This bill seeks to enhance New Jersey's assault weapons ban by revising the definition of "assault firearm." It expands the classification criteria to include rifles with detachable magazines and one military-style feature, semi-automatic shotguns with one military-style feature, and semi-automatic pistols with one military-style feature. The legislation also codifies existing regulations that define a semi-automatic firearm as substantially identical to an enumerated firearm if it meets specific criteria, reducing the number of criteria from two to one for a firearm to be classified as an assault weapon.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new criteria for classification, such as the inclusion of a thumbhole stock and a second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand. This comprehensive approach aims to broaden the scope of firearms categorized as assault weapons, thereby enhancing public safety by limiting access to firearms that are considered to pose a higher risk to the community. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.