Vetoed by Governor Chris Christie

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the definition of "destructive devices" to include .50 caliber firearms, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Amends the definition of “destructive devices” to include a firearm or copy of a firearm capable of firing a cartridge of a caliber of 50 or greater, except for a smooth bore shotgun, a rifle barrel shotgun, or a shotgun “generally recognized as suitable for sporting purposes” (Sec. 1).

• Requires an individual who possesses a firearm of a caliber of 50 or greater before the enactment of this bill to perform 1 of the following actions within 1 year of the enactment of this bill (Secs. 2 & 3):
• Register the prohibited firearm with the superintendent of the state police; or
• Render the prohibited firearm inoperable, transfer the prohibited firearm to an individual authorized to possess such weapons, or voluntarily surrender the prohibited firearm to the local police department.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the definition of "destructive devices" to include .50 caliber firearms, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Amends the definition of “destructive devices” to include a firearm capable of firing a center-fire cartridge of a caliber of 50 or greater, except for shotguns “generally recognized as suitable for sporting purposes” (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a buyback program for prohibited firearms to be funded by the Attorney General (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits an individual from being convicted of a violation of the provisions of this bill prior to the establishment of the buyback program or for any action associated with the participation in the buyback program (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this provision does not grant immunity from prosecution for any other crime or offense (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes an individual to maintain possession of a firearm prohibited through the provisions of this bill for 1 year after the effective date of this bill and requires the owner of the prohibited firearm to perform 1 of the following actions (Sec. 3):
• Transfer the prohibited firearm to an individual or firm lawfully entitled to own or possess such firearm;
• Render the prohibited firearm inoperable; or
• Voluntarily surrender the prohibited firearm through participation in the buyback program.

Full Bill Text