The bill amends N.J.S.2C:39-6 to establish that retired law enforcement officers must qualify in the use of firearms annually, rather than every six months. This change aims to ensure that retired officers maintain their proficiency in handling firearms, thereby enhancing public safety and accountability. The bill specifies that these retired officers must pass an examination approved by the superintendent to demonstrate their firearm proficiency. Additionally, it maintains existing conditions for carrying a firearm, which require that the retired officer be 75 years of age or younger and not subject to any disqualifying disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the application process for retired officers seeking to carry a handgun, including the issuance of an identification card that must be carried while armed. It also allows for a reasonable application fee to be charged to offset administrative costs. The overall intent of the bill is to ease the qualification frequency for retired law enforcement officers while ensuring that necessary safety and regulatory measures remain in place, as well as providing exemptions for various law enforcement and public safety personnel.