Assembly Democrats Gordon Johnson and Valerie Vainieri Huttle (both D-Bergen) have introduced legislation to boost firearm safety by requiring gun owners to complete a safety training class before purchasing a firearm.
“This bill will help promote competency and safety in gun ownership,” said Johnson. “Learning how to properly handle and store weapons can go a long way in helping to avoid unnecessary tragedies.”
The bill would require the successful completion of a firearms safety class or course for all applicants for firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a handgun. Although introduced just prior to the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the sponsors noted that the tragedy further underscores the need for training in the safe and proper handling and storage of guns.
“This is one of many components that are needed in order to tackle the gun violence epidemic and keep firearms out of the wrong hands,” said Vainieri Huttle. “This measure will help create safer, more responsible gun owners.”
Under the provisions of the bill, applicants for firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a handgun would be required to present evidence that they have successfully completed a firearms safety class or course approved by the Superintendent of State Police as a condition for being issued their card or permit.
The class or course may be offered by the National Rifle Association, a State or local law enforcement agency, junior college, college, university firearms training school, or any other entity approved by the superintendent. The superintendent is to determine the form of the evidence and the manner in which it is to be presented by the applicant.
Applicants who have received firearms training through law enforcement or military service may substitute that experience for the required class or course training.
At least seven other states require a firearm safety training course prior to issuance of a gun license or permit according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, including: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island.
The Johnson and Vainieri Huttle legislation has been referred to the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. TLS.
PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE, BEFORE GETTING THEIR LICENSE – tell me how that stops dwi’s, street racing, aggressive driving, careless driving, speeding, tail gating?
liberals only make feel good laws. (moderated).
Hey Mr Conservative. You beat me to it…. The Liberal Democrats only punish those that obey the laws. How about these Liberal Democrats get the illegal guns off the streets, oh wait they can’t find them because the are not registered. Although this is a good idea that I am sure all registered gun owners would have done anyway, without being a need for a Law.
Everyone has to learn gun safety. 1) Never point a gun at anyone. 2) Do not keep a gun loaded until used. 3) Do not keep the hammer back until ready. 4) Always keep the safety on. Many often have not learned these basic rules.
Always assume a gun is loaded, even after you empty the magazine. Wanted to add that one.
there is a class in learning safe shooting skills…[email protected] the instructor is nra certified for over 3 years…classes are one on one or small groups.
Lets rights some more useless laws. It will not change anything.
Jacks,
How about “write”? TLS; can you please institute a rule, children under second grade or adults spelling like children under second grade may not post!
funny how that all seven states listed are democratic liberal states
i agree with that
Do you realize that this is one more intrusion on law-abiding citizens rights? Do you think that the gangs and illegals will follow the law? Criminals NEVER follow the laws. There are 1000s of laws on the books prohibiting felons, domestic violence individuals, mentally ill, etc., that prohibit gun ownership . Remember, that our grandparents, and relatives lived thru Nazi Germany’s gun laws. They were established to protect the people from criminals-what it did ? It disarmed the Jews. Wake-up! Never again! Register your guns and your names so that you can be on a GOVERNMENT LIST!
“This is one of many components that are needed in order to tackle the gun violence epidemic and keep firearms out of the wrong hands,” said Vainieri Huttle. NO IT WON”T !!! This measure will help create safer, more responsible gun owners.”YES I DO AGREE WITH THIS
I do believe in safety courses for those who purchase firearms,HOWEVER it will not stop VIOLENCE &CRIMINALS ,it will help to stop mishandleing & accidents
if you are a criminal you are not going to take a sfety course or own a “legal firearm criminals do not obey the law
Its hard to understand that someone thinks a person who is going to use a gun in the commision of a crime or commit murder would think they obey a gun law!!! OH wait I cant shoot you yet until I register my gun and take a safety course YES Thats how silly that assumption is!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to agree with the 10th comment. Althose who get ilegal guns and criminals will not take the course so how is ““This is one of many components that are needed in order to tackle the gun violence epidemic and keep firearms out of the wrong hands,”
This will only delay the legal good citizen, perhaps if this is done prior to the issuance of a FID, however the class requirement shouldn’t be required if the person can prove they are involved with a national organization involved in participating with recreational firearms.
I agree that firearms safety classes are a good idea, but who is paying for it?? Just glad I bought my gun a couple years ago. Will they make gun owners take this course if they purchase a second gun?
Just curious!