SB 2785 Keeps Guns Out of the Hands of Felons, Domestic Abusers and Other Dangerous People
The New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today applauded Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg’s introduction of SB 2785—a bill that closes a dangerous loophole in current New Jersey law that makes it too easy for felons, domestic abusers, and other dangerous people to buy rifles and shotguns. Under current law, a person may use a decades-old permit to buy a long gun—even if they have recently committed a crime. SB 2785 fixes this gap in current law by requiring point-of-sale background checks before every shotgun and rifle transfer, with reasonable exceptions such as transfers between family, for self-defense and while hunting.
“As moms dedicated to keeping our children safe from gun violence, we applaud Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg for introducing this common-sense, life-saving background check bill in the New Jersey Legislature,” said Brett Sabo, a volunteer with the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “This bill fixes a loophole in current New Jersey law that allows felons, domestic abusers, and other dangerous people to get their hands on rifles and shotguns. For those wishing to legally purchase a rifle or shotgun in New Jersey, the process is still convenient – over 99 percent of New Jersey residents live within 10 miles of a licensed gun dealer, where they can get a simple background check and buy a long gun from a private seller. We hope the New Jersey legislature will see this bill for what it is—a straightforward measure that keeps New Jersey women, families, and communities safe.”
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of American mothers fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 2.5 million members and more than 40,000 donors. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand