Tully, Swain Bill to Fight Straw Purchases and Gun Trafficking in New Jersey Goes to Governor

(TRENTON) – Joining in the ongoing legislative effort to combat gun trafficking and straw purchasing in the state, Assembly Democrats Chris Tully and Lisa Swain (Both D-Bergen, Passaic) are sponsors of legislation that would prohibit a person who is disqualified from possessing a firearm from knowingly soliciting, persuading, encouraging, or enticing anyone to sell, give, transfer, or assign a firearm against current state and federal laws.

The bill cleared the full Assembly on Thursday, 70-5. The sponsors issued the following joint statement:

“Guns move far too easily between states through gun trafficking and unlawful straw purchases. No one should purchase a firearm to sell to an individual who is unqualified for a gun license.

“Gun violence in our communities has claimed too many lives. Stronger regulations on straw purchasing in New Jersey can help keep firearms out of the wrong hands. This bill along with the other gun violence prevention measures which cleared the Assembly today will work together to end this practice.”

Under this 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 bill will now head to the Governor’s desk for further consideration.