Bill

Bill > A1376


NJ A1376

NJ A1376
Clarifies that law enforcement agencies may hold gun buyback programs and permits voluntary surrender of ammunition.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill clarifies that a person may voluntarily surrender ammunition to a law enforcement agency. Under current law, a person may voluntarily surrender a firearm after giving written notice to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the person resides or the Superintendent of State Police. This bill authorizes a person to surrender ammunition in the same manner as a firearm. The bill also clarifies that the Office of the Attorney General or a county prosecutor's office may authorize gun buyback programs to allow people to anonymously and voluntarily surrender any firearm, ammunition, or weapon in their possession. Under the bill, gun buyback programs that accept surrendered firearms also are required to accept surrendered ammunition. Gun buyback programs would be permitted to grant an award in exchange for any surrendered firearm or weapon. Law enforcement agencies in this State routinely host gun buyback programs. This bill clarifies that this is a permissible practice under current law.

AI Summary

This bill clarifies that individuals can voluntarily surrender ammunition to law enforcement agencies in the same way they can currently surrender firearms, by providing written notice to the local chief of police or the Superintendent of State Police before any charges are filed. It also explicitly permits the Office of the Attorney General or county prosecutor's offices to authorize gun buyback programs, which allow people to anonymously and voluntarily turn in firearms, ammunition, or other weapons. These programs, which are already a common practice for law enforcement, are now required to accept surrendered ammunition if they accept surrendered firearms, and they may offer awards for turned-in firearms or weapons.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

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

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