NJ A3227

County sheriffs would be authorized to issue firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase handguns, in addition to municipal police chiefs and the Superintendent of State Police who currently handle these functions

County sheriffs would be permitted to accept applications for permits to carry handguns, providing applicants with an alternative to applying through their local police department

The bill amends N.J.S.2C:58-3 and N.J.S.2C:58-4 to add county sheriffs throughout the existing firearms permitting process, including fingerprinting applicants, conducting background investigations, and processing appeals

Fees collected by county sheriffs for permits would be deposited with the county treasurer, consistent with how fees are currently allocated to municipalities or the state depending on the issuing authority

The legislation applies to New Jersey residents who would now have the option to seek firearms permits through their county sheriff's office rather than only through local police or state authorities