TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti, to increase the penalties for anyone who transports firearms into the State, was approved by the full Senate today..
“New Jersey has some of the most restrictive laws in the nation with respect to purchasing handguns; unfortunately, the majority of handguns used to commit crimes in this State originate from Pennsylvania and Virginia,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “We need to ‘stem the tide’ of illegal guns into the State. We have done a lot to reduce many types of crime in our State, but crimes committed with firearms are still rising and tougher laws are needed to control the gun problem.”
The bill, S-2932, would upgrade the penalties for transporting firearms into the State, for the purpose of unlawful distribution from a fourth degree offense to a crime of the second degree which is carried a strict penalty of five to ten years in prison, and, or a fine of up to $150,000.
“This bill is part of Governor Corzine’s anti-crime program, ‘A Strategy for Safe Streets and Neighborhoods’ which consists of a series of legislative proposals as well as administrative initiatives,” said Senator Girgenti. “By creating stricter penalties, we can deter people from bringing firearms into New Jersey. This bill is necessary for stopping gun violence, reducing gang activity and cracking down on those who bring the firearms into our State.”
The bill now heads to the Assembly for consideration.
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