In the wake of the Newtown tragedy and other recent mass shootings, Assemblyman Joe Cryan (D-Union) has introduced legislation to ensure the mental stability of anyone authorized to purchase a firearm in New Jersey.
“Newtown was a true eye opener for us,” said Cryan. “Based on what we know about the alleged shooter at this point, mental health may have played a key factor in this tragedy. And this appears to be a common thread in many of the mass shootings we’ve seen in recent years. There’s been a significant outpouring of support from the public to make mental health screenings a part of the overall discussion on gun control. I think any legitimate effort to curb gun violence must include this important aspect.”
Specifically, the bill would require anyone applying for a firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun to pass a mental health screening administered by a medical doctor or licensed psychiatrist in New Jersey.
Under the bill, the mental health screening would be developed by the Superintendent of the State Police in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services.
“If law enforcement officers are required to undergo psychological testing in order to carry a firearm and hold their position, why shouldn’t civilians as well? I think you would be hard pressed to find any mass shooting where mental illness did not play a factor. This is a common sense move that is long over due in my opinion,” added Cryan.
Cryan introduced the bill on Monday. TLS.
And how much money will they charge for the screening tests? Add that to the cost of the gun and it would be cheaper to buy one “off the street”.
There already is a requirement in NJ that you submit to a background check for both mental health and criminal history when applying for a gun permit. I’m surprised the Assemblyman was unaware of that long standing requirement.
The screening won’t help if the guns were stolen like they were in Newton. The suspect in Newton stole the guns from his mother he did not own the guns
everyone thinks adam lanza had his own guns and that somehow he was able to purchase them. adam lanza didnt own any guns! he took them or stole them from his mother who was the registered owner. as a responsible gun owner, and in her case, knowing the mental condition of her son she should have all the guns and ammo locked up. somehow he was able to get hold of them and commit his sin. nobody seems to want to address the real question about the shootings. how did he get the guns? if they were locked up he wouldnt have had access to them. so, RESPONSIBLE gun owners need to keep all guns and ammo locked up. do we really need another law about having background checks and talk about weapons bans? i dont see how any of that will help. restrictive gun laws targetting law abiding citizens havent worked to reduce crime in the past nor will they in the future. no laws stopped adam lanza. but he shouldnt have had access to those guns either.
Thats for a gun permit but unfortunately there are people who either had a gun permit already and then snap even though they passed the screening it could be they were still a little bit crazy and once you get that permit thats it they could get what ever they want from a AK-47 to a MILATARY ASSUALT RIFLE and a .22 CALIBER HAND GUN once there really no way to solve the solution totally unfortunately
The newtown killer actually tried on 5 ocasions to get a gun and was denied every time. He then used his mothers gun which she left out.
IS OUR GOVERNMENT SO INCOMPETANT THAT THEY JUST REALIZED NOW TO MAKE SURE A PERSON IS MENTALLY STABLE BEFORE PURCHASING A FIREARM?!?
ALSO “A TRUE EYEOPENER” IM GLAD YOU ADMIT HOW BLIND YOU WERE!
Why would any red-blooded American buy a gun “off the street.” You want your gun to be legal. It should have a working safety and a warranty of fitness ie. in working order.
more laws will not stop the mentally deranged, in fact this law would not have made one bit of differance as the newtown killer did not purchase the weapons he used to kill those innocent children