Imagine suing Ford when one of their vehicles is used in a fatal DUI. We’re talking about selling legal, non-defective products that are in compliance with all laws and regulations. Yet an article on our Wayne page outlines attempts by New York and California to do exactly that with regards to firearms. Not unexpectedly, New Jersey has jumped on the band wagon. I predict more will follow suit.
A package of bills intended to strengthen the state’s gun laws advanced in the New Jersey Assembly on Monday, including one that would punish gun owners for not locking away their firearms and ammunition separately and another that would allow the state Attorney General to pursue public nuisance violations against gun dealers and manufacturers.
The storage law would require all gun owners to store unloaded firearms in gun safes or locked boxes, with ammunition locked away separately. Penalties range from community service to fourth-degree felony charges.
Someone who is being confronted by a home invasion may believe the safest place for their ammunition is in the chamber of their gun. One NJ legislator said: “I think we’re looking at this the wrong way – don’t stop the legal gun owners from protecting themselves.”
How can you blame an entire industry for harms caused by individuals misusing a product? If passed, I predict it will be challenged in court just as any such laws in NY and/or California.
Other bills advanced would:
Do you believe NY might likely attend a “States for Gun Safety” summit? I certainly do..
Such a possibility along with New Jersey’s list of bills should give all of us pause for thought.
REGISTRATION, GUN BANS AMONG 8 BILLS MOVING IN NJ
REGISTRATION, GUN BANS AMONG 8 BILLS MOVING IN NJ
