This bill establishes new regulations regarding the possession and registration of body armor in New Jersey. It makes it unlawful for individuals to own or possess body armor unless they have registered it with the Attorney General. The bill mandates that the Attorney General create a registration process for body armor owned before the bill's effective date, requiring owners to register within 90 days. For body armor purchased after the effective date, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Attorney General, which includes law enforcement officers, military personnel, and others whose jobs expose them to serious bodily injury. Additionally, a permit to purchase body armor must be obtained, and sellers are required to register the sale with the Attorney General.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the unlawful use of body armor, expanding the definition to include all products intended to protect against gunfire. Violations of the registration and purchase permit requirements are classified as crimes of the third degree, which carry penalties of three to five years imprisonment and fines up to $15,000. Certain exemptions are provided for state and local government entities and registered dealers of body armor. The bill aims to enhance public safety by regulating access to body armor and ensuring that only eligible individuals can possess or purchase it.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:39-13