TRENTON – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senators Linda Greenstein and Troy Singleton, which would establish criminal penalties for the sale and possession of a machine gun conversion device, defined as any device capable of converting a firearm into a machine gun.

“Gun violence remains a big concern in communities across the state, so we must take every step we can to ensure the safety of our residents,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Banning machine gun conversion devices, which increase a weapon's rate of fire, is a common-sense way to do that. These devices are easy to produce and can be obtained online, so it is imperative that we act now to outlaw their sale and possession.”

The bill, S-3893, would establish a third-degree crime of possession of a machine gun conversion device, regardless of whether the person has a firearm, and provides that the penalty for possessing the device is to run consecutively with the penalty for possessing an assault firearm or machine gun.

“With the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the federal bump stock ban, it is critical for New Jersey to restrict devices that can turn regular firearms into weapons of war,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “This legislation is not about limiting legal gun ownership, but rather keeping our communities safe by preventing a mass casualty event.”

Under the bill, manufacturing, transporting, shipping, selling, or disposing of a machine gun conversion device would also be a third-degree crime punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

The bill was passed in a 22-15 vote.

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