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Bill

A 4974

Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of machine gun conversion devices.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 6 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill criminalizes manufacturing, selling, and possessing machine gun conversion devices with escalating criminal penalties for violations.

Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
#crimes #police
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Bill Summary · A 4974

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4974 creates criminal penalties for the sale and possession of machine gun conversion devices in New Jersey. These devices—such as bump stocks or binary triggers—allow semi-automatic firearms to fire at rates approximating fully automatic weapons. The bill criminalizes both manufacturing/distributing and possessing such devices with graduated penalties based on intent and prior offense history.

Why is this important

Machine gun conversion devices occupy a legal gray area that has drawn federal and state attention following mass shooting incidents. This legislation directly addresses a perceived regulatory gap by making possession itself illegal, not just sale, which could significantly restrict access to these aftermarket modifications. The bill reflects ongoing state-level efforts to regulate firearms accessories independently of federal law.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Opponents argue the bill may infringe on constitutional rights and that defining "conversion devices" could be overbroad or unclear, potentially criminalizing legal accessories
  • Enforcement and clarity: Questions exist about how law enforcement will identify prohibited devices, whether existing owners face grandfather provisions, and how the bill distinguishes between legal and illegal modifications
  • Efficacy debate: Critics question whether targeting accessories significantly impacts public safety compared to other interventions, while supporters argue it closes a loophole in existing gun regulations

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

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