Bill > S1928

This bill amends New Jersey law to establish new "gun-free" and "weapon-free" zones around certain public properties, specifically defining "public property safety zones" to include day care centers, public housing facilities, public parks, and public buildings. Under the bill, knowingly possessing a firearm within 500 feet of these zones, in violation of existing laws, becomes a third-degree crime, and possessing other weapons under inappropriate circumstances within this radius becomes a fourth-degree crime. The bill also clarifies that ignorance of being within these zones is not a defense and provides for the admissibility of official maps to define these areas, while also allowing for other evidence. Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to existing exemptions for carrying weapons, particularly concerning retired law enforcement officers and certain wildlife management personnel.