TRENTON, N.J. — Domestic violence offenders in New Jersey could soon be required to surrender ammunition, firearm accessories, and key firearm components under a bill advanced by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on February 20.
Assembly Bill No. 1389, as amended, would expand existing state law that currently mandates the seizure of firearms from individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of related crimes. The updated legislation would broaden the scope to include detachable magazines, stocks, slides, frames, barrels, and other components deemed material to a firearm’s function.
Under current law, law enforcement is required to confiscate weapons observed at the scene of a domestic violence incident. Additionally, convicted offenders are already prohibited from possessing firearms. The new bill ensures that other firearm-related materials are also subject to surrender.
“Firearm accessory” is defined in the bill as any device that attaches to or facilitates the operation of a firearm. “Firearm component” includes parts such as the slide, cylinder, frame, receiver, and barrel.
The legislation was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024–2025 session and underwent technical review before receiving committee approval. Amendments clarified the scope of materials to be surrendered or seized under the expanded authority.
The measure aims to tighten enforcement of firearm restrictions in domestic violence cases by preventing access not only to firearms themselves, but also to the components and ammunition needed to operate them.
Key Points
- NJ bill requires domestic violence offenders to surrender ammunition and firearm components.
- Accessories like detachable magazines and parts like barrels and frames would be included.
- The legislation expands current seizure laws beyond just firearms.