NJ A3536

Individuals convicted of failing to report a lost or stolen firearm would be prohibited from purchasing a handgun for 180 days from the date of conviction

Current New Jersey law requires firearm owners to report loss or theft to law enforcement within 36 hours of discovery

Existing civil penalties for failing to report include at least $500 for a first offense and at least $1,000 for subsequent offenses; the 180-day handgun purchase ban would be an additional consequence

The bill amends N.J.S.2C:58-3 (handgun purchase permits) and P.L.2007, c.299 (loss/theft reporting requirements)

The act would take effect on the first day of the third month following enactment