TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley Turner and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz to increase penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of “ghost guns” and 3D-printed firearms was advanced by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee as part of ongoing efforts to combat untraceable weapons.
The bill, S-1558, would upgrade several existing offenses from second-degree to first-degree crimes, including:
- Purchasing firearm parts to manufacture a firearm without a serial number;
- Manufacturing a firearm with a 3D printer;
- Manufacturing a covert or undetectable firearm;
- Transporting a manufactured firearm without a serial number.
In New Jersey, a first-degree crime carries a penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. Currently, these offenses are classified as second-degree crimes, punishable by five to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.
“We’re seeing more and more ghost guns turning up in communities throughout New Jersey, and the threat isn’t slowing down,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “Recoveries have surged over 600% in recent years, and these weapons are specifically built to dodge the law. If we’re serious about keeping our communities safe, we need serious consequences for the people making and trafficking them.”
Ghost guns are firearms that lack serial numbers, making them virtually untraceable by law enforcement. They are often assembled at home using kits or created using 3D printers, enabling individuals to bypass standard legal safeguards such as background checks and waiting periods. Law enforcement agencies have expressed growing concern over the rise of these weapons in criminal investigations.
“These weapons are designed to evade the law, and those who manufacture and distribute them are exploiting loopholes at the expense of public safety,” said Senate Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “We are drawing a clear line: if you build, traffic, or transport ghost guns in New Jersey, you will face the full weight of the law. This legislation is about protecting our neighborhoods, supporting law enforcement, and shutting down the pipeline of untraceable firearms before more lives are lost.”
According to a report by the State Commission of Investigation, ghost gun recoveries in New Jersey increased by more than 600% between 2019 and 2023.
This legislation seeks to build on previous legislative efforts to combat the threat of ghost guns. In 2022, New Jersey enacted P.L.2022, c.53, which upgraded related offenses from third-degree to second-degree crimes.
If signed into law, the bill would take effect immediately.