Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of binary firearm triggers.
Impact
The bill proposes making the possession of binary triggers a crime of the third degree, and the penalties for such ownership would be served consecutively to those related to the possession of assault firearms or machine guns. The potential punishments include three to five years of imprisonment, fines, or both. As it currently stands, possession of a machine gun is already classified as a second-degree crime, punishable by heavier penalties. This bill represents an extension of existing firearm regulations, particularly those aimed at reducing the rate of fire possible with semiautomatic firearms.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3716 seeks to establish criminal penalties for the sale and possession of binary firearm triggers within the state of New Jersey. A binary trigger is defined within the bill as a device that allows a semiautomatic firearm to fire one round upon the pull of the trigger and another round upon its release. This bill also clarifies that any firearm outfitted with a binary trigger is to be categorized as a machine gun under state law, thereby triggering more stringent legal implications.
Contention
Debate surrounding A3716 is likely to center around the balance between gun rights and public safety. Proponents may argue that restricting the possession of binary triggers is a necessary step to mitigate gun violence and enhance community safety by limiting access to high-capacity firing mechanisms. Conversely, opponents could object to these measures as overreach, infringing upon the rights of responsible gun owners and treating law-abiding citizens as potential criminals.
Enforcement
The bill allows for a grace period during which individuals in possession of binary triggers can voluntarily surrender them to law enforcement without facing charges, effectively providing a transitional phase for compliance. Licensed manufacturers and dealers are allotted a shorter period to surrender these devices. The immediate enactment of this bill upon passage indicates that the legislature is prioritizing quick implementation to address perceived threats to public safety.
Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.