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Bill > S2052


NJ S2052

Permits place of worship to establish security plan to select one person to carry handgun during religious services.


summary

Introduced
03/16/2020
In Committee
03/16/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022

Introduced Session

2020-2021 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill allows the governing body of a place of worship to establish a security program by selecting one person to carry a handgun for the purpose of protecting religious service attendees. The bill defines "place of worship" as a building, including but not limited to a church, mosque or synagogue, used primarily as a place of public or private worship on a permanent basis by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination registered as a not-for-profit under the federal Internal Revenue Code. Under the bill, the selected person would be required to participate in a firearms training course held by the Police Training Commission, the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, or a recognized rifle or pistol association that certifies instructors. The bill provides that the selected person may serve in a voluntary capacity or for monetary compensation. In addition, the selected person may transport the firearm directly to and from person's residence and the place of worship. The selected person would be subject to all other requirements imposed under current law regarding the right to carry a firearm. The bill would not prohibit a place of worship from hiring an armed security officer or allowing a law enforcement officer or other person entitled to carry a firearm at all times in this State from serving as the person selected for the security program. On November 5, 2017, a mass shooting occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas during which 26 people were killed and 20 others were injured. The shooter, Devin Patrick Kelley, was shot twice by a civilian as he exited the church and was later found dead in his motor vehicle following a high speed chase. On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at the Tree of Life-Or L'Simcha Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, during which 11 people were killed and seven were injured. It was the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the United States. It is the sponsor's intent to prohibit similar incidents from occurring by allowing places of worship to establish a security program.

AI Summary

This bill allows the governing body of a place of worship, such as a church, mosque, or synagogue, to establish a security program that permits one person to carry a handgun to protect attendees of religious services. The selected person must undergo firearm safety training and can serve either voluntarily or for compensation. The bill also allows law enforcement officers and other authorized persons to serve in this role without additional training. The intent of the bill is to prevent mass shootings at places of worship, citing recent incidents in Sutherland Springs, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 03/16/2020)

bill text


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