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19 Jun: Vitale Bill To Increase Penalties On Trespassers With Firearms Approved

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would enhance the penalties for trespassing on private or posted property if the trespasser has a firearm in his or her possession was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 37-0.

“When a trespasser steps over that boundary between public land and private property, homeowners can be justifiably nervous” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “When you add a loaded firearm into the equation, you have a powder keg ready to ignite. We need strong deterrents and penalties to ensure that, in hunters’ eyes, the line between public and private property is painted with a thick, black brush.”

08 May: Vitale Bill To Increase Penalties On Trespassers With Firearms Approved

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would enhance the penalties for trespassing on private or posted property if the trespasser has a firearm in his or her possession was unanimously approved by the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee today.

“When a hunter steps foot on someone’s property with a loaded gun, that’s a recipe for tragedy,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “We need stronger laws in place to act as a deterrent, and keep a safe boundary between hunters and private property. There needs to be some places that are off-limits to hunters, to ensure public safety and safeguard against fatal accidents.”