall not apply to persons convicted under the provisions of this subsection.

Amended 1979, c.179, s.8; 1990, c.32, s.4; 1993, c.49, s.1; 1999, c.233, s.4; 2000, c.145, s.2; 2009, c.186, s.3; 2013, c.108, s.1; 2013, c.111, s.2; 2019, c.166.

Any pawnbroker who sells, offers to sell or to lend or to give away any weapon, destructive device or explosive is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Any person who loans money, the security for which is any handgun, rifle or shotgun is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:39-11, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 179, s. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

No person shall be convicted of an offense under this chapter for possessing any firearms, weapons, destructive devices, large capacity ammunition magazines, silencers or explosives, if after giving written notice of his intention to do so, including the proposed date and time of surrender, he voluntarily surrendered the weapon, device, instrument or substance in question to the superintendent or to the chief of police in the municipality in which he resides, provided that the required notice is received by the superintendent or chief of police before any charges have been made or complaints filed against such person for the unlawful possession of the weapon, device, instrument or substance in question and before any investigation has been commenced by any law enforcement agency concerning the unlawful possession. Nothing in this section shall be construed as granting immunity from prosecution for any crime or offense except that of the unlawful possession of such weapons, devices, instruments or substances surrendered as herein provided.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:39-12; 2018, c.39, s.6.

Unlawful use of body vests.
A person is guilty of a crime if he uses or wears a body vest while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnaping, criminal escape or assault under N.J.S.2C:12-1b.

Use or wearing a body vest while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit a crime of the first degree is a crime of the second degree.

Otherwise it is a crime of the third degree.

As used in this section, "body vest" means bullet-resistant body armor which is intended to provide ballistic and trauma protection.

L.1983,c.152,s.1; amended 1999, c.306.

Any person who teaches or demonstrates to any other person the use, application, or making of any firearm, explosive or destructive device, or technique capable of causing injury or death to a person, knowing or having reason to know or intending that it will be employed for use in, or in furtherance of, an illegal activity is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
Any person who assembles with one or more persons for the purpose of training with, practicing with, or being instructed in the use of any firearm, explosive or destructive device, or technique capable of causing injury or death to a person, intending to unlawfully employ it for use in, or in furtherance of, an illegal activity is guilty of a crime of the second degree.

L. 1983, c. 229, s.1; amended by 1988,c.76,s.1.

Any person who offers to sell a machine gun, semi-automatic rifle, or assault firearm by means of an advertisement published in a newspaper circulating within this State, which advertisement does not specify that the purchaser shall hold a valid license to purchase and possess a machine gun or assault firearm, or a valid firearms identification card to purchase and possess an automatic or semi-automatic rifle, is a disorderly person.

L.1983,c.515,s.1; amended 1990,c.32,s.5.

A person is a leader of a firearms trafficking network if he conspires with others as an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager, to engage for profit in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully manufacture, transport, ship, sell or dispose of any firearm. Leader of firearms trafficking network is a crime of the first degree.
As used in this section: "leader of a firearms trafficking network" means a person who occupies a position of authority or control over other persons in a scheme or organization of illegal firearms manufacturing, transporting, shipping or selling and who exercises that authority or control over others involved in the scheme or organization.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, the court may also impose a fine not to exceed $500,000.00 or five times the value of the firearms involved, whichever is greater.

Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8, a conviction of leader of firearms trafficking network shall not merge with the conviction for any offense which is the object of the conspiracy.

Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the court from imposing an extended term pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-7; nor shall this section be construed in any way to preclude or limit the prosecution or conviction of any person for conspiracy under N.J.S.2C:5-2, or any prosecution or conviction for weapons offenses under the provisions of chapter 39 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, N.J.S.2C:41-2 (racketeering activities) or subsection g. of N.J.S.2C:5-2 (leader of organized crime).

It shall not be necessary in any prosecution under this section for the State to prove that any intended profit was actually realized. The trier of fact may infer that a particular scheme or course of conduct was undertaken for profit from all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to the number of persons involved in the scheme or course of conduct, the actor's net worth and his expenditures in relation to his legitimate sources of income, the amount of firearms involved, or the amount of cash or currency involved.

It shall not be a defense to a prosecution under this section that the firearms were brought into or transported in this State solely for ultimate distribution or dispensing in another jurisdiction; nor shall it be a defense that any profit was intended to be made in another jurisdiction.

L.1995,c.405,s.1.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection j. of N.J.S.2C:39-3, a retired law enforcement officer who is authorized to possess and carry a handgun pursuant to subsection l. of N.J.S.2C:39-6 may possess and carry a large capacity ammunition magazine which is capable of holding up to 15 rounds of ammunition that can be fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic handgun.

L.2018, c.39, s.3.

The provisions of P.L.2018, c.39 (C.2C:39-17 et al.) shall not apply to the possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine solely used as a prop for a motion picture, television, or video production, provided the large capacity ammunition magazine has been reconfigured to fire blank ammunition and remains under the control of a federal firearms license holder.

L.2018, c.39, s.4.

Except as provided in section 7 of P.L.2018, c.39 (C.2C:39-20), a person who legally owns a semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds or a large capacity ammunition magazine as defined under subsection y. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 which is capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition on the effective date of P.L.2018, c.39 (C.2C:39-17 et al.) may retain possession of that rifle or magazine for a period not to exceed 180 days after the effective date of this act. During this time period, the owner of the semi-automatic rifle or magazine shall:

Transfer the semi-automatic rifle or magazine to any person or firm lawfully entitled to own or possess that firearm or magazine;
Render the semi-automatic rifle or magazine inoperable or permanently modify a large capacity ammunition magazine to accept 10 rounds or less; or
Voluntarily surrender the semi-automatic rifle or magazine pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-12.

L.2018, c.39, s.5.

A person who legally owns a firearm as set forth in paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection prior to the effective date of P.L.2018, c.39 (C.2C:39-17 et al.) shall register that firearm within one year from the effective date:
1. a firearm with a fixed magazine capacity holding up to 15 rounds which is incapable of being modified to accommodate 10 or less rounds; or
2. a firearm which only accepts a detachable magazine with a capacity of up to 15 rounds which is incapable of being modified to accommodate 10 or less rounds.
In order to register the firearm pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the owner shall:
1. complete a registration statement, in the form to be prescribed by the Superintendent of the State Police; and
2. produce for inspection a valid firearms purchaser identification card, permit to carry a handgun, or permit to purchase a handgun.
The information provided in the registration statement established pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall include, but shall not be limited to: the name and address of the registrant; the number or numbers on the registrant's firearms purchaser identification card, permit to carry a handgun, or permit to purchase a handgun; and the make, model, and serial number of the firearm being registered. Each registration statement shall be signed by the registrant, and the signature shall constitute a representation of the accuracy of the information contained in the registration statement.
An applicant shall register the firearm in the law enforcement agency of the municipality in which the applicant resides or, if the municipality does not have a municipal law enforcement agency, any State Police station.
Within 60 days of the effective date of P.L.2018, c.39 (C.2C:39-17 et al.), the superintendent shall prepare the form of registration statement as described in subsection c. of this section and shall provide a suitable supply of statements to each organized full-time municipal police department and each State Police station.
One copy of the completed registration statement shall be returned to the registrant, a second copy shall be sent to the superintendent, and, if the registration takes place at a municipal police department, a third copy shall be retained by that municipal police department.
The heir or estate of an owner of a firearm which has been registered pursuant to this section shall within 90 days after the owner's death dispose of that firearm in accordance with section 5 of P.L.2018, c.39 (C.2C:39-19).

L.2018, c.39, s.7.

Registration.
Every manufacturer and wholesale dealer of firearms shall register with the superintendent as provided in this section.

No person shall engage in the business of, or act as a manufacturer or wholesale dealer of firearms, or manufacture or sell at wholesale any firearm, until he has so registered.

Applications for registration shall be made on such forms as shall be prescribed by the superintendent, and the applicant shall furnish such information and other particulars as may be prescribed by law or by any rules or regulations promulgated by the superintendent. Each application for registration or renewal shall be accompanied by a fee of $150.00.

The superintendent shall prescribe standards and qualifications for the registration of manufacturers and wholesalers of firearms, for the protection of the public safety, health and welfare. He shall refuse to register any applicant for registration unless he is satisfied that the applicant can be permitted to engage in business as a manufacturer or wholesale dealer of firearms without any danger to the public safety, health or welfare.

The superintendent shall issue a certificate of registration to every person registered under this section, and such certificate shall be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance.
Wholesale dealer's agent.
Every registered wholesale dealer of firearms shall cause each of his agents or employees actively engaged in the purchase or sale of firearms to be licensed with the superintendent as a wholesale dealer's agent. Applications for agents' licenses shall be submitted on such forms as shall be prescribed by the superintendent, and shall be signed by the registered wholesale dealer and by the agent. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee of $5.00, and each license shall be valid for so long as the agent or employee remains in the employ of the wholesale dealer and the wholesale dealer remains validly registered under this section. The superintendent shall prescribe standards and qualifications for licensed wholesale dealers' agents, for the protection of the public safety, health and welfare.
Revocation of certificate of registration or license.
The superintendent may, after reasonable notice to all affected parties and a hearing if requested, revoke any certificate of registration or agent's license if he finds that the registered or licensed person is no longer engaged in the business of manufacturing or wholesaling firearms in this State or that he can no longer be permitted to carry on such business without endangering the public safety, health or welfare. A certificate or license may be canceled at any time at the request of the registered or licensed person.
Appeals.
Any person aggrieved by the refusal of the superintendent to register him as a manufacturer or wholesale dealer or a wholesale dealer's agent, or by revocation of his certificate or license, may appeal to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.
Records of sales.
Every manufacturer and wholesale dealer shall keep a detailed record of each firearm sold by him.

The record shall include the date of sale, the name and address of the purchaser, a description of each firearm and the serial number thereof.

The records shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times by any law enforcement officer.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:58-1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

Licensing of retail dealers and their employees. No retail dealer of firearms nor any employee of a retail dealer shall sell or expose for sale, or possess with the intent of selling, any firearm unless licensed to do so as hereinafter provided. The superintendent shall prescribe standards and qualifications for retail dealers of firearms and their employees for the protection of the public safety, health and welfare.
Applications shall be made in the form prescribed by the superintendent, accompanied by a fee of $50 payable to the superintendent, and shall be made to a judge of the Superior Court in the county where the applicant maintains his place of business. The judge shall grant a license to an applicant if he finds that the applicant meets the standards and qualifications established by the superintendent and that the applicant can be permitted to engage in business as a retail dealer of firearms or employee thereof without any danger to the public safety, health and welfare. Each license shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance, and shall authorize the holder to sell firearms at retail in a specified municipality.

In addition, every retail dealer shall pay a fee of $5 for each employee actively engaged in the sale or purchase of firearms. The superintendent shall issue a license for each employee for whom said fee has been paid, which license shall be valid for so long as the employee remains in the employ of said retail dealer.

No license shall be granted to any retail dealer under the age of 21 years or to any employee of a retail dealer under the age of 18 or to any person who could not qualify to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, or to any corporation, partnership or other business organization in which the actual or equitable controlling interest is held or possessed by such an ineligible person.

All licenses shall be granted subject to the following conditions, for breach of any of which the license shall be subject to revocation on the application of any law enforcement officer and after notice and hearing by the issuing court:
1. The business shall be carried on only in the building or buildings designated in the license, provided that repairs may be made by the dealer or his employees outside of such premises.
2. The license or a copy certified by the issuing authority shall be displayed at all times in a conspicuous place on the business premises where it can be easily read.
3. No firearm or imitation thereof shall be placed in any window or in any other part of the premises where it can be readily seen from the outside.
4. No rifle or shotgun, except antique rifles or shotguns, shall be delivered to any person unless such person possesses and exhibits a valid firearms purchaser identification card and furnishes the seller, on the form prescribed by the superintendent, a certification signed by him setting forth his name, permanent address, firearms purchaser identification card number and such other information as the superintendent may by rule or regulation require. The certification shall be retained by the dealer and shall be made available for inspection by any law enforcement officer at any reasonable time.
5. No handgun shall be delivered to any person unless:
  1. Such person possesses and exhibits a valid permit to purchase a firearm and at least seven days have elapsed since the date of application for the permit;
  2. The person is personally known to the seller or presents evidence of his identity;
  3. The handgun is unloaded and securely wrapped;
  4. The handgun is accompanied by a trigger lock or a locked case, gun box, container or other secure facility; provided, however, this provision shall not apply to antique handguns or personalized handguns included in the roster pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.8). The exemptions afforded under this subparagraph for antique handguns and personalized handguns shall be narrowly construed, limited solely to the requirements set forth herein and shall not be deemed to afford or authorize any other exemption from the regulatory provisions governing firearms set forth in chapter 39 and chapter 58 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; and
  5. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2019, c.164)
6. The dealer shall keep a true record of every handgun sold, given or otherwise delivered or disposed of, in accordance with the provisions of subsections b. through e. of this section and the record shall note whether a trigger lock, locked case, gun box, container or other secure facility was delivered along with the handgun.
7. A dealer shall not knowingly deliver more than one handgun to any person within any 30-day period. This limitation shall not apply to:
  1. a federal, State, or local law enforcement officer or agency purchasing handguns for use by officers in the actual performance of their law enforcement duties;
  2. a collector of handguns as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921 (a) (13) who has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives;
  3. transfers of handguns among licensed retail dealers, registered wholesale dealers and registered manufacturers;
  4. any transaction where the person has purchased a handgun from a licensed retail dealer and has returned that handgun to the dealer in exchange for another handgun within 30 days of the original transaction, provided the retail dealer reports the exchange transaction to the superintendent; or
  5. any transaction where the superintendent issues an exemption from the prohibition in this subsection pursuant to the provisions of section 4 of P.L.2009, c.186 (C.2C:58-3.4).
Records.
Every person engaged in the retail business of selling, leasing or otherwise transferring a handgun, as a retail dealer or otherwise, shall keep a register in which shall be entered the time of the sale, lease or other transfer, the date thereof, the name, age, date of birth, complexion, occupation, residence and a physical description including distinguishing physical characteristics, if any, of the purchaser, lessee or transferee, the name and permanent home address of the person making the sale, lease or transfer, the place of the transaction, and the make, model, manufacturer's number, caliber and other marks of identification on such handgun and such other information as the superintendent shall deem necessary for the proper enforcement of this chapter. The register shall be retained by the dealer and shall be made available at all reasonable hours for inspection by any law enforcement officer.
Forms of register.
The superintendent shall prepare the form of the register as described in subsection b. of this section and furnish the same in triplicate to each person licensed to be engaged in the business of selling, leasing or otherwise transferring firearms.
Signatures in register.
The purchaser, lessee or transferee of any handgun shall sign, and the dealer shall require him to sign his name to the register, in triplicate, and the person making the sale, lease or transfer shall affix his name, in triplicate, as a witness to the signature. The signatures shall constitute a representation of the accuracy of the information contained in the register.
Copies of register entries; delivery to chief of police or county clerk. Within five days of the date of the sale, assignment or transfer, the dealer shall deliver or mail by certified mail, return receipt requested, legible copies of the register forms to the office of the chief of police of the municipality in which the purchaser resides, or to the office of the captain of the precinct of the municipality in which the purchaser resides, and to the superintendent. If hand delivered a receipt shall be given to the dealer therefor.

Where a sale, assignment or transfer is made to a purchaser who resides in a municipality having no chief of police, the dealer shall, within five days of the transaction, mail a duplicate copy of the register sheet to the clerk of the county within which the purchaser resides.

Amended 1979, c.179, s.10; 1999, c.233, s.5; 2002, c.130 s.6; 2009, c.104, s.1; 2009, c.168, s.1; 2009, c.186, s.1.

The Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall promulgate guidelines to effectuate the purposes of P.L.1999, c.233.

L.1999,c.233,s.6.

There is established in the Department of Law and Public Safety, a commission which shall be known as the Personalized Handgun Authorization Commission. The commission shall be responsible for establishing performance standards for personalized handguns and maintaining a roster of personalized handguns authorized for sale to the public pursuant to this act.
The commission shall consist of seven members as follows:
1. as ex-officio members, the Attorney General or a designee; the Superintendent of State Police or a designee; the Commissioner of Health or a designee;
2. as public members appointed by the Governor:
  1. one member of the American Academy of Pediatrics;
  2. one member who shall be a resident of this State who is a licensed firearms wholesaler, manufacturer, or retail dealer as defined in N.J.S.2C:39-1, or a resident of this State who is a representative of a New Jersey chapter of an organization that advocates for Second Amendment rights;
  3. one member who shall be a representative of an organization that advocates against handgun violence; and
  4. one member with substantial experience in radio frequency identification or biometric reading technology.
All appointments to the commission shall be made within six months of the effective date of this act. The chair of the commission shall be selected from among its members by the Governor. Members of the commission shall serve a term of four years from the date of their appointment and until their successors are appointed. Vacancies in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as members of the commission, and within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the commission for its purpose.
The commission shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes.
During the first year following the establishment of the commission, it shall meet monthly in order to comply with the provisions of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.7 et al.); thereafter, the commission shall meet once every six months or at the call of the chairman of the commission or the majority of its members.

L.2019, c.164, s.1.

As used in this act, "authorized user" means the lawful owner of a personalized handgun or person to whom the owner has given consent to use the personalized handgun.
The Personalized Handgun Authorization Commission shall maintain a roster of all personalized handguns approved by the commission as meeting the personalized handgun performance standards and qualifying criteria established pursuant to this section. The roster of approved personalized handguns shall be published on a website maintained by the New Jersey State Police and shall be updated as necessary. A copy of the roster shall be made available every six months to registered and licensed firearms dealers in this State.
Within one year of organizing, the commission shall develop personalized handgun performance standards and qualifying criteria which a personalized handgun shall meet in order to be placed on the personalized handgun roster.
The personalized handgun performance standards and qualifying criteria shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. the handgun shall be reasonably resistant to being fired by anyone other than the handgun's authorized user as defined in N.J.S.2C:39-1;
2. the personalized technology shall be incorporated into the design of the personalized handgun and shall be a permanent, irremovable part of the handgun and any device or object necessary for the authorized user to fire the handgun;
3. the personalized handgun shall not be manufactured so as to permit the personalized characteristics of the handgun to be readily deactivated; and
4. the personalized handgun shall meet any other reliability standards generally used in the industry for other commercially available handguns.
The commission shall recommend to the Attorney General any rule, regulation, guideline or revision thereto, or legislation which it deems necessary to establish a process by which handgun manufactures may request that their handguns be added to the roster established pursuant to this section.

L.2019, c.164, s.2.

A manufacturer or other entity seeking to include a handgun on the approved personalized handgun roster established pursuant to P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.7 et al.) may apply to the commission for a determination of whether the make and model of a handgun proposed by the applicant would meet the personalized handgun performance standards established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.8). The commission's determination shall be based upon testing conducted by an independent laboratory proposed by the applicant which has been accredited for the testing of firearms by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program or other national certifying body approved by the commission or, if the applicant does not propose an independent laboratory or if one is not approved or available, by the Division of State Police.
The commission shall approve an independent laboratory proposed by an applicant to perform the determination pursuant to subsection a. of this section if the commission is clearly convinced that the laboratory is capable of performing the determination and will be sufficiently objective making the determination, provided that the laboratory shall not be owned or operated by a handgun manufacturer or any other organization that seeks to promote or restrict handgun ownership.
The application for approval of an independent laboratory to perform the determination pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be in a form prescribed by the Attorney General, in consultation with the commission, and shall provide information regarding the laboratory's capabilities and objectivity.
If the commission approves the application, the laboratory shall utilize testing methods formulated by the commission to determine whether a handgun meets the personalized handgun performance standards and qualifying criteria established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.8).
The independent laboratory or Division of State Police, as the case may be, shall test a handgun within a reasonable amount of time following approval of the application by the commission. The test shall be conducted:
1. in accordance with the testing requirements formulated by the commission; and
2. at the expense of the manufacturer or other entity seeking to include the handgun on the approved personalized handgun roster established pursuant to P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.7 et al.).
The independent laboratory or Division of State Police, as the case may be, shall issue a final test report to the commission at the conclusion of the test. The report shall state whether the handgun meets the performance standards and qualifying criteria established by the commission.
The commission shall review the final test report and based on the report's findings shall issue, within 45 days of receiving the report, a final decision by majority vote as to whether the handgun should be included on the roster.
Upon making a final determination pursuant to subsection d. of this section, the commission shall notify, in writing, the applicant as to whether the handgun has been approved or denied for inclusion on the roster. A notification informing the applicant that a firearm has been denied shall be provided along with a written description of the reasons for which a handgun failed to meet the performance standards and qualifying criteria established by the commission as documented in the independent laboratory's report. Any alteration to the design of a make and model of handgun that has been approved for addition on the roster shall require a determination that the handgun continues to meet the performance standards and qualifying criteria established by the commission in accordance with the requirements of this section in order to include the altered design model of the handgun on the roster.

L.2019, c.164, s.3.

Within 60 days of the first personalized handgun being included on the roster established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.8), each licensed firearms retail dealer shall :
1. make available for purchase at least one personalized handgun approved by the commission and listed on the roster as eligible for sale;
2. post in one or more locations in the dealer's place or places of business in a conspicuous manner that makes them easily visible and accessible to customers:
  1. copies of the personalized handgun roster; and
  2. a sign that includes a clear and conspicuous statement disclosing the features of personalized handguns that are not offered by traditional handguns and advising customers that such firearms may be purchased through the licensed retail dealer; and
3. accept and process orders to enable customers to purchase through the licensed retail dealer any of the personalized handguns included on the roster.
A personalized handgun offered for sale by a licensed retail dealer pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section shall be displayed in a conspicuous manner that makes it easily visible to customers and distinguishable from other traditional handguns. A licensed retail dealer shall post a sign pursuant to subparagraph (b) of paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section in close proximity to each personalized handgun.
In the event that a licensed retail dealer's inventory of personalized handguns is depleted and there are no personalized handguns available for purchase on the premises, the licensed retail dealer shall:
1. place an order for at least one personalized handgun within 21 days of the sale of the last personalized handgun;
2. maintain written records of the retail dealer's efforts to place an order and maintain those records on the premises and allow them to be open for inspection at all times; and
3. post a sign on the premises indicating that personalized handguns are routinely sold on the retail dealer's premises and will soon be available for purchase.
A licensed firearms retail dealer shall not make any claim that a handgun has been approved by the commission as meeting the performance standards or qualifying criteria for personalized handguns if that handgun is not included on the roster established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.8).
The Superintendent of State Police shall designate officers to inspect the personalized handgun inventory and records of all licensed firearms retailers. The inspections shall be conducted at least once every two years at any time during the normal business hours of the firearm retailer's business.

L.2019, c.164, s.4.

A licensed retail dealer who violates section 4 of P.L.2019, c.164 (C.2C:58-2.10) shall be subject to the following penalties:
1. for a first offense, a fine of up to $500;
2. for a second offense, a fine of up to $1,000;
3. for a third or subsequent offense, a six month license suspension following notice to the licensed retail dealer and opportunity to be heard.
Any person who, without license or privilege to do so, tampers or attempts to tamper with a personalized handgun by intentionally interfering with the user-authorized functionality of the personalized technology shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

L.2019, c.164, s.5.

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall establish a suicide prevention course curriculum and suicide prevention informational materials for firearm retail dealers who sell firearms or operate a firing range in this State.
The Attorney General shall notify firearm retail dealers of the course curriculum established pursuant to subsection a. of this section and encourage their participation in a training course. The training course shall be made available by the Department of Law and Public Safety in a classroom setting or on an Internet website. The training course shall include:
1. methods to recognize signs of suicidal tendencies or characteristics in firearm purchasers or renters;
2. suicide intervention strategies to reduce the incidence of attempted and completed suicides among persons purchasing or renting a firearm; and
3. information regarding available community services and counseling programs developed to prevent suicide.
The Attorney General shall distribute the suicide prevention informational materials established pursuant to subsection a. of this section to each firearm retail dealer who sells firearms or operates a firing range in this State. The informational materials shall advise customers on methods to prevent firearms from being accessible to a friend or family member in crisis. A firearm retail dealer who sells firearms or operates a firing range shall make available the informational materials at each retail purchase counter.

L.2019, c.167.

Permit to purchase a handgun.
1. No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of, nor receive, purchase, or otherwise acquire a handgun unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder is licensed as a dealer under this chapter or has first secured a permit to purchase a handgun as provided by this section.
2. A person who is not a licensed retail dealer and sells, gives, transfers, assigns, or otherwise disposes of, or receives, purchases or otherwise acquires a handgun pursuant to this section shall conduct the transaction through a licensed retail dealer.
  The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply if the transaction is:
  1. between members of an immediate family as defined in subsection n. of this section;
  2. between law enforcement officers;
  3. between collectors of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, U.S.C. section 921 (a) (13) who have in their possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; or
  4. a temporary transfer pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1) or section 1 of P.L.1997, c.375 (C.2C:58-3.2).
3. Prior to a transaction conducted pursuant to this subsection, the retail dealer shall complete a National Instant Criminal Background Check of the person acquiring the handgun. In addition:
  1. the retail dealer shall submit to the Superintendent of State Police, on a form approved by the superintendent, information identifying and confirming the background check;
  2. every retail dealer shall maintain a record of transactions conducted pursuant to this subsection, which shall be maintained at the address displayed on the retail dealer's license for inspection by a law enforcement officer during reasonable hours;
  3. a retail dealer may charge a fee for a transaction conducted pursuant to this subsection; and
  4. any record produced pursuant to this subsection shall not be considered a public record pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) or P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.).
Firearms purchaser identification card.
1. No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of nor receive, purchase or otherwise acquire an antique cannon or a rifle or shotgun, other than an antique rifle or shotgun, unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder is licensed as a dealer under this chapter or possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card, and first exhibits the card to the seller, donor, transferor or assignor, and unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder signs a written certification, on a form prescribed by the superintendent, which shall indicate that he presently complies with the requirements of subsection c. of this section and shall contain his name, address and firearms purchaser identification card number or dealer's registration number. The certification shall be retained by the seller, as provided in paragraph (4) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:58-2, or, in the case of a person who is not a dealer, it may be filed with the chief of police of the municipality in which he resides or with the superintendent.
2. A person who is not a licensed retail dealer and sells, gives, transfers, assigns, or otherwise disposes of, or receives, purchases or otherwise acquires an antique cannon or a rifle or shotgun pursuant to this section shall conduct the transaction through a licensed retail dealer.
  The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply if the transaction is:
  1. between members of an immediate family as defined in subsection n. of this section;
  2. between law enforcement officers;
  3. etween collectors of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, U.S.C. section 921 (a) (13) who have in their possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; or
  4. a temporary transfer pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1) and section 1 of P.L.1997, c.375 (C.2C:58-3.2).
3. Prior to a transaction conducted pursuant to this subsection, the retail dealer shall complete a National Instant Criminal Background Check of the person acquiring an antique cannon or a rifle or shotgun. In addition:
  1. the retail dealer shall submit to the Superintendent of State Police, on a form approved by the superintendent, information identifying and confirming the background check;
  2. every retail dealer shall maintain a record of transactions conducted pursuant to this section which shall be maintained at the address set forth on the retail dealer's license for inspection by a law enforcement officer during reasonable hours;
  3. a retail dealer may charge a fee for a transaction conducted pursuant to this subsection; and
  4. any record produced pursuant to this subsection shall not be considered a public record pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) or P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.).
Who may obtain. No person of good character and good repute in the community in which he lives, and who is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in this section or other sections of this chapter, shall be denied a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, except as hereinafter set forth. No handgun purchase permit or firearms purchaser identification card shall be issued:
1. To any person who has been convicted of any crime, or a disorderly persons offense involving an act of domestic violence as defined in section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19), whether or not armed with or possessing a weapon at the time of the offense;
2. To any drug dependent person as defined in section 2 of P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-2), to any person who is confined for a mental disorder to a hospital, mental institution or sanitarium, or to any person who is presently an habitual drunkard;
3. To any person who suffers from a physical defect or disease which would make it unsafe for him to handle firearms, to any person who has ever been confined for a mental disorder, or to any alcoholic unless any of the foregoing persons produces a certificate of a medical doctor or psychiatrist licensed in New Jersey, or other satisfactory proof, that he is no longer suffering from that particular disability in a manner that would interfere with or handicap him in the handling of firearms; to any person who knowingly falsifies any information on the application form for a handgun purchase permit or firearms purchaser identification card;
4. To any person under the age of 18 years for a firearms purchaser identification card and to any person under the age of 21 years for a permit to purchase a handgun;
5. To any person where the issuance would not be in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare;
6. To any person who is subject to a restraining order issued pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.) prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm;
7. To any person who as a juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime and the offense involved the unlawful use or possession of a weapon, explosive or destructive device or is enumerated in subsection d. of section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2);
8. To any person whose firearm is seized pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.) and whose firearm has not been returned; or
9. To any person who is subject to a court order prohibiting the custody, control, ownership, purchase, possession, or receipt of a firearm or ammunition issued pursuant to the "Extreme Risk Protective Order Act of 2018," P.L.2018, c.35 (C.2C:58-20 et al.).
Issuance.
The chief of police of an organized full-time police department of the municipality where the applicant resides or the superintendent, in all other cases, shall upon application, issue to any person qualified under the provisions of subsection c. of this section a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card.

Any person aggrieved by the denial of a permit or identification card may request a hearing in the Superior Court of the county in which he resides if he is a resident of New Jersey or in the Superior Court of the county in which his application was filed if he is a nonresident. The request for a hearing shall be made in writing within 30 days of the denial of the application for a permit or identification card. The applicant shall serve a copy of his request for a hearing upon the chief of police of the municipality in which he resides, if he is a resident of New Jersey, and upon the superintendent in all cases. The hearing shall be held and a record made thereof within 30 days of the receipt of the application for a hearing by the judge of the Superior Court. No formal pleading and no filing fee shall be required as a preliminary to a hearing. Appeals from the results of a hearing shall be in accordance with law.
Applications.
Applications for permits to purchase a handgun and for firearms purchaser identification cards shall be in the form prescribed by the superintendent and shall set forth the name, residence, place of business, age, date of birth, occupation, sex and physical description, including distinguishing physical characteristics, if any, of the applicant, and shall state whether the applicant is a citizen, whether he is an alcoholic, habitual drunkard, drug dependent person as defined in section 2 of P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-2), whether he has ever been confined or committed to a mental institution or hospital for treatment or observation of a mental or psychiatric condition on a temporary, interim or permanent basis, giving the name and location of the institution or hospital and the dates of confinement or commitment, whether he has been attended, treated or observed by any doctor or psychiatrist or at any hospital or mental institution on an inpatient or outpatient basis for any mental or psychiatric condition, giving the name and location of the doctor, psychiatrist, hospital or institution and the dates of the occurrence, whether he presently or ever has been a member of any organization which advocates or approves the commission of acts of force and violence to overthrow the Government of the United States or of this State, or which seeks to deny others their rights under the Constitution of either the United States or the State of New Jersey, whether he has ever been convicted of a crime or disorderly persons offense, whether the person is subject to a restraining order issued pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.) prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm, whether the person is subject to a protective order issued pursuant to the "Extreme Risk Protective Order Act of 2018," P.L.2018, c.35 (C.2C:58-20 et al.) prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm, and other information as the superintendent shall deem necessary for the proper enforcement of this chapter. For the purpose of complying with this subsection, the applicant shall waive any statutory or other right of confidentiality relating to institutional confinement. The application shall be signed by the applicant and shall contain as references the names and addresses of two reputable citizens personally acquainted with him.

Application blanks shall be obtainable from the superintendent, from any other officer authorized to grant a permit or identification card, and from licensed retail dealers.

The chief police officer or the superintendent shall obtain the fingerprints of the applicant and shall have them compared with any and all records of fingerprints in the municipality and county in which the applicant resides and also the records of the State Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, provided that an applicant for a handgun purchase permit who possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card, or who has previously obtained a handgun purchase permit from the same licensing authority for which he was previously fingerprinted, and who provides other reasonably satisfactory proof of his identity, need not be fingerprinted again; however, the chief police officer or the superintendent shall proceed to investigate the application to determine whether or not the applicant has become subject to any of the disabilities set forth in this chapter.
Granting of permit or identification card; fee; term; renewal; revocation.
The application for the permit to purchase a handgun together with a fee of $2, or the application for the firearms purchaser identification card together with a fee of $5, shall be delivered or forwarded to the licensing authority who shall investigate the same and, unless good cause for the denial thereof appears, shall grant the permit or the identification card, or both, if application has been made therefor, within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application for residents of this State and within 45 days for nonresident applicants.

A permit to purchase a handgun shall be valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance and may be renewed by the issuing authority for good cause for an additional 90 days.

A firearms purchaser identification card shall be valid until such time as the holder becomes subject to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of this section, whereupon the card shall be void and shall be returned within five days by the holder to the superintendent, who shall then advise the licensing authority. Failure of the holder to return the firearms purchaser identification card to the superintendent within the five days shall be an offense under subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-10. Any firearms purchaser identification card may be revoked by the Superior Court of the county wherein the card was issued, after hearing upon notice, upon a finding that the holder thereof no longer qualifies for the issuance of the permit. The county prosecutor of any county, the chief police officer of any municipality or any citizen may apply to the court at any time for the revocation of the card.

There shall be no conditions or requirements added to the form or content of the application, or required by the licensing authority for the issuance of a permit or identification card, other than those that are specifically set forth in this chapter.
Disposition of fees.
All fees for permits shall be paid to the State Treasury if the permit is issued by the superintendent, to the municipality if issued by the chief of police, and to the county treasurer if issued by the judge of the Superior Court.
Form of permit; quadruplicate; disposition of copies. The permit shall be in the form prescribed by the superintendent and shall be issued to the applicant in quadruplicate. Prior to the time he receives the handgun from the seller, the applicant shall deliver to the seller the permit in quadruplicate and the seller shall complete all of the information required on the form. Within five days of the date of the sale, the seller shall forward the original copy to the superintendent and the second copy to the chief of police of the municipality in which the purchaser resides, except that in a municipality having no chief of police, the copy shall be forwarded to the superintendent. The third copy shall then be returned to the purchaser with the pistol or revolver and the fourth copy shall be kept by the seller as a permanent record.
Restriction on number of firearms person may purchase. Only one handgun shall be purchased or delivered on each permit and no more than one handgun shall be purchased within any 30-day period, but this limitation shall not apply to:
1. a federal, State or local law enforcement officer or agency purchasing handguns for use by officers in the actual performance of their law enforcement duties;
2. a collector of handguns as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921 (a) (13) who has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives;
3. transfers of handguns among licensed retail dealers, registered wholesale dealers and registered manufacturers
4. transfers of handguns from any person to a licensed retail dealer or a registered wholesale dealer or registered manufacturer.
5. any transaction where the person has purchased a handgun from a licensed retail dealer and has returned that handgun to the dealer in exchange for another handgun within 30 days of the original transaction, provided the retail dealer reports the exchange transaction to the superintendent; or
6. any transaction where the superintendent issues an exemption from the prohibition in this subsection pursuant to the provisions of section 4 of P.L.2009, c.186 (C.2C:58-3.4).
The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to afford or authorize any other exemption from the regulatory provisions governing firearms set forth in chapter 39 and chapter 58 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes;

A person shall not be restricted as to the number of rifles or shotguns he may purchase, provided he possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card and provided further that he signs the certification required in subsection b. of this section for each transaction.
Firearms passing to heirs or legatees. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section concerning the transfer, receipt or acquisition of a firearm, a permit to purchase or a firearms purchaser identification card shall not be required for the passing of a firearm upon the death of an owner thereof to his heir or legatee, whether the same be by testamentary bequest or by the laws of intestacy. The person who shall so receive, or acquire the firearm shall, however, be subject to all other provisions of this chapter. If the heir or legatee of the firearm does not qualify to possess or carry it, he may retain ownership of the firearm for the purpose of sale for a period not exceeding 180 days, or for a further limited period as may be approved by the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the heir or legatee resides or the superintendent, provided that the firearm is in the custody of the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or the superintendent during that period.
Sawed-off shotguns. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the purchase or possession of any sawed-off shotgun.
Nothing in this section and in N.J.S.2C:58-2 shall apply to the sale or purchase of a visual distress signalling device approved by the United States Coast Guard, solely for possession on a private or commercial aircraft or any boat; provided, however, that no person under the age of 18 years shall purchase nor shall any person sell to a person under the age of 18 years a visual distress signalling device.
The provisions of subsections a. and b. of this section and paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:58-2 shall not apply to the purchase of firearms by a law enforcement agency for use by law enforcement officers in the actual performance of the officers' official duties, which purchase may be made directly from a manufacturer or from a licensed dealer located in this State or any other state.
For the purposes of this section, "immediate family" means a spouse, domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), partner in a civil union couple as defined in section 2 of P.L.2006, c.103 (C.37:1-29), parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, stepsibling, child, stepchild, and grandchild, as related by blood or by law.

Amended 1979, c.179, s.11; 1981, c.363, s.2; 1982, c.173, s.2; 1983, c.479, s.4; 1991, c.261, s.19; 2000, c.145, s.1; 2001, c.3, s.1; 2003, c.73; 2003, c.277, s.4; 2009, c.104, s.2; 2009, c.186, s.2; 2013, c.114; 2016 c. 74; 2018, c.35, s.14; 2018, c.36, s.1.

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-9, N.J.S.2C:58-2, N.J.S.2C:58-3 or any other statute to the contrary concerning the transfer or disposition of firearms, the legal owner, or a dealer licensed under N.J.S.2C:58-2, may temporarily transfer a handgun, rifleor shotgun to another person who is 18 years of age or older, whether or not the person receiving the firearm holds a firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to carry a handgun. The person to whom a handgun, rifle or shotgun is temporarily transferred by the legal owner of the firearm or a licensed dealer may receive, possess, carry and use that handgun, rifle or shotgun, if the transfer is made upon a firing range operated by a licensed dealer, by a law enforcement agency, a legally recognized military organization or a rifle or pistol club which has filed a copy of its charter with the superintendent and annually submits to the superintendent a list of its members and if the firearm is received, possessed, carried and used for the sole purpose of target practice, trap or skeet shooting, or competition upon that firing range or instruction and training at any location.
  A transfer under this subsection shall be for not more than eight consecutive hours in any 24-hour period and may be made for a set fee or an hourly charge.
  
  The firearm shall be handled and used by the person to whom it is temporarily transferred only in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of the legal owner of the firearm, the dealer who transferred the firearm or any other person competent to supervise the handling and use of firearms and authorized to act for that purpose by the legal owner or licensed dealer. The legal owner of the firearm or the licensed dealer shall be on the premises or the property of the firing range during the entire time that the firearm is in the possession of the person to whom it is temporarily transferred.
  
  The term "legal owner" as used in this subsection means a natural person and does not include an organization, commercial enterprise, or a licensed manufacturer, wholesaler or dealer of firearms.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-9, N.J.S.2C:58-2, N.J.S.2C:58-3 or any other statute to the contrary concerning the transfer and disposition of firearms, a legal owner of a shotgun or a rifle may temporarily transfer that firearm to another person who is 18 years of age or older, whether or not the person receiving the firearm holds a firearms purchaser identification card. The person to whom a shotgun or rifle is temporarily transferred by the legal owner may receive, possess, carry and use that shotgun or rifle in the woods or fields or upon the waters of this State for the purposes of hunting if the transfer is made in the woods or fields or upon the waters of this State, the shotgun or rifle is legal and appropriate for hunting and the person to whom the firearm is temporarily transferred possesses a valid license to hunt with a firearm, and a valid rifle permit if the firearm is a rifle, obtained in accordance with the provisions of chapter 3 of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes.
  The transfer of a firearm under this subsection shall be for not more than eight consecutive hours in any 24-hour period and no fee shall be charged for the transfer.
  
  The legal owner of the firearm which is temporarily transferred shall remain in the actual presence or in the vicinity of the person to whom it was transferred during the entire time that the firearm is in that person's possession.
  
  The term "legal owner" as used in this subsection means a natural person and does not include an organization, commercial enterprise, or a licensed manufacturer, wholesaler or dealer of firearms.
3. No firearm shall be temporarily transferred or received under the provisions of subsections a. or b. of this section for the purposes described in section 1 of P.L.1983, c.229 (C.2C:39-14).
4. An owner or dealer shall not transfer a firearm to any person pursuant to the provisions of this section if the owner or dealer knows the person does not meet the qualifications set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 for obtaining or holding a firearms purchaser identification card or a handgun purchase permit. A person shall not receive, possess, carry or use a firearm pursuant to the provisions of this section if the person knows he does not meet the qualifications set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 for obtaining or holding a firearms purchaser identification card or a handgun purchase permit.

L.1992,c.74,s.1; amended 2000, c.145, s.4.

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-9, N.J.S.2C:58-2, N.J.S.2C:58-3 or any other statute to the contrary, a person who is certified as an instructor in the use, handling and maintenance of firearms by the Police Training Commission, the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife and the State Park Service in the Department of Environmental Protection, the Director of Civilian Marksmanship of the United States Department of the Army or by a recognized rifle or pistol association that certifies instructors may transfer a firearm temporarily in accordance with the terms of this section to a person participating in a training course for the use, handling and maintenance of firearms by the Police Training Commission, the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, the Director of Civilian Marksmanship or by a recognized rifle or pistol association that certifies instructors. The person to whom a firearm is transferred by a certified instructor in accordance with the terms of this section may receive, possess, carry and use the firearm temporarily during the sessions of the course for the purpose of training and participating in the course.
2. A transfer of a firearm under this section may be made only if:
  1. the transfer is made upon a firearms range or, if the firearm is unloaded, in an area designated and appropriate for the training;
  2. the transfer is made during the sessions of the firearms course for the sole purpose of participating in the course;
  3. the transfer is made for not more than eight consecutive hours in any 24-hour period; and
  4. the transferred firearm is used and handled only in the actual presence and under the direct supervision of the instructor.
3. The transfer permitted by this section may be made whether or not the person participating in the course holds a firearms license, firearms purchaser identification card or a handgun purchase permit. However, an instructor shall not knowingly transfer a firearm under the terms of this section to a person who does not meet the qualifications set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 for obtaining or holding a firearms purchaser identification card or a handgun purchase permit, and a person who knows that he does not meet such qualifications shall not receive the transferred firearm under the terms of this section.
4. No firearm shall be transferred or received under the provisions of this section for purposes described in section 1 of P.L.1983, c.229 (C.2C:39-14).

L.1997,c.375,s.1.

1. As used in this act, "handgun ammunition" means ammunition specifically designed to be used only in a handgun. "Handgun ammunition" shall not include blank ammunition, air gun pellets, flare gun ammunition, nail gun ammunition, paint ball ammunition, or any non-fixed ammunition.
2. No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of, or receive, purchase, or otherwise acquire handgun ammunition unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder is licensed as a manufacturer, wholesaler, or dealer under this chapter or is the holder of and possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card, a valid copy of a permit to purchase a handgun, or a valid permit to carry a handgun and first exhibits such card or permit to the seller, donor, transferor or assignor.
3. No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of handgun ammunition to a person who is under 21 years of age.
4. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a collector of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics who purchases, receives, acquires, possesses, or transfers handgun ammunition which is recognized as being historical in nature or of historical significance.
5. A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, except that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit the sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of handgun ammunition to or the purchase, receipt or acceptance of ammunition by a law enforcement agency or law enforcement official for law enforcement purposes.
6. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the transfer of ammunition for use in a lawfully transferred firearm in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1), section 1 of P.L.1997, c.375 (C.2C:58-3.2) or section 14 of P.L.1979, c.179 (C.2C:58-6.1).
7. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the sale of a de minimis amount of handgun ammunition at a firearms range operated by a licensed dealer; a law enforcement agency; a legally recognized military organization; or a rifle or pistol club which has filed a copy of its charter with the superintendent for immediate use at that range.

L.2007, c.318, s.1.

4.

The superintendent may grant an exemption from the restriction on the purchase of handguns set forth in subsection i. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 if the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the superintendent that the applicant's request meets one of the following conditions:
1. The application is to purchase multiple handguns from a person who obtained the handguns through inheritance or intestacy;
2. The applicant is a collector of handguns and has a need to purchase or otherwise receive multiple handguns in the same transaction or within a 30-day period in furtherance of the applicant's collecting activities.
  As used in this paragraph, "need" shall include, but not be limited to, situations where there is a reasonable likelihood that the additional handguns sought to be purchased would not be readily available after the 30-day period, that it would not be feasible or practical to purchase the handguns separately, or that prohibiting the purchase of more than one handgun within a 30-day period would have a materially adverse impact on the applicant's ability to enhance his collection.
  
  As used in this paragraph, "collector" shall include any person who devotes time and attention to acquiring firearms for the enhancement of the person's collection: as curios; for inheritance; for historical, investment, training and competitive, recreational, educational, scientific, or defensive purposes; or any or other lawful related purpose.
  
  If an applicant is a member of an organized gun club; firearms competitors organization; firearms collectors organization; or any other organization dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, or use of firearms for historical, investment, training and competitive, recreational, educational, scientific, or defensive purposes, or any other lawful related purpose, such membership shall be considered in determining whether the applicant qualifies as a collector; or
3. The applicant participates in sanctioned handgun shooting competitions and needs to purchase or otherwise receive multiple handguns in a single transaction or within a 30-day period, and the need is related to the applicant's competitive shooting activities, including use in or training for sanctioned competitions.
The applicant shall certify, on a form prescribed by the superintendent, the specific exemption sought and the particular handguns to be purchased. This form shall be submitted to the superintendent at the same time as the permit to purchase a handgun, along with any pertinent documentation supporting the need for an exemption. If the information concerning the particular handguns to be purchased is not available when the form is submitted, that information shall be provided to the superintendent as soon as practicable thereafter. The superintendent shall consider the veracity, accuracy, and completeness of the information provided in determining whether the applicant meets the requirements for an exemption pursuant to this section. In considering whether an applicant qualifies as a collector under paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section, the superintendent shall not consider the number of guns in the applicant's collection. In considering an exemption sought under paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section, the superintendent shall not consider the merit or validity of the applicant's collecting activities.
The superintendent shall not grant an exemption if he finds a reasonable likelihood that the public safety would be endangered by granting the exemption, including but not limited to instances where the applicant may be purchasing a handgun to give, sell or distribute to a person who would not qualify to purchase or otherwise acquire a handgun under the provisions of this chapter.

The exemptions set forth in this section shall not be construed and are not intended to authorize multiple handgun purchases where the sole justification set forth by the applicant is that the seller offers a discount for the purchase of more than one handgun.
Any person aggrieved by the denial of a request for an exemption pursuant to this paragraph may request a hearing in the Superior Court. The request for a hearing shall be made within 30 days of the denial of the application for an exemption. The applicant shall serve a copy of his request for a hearing upon the superintendent. The hearing shall be held and a record made thereof within 30 days of the receipt for the application for such a hearing by the judge of the Superior Court. The judge shall grant the request for the exemption if the judge finds that the denial of the applicant's request was an abuse of discretion, arbitrary or capricious, or a misapplication of the requirements for an exemption as a matter of law.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the superintendent may adopt, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such temporary regulations as the superintendent deems necessary to implement the provisions of P.L.2009, c.186 (C.2C:58-3.4 et al.). The regulations so adopted shall be effective for a period not to exceed 270 days from the date of the filing, but in no case shall those regulations be in effect one year after the effective date of P.L.2009, c.186 (C.2C:58-3.4 et al.). The regulations may thereafter be amended, adopted or readopted by the superintendent as the superintendent deems necessary in accordance with the requirements of the "Administrative Procedure Act."

L.2009, c.186, s.4.

Scope and duration of authority.
Any person who holds a valid permit to carry a handgun issued pursuant to this section shall be authorized to carry a handgun in all parts of this State, except as prohibited by subsection e. of N.J.S.2C:39-5. One permit shall be sufficient for all handguns owned by the holder thereof, but the permit shall apply only to a handgun carried by the actual and legal holder of the permit.

All permits to carry handguns shall expire two years from the date of issuance or, in the case of an employee of an armored car company, upon termination of his employment by the company occurring prior thereto whichever is earlier in time, and they may thereafter be renewed every two years in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as in the case of original applications.
Application forms.
All applications for permits to carry handguns, and all applications for renewal of permits, shall be made on the forms prescribed by the superintendent. Each application shall set forth the full name, date of birth, sex, residence, occupation, place of business or employment, and physical description of the applicant, and any other information the superintendent may prescribe for the determination of the applicant's eligibility for a permit and for the proper enforcement of this chapter. The application shall be signed by the applicant under oath, and shall be indorsed by three reputable persons who have known the applicant for at least three years preceding the date of application, and who shall certify thereon that the applicant is a person of good moral character and behavior.
Investigation and approval.
1. Each application shall in the first instance be submitted to the chief police officer of the municipality in which the applicant resides, or to the superintendent,
  1. if the applicant is an employee of an armored car company, or
  2. if there is no chief police officer in the municipality where the applicant resides, or
  3. if the applicant does not reside in this State.
    The chief police officer, or the superintendent, as the case may be, shall cause the fingerprints of the applicant to be taken and compared with any and all records maintained by the municipality, the county in which it is located, the State Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Identification. He shall also determine and record a complete description of each handgun the applicant intends to carry.
  No application shall be approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent unless the applicant demonstrates that he is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3, that he is thoroughly familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns, and that he has a justifiable need to carry a handgun.
  
  Each application form shall be accompanied by a written certification of justifiable need to carry a handgun, which shall be under oath and, in the case of a private citizen, shall specify in detail the urgent necessity for self-protection, as evidenced by specific threats or previous attacks which demonstrate a special danger to the applicant's life that cannot be avoided by means other than by issuance of a permit to carry a handgun. Where possible, the applicant shall corroborate the existence of any specific threats or previous attacks by reference to reports of the incidents to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
  
  If the application is not approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent within 60 days of filing, it shall be deemed to have been approved, unless the applicant agrees to an extension of time in writing.
Issuance by Superior Court; fee.
If the application has been approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent, as the case may be, the applicant shall forthwith present it to the Superior Court of the county in which the applicant resides, or to the Superior Court in any county where he intends to carry a handgun, in the case of a nonresident or employee of an armored car company. The court shall issue the permit to the applicant if, but only if, it is satisfied that the applicant is a person of good character who is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in section subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3, that he is thoroughly familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns, and that he has a justifiable need to carry a handgun in accordance with the provisions of subsection c. of this section. The court may at its discretion issue a limited-type permit which would restrict the applicant as to the types of handguns he may carry and where and for what purposes the handguns may be carried. At the time of issuance, the applicant shall pay to the county clerk of the county where the permit was issued a permit fee of $20.
Appeals from denial of applications.
Any person aggrieved by the denial by the chief police officer or the superintendent of approval for a permit to carry a handgun may request a hearing in the Superior Court of the county in which he resides or in any county in which he intends to carry a handgun, in the case of a nonresident, by filing a written request for a hearing within 30 days of the denial. Copies of the request shall be served upon the superintendent, the county prosecutor and the chief police officer of the municipality where the applicant resides, if he is a resident of this State. The hearing shall be held within 30 days of the filing of the request, and no formal pleading or filing fee shall be required. Appeals from the determination at the hearing shall be in accordance with law and the rules governing the courts of this State.

If the superintendent or chief police officer approves an application and the Superior Court denies the application and refuses to issue a permit, the applicant may appeal the denial in accordance with law and the rules governing the courts of this State.
Revocation of permits.
Any permit issued under this section shall be void at the time the holder thereof becomes subject to any of the disabilities set forth in section subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3, and the holder of a void permit shall immediately surrender the permit to the superintendent who shall give notice to the licensing authority.

Any permit may be revoked by the Superior Court, after hearing upon notice to the holder, if the court finds that the holder is no longer qualified for the issuance of a permit. The county prosecutor of any county, the chief police officer of any municipality, the superintendent or any citizen may apply to the court at any time for the revocation of any permit issued pursuant to this section.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:58-4, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 179, s. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1981, c. 135, s. 1; 2018, c.37.

Any person who desires to purchase, possess and carry a machine gun or assault firearm in this State may apply for a license to do so by filing in the Superior Court in the county in which he resides, or conducts his business if a nonresident, a written application setting forth in detail his reasons for desiring such a license. The Superior Court shall refer the application to the county prosecutor for investigation and recommendation. A copy of the prosecutor's report, together with a copy of the notice of the hearing on the application, shall be served upon the superintendent and the chief police officer of every municipality in which the applicant intends to carry the machine gun or assault firearm, unless, for good cause shown, the court orders notice to be given wholly or in part by publication.
No license shall be issued to any person who would not qualify for a permit to carry a handgun under section 2C:58-4, and no license shall be issued unless the court finds that the public safety and welfare so require. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the court in granting or denying an application, including the applicant, the prosecutor, or any law enforcement officer entitled to notice under subsection a. who appeared in opposition to the application, may appeal said decision in accordance with law and the rules governing the courts of this State.
Upon the issuance of any license under this section, true copies of such license shall be filed with the superintendent and the chief police officer of the municipality where the licensee resides or has his place of business.
In issuing any license under this section, the court shall attach thereto such conditions and limitations as it deems to be in the public interest. Unless otherwise provided by court order at the time of issuance, each license shall expire one year from the date of issuance, and may be renewed in the same manner and under the same conditions as apply to original applications.
Any license may be revoked by the Superior Court, after a hearing upon notice to the holder thereof, if the court finds that the holder is no longer qualified for the issuance of such a license or that revocation is necessary for the public safety and welfare. Any citizen may apply to the court for revocation of a license issued under this section.
A filing fee of $75.00 shall be required for each application filed pursuant to the provisions of this section. Of this filing fee, $25.00 shall be forwarded to the State Treasury for deposit in the account used by the Violent Crimes Compensation Board in satisfying claims and for related administrative costs pursuant to the provisions of the "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.).
Any license granted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall expire two years from the date of issuance and may be renewed in the same manner and under the same conditions as apply to original applications. If the holder of a license dies, the holder's heirs or estate shall have 90 days to dispose of that firearm as provided in section 12 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-13).
If an assault firearm licensed pursuant to the provisions of this section is used in the commission of a crime, the holder of the license for that assault firearm shall be civilly liable for any damages resulting from that crime. The liability imposed by this subsection shall not apply if the assault firearm used in the commission of the crime was stolen and the license holder reported the theft of the firearm to law enforcement authorities within 24 hours of the license holder's knowledge of the theft.
Nothing in P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12 et al.) shall be construed to abridge any exemptions provided under N.J.S.2C:39-6.

L.1978, c.95; amended 1979,c.179,s.13; 1990,c.32,s.9.

14.

No person under the age of 18 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a firearm and no person under the age of 21 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a handgun, unless the person is authorized to possess the handgun in connection with the performance of official duties under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-6.
No person under the age of 18 years shall possess, carry, fire or use a firearm except as provided under paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) of this subsection; and, unless authorized in connection with the performance of official duties under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-6, no person under the age of 21 years shall possess, carry, fire or use a handgun except under the following circumstances:
1. In the actual presence or under the direct supervision of his father, mother or guardian, or some other person who holds a permit to carry a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, as the case may be; or
2. For the purpose of military drill under the auspices of a legally recognized military organization and under competent supervision; or
3. For the purpose of competition, target practice, instruction, and training in and upon a firing range approved by the governing body of the municipality in which the range is located or the National Rifle Association and which is under competent supervision at the time of such supervision or target practice or instruction and training at any location; or
4. For the purpose of hunting during the regularly designated hunting season, provided that he possesses a valid hunting license and has successfully completed a hunter's safety course taught by a qualified instructor or conservation officer and possesses a certificate indicating the successful completion of such a course.
A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section the fact that the act would not constitute a crime if committed by an adult shall not be deemed to prohibit or require waiver of family court jurisdiction pursuant to N.J.S.2C:4-11 or to preclude a finding of delinquency under the "New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice," P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-20 et seq.), P.L.1982, c.79 (C.2A:4A-60 et seq.), P.L.1982, c.80 (C.2A:4A-76 et seq.) and P.L.1982, c.81 (C.2A:4A-70 et seq.).

L.1979,c.179,s.14; amended 1980, c.52; 2000, c.145, s.3; 2013, c.108, s.2.

Any person who becomes the possessor of any explosive, destructive device, or ammunition therefor, which is or may be loaded or otherwise dangerous, except such as is possessed for any lawful commercial or other purpose in connection with which the use of explosives is authorized or as is authorized in subsection d. of N.J.S. 2C:39-6, shall within 15 days notify the police authorities of the municipality in which he resides or the State Police that the same is in his possession and shall present the same to them for inspection.
When any such ammunition, explosive or destructive device is presented for inspection it shall be inspected to ascertain whether or not it is loaded or of a dangerous character, and if it is found to be loaded or of dangerous character, it shall be destroyed or be unloaded or so processed as to remove its dangerous character before being returned to the possessor.
Any police officer having reasonable cause to believe that any person is possessed of any such ammunition, explosive, or destructive device shall investigate, under a proper search warrant when necessary, and shall seize the same for the purpose of inspection, unloading, processing or destruction, as provided in this section, and the same shall not be returned to the possessor thereof until it has been unloaded or so processed.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:58-7, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1983, c. 479, s. 5, eff. Jan. 12, 1984.

No incendiary or tracer type ammunition shall be discharged anywhere in this State except for law enforcement purposes by law enforcement officers in the course of their official duties or by members of legally recognized military organizations during the actual course of their official duties in or upon military establishments or ranges constructed or maintained for such purposes. Nonincendiary shotgun tracer ammunition may, however, be used on a trap or skeet field for target purposes. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the carrying or possession for distress signal purposes of a visual distress signalling device approved by the United States Coast Guard aboard a private or commercial aircraft or any boat.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:58-10, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1982, c. 173, s. 3, eff. Nov. 12, 1982.

Within 90 days of the effective date of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12 et al.), the Attorney General shall promulgate a list by trade name of any assault firearm which the Attorney General determines is an assault firearm which is used for legitimate target-shooting purposes. This list shall include, but need not be limited to, the Colt AR-15 and any other assault firearm used in competitive shooting matches sanctioned by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship of the United States Department of the Army.
The owner of an assault firearm purchased on or before May 1, 1990 which is on the list of assault firearms determined by the Attorney General to be legitimate for target-shooting purposes shall have one year from the effective date of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12 et al.) to register that firearm. In order to register an assault firearm, the owner shall:
1. Complete an assault firearm registration statement, in the form to be prescribed by the Superintendent of the State Police;
2. Pay a registration fee of $50.00 per each assault firearm;
3. Produce for inspection a valid firearms purchaser identification card, a valid permit to carry handguns, or a copy of the permit to purchase a handgun which was used to purchase the assault firearm which is being registered; and
4. Submit valid proof that the person is a member of a rifle or pistol club in existence prior to the effective date of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12 et al.).
Membership in a rifle or pistol club shall not be considered valid unless the person joined the club no later than 210 days after the effective date of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12 et al.) and unless the rifle or pistol club files its charter with the Superintendent no later than 180 days following the effective date of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12 et al.). The rifle or pistol club charter shall contain the name and address of the club's headquarters and the name of the club's officers.

The information to be provided in the registration statement shall include, but shall not be limited to: the name and address of the registrant; the number or numbers on the registrant's firearms purchaser identification card, permit to carry handguns, or permit to purchase a handgun; the name, address, and telephone number of the rifle or pistol club in which the registrant is a member; and the make, model, and serial number of the assault firearm being registered. Each registration statement shall be signed by the registrant, and the signature shall constitute a representation of the accuracy of the information contained in the registration statement.
For an applicant who resides in a municipality with an organized full-time police department, the registration shall take place at the main office of the police department. For all other applicants, the registration shall take place at any State Police station.
Within 60 days of the effective date of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C-58-12 et al.), the Superintendent shall prepare the form of registration statement as described in subsection b. of this section and shall provide a suitable supply of statements to each organized full-time municipal police department and each State Police station.
One copy of the completed assault firearms registration statement shall be returned to the registrant, a second copy shall be sent to the Superintendent, and, if the registration takes place at a municipal police department, a third copy shall be retained by that municipal police department.
If the owner of an assault firearm which has been registered pursuant to this section dies, the owner's heirs or estate shall have 90 days to dispose of that firearm in accordance with section 12 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-13).
If an assault firearm registered pursuant to the provisions of this section is used in the commission of a crime, the registrant of that assault firearm shall be civilly liable for any damages resulting from that crime. The liability imposed by this subsection shall not apply if the assault firearm used in the commission of the crime was stolen and the registrant reported the theft of the firearm to law enforcement authorities within 24 hours of the registrant's knowledge of the theft.
Of the registration fee required pursuant to subsection b. of this section, $20.00 shall be forwarded to the State Treasury for deposit in the account used by the Violent Crimes Compensation Board in satisfying claims and for related administrative costs pursuant to the provisions of the "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.).

L.1990,c.32,s.11.

Any person who legally owns an assault firearm on the effective date of this act and who is unable to register or chooses not to register the firearm pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12) may retain possession of that firearm for a period not to exceed one year from the effective date of this act. During this time period, the owner of the assault firearm shall either:
1. Transfer the assault firearm to any person or firm lawfully entitled to own or possess such firearm;
2. Render the assault firearm inoperable; or
3. Voluntarily surrender the assault firearm pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-12.
If the owner of an assault firearm elects to render the firearm inoperable, the owner shall file a certification on a form prescribed by the Superintendent of the State Police indicating the date on which the firearm was rendered inoperable. This certification shall be filed with either the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the owner resides or, in the case of an owner who resides outside this State but stores or possesses an assault firearm in this State, with the Superintendent of the State Police.
As used in this section, "inoperable" means that the firearm is altered in such a manner that it cannot be immediately fired and that the owner or possessor of the firearm does not possess or have control over the parts necessary to make the firearm operable.

Within 180 days of the enactment of P.L.1990, c.32 (C.2C:58-12 et al.), and annually thereafter, the Attorney General shall present a report to the Legislature which includes the types and quantities of firearms surrendered or rendered inoperable pursuant to section 12 of this act and the number and types of criminal offenses involving assault firearms and any recommendations, including additions or deletions to the inventory of assault firearms delineated in N.J.S.2C:39-1, which the Attorney General believes should be considered by the Legislature.

L.1990,c.32,s.13.

No licensed manufacturer, wholesale dealer of firearms, or retail dealer of firearms in possession of a bump stock as defined in subsection ee. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or a trigger crank as defined in subsection ff. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 on the effective date of P.L.2017, c.323 (C.2C:58-14.1 et al.) who voluntarily surrenders the bump stock or trigger crank in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-12 or otherwise lawfully disposes of the bump stock or trigger crank within 30 days of the effective date of P.L.2017, c.323 (C.2C:58-14.1 et al.) shall be convicted of an offense for possession of a bump stock or trigger crank under subsection l. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 or unlawful manufacture, transport, shipment, sale, or disposition of a bump stock or trigger crank under subsection j. of N.J.S.2C:39-9.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection a. of this section with respect to licensed manufacturers, wholesale dealers of firearms, and retail dealers of firearms, no person in possession of a bump stock as defined in subsection ee. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or a trigger crank as defined in subsection ff. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 on the effective date of P.L.2017, c.323 (C.2C:58-14.1 et al.) who voluntarily surrenders the bump stock or trigger crank in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-12 or otherwise lawfully disposes of the bump stock or trigger crank within 90 days of the effective date of P.L.2017, c.323 (C.2C:58-14.1 et al.) shall be convicted of an offense for possession of a bump stock or trigger crank under subsection l. of N.J.S.2C:39-3.

L.2017, c.323, s.4.

1.

A person who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to a loaded firearm at a premises under the person's control commits a disorderly persons offense if a minor gains access to the firearm, unless the person:
1. Stores the firearm in a securely locked box or container;
2. Stores the firearm in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure; or
3. Secures the firearm with a trigger lock.
This section shall not apply:
1. To activities authorized by section 14 of P.L.1979, c.179, (C.2C:58-6.1), concerning the lawful use of a firearm by a minor; or
2. Under circumstances where a minor obtained a firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person.
As used in this act, "minor" means a person under the age of 16.

L.1991,c.397,s.1.

2.

Upon the retail sale or transfer of any firearm, the retail dealer or his employee shall deliver to the purchaser or transferee the following written warning, printed in block letters not less than one-fourth of an inch in height:
"IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE, PUNISHABLE BY A FINE AND IMPRISONMENT, FOR
AN ADULT TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR."
Every wholesale and retail dealer of firearms shall conspicuously post at each purchase counter the following warning, printed in block letters not less than one inch in height:
"IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED
FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR."
Violation of this section by any retail or wholesale dealer of firearms is a petty disorderly persons offense.

L.1991,c.397,s.2.

2.

There is established a "KeepSafe" program to encourage and stimulate the safe storage of firearms in the State of New Jersey by providing instant rebates to firearms purchasers who purchase trigger locking devices.
Under the program, a person who purchases a firearm from a retail dealer licensed under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:58-2 shall be eligible for a $5 instant rebate when a compatible trigger locking device is purchased along with that firearm. The licensed retail dealer shall deduct the rebate from the price of the compatible locking device in order to reduce by $5 the cost of the device for the purchaser.
The Superintendent of State Police, in conjunction with the Attorney General, shall adopt guidelines in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to effectuate the purposes of this act.
In addition, the superintendent shall prepare and deliver to each licensed retail firearms dealer in the State the forms necessary to record and report participation in the program. The forms, which shall set forth the name, address, telephone number, State tax number and State license number of the retail firearms dealer, the name of the firearms purchaser and his firearms purchaser identification card number or permit to purchase a handgun number, the make and model number of the compatible trigger locking device purchased and the date of the sale, shall be in duplicate. One copy shall be retained by the retail dealer for his records. The other shall be submitted to the Attorney General for reimbursement. The reimbursement copies shall be submitted monthly at a time prescribed by the superintendent. The submitting retail dealer shall be entitled to a reimbursement of $5 for each trigger locking device sold as part of the KeepSafe program. To help defray any administrative costs, each participating retail dealer shall receive, in addition to the reimbursement, $0.50 for each valid reimbursement copy submitted.

The superintendent also shall provide each licensed retail firearms dealer with a sign to be prominently displayed at a conspicuous place on the dealer's business premises where firearms are offered for sale. The sign shall state substantially the following:

"KEEP NEW JERSEY FIREARMS SAFE.
TO ENCOURAGE NEW JERSEY GUN OWNERS TO
STORE THEIR FIREARMS SAFELY, THE STATE IS
OFFERING A $5 INSTANT REBATE WHEN YOU
PURCHASE A COMPATIBLE TRIGGER LOCK ALONG
WITH YOUR FIREARM.

REMEMBER--THE USE OF A TRIGGER LOCK IS
ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARM
STORAGE. FIREARMS SHOULD BE STORED,
UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS
BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION
AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN.
NEW JERSEY'S FAMILIES AND CHILDREN ARE
PRECIOUS--KEEP THEM SAFE!!"

L.1999,c.255,s.2.

3. On the first day of the thirteenth month following the effective date of this act, the superintendent shall submit a report on the effectiveness of the KeepSafe program to the Governor and Legislature. In addition to those matters the superintendent deems appropriate and necessary, the report shall include the superintendent's assessment of whether the program should be expanded to include sales of trigger locking devices which are not part of firearm purchases.

L.1999, c.255, s.3.

1. The legal owner of a firearm, upon discovering that the firearm is lost or stolen, shall report the loss or theft within 36 hours to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the loss or theft occurred or, if the municipality does not have a local police force, to the Superintendent of State Police.

A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $500 for a first offense, and not less than $1,000 for any second or subsequent offense. The civil penalty shall be collected pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.).

L.2007, c.299, s.1.

CHAPTER AUTHORITY: N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1 et seq. and 2C:58-1 et seq.; as to N.J.A.C. 13:54-1.15, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-2 and Executive Order No. 9 (Gov. Richard J. Hughes, September 30, 1963).

CHAPTER SOURCE AND EFFECTIVE DATE:
R.2007 d.378, effective November 13, 2007.
See: 39 N.J.R. 2324(a), 39 N.J.R. 5349(a).

CHAPTER EXPIRATION DATE:
Chapter 54, Firearms and Weapons, expires on November 13, 2012.

CHAPTER HISTORICAL NOTE:

Chapter 54, Weapons and Explosives, was adopted and became effective prior to September 1, 1969 pursuant to Authority delegated at N.J.S.A. 2A:151-1 et seq.

Subchapter 6, Security Systems for Dealers, was adopted as R.1971 d.158, effective September 3, 1971. See: 3 N.J.R. 158(a), 3 N.J.R. 207(a).

Chapter 54, Weapons and Explosives, was repealed and Chapter 54, Firearms and Weapons, was adopted as new rules by R.1986 d.413, effective October 6, 1986. See: 18 N.J.R. 51(a), 18 N.J.R. 2048(b).

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 66(1978), Chapter 54, Firearms and Weapons, was readopted as R.1991 d.564, effective November 18, 1991. See: 23 N.J.R. 2250(a), 23 N.J.R.3521(a).

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 66(1978), Chapter 54 was readopted as R.1996 d.579, effective November 18, 1996. See: 28 N.J.R. 4375(a), 28 N.J.R. 5181(a).

Subchapter 7, Retired Law Enforcement Officer's Identification Card to Permit Carrying a Handgun, was adopted as new rules by R.1997 d.348, effective August 18, 1997. See: 29 N.J.R.2624(a), 29 N.J.R. 3733(a).

Chapter 54, Firearms and Weapons, was readopted as R.2002 d.183, effective May 17, 2002. See: 34 N.J.R. 211(a), 34 N.J.R. 2136(a).

Chapter 54, Firearms and Weapons, was readopted as R.2007 d.378, effective November 13, 2007. As a part of R.2007 d.378, Subchapter 1, Firearms Identification Card and Permit to Purchase a Handgun, was renamed Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and Permit to Purchase a Handgun; Subchapter 4, Wholesale Dealers, Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers Agents and Employees, was renamed Wholesale Dealers, Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers' Agents and Employees; and Subchapter 5, Machine Guns, Assault Firearms and Large Capacity Magazines, was renamed Machine Guns, Assault Firearms and Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines, effective December 17, 2007. See: Source and Effective Date. See, also, section annotations.

This subchapter prescribes the requirements and procedures for the issuance of firearms purchaser identification cards, permits to purchase handguns and the general rules for holders of such permits and identification cards.

The words and terms used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

"Ammunition" means various projectiles, including bullets, missiles, slugs or balls together with fuses, propelling charges and primers that may be fired, ejected, projected, released, or emitted from firearms or weapons.

"Antique cannon" means any weapon which satisfies the definition of an antique firearm and which is also capable of firing a projectile of a caliber greater than .60 caliber, except a shotgun or shotgun ammunition generally recognized as suitable for sporting purposes.

"Antique firearm" means any firearm, which is incapable of being fired or discharged, or which does not fire fixed ammunition regardless of the date of manufacture, or was manufactured before 1898, for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available, and is possessed as a curiosity or ornament or for its historical significance or value.

"Assault firearms" means:

Any of the following firearms:
Algimec AGM1 type
Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder such as the "Street Sweeper" or "Striker 12"
Armalite AR-180 type
Australian Automatic Arms SAR
Avtomat Kalashnikov type semi-automatic firearms
Beretta AR-70 and BM59 semi-automatic firearms
Bushmaster Assault Rifle
Calico M-900 Assault carbine and M-900
CETME G3Chartered Industries of Singapore SR-88 type
Colt AR-15 and CAR-15 series
Daewoo K-1, K-2, Max 1 and Max 2, AR 100 types
Demro TAC-1 carbine type
Encom MP-9 and MP-45 carbine types
FAMAS MAS223 types
FN-FAL, FN-LAR, or FN-FNC type semi-automatic firearms
Franchi SPAS 12 and LAW 12 shotguns
G3SA type
Galil type
Heckler and Koch HK91, HK93, HK94, MP5, PSG-1
Intratec TEC 9 and 22 semi-automatic firearms
M1 carbine type
M14S type
MAC 10, MAC 11, MAC 11-9 mm carbine type firearms
PJK M-68 carbine type
Plainfield Machine Company Carbine
Ruger K-Mini-14/5 F and Mini-14/5 RF
SIG AMT, SIG 550SP, SIG 551SP, SIG PE-57 types
SKS with detachable magazine type
Spectre Auto carbine type
Springfield Armory BM59 and SAR-48 type
Sterling MK-6, MK-7 and SAR types
Steyr A.U.G. semi-automatic firearms
USAS 12 semi-automatic type shotgun
Uzi type semi-automatic firearms
Valmet M62, M71S, M76, or M78 type semi-automatic firearms
Weaver Arm Nighthawk;
Any firearm manufactured under any designation, which is substantially identical to any of the firearms listed in paragraph 1 above. As used in this definition, the term "substantial" means pertaining to the substance, matter, material or essence of a thing and the term "identical" means exactly the same. Hence, a firearm is substantially identical to another only if it is identical in all material, essential respects. A firearm is not substantially identical to a listed assault firearm unless it is identical except for differences that do not alter the essential nature of the firearm.
The following are examples of manufacturer changes that do not alter the essential nature of the firearm: the name or designation of the firearm; the color of the firearm; the material used to make the barrel or stock of the firearm; the material used to make a pistol grip; and a modification of a pistol grip. This is not an exclusive list. A semi-automatic firearm should be considered to be "substantially identical," that is, identical in all material respects, to a named assault weapon if it meets the below listed criteria:
1. A semi-automatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least two of the following:
  1. A folding or telescoping stock;
  2. A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
  3. A bayonet mount;
  4. A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and
  5. A grenade launcher;
2. A semi-automatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least two of the following:
  1. An ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip;
  2. A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer;
  3. A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned;
  4. Manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded; and/or
  5. A semi-automatic version of an automatic firearm; and
3. A semi-automatic shotgun that has at least two of the following:
  1. A folding or telescoping stock;
  2. A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
  3. A fixed magazine capacity in excess of six rounds; and/or
  4. An ability to accept a detachable magazine;
A semi-automatic shotgun with either a magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, a folding stock or a pistol grip;
A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 15 rounds; or 5. A part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault firearm, or any combination of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person.
The following are not considered assault firearms within the meaning of this definition:
1. The Colt Match Target rifle, based on the manufacturer's specifications, is not part of the AR-15 series, and, thus, is not prohibited under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1w(1). Although this rifle may resemble the Colt AR-15, there have been substantial changes to the firearm, including the receiver, which is not identical to an AR-15 receiver. In addition, because of changes in the configuration of the firearm, the Colt Match Target rifle is not substantially identical to a firearm prohibited under this classification.
2. The Springfield M1A rifle is not one of the enumerated firearms which are specifically prohibited under the State assault firearms laws. It has been prohibited in this State as being substantially identical to a named firearm. However, according to the manufacturer's specifications, the M1A has been modified. The modified M1A, which became available in 1994, is not considered to be substantially identical to a prohibited firearm under N.J.S.A.2C:39-1w(2) and these rules. However, earlier versions of the M1A, which contain at least two of the criteria identified in the Attorney General's Guidelines Regarding the "Substantially Identical" Provision in the State's Assault Firearms Laws dated August 19, 1996 and reproduced in paragraph 2 above, are considered to be substantially identical to a prohibited firearm and continue to be defined as an assault firearm.

"Body armor penetrating bullets" means bullet(s) designed for use in a handgun and whose core or jacket, if the jacket is thicker than .025 of an inch, is of tungsten carbide or hard bronze or is made of other material, which is harder than a rating of 72 or greater on the Rockwell B. Hardness Scale and is capable of breaching or penetrating body armor.

"Chief of police" or "chief police officer" means the highest ranking sworn member of a municipal police department.

"Firearm or firearms" means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. It shall also include, without limitation, any firearm, which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person.

"Firearms Purchaser Identification Card number" means the number assigned by the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) pursuant to a fingerprint check of an applicant's fingerprints, for the issuance of a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, as reported by the SBI to the investigating authority. The Firearms Purchaser Identification Card number shall be synonymous with SBI number.

"Gunsmith" means a person who is in the business of repairing or servicing firearms.

"Handgun" means any pistol, revolver, or other firearm originally designed or manufactured to be fired by the use of a single hand.

"Large capacity ammunition magazine" means a box, drum, tube or other container, which is capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly therefrom into a semi-automatic firearm. A large capacity ammunition magazine that has been permanently altered so that it is not capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition will cease to be defined as a "large capacity ammunition magazine." An ammunition magazine, which has been temporarily blocked or modified from holding more than 15 rounds, as by a piece of wood or a pin, is still considered to be a "large capacity ammunition magazine."

"Machine gun" means any firearm, mechanism or instrument not requiring that the trigger be pressed for each shot and having a reservoir, belt or other means of storing and carrying ammunition which can be loaded into the firearm, mechanism or instrument and fired therefrom.

"Manufacturer" means any person who receives or obtains raw materials or parts and processes them into firearms or finished parts of firearms, except a person who exclusively processes grips, stocks, and other nonmetal parts of firearms. The term does not include a person who repairs existing firearms or receives new and raw materials or parts solely for the repair of existing firearms.

"NICS" means the National Instant Criminal Background Check System accessed by telephone or facsimile transmission through the Division of State Police, which retailers must contact for information on whether a person is prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm under State or Federal law.

"Person" means any natural person, corporation, partnership, firm or association of any kind or nature whatsoever; any public entity of any kind or nature; the plural, as well as the singular and any gender.

"Pistol grip" means a well defined handle, similar to that found on a handgun, that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, and which permits the firearm to be held and fired with one hand.

"Retail dealer" means any person, including a gunsmith, except a manufacturer or a wholesale dealer, who sells, transfers, or assigns for a fee or profit any firearm or parts of firearms or ammunition which he has purchased or obtained with the intention, or for the purpose of reselling or reassigning to persons who are reasonably understood to be the ultimate consumers, and includes any person who is engaged in the business of repairing firearms or who sells any firearm to satisfy a debt secured by the pledge of a firearm.

"Rifle" means any firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder and using the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger.

"Sawed-off shotgun" means any shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length measured from the breach to the muzzle, or a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length measured from the breach to the muzzle, or any firearm made from a rifle or a shotgun, whether by alteration, or otherwise, if such firearm as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches.

"Semi-automatic" means a firearm which fires a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger and is self-reloading or automatically chambers a round, cartridge or bullet.

"Shotgun" means any firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder and using the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shots or a single projectile for each pull of the trigger, or any firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder which does not fire fixed ammunition.

"Superintendent" means the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

"Weapon" means anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term includes, but is not limited to, all:

Firearms, even though not loaded or lacking a clip or other component to render them immediately operable;
Components which can be readily assembled into a weapon;
Gravity knives, switchblade knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, or other dangerous knives, billies, blackjacks, bludgeons, metal knuckles, sandclubs, slingshots, cesti or similar leather bands studded with metal filings or razor blades imbedded in wood;
Stun guns; and
Any weapon or other device, which projects, releases or emits tear gas or any other substance intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air.

"Wholesale dealer" means any person, except a manufacturer, who sells, transfers, or assigns firearms, or parts of firearms, to persons who are reasonably understood not to be the ultimate consumers, and includes persons who receive finished parts of firearms and assemble them into completed or partially completed firearms, in furtherance of such purpose, except that it shall not include those persons dealing exclusively in grips, stocks and other nonmetal parts of firearms.

No person, other than a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer, shall receive, purchase or otherwise acquire a rifle, shotgun or antique cannon, other than an antique rifle or shotgun, unless that person possesses and exhibits a valid firearms purchaser identification card. No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of a rifle, shotgun or antique cannon, other than an antique rifle or shotgun, to a person other than a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer unless the buyer or receiver possesses and exhibits a valid firearms purchaser identification card. No person shall sell or acquire a sawed-off shotgun.
No person, other than a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer shall receive, purchase or otherwise acquire a handgun unless that person possesses and exhibits a permit to purchase a handgun. No person shall sell, give, transfer or assign or otherwise dispose of a handgun to a person other than a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer unless the buyer or receiver possesses and exhibits a valid permit to purchase.
The provisions of (a) and (b) above shall not apply to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or to a law enforcement agency; provided that such transactions are authorized in writing by the appropriate governmental entity as provided by this chapter.
1. The Superintendent shall be notified in writing within five days of any firearm purchased or otherwise acquired by a New Jersey law enforcement agency for departmental use. In the case of a purchased firearm, the notification to the Superintendent shall be made by the chief of police or department head of the agency or designee, and shall include the purchase date, dealer's name and address, and the make, model, caliber and serial number of the firearm.
2. No law enforcement agency shall directly transfer a department-owned firearm, other than those issued as a duty firearm, to another person without such transfer going through a New Jersey licensed retail firearms dealer.
3. In the case of a firearm seized through forfeiture, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:64-1 et seq., all applicable forfeiture standing operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued by the Attorney General and/or the county prosecutor's office shall be followed. Notification to the Superintendent of the use of the forfeited weapon by the agency shall be made by the chief of police or department head of the agency or designee, and shall include the acquisition date, and the make, model, caliber and serial number of the firearm. This notification shall also include a copy of the written authorization of the county prosecutor's office, New Jersey Attorney General's Office, and the Superior Court of New Jersey, approving the use of the seized and/or forfeited firearm by the agency. No court order shall be necessary in the case of prima facie contraband; however, all forfeiture SOPs dealing with contraband must still be followed. Forfeited firearms shall be used solely for law enforcement purposes. Once a seized and/or forfeited firearm is no longer useful to the law enforcement agency, it shall be destroyed upon authorization from the county prosecutor's office and/or Attorney General's Office that originally granted approval for use of the firearm.
4. If an agency wishes to utilize firearms that are considered abandoned property, all procedures pursuant to the Abandoned Property Act, N.J.S.A. 40A:14-157, must be followed in addition to ensuring that proper notifications are made to the prosecutor's office, Attorney General's Office and the Superintendent as set forth above. New Jersey law enforcement agencies can only purchase firearms through licensed retail firearms dealers in New Jersey. Individuals donating firearms to New Jersey law enforcement agencies must ensure that all such transfers are conducted through licensed dealers pursuant to all regulatory provisions, State statutes and all necessary local ordinances.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to apply to the transfer, receipt or acquisition of a firearm that is otherwise lawful under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3.1, 2C:58-3.2 or 2C:58-6.1(b).

Every person applying for a firearms purchaser identification card or for a permit to purchase a handgun shall furnish such information and particulars as are set forth in the application form designated STS-33. Forms can be obtained from municipal police departments, State Police stations and licensed retail firearms dealers.
The applicant shall waive any statutory or other right of confidentiality relating to institutional confinement.
The applicant shall provide the names and addresses of two reputable citizens personally acquainted with him as references.
The application shall be signed by the applicant and the completed application, together with two sets of the applicant's fingerprints and fees as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq., a consent for mental health records search form designated SP 66 and a nonrefundable application fee of $5.00 for a firearms identification card and $2.00 for a permit to purchase a handgun, shall be submitted to the chief of police of an organized full-time police department in the municipality in which the applicant resides. If the municipality does not have an organized full-time police department, application shall be made to the State Police station servicing the municipality in which the applicant resides, or to any State Police station in the case of a nonresident.
The chief of police of an organized full time police department of the municipality where the applicant resides, or the Superintendent, when the applicant is a non-resident of this State or when the municipality does not have a full time department, shall accept and investigate applications for firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase handguns.
The fingerprints of any applicant shall be compared with any fingerprints maintained by the State Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Identification for the purpose of ascertaining the existence of any criminal record. The fingerprints shall be obtained and submitted for such comparison by the chief of police or the State Police, as the case may be.
An applicant for a handgun purchase permit who possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card, or who has previously obtained a handgun purchase permit from the same licensing authority for which he or she was previously fingerprinted, and who provides an additional valid identification document of his or her identity, need not be fingerprinted again. In such cases, the chief of police or Superintendent shall otherwise fully investigate the applicant in accordance with this subchapter. The chief of police or Superintendent shall require the applicant to complete the New Jersey State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) "Request For Criminal History Record Information For Non Criminal Justice Purpose" form, and pay the appropriate fee established by N.J.A.C. 13:59. Applicants unable to provide an additional valid identification document shall submit to fingerprinting.
Applicants for a permit to purchase a handgun may apply for more than one permit per application. The number of permits requested, and each permit number shall be entered in the spaces provided on the application.
The chief of police or the Superintendent, as the case may be, shall either approve or disapprove the applications. Permits and cards shall be issued by the chief of police or the Superintendent to persons who are found to be qualified and who are not subject to any of the disabilities set forth by this subchapter.

A permit to purchase a handgun, or a firearm purchaser identification card, shall not be issued to any person:
1. To any person who has been convicted of any crime, or a disorderly persons offense involving an act of domestic violence as defined in section 3 of P.L. 1991, c. 261 (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19), whether or not armed with or possessing a weapon at the time of such offense;
2. To any drug dependent person as defined in section 2 of P.L. 1970, c. 226 (N.J.S.A. 24:21-2), to any person who is confined for a mental disorder to a hospital, mental institution or sanitarium, or to any person who is presently a habitual drunkard;
3. To any person who suffers from a physical defect or disease which would make it unsafe for him or her to handle firearms, to any person who has ever been confined for a mental disorder, or to any alcoholic unless any of the foregoing persons produces a certificate of a medical doctor or psychiatrist licensed in New Jersey, or other satisfactory proof, that he or she is no longer suffering from that particular disability in such a manner that would interfere with or handicap him or her in the handling of firearms; to any person who knowingly falsifies any information on the application form for a handgun purchase permit or firearms purchaser identification card;
4. To any person under the age of 18 years for a firearms purchaser identification card and to any person under the age of 21 years for a permit to purchase a handgun;
5. To any person where the issuance would not be in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare;
6. To any person who is subject to a restraining order issued pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991, P.L. 1991, c. 261 (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17et seq.) prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm;
7. To any person who as a juvenile was an adjudicated delinquent for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime and the offense involved the unlawful use or possession of a weapon, explosive or destructive device or is enumerated in subsection d. of section 2 of P.L. 1997, c. 117 (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2); or
8. To any person whose firearm is seized pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991, P.L. 1991, c. 261 (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.) and whose firearm has not been returned.

A permit or identification card may be issued to a person who had previously suffered from a physical defect or disease, or mental disorder, or was an alcoholic if the applicant provides a certificate of a medical doctor or psychiatrist licensed in New Jersey, or other satisfactory proof that he or she is no longer suffering from that particular disability in such a manner that it would interfere with or handicap him or her in the handling of firearms.

A firearms purchaser identification card shall be valid until such time as the holder becomes subject to any of the disabilities set forth by law and this subchapter pertaining to an applicant's eligibility. Upon becoming subject to any of the disabilities set forth in this subchapter, the card shall be void and shall be returned to the Superintendent within five days.
A permit to purchase a handgun shall be valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance and may be renewed by the issuing authority for good cause for an additional 90 days. In no event shall a permit to purchase a handgun be valid for more than 180 days from the date the permit was originally issued.

Any person receiving, purchasing or otherwise acquiring a firearm by exhibiting a firearms purchaser identification card shall sign a written certification on form NJSP 634, which shall indicate that he or she presently complies with all of the requirements for obtaining an identification card and does not suffer from any of the disabilities set forth in this subchapter. The certification shall contain his or her name, address and firearms purchaser identification number or dealer's license, and any other information deemed necessary by the Superintendent. If the seller is not a licensed dealer, the certification may be retained by the seller or it may be filed with the chief of police of the municipality in which he or she resides or, in all other cases, with the Superintendent. The seller shall retain the certification if he or she is a licensed dealer.
A permit to purchase a handgun shall be issued to the applicant in quadruplicate. Prior to receiving a handgun from the seller, the purchaser must deliver all copies of the permit to the seller, who shall complete all of the information on the required form. Within five days of the sale the seller shall forward the original copy to the Superintendent and the second copy to the chief of police of the municipality where the purchaser resides; provided that in a municipality having no chief of police, the second copy shall be forwarded to the Superintendent. The third copy shall be returned to the purchaser, and the fourth shall be kept by the seller as a permanent record.

Only one handgun may be purchased or delivered on each permit to purchase.
There shall be no restriction on the number of rifles, shotguns and antique cannons that may be purchased or acquired, provided the receiver possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card and otherwise complies with all of the provisions of this subchapter.

A firearms purchaser identification card may be revoked by the Superior Court of the county wherein the card was issued, after a hearing, and upon a finding that the holder no longer qualifies for the issuance of such a card.
The county prosecutor, any law enforcement officer or any citizen may request a hearing for revocation by applying to the Superior Court of the county in which the card was issued.
Any person having knowledge that a person is subject to any of the disabilities set forth in this subchapter to obtain or possess a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card may notify the chief of police, the Superintendent or any other law enforcement officer who may take such action as may be deemed appropriate.

Persons shall apply for a duplicate firearms purchaser identification card to replace a lost, stolen or mutilated card, or in the case of a change of residence by the holder, within 30 days of such loss, theft, mutilation, or change of residence.
The applicant shall complete an application for a duplicate firearms purchaser identification card designated as form STS-3 and a consent for mental health records search designated as form SP 66 and present same to the chief of police in the municipality where the applicant resides or to the Superintendent in all other cases.
It shall be the responsibility of the chief of police of the municipality wherein the applicant currently resides or the Superintendent in all other cases, to conduct a criminal history records check and to determine if the applicant is subject to any of the disabilities as provided by law and this subchapter and to issue the duplicate card, should the applicant qualify. The applicant shall pay the appropriate fee for a Criminal History Record Check as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq. (P.L. 1985, c.69).

Any person denied a firearms purchaser identification card, a permit to purchase a handgun or a duplicate firearms purchaser identification card may request a hearing in the Superior Court of the county in which he or she resides or in the Superior Court of the county in which his or her application for a firearms purchaser identification card was denied if he or she is a nonresident. The request for a hearing shall be made in writing within 30 days of the denial of the application for a permit, identification card or duplicate identification card. The applicant shall serve a copy of his or her request for a hearing upon the chief of police of the municipality in which he or she resides, if he or she is a resident of New Jersey, and upon the Superintendent in all cases.
Any person denied a firearm purchaser identification card, a permit to purchase a handgun or a duplicate firearms purchaser identification card shall be notified in writing by the issuing authority of the reasons for the denial.
The request for a hearing shall be made in writing within 30 days of the denial, and such request shall also be served upon the chief of police or the Superintendent.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subchapter concerning the transfer, receipt or acquisition of a firearm, a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card shall not be required for the passing of a firearm upon the death of an owner thereof to their heir or legatee, whether the same be by testamentary bequest or by the laws of intestacy. A person so acquiring ownership may retain the firearm if he or she meets the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:54-1.5 and 1.6.
If an heir or legatee is not qualified to acquire a firearm, he or she may retain ownership of the firearm for the purpose of sale for a period of 180 days, which period may be extended by the chief of police or the Superintendent. During such period the firearm must be placed in the custody of the chief of police or Superintendent.
In the case of assault firearms or machine guns disposition shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:54-5.

No fees, other than those established by this chapter or law, shall be assessed or charged to any person by any governmental entity of this State for the processing of applications, or for the proper investigation of applicants for licenses, permits, cards and registrations in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Any background investigation conducted by the chief of police, the Superintendent or the county prosecutor, of any applicant for a permit, firearms identification card license, or registration, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, is not a public record and shall not be disclosed to any person not authorized by law or this chapter to have access to such investigation, including the applicant. Any application for a permit, firearms identification card, or license, and any document reflecting the issuance or denial of such permit, firearms identification card, or license, and any permit, firearms identification card, license, certification, certificate, form of register, or registration statement, maintained by any State or municipal governmental agency, is not a public record and shall not be disclosed to any person not authorized by law or this chapter to have access to such documentation, including the applicant, except on the request of persons acting in their governmental capacities for purposes of the administration of justice.

This subchapter prescribes requirements and procedures for the issuance, renewal and revocation of permits to carry handguns.

No person, except as provided in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6, shall carry, hold or possess a handgun without first having obtained a permit to carry the same in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

No application for a permit to carry a handgun shall be approved by a chief police officer of a municipality, the Superintendent or the Superior Court, unless the applicant:
1. Is a person of good character who is not subject to any of the disabilities which would prevent him or her from obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card as provided in this chapter;
2. Has demonstrated that at the time of the application for the permit he or she is thoroughly familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns; and
3. Has demonstrated a justifiable need to carry a handgun.

Every person applying for a permit to carry a handgun shall furnish such information and particulars as set forth in the application form designated SP 642. The application shall be signed by the applicant under oath and shall be endorsed by three reputable persons who have known the applicant for at least three years preceding the date of application, and who shall also certify thereon that the applicant is a person of good moral character and behavior. Applications can be obtained at police departments and State Police stations.
Each applicant shall demonstrate a thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns by indicating in the space provided therefor on the application form, and on any sworn attachments thereto, any relevant information. Thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns shall be evidenced by:
1. Completion of a firearms training course substantially equivalent to the firearms training approved by the Police Training Commission as described by N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6j;
2. Submission of an applicant's most recent handgun qualification scores utilizing the handgun(s) he or she intends to carry as evidenced by test firings administered by a certified firearms instructor of a police academy, a certified firearms instructor of the National Rifle Association, or any other recognized certified firearms instructor; and 3. Passage of any test in this State's laws governing the use of force administered by a certified instructor of a police academy, a certified instructor of the National Rifle Association, or any other recognized certified instructor.
The information in (b) above shall be accompanied and validated by certifications of the appropriate instructor(s).
Each application form shall also be accompanied by a written certification of justifiable need to carry a handgun, which shall be under oath and which:
1. In the case of a private citizen shall specify in detail the urgent necessity for self protection, as evidenced by specific threats or previous attacks which demonstrate a special danger to the applicant's life that cannot be avoided by means other than by issuance of a permit to carry a handgun. Where possible the applicant shall corroborate the existence of any specific threats or previous attacks by reference to reports of such incidents to the appropriate law enforcement agencies; or
2. In the case of employees of private detective agencies, armored car companies and private security companies, that:
  1. In the course of performing statutorily authorized duties, the applicant is subject to a substantial threat of serious bodily harm; and
  2. That carrying a handgun by the applicant is necessary to reduce the threat of unjustifiable serious bodily harm to any person.
The completed application together with two sets of the applicant's fingerprints and fees as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq., four photographs (1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square), a consent for mental health records search form designated SP 66, and a permit fee of $20.00 payable to the County Clerk where the permit is to be issued shall be submitted to the chief police officer of the municipality in which the applicant resides, or the Superintendent:
1. If there is no full time police department in the municipality where the applicant resides; or
2. If the applicant is a non-resident of this State or if the applicant is an employee of an armored car company.

The chief of police or the Superintendent, as the case may be, shall cause the applicant to be thoroughly investigated. The investigation shall include, but not be limited to, ascertaining that the applicant satisfies all of the requirements contained in this chapter for obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, that the applicant has or has not demonstrated a thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns as evidenced by the application and accompanying materials, and that the applicant has or has not factually demonstrated a justifiable need to carry a handgun. The chief of police or the Superintendent shall approve or disapprove the application after completion of the investigation. If the application is approved, by the chief of police or the Superintendent, as the case may be, it shall be forwarded to the Superior Court of the county where the applicant resides, or if a nonresident or an employee of an armored car company, to a county where he or she intends to carry the handgun, for presentation to a judge of the Superior Court.

Any application to carry a handgun by an employee of an armored car company shall be accompanied by a letter from the chief executive officer of the armored car company verifying employment of the applicant, endorsing approval of the application and agreeing to notify the Superintendent within five days of the termination of an employee to whom any permit is issued, and agreeing to obtain from that employee the permit, which shall be immediately surrendered to the Superintendent.

Upon being satisfied of the sufficiency of the application and the fulfillment of the provisions of Chapter 58, Laws of 1979, the judge shall issue a permit.
The court may, at its discretion, issue a limited type permit which would restrict the applicant as to the types of handguns he or she may carry and where and for what purposes such handguns may be carried.
The Superintendent shall be provided with copies of all permits to carry handguns issued or re-issued by the Superior Court.

Any person making application for a permit to carry a handgun who is denied approval by the chief police officer or the Superintendent may request a hearing in the Superior Court of the county in which he or she resides, or a county in which he or she intends to carry a handgun, in the case of a non resident or an employee of an armored car company. Such request shall be made in writing within 30 days of denial of the application. Copies of the request shall be served on the Superintendent, the county prosecutor and the chief police officer of the municipality where the applicant resides, if he or she is a resident of this State.
If the application is denied by the judge of the Superior Court the appeal shall be made in accordance with law.

All permits to carry a handgun shall expire two years from the date of issuance or, in the case of an employee of an armored car company, upon termination of his or her employment by the company occurring prior thereto, whichever is earlier in time.
Permits must be renewed in the same manner and subject to the identical procedures by which the original permit was obtained. The chief police officer, the Superintendent and the Superior Court shall process a renewal for a permit to carry a handgun utilizing the same criteria established by this chapter for the issuance of an initial permit. This includes, but is not limited to, a renewed showing by the applicant of need, a renewed demonstration of thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns, as may be evidenced by recitation of all of the information requested on the initial application, including, but not limited to, the applicant's most recent qualification scores in the firing of a handgun.

Any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be void at such time as the holder no longer meets the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:54-1.5 and 1.6, and the holder of such a void permit shall immediately surrender it to the Superintendent who shall give notice to the licensing authority.
Any permit may be revoked by the Superior Court, after hearing, upon notice to the holder of the permit, if the Court finds that the holder no longer satisfies the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:54-2.3 or any applicable law.
The county prosecutor of any county, the chief police officer of any municipality, the Superintendent or any citizen may apply to the Court at any time for revocation of any permit issued pursuant to this chapter.
Any person having knowledge that a person is subject to any of the disabilities set forth in this chapter and no longer qualifies to carry a handgun may so notify the chief of police, the Superintendent or any other law enforcement officer who may take such action as may be deemed appropriate.

This subchapter prescribes requirements for issuance of licenses to retail dealers for the retail sale of firearms, retail sale of ammunition, gunsmithing and the requirements for issuance of licenses to employees of such dealers.

No retail dealer of firearms nor any employee of a retail dealer shall sell or expose for sale or possess with intent to sell, any firearm, parts of firearms, ammunition, or engage in gunsmithing, unless such person has first obtained a retail dealers license issued pursuant to this chapter.

Every person, partnership or corporation applying for a retail dealer license shall furnish such information and particulars as required by the application form designated SP-649, and in the case of partnerships, corporations or other business organizations, the application form designated SP-649A shall also be completed. Such forms may be obtained from the Firearms Investigation Unit, Division of State Police, Box 7068, West Trenton, New Jersey 08628. All corporations applying for such a license, in addition to the application, shall submit a valid copy of the most recent certificate of incorporation, or such other documentation establishing the corporation, partnership or other business organization as a legal entity.
The completed application, together with two sets of the applicant's fingerprints, a consent for mental health records search form designated SP 66, and a nonrefundable fee of $50.00, payable to the Superintendent, in addition to the fees as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq., shall be submitted to the Superintendent.
Any person who possesses an actual or equitable controlling interest in an applicant corporation, partnership or other business organization shall complete the necessary application form and be fingerprinted.
No retail dealer shall permit any employee or other person to engage in the purchase, sale or offering for sale of any firearms, ammunition or engage in gunsmithing, unless such employee or person has been licensed by the Superintendent. Every employee applying for such a license must submit a completed application form designated NJSP 641, accompanied with two sets of fingerprints and a consent for mental health records search form SP 66. An employee who possesses a firearms purchaser identification card need not be fingerprinted, provided that the number of the firearms purchaser identification card is included in the space provided on the application, and provided that the employee continues to be eligible to retain such card in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The retail dealer shall complete the New Jersey State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) "Request For Criminal History Record Information For Non Criminal Justice Purpose" form for such employee and submit the required fee for processing such form. A nonrefundable fee of $5.00 shall be paid by the retail dealer to the Superintendent for each employee in addition to the fingerprint fees as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq.

No license shall be granted under this subchapter to any retail dealer under the age of 21 or to any employee of a retail dealer under the age of 18 or to any person who could not qualify to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, or to any corporation, partnership or other business organization in which the actual or equitable controlling interest is held or possessed by such an ineligible person.
An employee who is licensed by the Superintendent to engage in the purchase or sale of firearms, ammunition or to engage in gunsmithing is licensed for so long as the employee remains in the employ of the retail dealer or becomes disabled as provided in this chapter.
Should an employee be transferred from his or her licensed location to another location, by the same licensed employer, that employee shall apply for a transfer of his or her employee license by submitting application form NJSP-641, consent for mental health records search form SP 66 and shall surrender his or her current employee license to the Superintendent.
A retail dealer shall, within five days, return any employees' license of an employee who has been terminated or has become disqualified as provided in this chapter, to the Superintendent.
No retail dealer shall conduct a retail business in a mobile or temporary facility ("Mobile" meaning a facility easily moved from one location to another. "Temporary" meaning a facility not having indicia of permanency). A temporary facility includes, but is not limited to, places for garage sales, flea markets, gun shows and exhibits.
A retail dealer shall not receive an initial license unless local zoning requirements have been satisfied for the operation of such a business, and the Superintendent has been notified in writing that such requirements have been satisfied. The Superintendent may, in his or her discretion, decline to process or investigate an application for an initial retail dealer license until such time as the applicant demonstrates compliance with local zoning requirements. After the issuance of the initial license, a retail dealer has a continuing obligation to remain in compliance with local zoning requirements and to notify the Superintendent within 48 hours of receiving written notice from the local zoning official or other competent authority that he or she is not in compliance with such local zoning requirements. The failure of the retail dealer to comply with this notification requirement may result in the revocation of the registration or license of such dealer.

A physical handicap shall not disqualify an applicant for a license unless such handicap would make it unsafe for the applicant to handle firearms or would interfere with the activities of the applicant or employee to the extent that it would endanger the public health, safety or welfare.

A public corporation whose stock is listed on a major stock exchange at the time of filing of an application for a retail dealer license shall not be required to furnish the personal data as set forth in the application form for officers or directors of such corporation or for the stockholders of such corporation unless such officers, directors or stockholders directly engage in the sale or purchase of firearms for the corporation or such officers, directors or stockholders hold or possess the actual or equitable controlling interest in such corporation.
A certification shall be filed by the member or members holding an actual or equitable controlling interest in each corporation or partnership certifying that such member(s) shall take the appropriate action to inform all employees directly engaged in the sale, purchase or manufacture of firearms or ammunition of the pertinent laws and regulations governing the sale, purchase and manufacture of such firearms or ammunition.

The Superintendent shall cause the applicant for a retail dealer license to be investigated for purposes of providing the judge of the Superior Court with such information as the Superintendent deems appropriate with respect to the applicant's qualifications and disabilities.
Upon completion of the investigation, the application shall then be forwarded by the Superintendent, accompanied by such other documentation as he or she deems appropriate, to a judge of the Superior Court in the County wherein the retail dealer intends to conduct business.
The judge shall issue a license to an applicant:
1. Who conforms to the standards and qualifications prescribed by the Superintendent;
2. Who may engage in business as a retail dealer without any danger to the public safety, health or welfare; and
3. Who is not subject to any of the disabilities which would prevent him from obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card as provided by this chapter.
The Superintendent shall maintain a copy of every license issued by the Superior Court to a retail dealer.
An employee of a retail dealer shall be licensed by the Superintendent provided that such person:
1. Qualifies for the issuance of a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card as provided by this chapter; and
2. Would not pose a danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

A retail dealer license shall be effective for three years from the date of issuance. If a retail dealer license is renewed, it shall be effective for three years from the date of the expiration of the initial or most recent license.

All licenses issued pursuant to this subchapter shall be subject to the following conditions, the breach of any of which may result in license revocation after notice and hearing by the issuing court, upon the application of the Superintendent or any law enforcement officer.
1. The business shall be carried on only in the building or buildings designated in the license, provided that repairs may be made by the dealer or his employees outside of such premises.
2. The license or a copy certified by the issuing authority shall be displayed at all times in a conspicuous place on the business premises where it can be easily read.
3. No firearm, ammunition or imitation thereof shall be placed in any window or in any other part of the premises where it can be readily seen from the outside.
4. No rifle or shotgun, except antique rifles or shotguns, shall be delivered to any person, other than a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer or manufacturer, or a law enforcement agency as provided in this chapter, unless such person possesses and exhibits a valid firearms purchaser identification card and furnishes to the seller, on form NJSP 634, a certification signed by him setting forth his name, permanent address, firearms purchaser identification card number and such other information as the Superintendent may require. The certification shall be retained by the dealer and shall be made available for inspection by any law enforcement officer at any reasonable time.
5. No handgun shall be delivered to any person, other than a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer or manufacturer, or a law enforcement agency as provided by this chapter, unless:
  1. Such person possesses and exhibits a valid permit to purchase a handgun and at least seven days have elapsed since the date of application for the permit;
  2. The person is personally known to the seller or presents evidence of his or her identity;
  3. The handgun is unloaded and securely wrapped; and
  4. The handgun is accompanied by a trigger lock or a locked case, gun box, container or other secure facility, provided, however, this provision shall not apply to antique handguns. The exemption afforded under this subparagraph for antique handguns shall be narrowly construed, limited solely to the requirements set forth in this subparagraph and shall not be deemed to afford or authorize any other exemption from the regulatory provisions governing firearms set forth in Chapter 39 and Chapter 58 of Title 2C of the New Jersey statutes.
6. The dealer shall keep a true record of every firearm sold, given or otherwise delivered or disposed of and the record shall note that a trigger lock, locked case, gun box, container or other secure facility was delivered along with the handgun, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-2(a)(6) and 2C:58-2(b) through (e). The dealer shall:
  1. Complete and keep a form of register, which is part of the permit to purchase a handgun (designated SP-671) for each handgun sold and obtain the information sought by the form of register and obtain the signature and address of the purchaser in the purchaser's own handwriting;
  2. Complete in a legible manner the permit to purchase a handgun in the space provided on the form;
  3. Forward the permit to purchase a handgun and form of register copies to the respective individuals, as noted on the forms, within five days of the date of sale. If the issuing authority is the State Police, both the original and the second copy of the permit to purchase and the form of register are to be forwarded to the State Police; and
  4. Retain the form of register and make it available for inspection by any law enforcement officer at reasonable hours.
7. The license holder shall continue to qualify for the issuance of a permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card and shall not pose a danger to the public health, safety or welfare.
8. The dealer shall comply with any other conditions regulating retail dealers as provided in this chapter.
9. The dealer shall continue to comply with local zoning requirements.
Any person having knowledge that a person licensed pursuant to this chapter has violated any of the foregoing conditions or is otherwise unqualified to hold a license pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, may notify any law enforcement officer, who shall in turn notify the Superintendent, who may take such action as may be deemed appropriate.

An applicant for renewal of a retail firearms dealers license need not be fingerprinted again, provided such applicant completes the New Jersey State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) "Request For Criminal History Record Information For A Non Criminal Justice Purpose" form, and submits the required fee for processing such form established by N.J.A.C. 13:59. If the applicant disputes the results of the criminal history records check, or the check reveals a discrepancy relating to the applicant, the individual shall be required to submit fingerprints for verification of identity.
An applicant for renewal of a retail firearms dealers license need not submit additional proof of zoning compliance to the Superintendent. Dealers are nevertheless required to notify the Superintendent within 48 hours of receiving written notice from the local zoning official or other competent authority that they are not in compliance with such local zoning requirements. The failure of a retail dealer to comply with this notification requirement may result in the revocation of the registration or license of such dealer.
An applicant for renewal of a retail firearms dealers license shall follow all other procedures required for the issuance of an initial license, including completion of form SP 649 and submission of a consent for mental health records form SP 66. Such applications shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $50.00 payable to the Superintendent and the fee established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq.
The employee's license is valid, only so long as the employer's retail dealer license is valid, and therefore employees' licenses must be renewed simultaneously with the employer's license. To this end, all licensed employees who engage in the purchase or sale of firearms, ammunition or engage in gunsmithing, must also submit renewal applications to continue transacting business on behalf of the licensee, including completion of form SP 649 and submission of a consent for mental health records form SP 66. Such applications shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $5.00 payable to the Superintendent and the fee established by N.J.A.C.13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq. The applicant shall also complete a request the New Jersey State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) "Request For Criminal History Record Information For Non Criminal Justice Purpose" form, and submit the required fee for processing such form established by N.J.A.C. 13:59.
Retail dealers and employees of dealers applying for license renewal, at the time of such renewal, shall:
1. Continue to be qualified for the issuance of a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card as provided by this chapter;
2. Meet the standards and qualifications of the Superintendent; and 3. Not pose a danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

Each retail dealer shall install a system for the prevention and detection of the theft of firearms or ammunition from the business premises in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:54-6.

In addition to complying with the other requirements of this chapter, the retail dealer shall, prior to the sale or transfer of a rifle, shotgun, or receiver, initiate a NICS check with the Division of State Police as defined in 27 CFR 478.11, which is incorporated by reference herein, as may be amended and supplemented.

Every purchaser, other than a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer or manufacturer, or law enforcement agency as provided in this chapter, shall present a valid permit to purchase a handgun to the dealer, who shall confirm the identity of the purchaser. A permit is valid for the purchase of one handgun or receiver. The dealer shall adhere to the following procedures:
1. Complete and keep a form of register, which is part of the permit to purchase a handgun (designated SP-671) for each handgun sold and obtain the information sought by the form of register and obtain the signature and address of the purchaser in the purchaser's own handwriting;
2. Complete in a legible manner the permit to purchase a handgun in the space provided on the form;
3. Deliver the handgun unloaded and securely wrapped;
4. Forward the permit to purchase a handgun and form of register copies to the respective individuals, as noted on the forms, within five days of the date of sale. If the issuing authority is the State Police, both the original and the second copy of the permit to purchase and the form of register are to be forwarded to the State Police;
5. Retain the form of register and make it available for inspection by any law enforcement officer at reasonable hours; and
6. In addition to complying with the other requirements of this chapter, the retail dealer shall, prior to completing the sale or transfer of a handgun or frame, initiate a NICS check with the Division of State Police as defined in 27 CFR 478.11, which is incorporated by reference herein, as may be amended and supplemented.

Every retail dealer of firearms or gunsmith shall maintain a permanent record of each firearm acquisition and disposition, including firearm frames and receivers. The record shall be maintained in a bound form and shall be kept at the location where the business is being conducted. The record of purchase or acquisition shall consist of invoices or other commercial records, which shall be filed in an orderly manner separate from other commercial records maintained. The purchase or other acquisition of a firearm by the licensed dealer must be recorded no later than at the close of the next business day following the date of such purchase or other acquisition. The record shall show the date each firearm was purchased or otherwise acquired, the type, manufacturer, importer, caliber or gauge, model, name and address of the person from whom received, and the serial number of the firearm. The sale or other disposition of a firearm must be recorded by the licensed dealer not later than the close of the next business day following the date of such sale or disposition. The record shall show the date of sale or other disposition of each firearm, the name and address of the person to whom the firearm was transferred, and the type, manufacturer, importer, caliber or gauge, model and the serial number of the firearm. The information prescribed for the record required by this subchapter shall be in addition to the maintenance of the form of register SP 671 and the certificate of eligibility NJSP-634. The dealer shall, in the case of a transfer of a handgun to an individual, note that the handgun was accompanied by a trigger lock or a locked case, gun box, container or other secure facility, provided, however, this provision shall not apply to antique handguns.
Every retail dealer of ammunition shall maintain a permanent record of ammunition acquisition and disposition. The record of purchase or acquisition shall consist of invoices or other commercial records, which shall be filed in an orderly manner separate from other commercial records maintained. Such records shall show the name of the manufacturer, the type, caliber or gauge, quantity of the ammunition acquired in the transaction, the date of each acquisition and from whom received. The record of sale or disposition shall be maintained in a bound form and shall contain the date of the transaction, name of manufacturer, caliber or gauge, quantity of ammunition sold, name, address and date of birth of purchaser, and identification used to establish the identity of purchaser. The dealer shall confirm the age of the purchaser of rifle and shotgun ammunition to be at least 18, and handgun ammunition to be at least 21. No record need be maintained for the sale or disposition of shotgun or rifle ammunition. However, sales or other dispositions of ammunition intended for use in any other firearm and which may be interchangeable between rifles and handguns, as well as hollow-nosed or dum-dum ammunition, must be recorded. The records shall be maintained in chronological order by date of acquisition and disposition and shall be kept at the location the business is being conducted.
The firearms and ammunition acquisition and disposition record as prescribed under this section need not be required, provided the dealer maintains an updated Federal firearms and ammunition record on firearms or ammunition purchased or acquired and sold as prescribed in Title 26, Internal Revenue, Chapter 1 "Commerce in Firearms and Ammunition", and to the extent that the information required by this section is included on such records. If not included, then the Federal records are to be supplemented so as to include all information required by this section.
No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of body armor penetrating bullets except to a Federally-licensed collector of firearms and ammunition who possesses a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License as defined in Title 18 U.S.C. §921(a)(13) or to the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, law enforcement agencies and licensed firearms dealers.
1. Collectors will be limited to the purchase or acquisition of not more than three rounds of each distinctive variation of cartridges. Distinctive variation includes a different head stamp, composition, design or color.
2. The seller shall record all sales of such ammunition including the name of the purchaser, the agency represented, the authorizing chief of police or other authorized law enforcement officer, or the highest ranking authorized military officer, the date, time and amount of ammunition. If the sale or disposition was to a law enforcement agency, the record shall also include the written authorization of the chief of police or highest ranking official of the agency.
3. All of the above information shall be forwarded to the Superintendent of the State Police within 48 hours of the sale or disposition.

Retail dealers licensed by this chapter may sell firearms to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard and to law enforcement agencies. Retail dealers must maintain records of sale or disposition of firearms to any of the aforementioned entities or agencies. The records shall include the name of the entity or agency, and a written authorization of purchase on the official letterhead of the Superintendent, chief of police or the law enforcement officer or military officer officially authorized to make such purchases on behalf of the agency or governmental entity and copies of any payment vouchers used to acquire such firearms. The records shall specify the type, manufacturer, importer, caliber or gauge, model and serial number of each firearm purchased. The records shall also indicate the name and rank of the law enforcement or military officer authorized to make the purchase, including the date and time of the sale or disposition. The dealers shall maintain such records for inspection by law enforcement officers at reasonable hours. Sales of assault firearms and machine guns shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:54-5.1 and copies of records of such sales shall be forwarded to the Superintendent within 48 hours of the sale.N.J.A.C. 13:54-3.16 Records available to Division of State Police Records are to be retained by the dealer and shall, for administrative and law enforcement purposes, be made available for inspection during reasonable hours to any member of the Division of State Police.

Upon discontinuance, termination, expiration or revocation of a retail dealer license, the retail dealer license and any employee licenses shall be forwarded to the Superintendent within five business days.

Any person making application for a retail dealer license, who is denied approval by a Superior Court judge of the county wherein the application was made, may file an appeal in accordance with law.

The NICS check is available telephonically weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (except State holidays). The Division of State Police may expand hours of telephone coverage based upon operational experience. A facsimile service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Only one transaction per telephone call or facsimile is permitted.

Consignment firearms are firearms that are transferred by the legal owner (consignor) of the firearm to a licensed retail firearms dealer (consignee) for the purpose of resale. Licensed retail firearms dealers that receive firearms on consignment shall provide a receipt/invoice to the consigner with a full description of the firearms, including make, model, caliber and serial number. The licensed retail firearms dealer shall also provide in writing on the same receipt/invoice a statement indicating that any consignor requesting the return of a firearm shall be required to comply with the regulatory provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 for the transfer of handguns and rifles or shotguns. Consignment handguns, rifles, or shotguns shall not be returned to the consignor without the consigner first producing a valid permit to purchase a handgun, or in the case of a rifle or shotgun, a New Jersey firearms purchaser identification card and completing a State of New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility form (SP 634), which is used for eligibility verification and contains a list of disqualifications for the cosigner.

This subchapter prescribes standards and qualifications for registration of wholesale dealers and manufacturers of firearms and the rules for holders of registration certificates to conduct business. This subchapter also provides for the licensing of wholesale dealers' agents and employees.

No person shall manufacture or sell at wholesale any firearm or part of a firearm unless he or she has been registered by the Superintendent under the provisions of this chapter. This section shall not apply to a person who exclusively processes, or deals exclusively in, grips, stocks and other nonmetal parts of firearms.

Every person applying for a certificate of registration shall furnish such information and particulars required by the applications forms designated STS 280 and 280A. The forms may be obtained from the Firearms Investigation Unit, Division of State Police, Box 7068, West Trenton, New Jersey 08628. All corporations, partnerships and other business organizations applying for registration shall, in addition to the applications, submit a valid copy of the most recent certificate of incorporation, or such other documentation establishing the corporation, partnership or other business organization as a legal entity.
Any person who possesses an actual or equitable controlling interest in the applicant shall complete the necessary application form and shall be fingerprinted.
The completed application together with two sets of the applicant's fingerprints, a consent for mental health records search form SP 66, and a nonrefundable fee of $150.00 payable to the Superintendent, in addition to the fees as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq., shall be submitted to the Superintendent.

Registration shall not be granted under this subchapter to any manufacturer or wholesale dealer of firearms under the age of 21 years or to any person who could not qualify to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, or to any corporation, partnership or other business organization in which the actual or equitable controlling interest is held or possessed by such an ineligible person.
No wholesale dealer or firearms manufacturer registered as provided in this subchapter shall permit any wholesale dealer's agents, employees or other persons to engage in the purchase or sale or offering for sale of firearms or parts of firearms, unless such agents, employees or persons are over the age 18 and are licensed by the Superintendent. Such persons must submit to the Superintendent completed application form NJSP 641, two sets of fingerprints and consent for mental health records search form, SP 66. An employee who possesses a firearms purchaser identification card need not be fingerprinted again, provided that the New Jersey State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) "Request For Criminal History Record Information For Non Criminal Justice Purpose" form and the applicable fee is paid, the number of the firearms purchaser identification card is included in the space provided on the application, and provided that the employee continues to be eligible to retain such card in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The Superintendent shall issue licenses to such persons if they qualify to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or to possess a firearms purchaser identification card as provided in this chapter, and would not pose a danger to the public health, safety or welfare. A nonrefundable fee of $5.00 shall be paid by the employer to the Superintendent for each agent, employee or person in addition to the fees established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq.
An employee who is licensed by the Superintendent to engage in the purchase, sale or manufacture of firearms is licensed until such time as he or she terminates his or her employment with the wholesale dealer or manufacturer or becomes disabled as provided in this chapter.
Should an employee be transferred from his or her licensed location to another location, by the same registered employer, that employee shall apply for a transfer of his or her employee license by submitting application form SP 649, consent for mental health records search form SP 66, and shall surrender his or her current employee license to the Superintendent.
A wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer shall, within five days, return to the Superintendent any employee license for an employee who has been terminated, permanently transferred or has become disqualified as provided by this chapter.
A wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer shall not receive initial permission from the Superintendent to conduct a wholesale/manufacturer firearms business unless local zoning requirements have been satisfied for the operation of such a business, and the Superintendent has been notified in writing that such requirements have been satisfied. After the issuance of the initial registration, a wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer has a continuing obligation to remain in compliance with local zoning requirements and to notify the Superintendent within 48 hours of receiving written notice from the local zoning official or other competent authority that he or she is not in compliance with such local zoning requirements. The failure of the wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer to comply with this notification requirement may result in the revocation of the registration or license of such dealer and/or manufacturer.
An applicant for renewal of a wholesale firearms dealers and/or manufacturer of firearms license need not submit additional proof of zoning compliance to the Superintendent. Wholesale dealers and/or manufacturers are nevertheless required to notify the Superintendent within 48 hours of receiving written notice from the local zoning official or other competent authority that they are not in compliance with such local zoning requirements. The failure of a wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer to comply with this notification requirement may result in the revocation of the registration or license of such wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer.

A physical handicap shall not disqualify an applicant to be registered as a wholesale dealer or manufacturer of firearms or an applicant to be licensed as an employee unless such handicap would make it unsafe for the applicant to handle firearms or would interfere with the activities of the applicant or employee to the extent that it would endanger the public health, safety and welfare.N.J.A.C. 13:54-4.6 Exceptions for corporations

A public corporation whose stock is listed on a major stock exchange at the time of the filing of an application for registration as a wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer of firearms, shall not be required to furnish the personal data as set forth in the application form STS-280, for officers or directors of such corporation or for the stockholders of such corporation, unless such officers, directors or stockholders directly engage in the sale or purchase of firearms for the corporation or such officers, directors or stockholders hold or possess the actual or equitable controlling interest in such corporation.
A certification shall be filed by the member or members holding an actual or equitable controlling interest in each corporation or partnership certifying that such member(s) shall take the appropriate action to inform all employees directly engaged in the sale, purchase or manufacture of firearms or ammunition of the pertinent laws and regulations governing the sale, purchase and manufacture of such firearms or ammunition.

The Superintendent of State Police shall cause the applicant for registration to be investigated and either approve or deny the application. The application shall be approved if the Superintendent is satisfied that the applicant can be permitted to engage in business as a wholesale dealer of firearms without any danger to the public safety, health or welfare, and if the applicant would qualify for the issuance of a permit to purchase a pistol or a firearms purchaser identification card. If the application is approved, the Superintendent shall issue a certificate of registration to wholesale and/or manufacture firearms or parts of firearms.
Each registrant as a wholesale dealer and/or manufacturer shall install a system for the prevention and detection of the theft of firearms from the business premises in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 13:54-6.

A certificate of registration shall expire three years from the date of issuance. If a certificate of registration is renewed, it shall be effective for three years from the date of the expiration of the initial or most recent application.

An applicant for renewal of a certificate of registration shall follow the same procedures as required for the issuance of initial registration, including completion of forms STS 280 and 280A and a consent for mental health records form SP 66. Renewal application(s) shall be accompanied with a nonrefundable fee of $150.00 payable to the Superintendent and the fee established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq. An applicant for renewal of a certificate of registration need not be fingerprinted again, provided such applicant shall complete the New Jersey State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) "Request For Criminal History Record Information For Non Criminal Justice Purpose" form and submit the required fee for processing such form established by N.J.A.C. 13:59.
The employee's wholesale dealer's agent license is valid only, so long as the employer's wholesale dealer registration or firearms manufacturer registration is valid, and therefore such a license must be renewed simultaneously with the employer's registration. To this end, all licensed wholesale dealers' agents who engage in the purchase or sale or offering for sale of firearms or parts of firearms must also submit renewal applications to continue transacting business on behalf of the registered person, including completion of form SP 641 and submission of a consent for mental health records form SP 66. Such applications shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $5.00 payable to the Superintendent and the fee established by N.J.A.C.13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq. An applicant for renewal of a wholesale dealer's agent license need not be fingerprinted again, provided such applicant completes the New Jersey State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) "Request For Criminal History Record Information For Non Criminal Justice Purpose" form, and submits the required fee of processing such for as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59.
Wholesale dealers and manufacturers and employees of such persons applying for renewal of a certificate of registration or license renewal, at the time of such renewal shall:
1. Continue to be qualified for the issuance of a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card;
2. Meet the standards and qualifications of the Superintendent; and
3. Not pose a danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

Any certificate of registration may be revoked for breach of any of the conditions under which it was granted, or any conditions provided for in this chapter by the Superintendent, after written notice to all affected parties and a hearing, if requested.
Any employee license may be revoked for breach of any conditions under which it was granted, or any conditions provided for in this chapter, by the Superintendent, after written notice to all affected parties and a hearing, if requested.
Any certificate of registration or employee license shall be revoked by the Superintendent, after written notice to all affected parties and a hearing, if requested, if the holder no longer qualifies for the issuance of a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, or if the person poses a danger to the public health, safety or welfare.
Any person having knowledge that a person registered or licensed pursuant to this subchapter has violated any of the foregoing conditions or is otherwise unqualified to hold a registration or license may notify any law enforcement officer, who shall in turn notify the Superintendent, who may take such action as may be deemed appropriate.

Any person who has been refused registration as a manufacturer or wholesale dealer or any person whose name has been removed from registration by the Superintendent or any person who has been denied an employee's license, may appeal to the Superintendent within 30 days. If the appeal is denied by the Superintendent, such person may appeal to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.

Each manufacturer and/or wholesale dealer of firearms shall record the type, model, caliber or gauge, and serial number of each complete firearm, frame or receiver he manufactures or otherwise acquires, and the date of manufacture or acquisition of such firearm, frame or receiver. This information shall be recorded no later than the close of the next business day following the date of manufacture or acquisition.
A record of sale or other disposition of a firearm, frame or receiver must be recorded no later than the close of the next business day following the date of such sale or disposition. The record shall indicate the date of the sale or disposition of each firearm, frame or receiver, the type, model, caliber or gauge, and serial number of each firearm, and the name and address of the dealer to whom the firearm, frame or receiver was transferred.
The firearms records as prescribed under this section need not be required providing the dealer maintains an updated federal firearms record on firearms manufactured, purchased or acquired and sold as prescribed in Title 26, Internal Revenue, Chapter I "Commerce in Firearms and Ammunition" to the extent that the information required by this section is included on such records. If not included, then the Federal records shall be supplemented so as to include all information required by this section.

Records are to be retained by wholesale dealers and/or manufacturers and shall, for administrative and law enforcement purposes, be made available for inspection during reasonable hours to any member of the Division of State Police.

Upon discontinuance or termination of a wholesale dealers and/or manufacturers certificate of registration, the certificate of registration and any employee licenses shall be forwarded to the Superintendent within five days.

Each registered manufacturer of firearms shall legibly identify each firearm manufactured by engraving, casting, stamping, or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped or placed on the frame, receiver or barrel thereof in a manner not susceptible to being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, an individual serial number not duplicating any serial number placed on any other firearm manufactured and by engraving, casting, stamping, or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped or placed on the frame, receiver, or barrel thereof in a manner not susceptible to being readily obliterated, altered or removed, the model, if such designation has been made; the caliber or gauge; the name of the manufacturer and also, the city wherein the registered manufacturer maintains his place of business. A firearm frame, receiver or barrel which is not a component part of a complete firearm at the time it is sold, shipped or otherwise disposed of by a registered manufacturer shall be identified as required by this subchapter.

Except as provided in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6, no person shall possess a machine gun without first having obtained a license in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Except as provided in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6, no person shall possess an assault firearm without first having obtained a license in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, registered the assault firearm pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:58-12, or rendered the assault firearm inoperable pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-13.
Any licensed dealer in firearms who sells or otherwise transfers a machine gun or an assault firearm shall confirm both the identity of the purchaser, and in the case of a licensee, the validity of the license. A machine gun or assault firearm shall be delivered unloaded and securely wrapped.
A licensed dealer who accepts an assault firearm and/or machine gun from a private citizen for transfer, resale or repair shall, within 48 hours of such acquisition, notify the Superintendent. Such dealer shall maintain possession of the assault firearm and/or machine gun, until he or she receives permission from the Superintendent to proceed with the transfer, resale or repair of the weapon. Failure by the dealer to comply with this requirement may result in the revocation of the license or registration of such dealer.
In addition to the permanent records of receipt or disposition of firearms required by this chapter to be maintained by a wholesale or resale dealer, such dealers shall keep and maintain a separate ledger for the acquisition or receipt and sale or disposition of machine guns and assault firearms. This ledger shall be in the same form and contain the same information as provided for in N.J.A.C. 13:54-3.13, 3.14 and 3.15 and N.J.A.C. 13:54-4.12.

Licenses to purchase, possess or carry a machine gun or assault firearm shall be issued by a judge of the Superior Court in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-5. The application for such license shall be referred to the county prosecutor for investigation, recommendation and preparation of a report.
The report of the county prosecutor shall be served upon the Superintendent and the chief of police of every municipality in which the applicant intends to carry the machine gun or assault firearm. The Superintendent and/or the chief of police, or their designees, may personally appear and oppose the issuance of any license to acquire a machine gun or assault firearm. If the court issues a license, the Superintendent and/or chief of police, or their designees, may appeal that decision in accordance with the Rules of Court.
Upon issuance of a license by a court, a true copy of such license shall be filed with the Superintendent and chief of police of the municipality where the licensee resides or has his place of business.
At any time, the Superintendent, a chief of police, any law enforcement officer of this State or any other citizen may apply to the court which issued the license for revocation on the ground that the licensee is no longer qualified to possess such license by virtue of his inability to satisfy the statutory requirements of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4 and 2C:58-5, or if revocation is necessary in order to protect the public safety and welfare.

If the holder of a license to purchase, possess or carry a machine gun or assault firearm dies, or if the owner of an assault firearm, which has been registered pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-12 dies, then the heirs or estate of the deceased person shall have 90 days from the date of death to transfer the firearm to a licensed dealer or person or firm lawfully entitled to own or possess such firearm; voluntarily surrender the firearm pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-12; or, only in the case of an assault firearm, render the firearm inoperable pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-13. In the event that the heir or legatee of the assault firearm does not qualify for a firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun, he or she must immediately transfer possession of such firearm to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or the Superintendent during such 90-day period.
For purposes of this section, "inoperable" shall mean that the firearm is altered in such a manner that it cannot be immediately fired and that the owner or possessor of the firearm does not possess or have control over the parts necessary to make the firearm operable. In the event that the firearm is rendered inoperable, the heir or estate shall file a certification on the form prescribed by the Superintendent, indicating the date on which the firearm was rendered inoperable. The certification shall be filed with either the chief of police of the municipality in which the heir resides, or if the municipality does not have a full time police department, or if the owner resides outside of this State, with the Superintendent.

Any person having knowledge that a person is subject to any of the disabilities which would render such person ineligible to procure a license to purchase, possess or carry a machine gun or assault firearm, or to continue to be registered as an owner of an assault firearm, may notify the appropriate chief of police or the Superintendent, who may take such action as may be deemed appropriate.

A retail or wholesale firearms dealer licensed pursuant to this chapter may maintain large capacity ammunition magazines at its licensed premises for sale or disposition to another dealer, the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, or to a law enforcement agency, provided that the seller maintains a record of any sale or disposition to any of the afore-mentioned entities, including a description by make and model of the large capacity magazine. The record shall include the name of the purchasing agency, together with written authorization on the official letterhead of the Superintendent, chief of police or highest ranking officer of the agency or the appropriate ranking military officer, the name and rank of the law enforcement or military officer authorized to make the purchase, and the date and time of the sale or disposition. A copy of this record shall be forwarded by the seller to the Superintendent within 48 hours of the sale or disposition.

No person shall offer to sell a machine gun, semi-automatic rifle or assault firearm by means of an advertisement published in a newspaper circulating within this State, unless the advertisement states that the purchaser shall hold a valid license to purchase and possess a machine gun or assault firearm or, in the case of a semi-automatic rifle that is not an assault firearm, a valid firearms purchaser identification card.

The chief of police of every municipality having a full time police department or, if the municipality does not have such a police department, the State Police station servicing that municipality, shall on a monthly basis provide to the Superintendent the number and types of criminal offenses involving assault firearms. The report shall also include the type of assault firearm utilized in the commission of the crime. The report shall be received by the Superintendent no later than five business days from the end of the prior month.

The term "dealer," when used in this subchapter, means retail dealers as well as wholesale dealers and shall also include manufacturers of firearms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The dealer shall submit a plan of the selected security system to the Superintendent.
Upon approval of such plan by the Superintendent, the dealer shall install such system prior to maintaining any inventory of firearms, parts of firearms, or ammunition.
A plan that is not approved will be returned to the applicant along with the reasons for such rejection.
The applicant shall have the opportunity to submit a revised plan.
All security systems shall be subject to inspections by a member of the Division of State Police at any time.
If at any time the system is found to be defective, the dealer shall make the necessary repairs or adjustment to correct the defect within seven days.
Failure of a dealer to comply with any of the security standards may result in the revocation of the license or registration of such dealer.

The following list of approved security systems has been formulated as a guide to the firearms dealer, any one of which may be acceptable upon investigation and approval by the Superintendent.
1. An alarm system designated to activate a bell, gong, horn or siren located on the outside of the business premises which is audible for a minimum distance of 500 feet. The system shall be equivalent or greater to the minimum standards as outlined in N.J.A.C. 13:54-6.4;
2. Silent alarm system capable of automatically transmitting an alarm to a constantly attended central station alarm company and/or to a police department or headquarters providing full time service. The system shall be equivalent or greater to the minimum standards as outlined in N.J.A.C. 13:54-6.4;
3. A watchman or security guard on duty during nonbusiness hours;
4. A system other than those listed above proposed by a dealer which is acceptable by the Superintendent.

The installation of a tape, contact or invisible ray alarm system must:
1. Completely protect all accessible windows, doors, transoms, skylights and other openings leading from the premises;
2. Protect with contacts only, all movable accessible openings leading from the premises, and which provides one or more invisible rays or channels of radiation, with the minimum overall length of the rays or radiation equivalent to the longest dimensions of the area or areas to detect movement through the channel at a rate of one step per second; or
3. Protect with contact only, all doors leading from the premises and provide a system of invisible radiation to all sections of the enclosed area so as to detect movement. The system shall respond to the movement of a person walking not more than four consecutive steps at a rate of one step per second.

In addition to the alarm system, a dealer shall provide for the internal security of firearms and ammunition.
1. Firearms or ammunition shall not be accessible or handled by anyone, unless the individual is directly supervised by a licensed dealer or licensed employee.
2. All firearms stored in a glass display case located in an area accessible by anyone other than a licensed dealer or licensed employee shall be locked at all times.
3. All firearms on display, including those in a glass display case shall be secured by a cable or other adequate locking device that prevents the firearm from being removed from a fixed location unless the dealer or licensed employee is at all times in the immediate vicinity and the firearms are always under observation.
The following is a list of approved internal security methods for the safeguarding of firearms and ammunition during nonbusiness hours. A dealer shall select the method(s) which is most compatible with his or her business:
1. Shotguns and rifles secured in a rack equipped with a locking device such as a metal bar or a steel cable;
2. Firearms and ammunition secured in a heavy gauge metal cabinet equipped with an adequate locking device;
3. Firearms and ammunition secured in a heavy gauge mesh wire cage equipped with an adequate locking device on the door(s);
4. Firearms and ammunition secured in a safe or vault;
5. Firearms may remain in glass display cases, provided the firearms are secured with a steel cable or other adequate locking device; and/or
6. Other method(s) proposed by the dealer approved by the Superintendent.
The method(s) selected by a dealer shall be included in the Security System form STS-61.
Any other building(s) where firearms and/or ammunition are stored shall be subject to the same requirements as applicable to a business premise.

Dealers are required to complete form SP 515 and such other forms as shall be required by the Superintendent, reporting the loss of firearm(s) and/or ammunition, as a result of a burglary, robbery or any other cause, from the business premise. The dealer shall forward the completed form to the Superintendent within 48 hours of the loss or theft of firearm(s) and/or ammunition. The police department where the business is located shall be notified by the dealer of the theft or loss of firearm(s) and/or ammunition as soon as such loss or theft is discovered.
A complete description, including the type, make, model, barrel-length, caliber and serial number of the stolen/missing firearm(s) shall be given to the investigating law enforcement agency.
Failure of the dealer to comply with any of the above requirements may result in the revocation of the registration or license of such dealer.

In the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, firearms dealers shall discontinue the sale of firearms and ammunition upon notification by the Superintendent or the chief of police of the municipality where the firearms dealers' business is located, that a civil disturbance or other emergency exists.
Those businesses affected shall not resume the sale of firearms or ammunition until such time as the Superintendent or the chief of police of the municipality determines that the civil disturbance or other emergency no longer exists.
All dealers located in the area affected by such disturbance or emergency shall be required to comply with one of the following:
1. Arrange with the chief of police officer of the municipality for appropriate security of firearms and ammunition; or
2. Remove all firearms and ammunition from the business premises to a secure location.
Failure of the dealer to comply with any of the above requirements may result in the revocation of the license of such dealer.

A person who is a retired law-enforcement officer within the meaning of P.L. 1997, c.67, §1(1) (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(l)) and who, pursuant to this statute, applies for an initial identification card or for an annual renewal of a current or an expired identification card permitting the retired law-enforcement officer to carry a handgun shall complete the appropriate form prescribed by the Superintendent and shall submit the form to the Division of State Police. The form shall inquire as to the identity of the officer and the law-enforcement agency from which the officer retired, and as to matters that might disqualify the officer, including judgments or convictions for crimes or offenses that would render the officer's possession of a handgun illegal under State or Federal law. The form shall be accompanied by three passport-type photos appropriate for inclusion on the identification card, and by evidence that the officer has timely qualified in the use of the handgun he or she is permitted to carry in accordance with the requirements and procedures established by the Attorney General pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(j). The form shall also be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 and if the retired law enforcement officer is applying for an initial identification card, rather than a renewal, the form shall be accompanied by the forms and fees set forth in (b) and (c) below, if applicable.
No retired law-enforcement officer shall be approved to obtain an initial identification card unless the retired officer's fingerprints have been submitted to the State Bureau of Identification of the Division of State Police so as to allow the State Bureau of Identification to assign an identification number (hereinafter, the "SBI number") to the firearms applicant file for that retired officer. The retired officer shall submit the officer's SBI number on the application form. If the retired officer does not have an SBI number, then the officer's application shall be accompanied by the officer's fingerprints, and by the fee prescribed by N.J.A.C. 13:59-1.3(a).
An application for an initial identification card shall also be accompanied by a fee of $10.00 to be collected by the State Bureau of Identification. This $10.00 fee will offset costs associated with "flagging" the retired officer's SBI number so as to alert the Firearms Investigation Unit of any pending or subsequently lodged criminal charges against the officer that might afford grounds for revoking the officer's privilege to carry a handgun, and also costs associated with that Unit's investigation of such charges.

No person shall, for the purpose of hunting for, pursuing, taking or killing, or attempting to hunt, pursue, take or kill any bird or animal, have, in an automobile or vehicle of any kind, any shotgun or rifle loaded with missiles of any kind, under a penalty of not less than $20.00 nor more than $50.00 for each offense.

For the purpose of this act, whenever a person is found with such loaded shotgun or rifle in possession in a vehicle, the same shall be conclusive proof that the person was in the act of pursuing or taking birds or animals.

L.1939, c. 172, p. 523, s. 1. Amended by L.1971, c. 252, s. 3, eff. June 30, 1971.

In addition to the requirements of section 1 of P.L.1939, c.172 (C.23:4-24.1), no person may transport, possess, or have in their control a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is unloaded and contained in a closed and securely fastened case, or locked in the trunk of the motor vehicle. A person violating this section shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $50.00 nor more than $200.00.

L.1990,c.29,s.11.

The governing body of every municipality may make, amend, repeal and enforce ordinances to:

Finances and property.

1. Manage, regulate and control the finances and property, real and personal, of the municipality;

Contracts and contractor's bonds.

2. Prescribe the form and manner of execution and approval of all contracts to be executed by the municipality and of all bonds to be given to it;

Officers and employees; duties, terms and salaries.

3. Prescribe and define, except as otherwise provided by law, the duties and terms of office or employment, of all officers and employees; and to provide for the employment and compensation of such officials and employees, in addition to those provided for by statute, as may be deemed necessary for the efficient conduct of the affairs of the municipality;

Fees.

4. Fix the fees of any officer or employee of the municipality for any service rendered in connection with his office or position, for which no specific fee or compensation is provided. In the case of salaried officers or employees, such fee shall be paid into the municipal treasury;

Salaries instead of fees; disposition of fees.

5. Provide that any officer or employee receiving compensation for his services, in whole or in part by fees, whether paid by the municipality or otherwise, shall be paid a salary to be fixed in the ordinance, and thereafter all fees received by such officer or employee shall be paid into the municipal treasury;

Maintain order.

6. Prevent vice, drunkenness and immorality; to preserve the public peace and order; to prevent and quell riots, disturbances and disorderly assemblages; to prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage persons on private property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2000, c.33 (C.40:48-1.2);

Punish beggars; prevention of loitering.

7. Restrain and punish drunkards, vagrants, mendicants and street beggars; to prevent loitering, lounging or sleeping in the streets, parks or public places;

Auctions and noises.

8. Regulate the ringing of bells and the crying of goods and other commodities for sale at auction or otherwise, and to prevent disturbing noises;

Swimming; bathing costume; prohibition of public nudity.

9. Regulate or prohibit swimming or bathing in the waters of, in, or bounding the municipality, and to regulate or prohibit persons from appearing upon the public streets, parks and places clad in bathing costumes or robes, or costumes of a similar character; regulate or prohibit persons from appearing in a state of nudity upon all lands within its borders which are under the jurisdiction of the State including, without limitation, all lands owned by, controlled by, managed by or leased by the State;

Prohibit annoyance of persons or animals.

10. Regulate or prohibit any practice tending to frighten animals, or to annoy or injure persons in the public streets;

Animals; pounds; establishment and regulation.

11. Establish and regulate one or more pounds, and to prohibit or regulate the running at large of horses, cattle, dogs, swine, goats and other animals, and to authorize their impounding and sale for the penalty incurred, and the costs of impounding, keeping and sale; to regulate or prohibit the keeping of cattle, goats or swine in any part of the municipality; to authorize the destruction of dogs running at large therein;

Hucksters.

12. Prescribe and regulate the place of vending or exposing for sale articles of merchandise from vehicles;

Building regulations; wooden structures.

13. Regulate and control the construction, erection, alteration and repair of buildings and structures of every kind within the municipality; and to prohibit, within certain limits, the construction, erection or alteration of buildings or structures of wood or other combustible material;

Inflammable materials; inspect docks and buildings.

14. Regulate the use, storage, sale and disposal of inflammable or combustible materials, and to provide for the protection of life and property from fire, explosions and other dangers; to provide for inspections of buildings, docks, wharves, warehouses and other places, and of goods and materials contained therein, to secure the proper enforcement of such ordinance;

Dangerous structures; removal or destruction; procedure.

15. Provide for the removal or destruction of any building, wall or structure which is or may become dangerous to life or health, or might tend to extend a conflagration; and to assess the cost thereof as a municipal lien against the premises;

Chimneys and boilers.

16. Regulate the construction and setting up of chimneys, furnaces, stoves, boilers, ovens and other contrivances in which fire is used;

Explosives.

17. Regulate, in conformity with the statutes of this State, the manufacture, storage, sale, keeping or conveying of gunpowder, nitroglycerine, dynamite and other explosives;

Firearms and fireworks.

18. Regulate and prohibit the sale and use of guns, pistols, firearms, and fireworks of all descriptions;

Soft coal.

19. Regulate the use of soft coal in locomotives, factories, power houses and other places;

Theaters, schools, churches and public places.

20. Regulate the use of theaters, cinema houses, public halls, schools, churches, and other places where numbers of people assemble, and the exits therefrom, so that escape therefrom may be easily and safely made in case of fire or panic; and to regulate any machinery, scenery, lights, wires and other apparatus, equipment or appliances used in all places of public amusement;

Excavations.

21. Regulate excavations below the established grade or curb line of any street, not greater than eight feet, which the owner of any land may make, in the erection of any building upon his own property; and to provide for the giving of notice, in writing, of such intended excavation to any adjoining owner or owners, and that they will be required to protect and care for their several foundation walls that may be endangered by such excavation; and to provide that in case of the neglect or refusal, for 10 days, of such adjoining owner or owners to take proper action to secure and protect the foundations of any adjacent building or other structure, that the party or parties giving such notice, or their agents, contractors or employees, may enter into and upon such adjoining property and do all necessary work to make such foundations secure, and may recover the cost of such work and labor in so protecting such adjacent property; and to make such further and other provisions in relation to the proper conduct and performance of said work as the governing body or board of the municipality may deem necessary and proper;

Sample medicines.

22. Regulate and prohibit the distribution, depositing or leaving on the public streets or highways, public places or private property, or at any private place or places within any such municipality, any medicine, medicinal preparation or preparations represented to cure ailments or diseases of the body or mind, or any samples thereof, or any advertisements or circulars relating thereto, but no ordinance shall prohibit a delivery of any such article to any person above the age of 12 years willing to receive the same;

Boating.

23. Regulate the use of motor and other boats upon waters within or bounding the municipality;

Fire escapes.

24. Provide for the erection of fire escapes on buildings in the municipality, and to provide rules and regulations concerning the construction and maintenance of the same, and for the prevention of any obstruction thereof or thereon;

Care of injured employees.

25. Provide for the payment of compensation and for medical attendance to any officer or employee of the municipality injured in the performance of his duty;

Bulkheads and other structures.

26. Fix and determine the lines of bulkheads or other works or structures to be erected, constructed or maintained by the owners of lands facing upon any navigable water in front of their lands, and in front of or along any highway or public lands of said municipality, and to designate the materials to be used, and the type, height and dimensions thereof;

Lifeguard.

27. Establish, maintain, regulate and control a lifeguard upon any beach within or bordering on the municipality;

Appropriation for life-saving apparatus.

28. Appropriate moneys to safeguard people from drowning within its borders, by location of apparatus or conduct of educational work in harmony with the plans of the United States volunteer life-saving corps in this State;

Fences.

29. Regulate the size, height and dimensions of any fences between the lands of adjoining owners, whether built or erected as division or partition fences between such lands, and whether the same exist or be erected entirely or only partly upon the lands of any such adjoining owners, or along or immediately adjacent to any division or partition line of such lands.

To provide, in such ordinance, the manner of securing, fastening or shoring such fences, and for surveying the land when required by statute, and to prohibit in any such ordinance the use at a height of under 10 feet from the ground, of any device, such as wire or cable, that would be dangerous to pedestrians, equestrians, bicyclists, or drivers of off-the-road vehicles, unless that device is clearly visible to pedestrians, equestrians, bicyclists or drivers of off-the-road vehicles. In the case of fences thereafter erected contrary to the provisions thereof, the governing body may provide for a penalty for the violation of such ordinance, and in the case of such fence or fences erected or existing at the time of the passage of any such ordinance, may provide therein for the removal, change or alteration thereof, so as to make such fence or fences comply with the provisions of any such ordinance;

Advertise municipality.

30. Appropriate funds for advertising the advantages of the municipality;

Government Energy Aggregation Programs.

31. Establish programs and procedures pursuant to which the municipality may act as a government aggregator pursuant to sections 40 through 43 of P.L.1999,c.23 (C.48:3-89 through C.48:3-92), section 45 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-94), and sections 1, 2 and 6 of P.L.2003, c.24 (C.48:3-93.1 through C.48:3-93.3). Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a municipality acting as a government aggregator pursuant to P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-49 et al.) shall not be deemed to be a public utility pursuant to R.S.40:62-24 or R.S.48:1-1 et seq. or be deemed to be operating any form of public utility service pursuant to R.S.40:62-1 et seq., to the extent such municipality is solely engaged in the provision of such aggregation service and not otherwise owning or operating any plant or facility for the production or distribution of gas, electricity, steam or other product as provided in R.S.40:62-12;

Joint municipal action on consent for the provision of cable television service.

32. Establish programs and procedures pursuant to which a municipality may act together with one or more municipalities in granting municipal consent for the provision of cable television service pursuant to the provisions of the "Cable Television Act," P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, two or more municipalities acting jointly pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) shall not be deemed a public utility pursuant to R.S.48:1-1 et seq., to the extent those municipalities are solely engaged in granting municipal consent jointly and are not otherwise owning or operating any facility for the provision of cable television service as provided in P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.);

Private cable television service aggregation programs.

33. Establish programs and procedures pursuant to which a municipality may employ the services of a private aggregator for the purpose of facilitating the joint action of two or more municipalities in granting municipal consent for the provision of cable television service provided that any such municipality shall adhere to the provisions of the "Cable Television Act," P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented, and to the provisions of the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a municipality that employs the services of a private aggregator pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.) shall not be deemed a public utility pursuant to R.S.48:1-1 et seq., to the extent that the municipality is solely engaged in employing the services of a private aggregator for the purpose of facilitating the joint action of two or more municipalities in granting municipal consent and is not otherwise owning or operating any facility for the provision of cable television service as provided in P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-1 et seq.);

Protective Custody.

34. Provide protective custody to persons arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance, or any controlled dangerous substance in violation of R.S.39:4-50 as provided in section 1 of P.L.2003, c.164 (C.40:48-1.3).

Private Outdoor Video Surveillance Camera Registry.

35. Establish a private outdoor video surveillance camera registry and allow voluntary registration of private outdoor video surveillance cameras as provided in P.L.2015, c.142 (C.40:48-1.6 et al.).

Amended 1979, c.43, s.1; 1999, c.23, s.47; 1999, c.141; 2000, c.32; 2000, c.33, s.2; 2001, c.36, s.1; 2003, c.38, s.1; 2003, c.164, s.2; 2015, c.142, s.3.

As used in P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented:
"Biotechnology" means any technique that uses living organisms, or parts of living organisms, to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop micro-organisms for specific uses; including the industrial use of recombinant DNA, cell fusion, and novel bioprocessing techniques.

"Custodian of a government record" or "custodian" means in the case of a municipality, the municipal clerk and in the case of any other public agency, the officer officially designated by formal action of that agency's director or governing body, as the case may be.

"Government record" or "record" means any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound-recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file in the course of his or its official business by any officer, commission, agency or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof, or that has been received in the course of his or its official business by any such officer, commission, agency, or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof. The terms shall not include inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative, or deliberative material.
- A government record shall not include the following information which is deemed to be confidential for the purposes of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented:
- information received by a member of the Legislature from a constituent or information held by a member of the Legislature concerning a constituent, including but not limited to information in written form or contained in any e-mail or computer data base, or in any telephone record whatsoever, unless it is information the constituent is required by law to transmit;
- any memorandum, correspondence, notes, report or other communication prepared by, or for, the specific use of a member of the Legislature in the course of the member's official duties, except that this provision shall not apply to an otherwise publicly-accessible report which is required by law to be submitted to the Legislature or its members;
- any copy, reproduction or facsimile of any photograph, negative or print, including instant photographs and videotapes of the body, or any portion of the body, of a deceased person, taken by or for the medical examiner at the scene of death or in the course of a post mortem examination or autopsy made by or caused to be made by the medical examiner except:
- when used in a criminal action or proceeding in this State which relates to the death of that person,
- for the use as a court of this State permits, by order after good cause has been shown and after written notification of the request for the court order has been served at least five days before the order is made upon the county prosecutor for the county in which the post mortem examination or autopsy occurred,
- for use in the field of forensic pathology or for use in medical or scientific education or research, or
- for use by any law enforcement agency in this State or any other state or federal law enforcement agency;
- criminal investigatory records;
- victims' records, except that a victim of a crime shall have access to the victim's own records;
- any written request by a crime victim for a record to which the victim is entitled to access as provided in this section, including, but not limited to, any law enforcement agency report, domestic violence offense report, and temporary or permanent restraining order;
- personal firearms records, except for use by any person authorized by law to have access to these records or for use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, for purposes of the administration of justice;
- personal identifying information received by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection in connection with the issuance of any license authorizing hunting with a firearm. For the purposes of this paragraph, personal identifying information shall include, but not be limited to, identity, name, address, social security number, telephone number, fax number, driver's license number, email address, or social media address of any applicant or licensee;trade secrets and proprietary commercial or financial information obtained from any source. For the purposes of this paragraph, trade secrets shall include data processing software obtained by a public body under a licensing agreement which prohibits its disclosure;
- any record within the attorney-client privilege. This paragraph shall not be construed as exempting from access attorney or consultant bills or invoices except that such bills or invoices may be redacted to remove any information protected by the attorney-client privilege;
- administrative or technical information regarding computer hardware, software and networks which, if disclosed, would jeopardize computer security;
- emergency or security information or procedures for any buildings or facility which, if disclosed, would jeopardize security of the building or facility or persons therein;
- security measures and surveillance techniques which, if disclosed, would create a risk to the safety of persons, property, electronic data or software;
- information which, if disclosed, would give an advantage to competitors or bidders;
- information generated by or on behalf of public employers or public employees in connection with any sexual harassment complaint filed with a public employer or with any grievance filed by or against an individual or in connection with collective negotiations, including documents and statements of strategy or negotiating position;
- information which is a communication between a public agency and its insurance carrier, administrative service organization or risk management office;
- information which is to be kept confidential pursuant to court order;
- any copy of form DD-214, or that form, issued by the United States Government, or any other certificate of honorable discharge, or copy thereof, from active service or the reserves of a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, or from service in the organized militia of the State, that has been filed by an individual with a public agency, except that a veteran or the veteran's spouse or surviving spouse shall have access to the veteran's own records; and
- that portion of any document which discloses the social security number, credit card number, unlisted telephone number or driver license number of any person; except for use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf thereof, or any private person or entity seeking to enforce payment of court-ordered child support; except with respect to the disclosure of driver information by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission as permitted by section 2 of P.L.1997, c.188 (C.39:2-3.4); and except that a social security number contained in a record required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file by a public agency shall be disclosed when access to the document or disclosure of that information is not otherwise prohibited by State or federal law, regulation or order or by State statute, resolution of either or both houses of the Legislature, Executive Order of the Governor, rule of court or regulation promulgated under the authority of any statute or executive order of the Governor.
- A government record shall not include, with regard to any public institution of higher education, the following information which is deemed to be privileged and confidential:
- pedagogical, scholarly and/or academic research records and/or the specific details of any research project conducted under the auspices of a public higher education institution in New Jersey, including, but not limited to research, development information, testing procedures, or information regarding test participants, related to the development or testing of any pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical delivery system, except that a custodian may not deny inspection of a government record or part thereof that gives the name, title, expenditures, source and amounts of funding and date when the final project summary of any research will be available;
- test questions, scoring keys and other examination data pertaining to the administration of an examination for employment or academic examination;
- records of pursuit of charitable contributions or records containing the identity of a donor of a gift if the donor requires non-disclosure of the donor's identity as a condition of making the gift provided that the donor has not received any benefits of or from the institution of higher education in connection with such gift other than a request for memorialization or dedication;
- valuable or rare collections of books and/or documents obtained by gift, grant, bequest or devise conditioned upon limited public access;
- information contained on individual admission applications; and
- information concerning student records or grievance or disciplinary proceedings against a student to the extent disclosure would reveal the identity of the student.
"Personal firearms record" means any information contained in a background investigation conducted by the chief of police, the county prosecutor, or the Superintendent of State Police, of any applicant for a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; any application for a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; any document reflecting the issuance or denial of a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; and any permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or any firearms license, certification, certificate, form of register, or registration statement. For the purposes of this paragraph, information contained in a background investigation shall include, but not be limited to, identity, name, address, social security number, phone number, fax number, driver's license number, email address, social media address of any applicant, licensee, registrant or permit holder.

"Public agency" or "agency" means any of the principal departments in the Executive Branch of State Government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by such department; the Legislature of the State and any office, board, bureau or commission within or created by the Legislative Branch; and any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency. The terms also mean any political subdivision of the State or combination of political subdivisions, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by a political subdivision of the State or combination of political subdivisions, and any independent authority, commission, instrumentality or agency created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions.

"Law enforcement agency" means a public agency, or part thereof, determined by the Attorney General to have law enforcement responsibilities.

"Constituent" means any State resident or other person communicating with a member of the Legislature.

"Member of the Legislature" means any person elected or selected to serve in the New Jersey Senate or General Assembly.

"Criminal investigatory record" means a record which is not required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file that is held by a law enforcement agency which pertains to any criminal investigation or related civil enforcement proceeding.

"Victim's record" means an individually-identifiable file or document held by a victims' rights agency which pertains directly to a victim of a crime except that a victim of a crime shall have access to the victim's own records.

"Victim of a crime" means a person who has suffered personal or psychological injury or death or incurs loss of or injury to personal or real property as a result of a crime, or if such a person is deceased or incapacitated, a member of that person's immediate family.

"Victims' rights agency" means a public agency, or part thereof, the primary responsibility of which is providing services, including but not limited to food, shelter, or clothing, medical, psychiatric, psychological or legal services or referrals, information and referral services, counseling and support services, or financial services to victims of crimes, including victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, violent crime, child endangerment, child abuse or child neglect, and the Victims of Crime Compensation Board, established pursuant to P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.) and continued as the Victims of Crime Compensation Office pursuant to P.L.2007, c.95 (C.52:4B-3.2 et al.) and Reorganization Plan No. 001-2008.

L.1995, c.23, s.1; amended 2001, c.404, s.2; 2005, c.170; 2013, c.116; 2014, c.19, s.2.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other statute or regulation to the contrary, government record as defined in section 1 of P.L.1995, c.23 (C.47:1A-1.1) shall include aggregate information regarding the total number of permits to purchase a handgun and firearms purchaser identification cards, without any personal identifying information, that have been issued by the Superintendent of State Police or the Chief of Police of a municipal police department.

L.2013, c.112, s.1.

9. Nothing contained in P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), as amended and supplemented, shall be construed as limiting the common law right of access to a government record, including criminal investigatory records of a law enforcement agency; provided, however, that any common law right of access to a personal firearms record is abolished.

L.2001,c.404,s.9; amended 2013, c.116.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that to further provide for the public safety and the well being of the citizens of this State, and to respond to growing dangers and threats of gun violence, it is altogether fitting and proper for the law enforcement departments and agencies of this State to fully participate, through the utilization of electronic technology, in interjurisdictional information and analysis sharing programs and systems to deter and solve gun crimes.

To effectuate this objective, it shall be the policy of this State for its various law enforcement agencies to utilize fully the federal Criminal Justice Information System to transmit and receive information relating to the seizure and recovery of firearms by law enforcement, in particular the National Crime Information Center System to determine whether a firearm has been reported stolen; the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives E-Trace System to establish the identity of a firearm's first purchaser, where that firearm was purchased and when it was purchased; and the National Integrated Ballistics Identification Network to ascertain whether a particular firearm is related to any other criminal event or person.

L.2013, c.162, s.1.

3. Whenever a law enforcement agency seizes or recovers a firearm that was unlawfully possessed, used for any unlawful purpose, recovered from the scene of a crime, is reasonably believed to have been used or associated with the commission of a crime, or is acquired by the agency as an abandoned or discarded firearm, the agency shall arrange for every such firearm that, in accordance with protocols promulgated by the Attorney General and superintendent, is determined to merit and be suitable for National Integrated Ballistics Identification Network data entry and examination to be test-fired as soon as may be practicable and the results of that test-firing be forthwith submitted to the National Integrated Ballistics Identification Network to determine whether the firearm is associated or related to a crime, criminal event, or any individual associated or related to a crime or criminal event or reasonably believed to be associated or related to a crime or criminal event.

Whenever a law enforcement agency recovers any spent shell casing at a crime scene or has reason to believe that the recovered spent shell casing is related to or associated with the commission of a crime or the unlawful discharge of a firearm, the agency shall, as soon as may be practicable, submit the ballistics information to the National Integrated Ballistics Identification Network.

L.2013, c.162, s.3.

Upon a finding by the commissioner that there exists or impends an energy supply shortage of a dimension which endangers the public health, safety, or welfare in all or any part of the State, the Governor is authorized to proclaim by executive order a state of energy emergency for a period of up to 6 months. The Governor may limit the applicability of any such state of emergency to specific kinds of energy forms or to specific areas of the State in which such a shortage exists or impends.
During the duration of a state of energy emergency the commissioner to the extent not in conflict with applicable Federal law or regulation but notwithstanding any State or local law or contractual agreement, shall be empowered to:
1. Order any person to reduce by a specified amount the use of any energy form; to make use of an alternate energy form, where possible; or to cease the use of any energy form;
2. Order any person engaged in the distribution of any energy form to reduce or increase by a specified amount or to cease the distribution of such energy form; to distribute a specified amount and type of energy form to certain users as specified by the commissioner; or to share supplies of any energy form with other distributors thereof;
3. Establish priorities for the distribution of any energy form;
4. Regulate and control the distribution and sale of any energy form by:
  1. Establishing such limitations, priorities, or rationing procedures as shall be necessary to insure a fair and equitable distribution of available supplies;
  2. Establishing minimum and maximum quantities to be sold to any purchaser;
  3. Fixing the days and hours of access to retail dealers;
  4. Compelling sales to members of the general public during times when a retail dealer is open for the sale of an energy form;
  5. Establishing methods for notifying the public by flags, symbols, or other appropriate means whether such retail dealers are open and selling the subject energy form;
5. Direct the heads of those departments and agencies within State Government that were ordered to develop contingency plans pursuant to section 14 of this act to implement said plans;
6. Adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this section.
During the existence of a state of energy emergency, the Governor may order the suspension of any laws, rules, regulations, or orders of any department or agency in State Government or within any political subdivision which deal with or affect energy and which impede his ability to alleviate or terminate a state of energy emergency.
Any aggrieved person, upon application to the commissioner shall be granted a review of whether the continuance of any order issued by the commissioner pursuant to this section is unreasonable in light of then prevailing conditions of emergency.
During a state of energy emergency the commissioner may require any other department or other agency within State Government to provide such information, assistance, resources, and personnel as shall be necessary to discharge his functions and responsibilities under this act, rules and regulations adopted hereunder, or applicable Federal law and regulations.
The powers granted to the Governor and the commissioner under this section shall be in addition to and not in limitation of any emergency powers now or hereafter vested in the Governor, the commissioner, or any other State Government department or agency pursuant to any other laws, including but not limited to any power vested in the Board of Public Utilities to require utility companies to allocate available supplies of energy; provided, however, that upon declaring a state of energy emergency, the Governor may supersede any other such emergency powers.
The state of energy emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to this section shall remain in effect until the Governor declares by a subsequent executive order that the state of energy emergency has terminated.

L.1977, c. 146, s. 15, eff. July 11, 1977.

1.

This act shall be known and may be cited as "The Secure Firearm Storage Act".
Receipts from sales of firearm vaults providing secure storage for firearms are exempt from the tax imposed under the "Sales and Use Tax Act", P.L.1966, c.30 (C.54:32B-1 et seq.).

L.1999,c.254.

New Jersey Firearm Laws

New Jersey Constitution Article I, [1.]

TITLE 2A - ADMINISTRATION OF CIVIL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

§2A:4A-60 - Disclosure of juvenile information; penalties for disclosure.

TITLE 2C - THE NEW JERSEY CODE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

§2C:3-1 - Justification an affirmative defense; civil remedies unaffected

§2C:3-2 - Necessity and other justifications in general

§2C:3-3 - Execution of public duty

§2C:3-4 - Use of force in self-protection.

§2C:3-5 - Use of force for the protection of other persons

§2C:3-6 - Use of force in defense of premises or personal property

§2C:3-7 - Use of force in law enforcement

§2C:3-8 - Use of force by persons with special responsibility for care, discipline or safety of others

§2C:3-9 - Mistake of law as to unlawfulness of force or legality of arrest; reckless or negligent use of excessive but otherwise justifiable force; reckless or negligent injury or risk of injury to innocent persons

§2C:3-10 - Justification in property crimes

§2C:3-11 - Definitions.

§2C:39-1 - (2019) Definitions.

§2C:39-2 - Presumptions

§2C:39-3 - (2019) Prohibited weapons and devices

§2C:39-4 - Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes.

§2C:39-4.1 - Weapons; controlled dangerous substances and other offenses, penalties.

§2C:39-5 - (2013) Unlawful possession of weapons.

§2C:39-6 - (2017) Exemptions.

§2C:39-7 - (2019) Certain persons not to have weapons or Ammunition.

§2C:39-9 - (2019) Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances.

§2C:39-10 - (2019) Violation of the regulatory provisions relating to firearms; false representation in applications.

§2C:39-11 - Pawnbrokers; loaning on firearms

§2C:39-12 - (2018) Voluntary surrender

§2C:39-13 - Unlawful use of body vests

§2C:39-14 - 2nd degree crimes

§2C:39-15 - Gun advertising requirement

§2C:39-16 - "Leader of a firearms trafficking network" defined; first degree crime; fines; sentencing

§2C:39-17 - (2018) Retired law enforcement officers permitted to possess, carry certain ammunition

§2C:39-18 - (2018) Inapplicability

§2C:39-19 - (2018) Regulations relative to certain current owners of automatic rifles

§2C:39-20 - (2018) Registration of certain firearms

§2C:58-1 - Registration of manufacturers and wholesale dealers of firearms

§2C:58-2 - (2019) Retailing of firearms; licensing of dealers and their employees.

§2C:58-2.1 - Guidelines for delivery of handguns

§2C:58-2.7 - (2019) Personalized Handgun Authorization Commission

§2C:58-2.8 - (2019) Definitions relative to personalized handguns; roster

§2C:58-2.9 - (2019) Application, testing, criteria for approval

§2C:58-2.10 - (2019) Availability of personalized handguns for purchase; posting of roster; inspections

§2C:58-2.11 - (2019) Violations, penalties

§2C:58-2.12 - (2019) Suicide prevention course curriculum, informational materials for firearm retail dealers

§2C:58-3 - (2018) Purchase of firearms.

§2C:58-3.1 - Temporary transfer of firearms

§2C:58-3.2 - Temporary transfer of firearm for training purposes

§2C:58-3.3 - "Handgun ammunition" defined; sale, purchase, etc., regulated; violation, fourth degree crime.

§2C:58-3.4 - Exemption on restriction of purchase of handguns.

§2C:58-4 - (2018) Permits to carry handguns

§2C:58-5 - Licenses to possess and carry machine guns and assault firearms.

§2C:58-6.1 - (2013) Possession of firearms by minors; exceptions.

§2C:58-7 - Persons possessing explosives or destructive devices to notify police

§2C:58-10 - Incendiary or tracer ammunition

§2C:58-12 - Registration of assault firearms

§2C:58-13 - Transfer of assault firearm to another; rendering inoperable; voluntarily surrendering.

§2C:58-14 - Annual report on assault firearms.

§2C:58-14.1 - (2017) Voluntary surrender of certain firearm components.

§2C:58-15 - Minor's access to a loaded firearm; penalty, conditions.

§2C:58-16 - Retailer's written warnings; wholesaler's warning; violation, penalty.

§2C:58-17 - "KeepSafe" program established

§2C:58-18 - Report on KeepSafe program

§2C:58-19 - Report of loss, theft of firearm within 36 hours; violations, penalties.

TITLE 13 - LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY

CHAPTER 54 - Firearms And Weapons

13:54 - Chapter Notes

Subchapter 1 - Firearms Purchaser Identification Card And Permit To Purchase A Handgun

§13:54-1.1 - Firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase handguns

§13:54-1.2 - Definitions

§13:54-1.3 - Firearm identification card or permit to purchase required

§13:54-1.4 - Applications for a firearms purchaser identification card and for a permit to purchase a handgun

§13:54-1.5 - Prerequisites for a permit to purchase handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card

§13:54-1.6 - Exception for physical disability, mental disorder or alcoholism

§13:54-1.7 - Validity of firearms identification card and permit to purchase a handgun

§13:54-1.8 - Written certification; delivery of permit to purchase

§13:54-1.9 - Number of firearms that may be purchased

§13:54-1.10 - Revocation of a firearms purchaser identification card

§13:54-1.11 - Duplicate firearms purchaser identification card

§13:54-1.12 - Appeal