This bill amends New Jersey law to grant full police status to special agents in the Department of Treasury, allowing them to carry firearms at all times. It modifies existing legislation to include special agents among those with full police powers for law enforcement purposes, requiring them to complete a basic training course approved by the Police Training Commission. The bill also designates special agents as peace officers, enabling them to arrest individuals violating state tax laws and to seize contraband, thereby enhancing their operational capabilities.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that special agents of the Division of Taxation are exempt from certain firearm restrictions while performing their official duties, removing previous limitations on when they could carry firearms. This change allows for consistent firearm carry, subject to regulations set by the Director of the Division of Taxation. The bill also expands the agents' authority to include the seizure of contraband related to tax law enforcement, specifically targeting counterfeit stamps, impression devices, and cigarettes. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:154-4, 54:40A-22