Bill

Bill > A5389


NJ A5389

Requires firearm retailers to provide disclosure of customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms; advises customers it is unlawful to purchase firearms with intent to sell to disqualified persons.


summary

Introduced
03/06/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires firearm wholesale or retail dealers to provide disclosure of a customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms and advise customers that it is unlawful to purchase a firearm with the intent to unlawfully sell it to any other person. Under the provisions of this bill, all firearm wholesale and retail dealers are required to provide customers with a disclosure, upon the retail sale or transfer of any firearm, printed in block letters not less than one-fourth of an inch in height. This bill requires that the disclosure be signed by the purchaser or transferee. In addition, the firearm wholesale or retail dealer is required to provide the purchaser or transferee with a copy of this written disclosure. Under the provisions of this bill, a firearm wholesale and retail dealer is required to collect and maintain a copy of each disclosure that is signed by a purchaser or transferee for a period of not less than 15 years. Furthermore, firearm wholesale and retail dealers are required to conspicuously post the same disclosure at each purchase counter. Specifically, the disclosure advises customers of their responsibility to report a lost or stolen firearm within 36 hours to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality where the loss or theft occurred or to the Superintendent of State Police if the municipality does not have a local police force. In addition, the disclosure advises customers that it is illegal to purchase a firearm with the intent to unlawfully sell that firearm to someone who does not have the necessary firearm license or permit. Any firearm wholesale or retail dealer who violates the provisions of this bill will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for any subsequent offense. The civil penalty will be collected pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction. Officials authorized by law or ordinance, or law enforcement officers, can issue summonses for violations. All penalties collected will be forwarded to the Office of Attorney General to be used for gun violence prevention efforts.

AI Summary

This bill requires firearm wholesale and retail dealers to provide customers with a written disclosure during firearm sales, emphasizing two key legal responsibilities. First, customers must be informed that they are legally obligated to report lost or stolen firearms within 36 hours to either the local chief law enforcement officer or the State Police Superintendent if no local police force exists. Second, the disclosure must warn customers that purchasing a firearm with the intent to unlawfully sell it to an unauthorized person is illegal. Dealers must have customers sign this disclosure, provide them a copy, and maintain these signed documents for at least 15 years. Additionally, dealers must prominently display this same disclosure at each purchase counter in block letters. Violations of these requirements will result in civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, with collected penalties directed to the Office of Attorney General for gun violence prevention efforts. The bill will take effect on the first day of the third month following its enactment, and the Superintendent of State Police is authorized to create implementing regulations.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 03/06/2025)

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