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Bill

Bill

A 5752

Allows municipalities to adopt certain zoning ordinances pertaining to outdoor firing ranges.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy

New Jersey bill permits municipalities to establish zoning ordinances regulating outdoor firing range locations and operations within their communities.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5752

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 5752 permits New Jersey municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances that regulate outdoor firing ranges within their jurisdictions. The bill gives local governments authority to establish rules governing where and how firing ranges can operate, rather than applying a uniform state-level standard. This represents a shift toward local land-use control over firearms-related facilities.

Why is this important

Firing ranges can generate noise complaints, environmental concerns about lead contamination, and safety questions in residential areas. By allowing municipal zoning control, the bill addresses the tension between property owners' rights to operate ranges and communities' interests in regulating potentially disruptive uses. This affects both the shooting sports community and residential neighborhoods considering range expansion or establishment.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state consistency: Critics may argue that allowing each municipality to set its own rules creates a patchwork of regulations that could disadvantage shooting ranges or unfairly restrict access depending on location
  • Environmental and health concerns: Opponents may contend that zoning alone is insufficient without addressing lead remediation standards and noise regulations to protect surrounding communities
  • Second Amendment considerations: Gun rights advocates may view expansive municipal restrictions as an indirect way to limit firearm use and range accessibility despite state-level protections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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