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Bill

Bill

S 4360

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

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Troy Singleton

Grants New Jersey municipalities zoning authority to regulate outdoor firing range locations and operations, balancing local land-use control with potential Second Amendment restrictions.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4360

Legislative bill overview

S 4360 allows New Jersey municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances that regulate the location and operation of outdoor firing ranges within their jurisdictions. The bill grants local governments discretionary authority to establish rules governing where these facilities can be situated and how they function. Currently, New Jersey law may limit municipal zoning power over firing ranges, and this bill would expand that local control.

Why is this important

Outdoor firing ranges can generate noise, safety concerns, and environmental impacts that directly affect residential and neighboring communities. By enabling municipal zoning authority, the bill addresses a gap between state law and local land-use planning needs, allowing communities to balance Second Amendment activities with neighborhood quality of life and public safety considerations. This reflects a broader tension between state preemption of firearms regulations and local home-rule authority.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue that expanded municipal zoning authority could effectively restrict or eliminate firing ranges through prohibitive regulations, creating an end-run around state preemption of firearms laws.
  • Municipal zoning authority limits: Legal ambiguity exists about whether this bill adequately clarifies the scope of municipal power or whether it conflicts with existing state firearms preemption statutes that may override local ordinances.
  • Disparate community impact: Wealthy or anti-gun municipalities might use zoning to exclude ranges entirely, while other areas face concentrated environmental and noise impacts, raising equity and access questions.

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

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