This bill amends New Jersey's criminal code to elevate the severity of certain firearm-related offenses from second degree to first degree crimes. Specifically, it targets actions such as purchasing firearm parts to manufacture a firearm without a serial number, using a three-dimensional printer to manufacture firearms or their components, distributing digital instructions for such manufacturing, and manufacturing covert or undetectable firearms. Under the current law, these offenses are classified as second degree crimes, which carry penalties of five to ten years of imprisonment and fines up to $150,000. The proposed changes would increase the penalties to ten to twenty years of imprisonment and fines up to $200,000 for first degree crimes.

The bill introduces new legal language that specifies these upgrades, stating that individuals who engage in the aforementioned activities without proper licensing will face first degree charges. This change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding firearm manufacturing and distribution, particularly in response to concerns about untraceable firearms and the use of advanced technology in their production. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.