Bill > A3327

Introduced Session

This bill bans firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Magazines capable of holding up to 15 rounds of ammunition currently are legal in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill revises the definition of a "large capacity ammunition magazine" to reduce the allowable rounds of ammunition from 15 to 10. The bill also designates a semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds as a prohibited assault firearm. The bill exempts law enforcement officers from the bill's 10 round limit on ammunition magazines by authorizing them to possess and carry while on duty a large capacity ammunition magazine and possess and carry while off duty a large capacity ammunition magazine which is capable of holding up to 15 rounds of ammunition. The bill also permits retired police officers authorized to possess and carry a handgun in this State to continue to possess and carry a magazine capable of holding up to 15 rounds. In addition, the bill exempts from the 10 round limitation those semi-automatic rifles which have an attached tubular magazine and which is capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. This exemption would permit the sale and possession of a popular beginner gun, the Marlin Model 60, often referred to as the "Boy Scout gun." These firearms are low caliber and the tubular magazine cannot be quickly reloaded. The bill limited the exception for the Boy Scout gun to magazines that hold up to 15 rounds. These Boy Scout guns are manufactured with magazines holding more than 15 rounds. Therefore, the bill removes from the definition a limit on number of rounds. The bill makes its provisions effective immediately, but allows for a 180-day grace period to transfer, render inoperable, or voluntarily surrender a semi-automatic rifle or magazine that will be unlawful under the bill.

Committee Categories

Lou Greenwald (D)*,  Gordon Johnson (D)*,  Gabriela Mosquera (D), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee (on 02/22/2016)