The proposed bill in New Jersey establishes a new crime concerning the possession of digital instructions for the illegal manufacture of firearms and firearm components. It introduces the definition of "firearm digital instructions," which encompasses digital files or code that can be utilized to program a three-dimensional printer to create firearms and their components. This legislative measure aims to address the increasing accessibility of 3D printing technology in firearm production, thereby enhancing public safety and regulating the manufacturing process of firearms.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to prohibited weapons and devices, maintaining penalties for possession of destructive devices, sawed-off shotguns, firearm silencers, and defaced firearms. It categorizes these offenses as crimes of varying degrees while introducing a specific provision that makes it a third-degree crime for unlicensed individuals to knowingly possess digital instructions for firearm manufacturing. This provision aligns with recommendations from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation and seeks to prevent individuals from bypassing firearm regulations, ultimately enhancing public safety. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.