Murphy Signs New Jersey Law Going After Gun Traffickers

Gov. Phil Murphy this week continued his pledge to have New Jersey be first in the nation when it comes to gun safety laws.

The governor on Aug. 23 signed first-in-the-nation legislation that establishes strict liability criminal penalties for gun traffickers when an illegally trafficked firearm provided by them is used in a crime that results in serious or significant bodily injury or death.

Under the the “Real Accountability for Consequences of Unlawful Trafficking of Firearms Act,” a trafficked firearm used for a crime resulting in a death may be charged with a first-degree crime. Similarly, a person who commits a firearm trafficking violation resulting in serious or significant bodily injury may be charged with a second-degree crime. 

Focusing on Gun Traffickers

The bill will also allow New Jersey prosecutors to charge out-of-state traffickers, who have supplied around 80% of guns used for crimes in our state, for the harm their illegal out-of-state conduct causes in New Jersey.

Murphy noted the legislation is modeled on similar, longstanding laws that impose strict criminal liability on drug dealers for overdose deaths caused by their illicit products.

Murphy’s Laws

“Far too many New Jerseyans live with the daily fear that people in their communities who cannot legally possess guns can illegally obtain firearms and cause great harm,” said Murphy at the signing ceremony. “This bill allows us to hold those who illegally traffic those guns accountable for the harm that those weapons are used to cause.” 

The anti-trafficking bill builds on the Governor’s record of gun reforms, which has positioned New Jersey as a leader in gun safety. Since the beginning of the Murphy Administration—and with new urgency after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling last year—more than a dozen steps have been taken to address gun violence in the state. 

In July 2022, Governor Murphy signed seven comprehensive gun safety bills, his third significant gun safety package signing since taking office in 2018.

CBVI Programs

In collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, Murphy noted more actions have been taken beyond the passing of legislation to address violence. Last week, it was announced that $15 million would be made available through a competitive grant process to support Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) Programs throughout the state. 

Through this public health approach to interrupt cycles of violence, and with a focus on reducing gun violence, CBVI initiatives include a range of strategies: mentoring programs, street outreach, trauma support services, de-escalation among high-risk individuals, targeted afterschool programs, job training, and more.

“With today’s new law, New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to go after illegal gun traffickers in this way,” said Murphy. “This is yet another historic step to protect our children and families from gun violence, and we will continue to support long-term solutions that will break the cycle of violence once and for all.”

Sherrill Support

One federal lawmaker noted the passage is something that Washington lawmakers should consider.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill said it is “unconscionable” that gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States. 

“We can and must do better,” said Sherrill. “Once again, New Jersey is leading the nation by enacting overwhelmingly bipartisan, common sense gun safety legislation that will save lives and hold gun traffickers accountable.”

House Action Needed

Sherrill noted  the state legislation will give law enforcement more tools to crack down on the sale of illegal firearms with action needed on a national level.

“Instead of caving to the extreme factions of his conference, Speaker McCarthy should take note of New Jersey’s example and finally allow the House to vote on gun safety legislation to expand background checks and finally ban assault weapons from our streets,” said the Congresswoman.