ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2761

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 28, 2018

      The Assembly Judiciary Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2761.

Assembly Bill No. 2761 bans firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.  Magazines capable of holding up to 15 rounds of ammunition currently are legal in New Jersey. 

     Specifically, the bill revises the definition of a “large capacity ammunition magazine” to include any box, drum, tube, or other container which is capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition.  The bill also designates a semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds as a prohibited assault firearm. 

     The bill exempts law enforcement officers from the bill’s 10 round limit on ammunition magazines by authorizing them to possess and carry while on duty a large capacity ammunition magazine and possess and carry while off duty a large capacity ammunition magazine which is capable of holding up to 15 rounds of ammunition.  The bill also permits retired police officers authorized to possess and carry a handgun in this State to continue to possess and carry a magazine capable of holding up to 15 rounds.  

     In addition, the bill exempts from the 10 round limitation those semi-automatic rifles which have an attached tubular magazine and which is capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.  This exemption would permit the sale and possession of a popular beginner gun, the Marlin Model 60, often referred to as the “Boy Scout gun.”  These firearms are low caliber and the tubular magazine cannot be quickly reloaded. 

     The bill makes its provisions effective immediately, but allows for a 180-day grace period to transfer, render inoperable, or voluntarily surrender a semi-automatic rifle or magazine that will be unlawful under the bill.