September 23, 2022. Today, the text of NJ Assembly bill A4502 was introduced. Styled as "sensitive places" legislation to restrict where concealed carry permit holders can legally carry, the bill would be more appropriately named the "Protection of Mass Murderers, Terrorists, and Violent Criminals Act," because it identifies zones where the public is required to be utterly defenseless, and provides violent criminals with a road map of where they can strike without fear of encountering an armed law-abiding citizen who can resist. The legislation is New Jersey's misguided answer to the U.S. Supreme Court's recent Bruen decision upholding right to carry. Since New Jersey can no longer deny carry permits to law-abiding citizens, lawmakers have instead turned to trying to limit WHERE one can carry, and it isn't pretty. No-carry zones under the proposal include the following: -Synagogues, Mosques and Churches -Parks, playgrounds & recreation areas -Public transportation -Public gatherings -Hospitals, nursing homes, and similar facilities -Youth sports events -Restaurants where alcohol is served (even if the permit holder is not drinking) -Parades and public assemblies The legislation treats carry permit holders as if THEY are the threat to public safety (not criminals), and ensures that the public will not be able to resist murderers, violent criminals, or terrorists in those locations. The legislation has not yet been scheduled for a hearing, and this alert has been issued to advise gun owners of the bill's introduction. We will have detailed talking points and action requests in upcoming alerts. |
