Singleton Introduces Bill to Close Illegal Gun Loophole

Proposal Prevents Disqualified Persons from Soliciting the Transfer of a Firearm

TRENTON – In an effort to further address gun violence in New Jersey, Senator Troy Singleton introduced a bill today that would prohibit a person disqualified from owning a firearm from soliciting a licensed dealer or another person to sell or transfer a firearm to the disqualified person.

“We have to close every loophole that allows illegal guns to move through and ravage our communities,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “This proposal amends our current law so that when someone obtains a gun illegally, it becomes an even more serious offense – one that cannot be merged with another penalty which could mean an additional five years in prison.”

The bill prohibits a person who is disqualified from owning a firearm from knowingly soliciting, persuading, encouraging, or enticing a licensed dealer or other person to sell, give, transfer, or assign a firearm to the disqualified person under circumstances that would violate state or federal law.  Under the bill, the disqualified person would be guilty of a crime of the third degree, which is punishable by a three-to-five year term of incarceration, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.  The penalty established by the bill would not merge with any other penalty under current law.

In addition, the Senator also introduced the Senate version of Assembly Bill A4258, which eliminates presumption of non-imprisonment for theft of a firearm.

“Together, these two bills send a strong message of zero tolerance to those who attempt to illegally obtain a gun in New Jersey for illicit purposes,” continued Singleton.