Overview of Bills

A438/S2029 Ballistic ID bill rifles and pistols: Passed Assembly, currently in SLP committee. We don’t expect any action on this bill due to budget constraints.

A2910 Smart gun rebate/NJIT $1 million: Due to our testimony at their committee meeting, the tax break for manufacturers was removed from bill. Currently in Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee.

A3134 Ballistic ID on any gun brought for repair: Since it is contingent on the full ballistic ID bill, remains in Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee.

S1484 Curio/antique gun collectors’ exemption: Sponsored by Sen. Cardinale, this bill is in Senate Law & Public Safety Committee. It is up to committee chairs to post this bill on their agenda.

A1086/S873 Safety education bill including firearms education: Currently in Senate and Assembly Education committees. 

AR275 supports the federal bill H.R. 1036 banning frivolous lawsuits, supports lawful commerce in arms: Sponsored by Asw. McHose. HR 1036 passed the House April 9. It now goes to the Senate. Editorials are against this bill. Sen. Codey wrote a long Op-Ed opposing passage of HR 1036 May 2.

S160/A3223 juveniles who used weapon in crime denied permit to purchase: Would have stopped transport of long guns by out of state buyers. Passed and was signed into law May 6, 2003. Assembly sponsor agreed to amend and remove long guns from bill.

S2219/A3420 would ban exact replica pellet guns and make it illegal to own one: It was heard at the May 5 meeting of the Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee. John Tomicki and I testified against the bill, as did several Airsoft hobbyists, who hired Evan Nappen to represent them. We coordinated our efforts. Crosman promised support and Daisy Airguns legal counsel assisted with our testimony. Also involved was the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The bill was passed out of committee with two no votes, Asm. Carroll and Asm. Holzapfel. Asm. Carroll said the bill goes against federal law and is unconstitutional. On May 22 the Airsoft spokesperson met with legal services and members of the Assembly committee and they agreed to our proposed amendments that pellet gun sales and ownership be restricted to those over 18. A big difference from a total ban! 

A 4791/ S 1219 Prohibits black bear hunting: Currently in A&S Agriculture and Natural Resources. On May 15 Senate Conservation Committee met. On the agenda was the black bear bill, S1219. About 20 people gave testimony, among them the Deputy DEP commissioner, Federation president George Howard, and myself. Sen. Adler questioned the liability issue and inserted an anti-liability clause in the bill but was informed precedent had already been set. A further amendment allowed farmers depredation permits. The appropriation for the Humane Society was removed and a commission for further study was added to the bill. Final vote was MacNamara abs, Suliga yes, Adler yes, Lance abs, Ciesla no, Smith yes. The bill was not moved out of committee.


Hearing on Black Bear Hunt
On May 22, the NJ Division of Fish Game & Wildlife Council heard public testimony regarding game code changes, one of which was the black bear hunting season. There were 350 people present. Over 60 gave testimony. The hunters and farmers rallied for this one, and the bear people were not only outnumbered but outclassed. The only two overly zealous speakers to be escorted off by State troopers were against the bear hunt.  I was the only woman speaking for the bear hunt. My testimony, most of it written by Scott Bach, who was home sick with the flu, was very well received, and some was published in the Trenton Times. It looks like we may have a black bear hunt this season. 

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