Bill

Bill > S2800


NJ S2800

NJ S2800
Establishes "gun-free" and "weapon free" zones around certain school and public properties.


summary

Introduced
02/22/2024
In Committee
02/22/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes "gun free" and "weapon free" zones around schools, day care centers, public buildings, such as libraries and museums, public housing facilities, and public parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. Under the provisions of the bill, anyone who unlawfully possesses a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, college, or university building or facility, or while on any school bus, is guilty of a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Any person who possesses a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school, college, or university building or facility, or while on a school bus, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill also provides that anyone who unlawfully possesses a firearm within 500 feet of a day care center, public building, public housing facility, or public park or recreational area is guilty of a crime of the third degree. A person who unlawfully possesses any weapon with 500 feet of any of these places or facilities is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new "gun-free" and "weapon-free" zones around various public properties, including schools, day care centers, public buildings like libraries and museums, public housing facilities, and public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. Specifically, possessing a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, college, or university, or on a school bus, is a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000. Possessing any weapon within these school-related areas is a fourth-degree crime, with penalties up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000. For other public properties such as day care centers, public buildings, public housing, and parks, possessing a firearm within 500 feet is a third-degree crime, and possessing any other weapon within that distance is a fourth-degree crime. The bill also clarifies that ignorance of being within these prohibited zones is not a defense, and maps can be used as evidence to define these areas. The changes are intended to enhance public safety around sensitive locations.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 02/22/2024)

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