NJ S1775

Expands criminal liability for violating firearms regulations from "knowingly" to "knowingly or recklessly," maintaining the offense as a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and $10,000 fine.

Lowers the standard for licensed firearms dealers to be convicted of a second-degree crime from actual knowledge to "knows or reasonably should know" when selling to someone who intends to transfer the firearm to a disqualified person.

Licensed dealers convicted of transferring firearms to straw purchasers face mandatory minimum sentences of 18 months (or 3 years if the firearm was used in a crime), permanent loss of retail license, and up to 10 years imprisonment with fines up to $150,000.

Defines "reasonably should know" as what a person of reasonable prudence and competence would ascertain under the circumstances.

Pre-filed for the 2026 New Jersey legislative session, sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton (District 7) and Linda R. Greenstein (District 14).