NJ A1868

Possessing body armor without registration becomes unlawful, with current owners required to register within 90 days of the law's effective date through a process established by the Attorney General

Purchasing body armor after the effective date requires obtaining a 30-day permit and meeting eligibility criteria, which includes law enforcement officers, retired officers in good standing, active duty military, employees whose jobs expose them to serious bodily injury risk, and licensed dealers

Sellers must collect the purchaser's permit, complete a registration form with buyer information and armor description, and submit both to the Attorney General within three business days; violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 for first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses

Violating possession or purchase requirements constitutes a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $15,000

State and local government entities purchasing body armor for employees, and their employees using it for work purposes, are exempt from the registration and permit requirements