New Jersey Bill Targets Hunters and Gun Owners

Democrat Assemblywoman Patricia Jones has introduced one of the most egregious attacks on hunters and gun owners seen this legislative session. Assembly Bill 6003 would require hunters to obtain firearm liability insurance in the amount of $50,000 dollars, while confiscating the firearms of those who do not have the insurance, and holding gun owners responsible for crimes committed by someone who steals their firearms.

AB 6003 is currently in the Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance. With only a few weeks left in New Jersey’s session, it is unclear if AB 6003 will get a hearing. Regardless, New Jersey sportsmen should make their voices heard today to ensure this terrible bill is not reintroduced in 2020.

Take Action Today! New Jersey sportsmen should call their Assembly member and ask them to vote NO on AB 6003. Sportsmen can contact their legislators by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center Directory. 

Under the bill, first-time violators of the insurance requirement would face a $1,000 fine, while repeat offenders would be saddled with a fine of $5,000 and revocation of any permit, identification card or license to purchase, carry, or possess a firearm for five years.  

A person failing to report a lost or stolen firearm would be liable for all damages caused by that firearm, including personal injuries or medical expenses.

Finally, failure to carry proof of liability insurance shall result in the seizure of the firearm by law enforcement.

“AB 6003 is an unnecessary attack on law-abiding hunters and firearm owners, and unjustly penalizes them when their own firearms are stolen by criminals,” said Bruce Tague, vice president of government affairs for Sportsmen’s Alliance. “This bill should never see the light of day.”