The New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee on Monday advanced an amended Concealed Carry Restriction bill for the fourth time, as Democratic legislators try to pass a bill which would face as few legal challenges as possible.
The bill was approved in a 3-2 vote, along party lines.
Some of the new amendments to the bill approved Monday, include a more defined term for weapon, limiting the types of weapons a person could be charged for if found to be carrying a gun in a “sensitive area.”
A previous version of the bill faced ridicule from Republicans, who noted that technically anything can be considered a weapon – even knitting needles.
The amended bill now includes language defining weapons as “destructive devices,” a term that refers to various firearms, grenades and other explosives.
Late last month, the bill, which already cleared several committees, was abruptly pulled from the Assembly agenda, as the bill’s sponsor’s realized several changes would be necessary.
The revised bill also sought to allay concerns from police groups which were concerned that retirees may face charges for carrying their weapons in public.
An approved amendment now allows retired police officers to renew their concealed carry permits every two years, instead of every 12 months.
The four major police unions in the state have now publicly endorsed the new bill.
Despite, the changes, many legal experts expect the bill to face legal challenges once it becomes law.
Speaking exclusively to TLS on Tuesday, New Jersey Governor Murphy said he was confident the revised bill would stand up to any potential legal challenges.
“I hope so. I normally wouldn’t talk about bills that are not on our desk, but this one is important to all of us,” he said.
“We are very concerned about the Supreme Court’s steps initially, and then also in staying New York’s laws,” Murphy continued.
“G-d willing this will be crafted in a way that will stand up, because G-d knows we need it,” he added.
Also included in the new bill is an increase in the amount gun holders will have to pay for their new licenses, with the amount for a concealed carry permit applications will jump from $2 to $25. The bill also increases the fee to obtain a firearm purchaser identification card (FPIC) from $5 to $50.
The bill now needs to be passed by the full Senate and Assembly before Governor Murphy can sign it.
A previous version of the bill faced ridicule from Republicans, who noted that technically anything can be considred a weapon – even knitting needles.
I’m glad they amended this bill. A police officer almost arrested me the other day for “possessing and hiding a concealed knitting needle in a sensitive area.”
When I asked the officer what ‘sensitive area’ he was referring to, he told me: “Don’t get smart with me, buddy! The chest area of the bloodied man lying on the floor right next to you is clearly a sensitive area, wouldn’t you agree?”
So I’m happy there’s been some changes added to this bill. Now I can keep my concealed knitting needle in any sensitive area that I choose.
I’m sure glad I got this off my chest, and off the other fellow’s chest too!
Democarst hate law abiding citizens and want to restrict your constitutional rights, but keep voting democrat.