The proposed bill establishes a new crime concerning the possession of "firearm digital instructions," defined as digital files or code used to program a three-dimensional printer for creating firearms or their components. This legislation aims to address the increasing accessibility of 3D-printed firearms and enhance regulations surrounding firearm manufacturing. Specifically, it makes it a crime of the third degree for individuals who are not licensed or registered to manufacture firearms to knowingly possess such digital instructions, with penalties including three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to $15,000.

In addition to introducing this new crime, the bill amends existing laws related to prohibited weapons and devices, maintaining the classification of various weapons as crimes of the third degree while classifying possession of firearm silencers and defaced firearms as a crime of the fourth degree. The bill also includes provisions for exceptions for law enforcement officers and military personnel regarding the possession of certain weapons and ammunition while on duty. Overall, this legislation reflects a comprehensive approach to firearm regulation in New Jersey, addressing both physical firearms and the digital means of their production.