The Garden State passed a bill on so-called smart guns that would require a ban on the sale of “dumb guns” in New Jersey three years after any gun dealer in the U.S. offered a “smart gun” for sale. The legislation had a chilling effect on the entire smart gun industry; no gun dealer wanted to be “that guy.” nj.com reports that the state’s politicians have cured that defect with a new bill . . .
The state Assembly gave final legislative approval to the bill (S3249) Monday, 43-30. Proponents, led by Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), hope that the measure, which would loosen the state’s current smart gun law, will spark lagging investment in personalized technology.
It would replace current New Jersey law requiring that only personalized handguns may be offered for sale three years after they are properly vetted and on the market. Weinberg and others say the strict law actually stunted the growth of the technology because of strong pressure by gun rights activists.
The bill heading to the governor’s desk follows the same three-year time frame to go into effect, but instead would require only that retailers offer at least one model for sale. Christie has said the technology doesn’t exist and the 2002 law should be repealed.
Will Governor Christie sign this bill, which would open the floodgate to “smart gun” sales in the U.S.? Or will he veto it to protect his pro-gun rights cred (such as it is) amongst Republican voters in the race for the presidential nomination? Should he? Watch this space . . .