Bill > A4923

Introduced Session

This bill eliminates the statutory prohibition against the possession of "hollow point" and "dum-dum" ammunition. New Jersey's current prohibition includes an exemption so that a person may purchase this ammunition and transport it to his dwelling. This exemption is confusing to law enforcement officers and law abiding citizens. While many people have been arrested and prosecuted for the mere possession of "hollow point" ammunition in New Jersey, such ammunition is unrestricted in virtually all other states. Many common types of hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition have a "hollow point" or "nose." In the case of self-defense ammunition, this hollow "nose," which causes the bullet to expand upon impact, makes for a safer projectile since the likelihood of a ricochet is minimized. Hollow nosed target ammunition is generally considered more accurate at long ranges than other types of ammunition. Under the provisions of this bill, individuals would be permitted to possess "hollow point" and "dum-dum" ammunition for lawful purposes. The bill also establishes enhanced penalties for individuals who possess ammunition for an unlawful purpose. At present, the possession of "hollow point" or "dum-dum" ammunition outside of certain narrow parameters is a crime of the fourth degree. This bill provides that an individual who possesses ammunition for an unlawful purpose would be guilty of a crime of the second degree. Finally, the bill deletes subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:39-2 which provides that with regard to any firearm permit or license, an individual was deemed in violation of the law "until he establishes the contrary."

AI Summary

Committee Categories

John DiMaio (R)*,  Parker Space (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee (on 06/01/2017)