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 or dealing with covert or undetectable firearms. The changes reflect a significant increase in penalties, with first degree crimes carrying a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000, compared to the second degree penalties of 5 to 10 years and fines up to $150,000.

The bill introduces new legal language that specifies these upgrades, replacing the term "second degree" with "first degree" in relevant sections of the law. This change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding firearm manufacturing and distribution, particularly in light of evolving technologies and methods that may facilitate illegal firearm production. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.