Giffords Applauds New Jersey Bill to Protect Garden State Communities

Trenton, NJ — Today, Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, applauded Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement of a new gun safety policy. This legislation comes after the radical right-wing majority on the Supreme Court overturned New York’s more than 100-year old concealed carry law, also affecting New Jersey’s concealed carry law. 

Nico Bocour, Government Affairs Director, Giffords:

“This summer the Supreme Court issued a ruling that threatens the public safety of all Americans, limiting the government’s ability to regulate guns in public. Today, with Governor Phil Murphy andAttorney General Matt Platkin, New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin responded to the extremist decision by introducing new legislation that will protect New Jerseyans and their families. More guns in public places will only increase the danger in New Jersey communities. This critical legislation will deem critical public places as sensitive areas where guns are not permitted and reinforce strong procedures for obtaining a concealed carry permit in the Garden State. As our nation continues to experience elevated rates of gun violence, we’re grateful for leaders with the courage to act. We applaud these courageous leaders and urge the legislature to move swiftly on this legislation.”

The legislation introduced today includes Giffords’ recommendations to: 

• Strengthen qualification standards for licenses to carry firearms in public to prevent people with histories of violent and dangerous behavior from obtaining licenses
• Strengthen licensing procedures to promote more robust vetting of applicants for firearm licenses
• Ensure license applicants receive comprehensive safety training needed to carry a gun in public 
• Protect especially sensitive places by designating them as off-limits to weapons carrying