McGreevey signs juvenile gun control bill
May 6, 2003, 5:32 PM EDT
TRENTON, N.J. -- The list of juvenile crimes that would disqualify a person from legally owning a handgun has been expanded under legislation signed into law Tuesday by Gov. James E. McGreevey.
Previously, a person was disqualified from buying a handgun if, as a juvenile, he or she used a firearm while committing a crime. The bill signed Tuesday expands the disqualification to include offenses involving the unlawful use or possession of a weapon or explosives.
It also expands the law to include juvenile conviction for serious violent crimes such as robbery, carjacking, aggravated assault and kidnapping as reasons to disqualify a person from later owning a handgun.
"Common sense dictates that we keep guns out of the hands of those who simply shouldn't have them," McGreevey said. "Today we are broadening the scope of previous legislation to do just that."
"We are ensuring the public's safety by keeping guns out of the hands of people who have committed violent crimes in the past," said Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Linda Greenstein, D-Middlesex. "Aberrant behavior as a juvenile signals they may post a threat as adults.
Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press
