As part of our advocacy and public information efforts, KeepNJSafe regularly monitors new safety legislation as it is filed. Here are few bills that were recently put forth that we’ll be keeping an eye on:
S2974/A4400 Requires police officer to inquire during mental health check whether there is firearm on premises
This bill requires a law enforcement officer conducting a mental health check to inquire whether a firearm is located on the premises. The bill does not authorize a law enforcement officer to seize a firearm without consent. It is the sponsor’s intent to increase the safety of police officers and the public by ascertaining whether mentally ill persons or persons experiencing a mental health crises have access to a firearm in their home.
CURRENT STATUS: Senate bill S2974 has been referred to the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee. The prime sponsor is Senator Greenstein. Assembly bill A4400 has been referred to the Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee. The prime sponsors are Assemblywoman Mosquera and Assemblywoman Vainieri-Huttle.
S2971/A4458 Clarifies that distribution of software or instructions to manufacture firearm using three dimensional printing technology constitutes public nuisance; establishes crimes of second degree
This bill clarifies that distributing computer software or any other instructions to manufacture a three dimensional printed firearm receiver, magazine, or firearm component constitutes a public nuisance under N.J.S.2C:33-12. A person who distributes this information would be guilty of a second degree crime, punishable by imprisonment for a term of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. In addition, the bill allows the Attorney General to bring a civil action for a permanent injunction against a person who distributes computer software or any other instructions to manufacture a three dimensional printed firearm receiver, magazine, or firearm component. The bill allows the court to impose a civil penalty on a person who violates the permanent injunction.
CURRENT STATUS: Senate bill S2971 has been referred to the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee. The prime sponsor is Senator Vin Gopal. Assembly bill A4458 has been referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The prime sponsors are Assemblywoman Downey and Assemblyman Houghtaling.
S3024/A4486 “Michael Anthony Fornicola’s law”; requires hotels to have automated external defibrillators in certain areas.
Michael Anthony Fornicola passed away on May 29th 2012 after suffering cardiac arrest at Harrah’s Resorts in Atlantic City. The family believes that his life could have been saved if an AED was available on his floor. This bill would require every hotel in the State to provide an automated external defibrillator (AED) in each lobby, meeting room, banquet hall, and fitness center, as well as on every residential floor.
CURRENT STATUS: Senate bill S3024 is pending referral; the prime sponsor is Senator Greenstein. Assembly bill A4486 has been referred to the Assembly Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts. The prime sponsors are Assemblywoman Downey, Assemblyman Houghtaling, and Assemblywoman Mosquera.
A4487 “Marissa’s Law”; provides for mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death or serious bodily injury, except if operator reports the accident; increases mandatory minimum term for reckless vehicular homicide.
This bill, named “Marissa’s Law,” is in response to the tragic death of Marissa Procopio from Atlantic Highlands, who was fatally struck by a car on July 7, 2015. The driver of the car fled the scene of the crime but was later apprehended, charged and was sentenced after entering a plea agreement. The bill applies to motor vehicle accidents and boating accidents.
CURRENT STATUS: A4487 has been referred to the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. The prime sponsors are Assemblywoman Downey and Assemblyman Houghtaling. There is no Senate version yet.
