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A 818

Creates the offense of operating as a major firearms trafficker

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Paulin and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a new crime: operating as a major firearms trafficker, targeting large-scale gun trafficking networks and increasing penalties to deter violence.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 818

Summary of Assembly Bill A-818: Creates the offense of operating as a major firearms trafficker

Basic bill information

  • Bill number: A 818
  • Title: Creates the offense of operating as a major firearms trafficker
  • Status: REFERRED TO CODES (as of introduction)
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Classification: bill
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary: Amy Paulin
    • Cosponsors: Rebecca Seawright, Al Taylor
  • Related bills:
    • Prior-session: A 10173, A 360, A 674, A 659, A 4229
    • Companion (Senate): S 6398 (two listings)

Overview and intent

  • The bill intends to create a new criminal offense titled “operating as a major firearms trafficker.”
  • By establishing this offense, the measure seeks to address and deter significant firearms trafficking activities that may operate above existing statutory thresholds or definitions for firearm trafficking.
  • The bill’s progression to Codes suggests the content is focused on criminal law and related procedures.

Key provisions and changes (high-level)

  • The bill would establish a statutory offense centered on individuals who are found to be “operating as a major firearms trafficker.”
  • Although the specific elements, definitions, and penalties are not provided in the summary, typical components of such a provision would include:
    • A statutory definition of what constitutes “major firearms trafficker” and/or the acts that constitute “operating as” such a trafficker (e.g., engaging in, facilitating, organizing, or directing trafficking activities).
    • Penalties integrated with this new offense (likely enhanced or aggravated penalties compared to standard firearms trafficking offenses).
    • Possible aggravating factors or circumstances (e.g., trafficking in large quantities, involvement of minors, cross-jurisdictional activity, or use of firearms in violent crime).
    • Any associated requirements (e.g., enhanced sentencing guidelines, conditions for diversion or treatment, or mandatory reporting provisions for certain actors).
  • The exact language, elements of the crime, defenses, and exceptions would be defined in the bill text and accompanying analyses.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals and networks involved in firearms trafficking, particularly at a level characterized as “major” trafficking operations.
  • Law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating firearms trafficking and enforcing the new offense.
  • Courts and prosecutors who would charge, prosecute, and adjudicate cases under the new offense.
  • Potentially firearms dealers, transporters, or intermediaries who participate in trafficking schemes.
  • Communities affected by firearms trafficking and related violence, as this measure aims to deter large-scale trafficking activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral: The bill has been referred to the Codes committee, indicating it will be reviewed in the chamber’s committee on codes before any floor consideration.
  • Timeline: No further dates are provided in the summary. If advanced, it would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes, then to the other chamber (Senate) for companion consideration (S 6398).

Additional context

  • The existence of multiple related bills in prior sessions (A 10173, A 360, A 674, A 659, A 4229) and a Senate companion (S 6398) signals ongoing legislative interest in strengthening penalties or definitions related to firearms trafficking.
  • For a precise understanding of the offense’s elements, penalties, defenses, and exceptions, the full bill text and fiscal/analysis documents should be consulted when available.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor committee activity in the Assembly Codes committee for hearing dates and potential amendments.
  • Compare the text of A 818 with its related bills (A 10173, A 360, A 674, A 659, A 4229, and S 6398) to assess consistency and scope across sessions and chambers.
  • Review the bill’s definitions and penalties once the official bill language is published to understand the exact impact and potential penalties.

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

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