Bill
Bill > S3347
NJ S3347
NJ S3347Establishes "gun-free" and "weapon free" zones around certain school and public properties.
summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 "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 crime of the third degree, punishable by three to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000. Possessing any weapon within these school-related zones or on a school bus is a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by 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 facilities, and public parks or recreational areas, possessing a firearm within 500 feet is a crime of the third degree, and possessing any other weapon within that distance is a crime of the fourth degree. The bill also clarifies that ignorance of being within these prohibited zones is not a defense, and maps of these zones can be used as evidence in court. The law will take effect on the first day of the third month following its enactment.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 02/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3347 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3347_I1.HTM |
Loading...