This bill seeks to strengthen New Jersey's assault weapons ban by revising the definition of "assault firearm." It expands the classification criteria to include semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols that possess at least one military-style feature, such as a detachable magazine or a folding stock. The legislation simplifies the determination process by reducing the requirement for a firearm to be classified as substantially identical to prohibited models from two criteria to one. Additionally, the bill introduces specific insertions that clarify the characteristics of firearms classified as assault weapons, including features like a pistol grip or a grenade launcher.

By broadening the scope of firearms that fall under the assault weapons ban, the bill aims to enhance public safety and limit access to particularly dangerous weapons. The new features added to the classification criteria include a thumbhole stock and a second handgrip or protruding grip for the non-trigger hand. This comprehensive approach is designed to streamline the classification process and strengthen gun control measures in New Jersey, with the bill set to take effect immediately upon passage.