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Bill

S 4074

Requires seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components in response to domestic violence restraining order or conviction.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Zwicker

The bill requires seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components from individuals subject to a DV restraining order or DV-related conviction.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4074

Bill Summary: S 4074 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Overview

  • Bill title: Requires seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components in response to domestic violence restraining order or conviction
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Session: 222
  • Introduced: May 4, 2026
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor not listed here; co-sponsor: Andrew Zwicker
  • Referral: Senate Law and Public Safety Committee

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to enhance public safety by mandating the seizure of ammunition and specific firearm components from individuals who are subject to domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs) or who have been convicted of offenses related to domestic violence. The underlying rationale is to reduce the risk of harm to victims and the public by removing potentially lethal capabilities from offenders and individuals under legal process for DV-related matters.

Key Provisions (Summary)

  • Trigger for seizure:
    • The issuance of a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) against an individual.
    • The individual’s conviction for a domestic violence-related offense.
  • What must be seized:
    • Ammunition.
    • Certain firearm components (specifics not provided in the summary, but typically parts essential for firearms operation or conversion, such as receivers, magazines, frames, slides, barrels, or other components identified by statute or regulation).
  • Authority and process:
    • Likely establishes or expands the authority of law enforcement or designated officials to seize ammunition and firearm components from the subject of the DVRO or the convicted individual.
    • May specify timelines, notification requirements, and procedures for securing, storing, or returning seized items where appropriate.
  • Protection of rights and due process:
    • Presumably includes due process protections for individuals subject to seizure, plus avenues for challenge or appeal and timelines for disposition of seized items, in line with existing NJ procedures for weapon seizures.
  • Compliance and enforcement:
    • Addresses responsibilities of law enforcement agencies, reporting requirements, penalties for noncompliance, and coordination with courts or prosecutors.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals under a domestic violence restraining order.
  • Individuals convicted of domestic violence-related offenses.
  • Law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing DVROs and seizure actions.
  • Potentially, households or cohabitants of the subject who may be affected by the removal of ammunition and firearm components from a residence.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Judicial interaction: The bill would operate in the context of DVRO proceedings and criminal DV convictions, integrating with existing court orders and sentencing processes.
  • Seizure timeline: Likely establishes a defined window for seizure following the order or conviction and outlines transfer, storage, or disposition logistics.
  • Return or disposition of seized items: May include provisions for the return of items if the order is lifted or conviction overturned, or for disposition consistent with state firearm regulations.
  • Potential extensions: Possible consideration of renewals or additional seizure provisions if DV conditions persist.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public safety: Aims to reduce immediate access to firearms and ammunition for high-risk individuals, potentially lowering DV-related violence.
  • Enforcement burden: Increases duties and coordination requirements for law enforcement agencies.
  • Legal considerations: Must align with due process rights, data sharing between courts and police, and existing state firearm possession laws.
  • Administrative needs: May necessitate enhanced recordkeeping, inventory controls, and secure storage of seized items.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections (e.g., procedural steps, enforcement mechanics, or interaction with existing DV laws) or compare it to current NJ statutes on firearms and DV-related seizures.

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

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