“This bill is another victory for our citizens and public safety. I applaud the Governor’s and Sponsor’s efforts to address the horrific consequences of how easily criminals provide firearms to others who engage in acts of violence. This bill will better secure communities such as Trenton throughout the state.  This law will give our law enforcement officers the tools to cut off illegal supply lines and help keep unregistered weapons off the streets and away from our neighborhoods,” Mayor Gusciora said. 

The law, also known as the “Real Accountability for Consequences of Unlawful Trafficking of Firearms Act,” a trafficked firearm used for a crime resulting in a death may be charged with a first-degree crime. Similarly, a person who commits a firearm trafficking violation resulting in serious or significant bodily injury may be charged with a second-degree crime. The bill will also allow New Jersey prosecutors to charge out-of-state traffickers, who have supplied around 80% of guns used for crimes in our state, for the harm their illegal out-of-state conduct causes in New Jersey. 

The legislation is modeled after similar laws that impose strict criminal liability on drug dealers for overdose deaths caused by their illicit products. 

“Far too many New Jerseyans live with the daily fear that people in their communities who cannot legally possess guns can illegally obtain firearms and cause great harm,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill allows us to hold those who illegally traffic those guns accountable for the harm that those weapons are used to cause. With today’s new law, New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to go after illegal gun traffickers in this way.  This is yet another historic step to protect our children and families from gun violence, and we will continue to support long-term solutions that will break the cycle of violence once and for all.” 

Trenton Police Department Director Steve Wilson added, “This law sends a clear message to those who would participate and/or profit from the illegal distribution of firearms, that they can now be held accountable for the injuries sustained and the lives lost due to gun violence.”  

“I want to thank the Governor and the Legislature for passing such an important bill for the safety of all New Jerseyans. It’s very important across our state that we address guns that are sold illegally and taking the lives of our youth. The illegal distribution of guns is destroying our communities and today’s bill signing is a step towards holding illegal traffickers accountable for their actions,” said Pastor John Taylor of Friendship Baptist Church.  

For information on the newly signed bill visit NJ’s legislative website at  https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S3150.