Bill > A572

Introduced Session

This bill authorizes elected officials and their chiefs of staff to carry certain firearms, subject to compliance with training requirements. Under current law, there are general prohibitions regarding the possession of firearms and weapons, but there are exemptions for certain individuals. These exemptions allow specific individuals, such as law enforcement officers, military personnel, and certain government officials, to carry firearms in the course of their official duties. Under the provisions of this bill, the general prohibitions on possessing a handgun, rifle, and shotgun will not apply to a person who is an elected official. Under the bill, an "elected official" means any person elected from the State as a United States Senator or United States House of Representative or any person holding a State or local government office which, under the State Constitution or by law, is filled by the registered voters of a jurisdiction at an election. In addition, the elected official is authorized to carry their firearm at all times while in the State of New Jersey, but only for the duration of the elected official's term. In addition, under the bill, general prohibitions on possessing a handgun, rifle, or a shotgun will not apply to a person appointed by an elected official to serve as the elected official's chief of staff. This exemption only applies while in the actual performance of the person's official duties and only for the duration of the elected official's term. Additionally, an elected official and their chief of staff are required to complete a firearms training course approved by the Police Training Commission before qualifying for the exemption under the provisions of this bill. Finally, the elected official and their chief of staff are required to annually qualify in the use of a firearm.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Bob Auth (R)*,  Gregory Myhre (R)*,  Sean Kean (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document