Committee Approves Cryan-Scutari Bill Banning ‘Ghost Guns’

Would Help Prevent Use of Untraceable Gun Parts for Homemade Weapons

TRENTON – Legislation authored by Senator Joe Cryan, D-Union, and Senator Nick Scutari, D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union, that would ban “ghost guns” that are assembled with untraceable gun components was approved by a Senate committee today. Part of the package of gun safety measures advancing in the Senate, the legislation, S-2465, aims to stop the illegal assembly of firearms from parts with no serial numbers or other identifying characteristics.

These homemade weapons can be a path to gun ownership for felons, people with mental illnesses, those who convicted of domestic violence or others prohibited from possessing firearms, said Senator Cryan.

“These are called ‘ghost guns’ because they are intended to be untraceable and hidden from detection,” said Senator Cryan, the former Sheriff of Union County. “They are a favored source for criminals and they can too easily fall into the hands of those with a mental illness, those convicted of domestic violence and others who shouldn’t possess deadly firearms. This is common-sense gun safety to help keep our communities safe.”

There have been a growing number of cases involving homemade guns, some of which were high-profile active shootings, Senator Scutari noted. A few months ago, a gunman in Northern California, who was prohibited from having firearms because of a restraining order,  made his own semiautomatic weapon at home with these gun parts and killed five people and wounded 12 before he was killed by the police

“Anyone can make a gun at home and with untraceable parts we don’t know where the weapon came from or where it is going,” said Senator Scutari. “It makes it harder to investigate gun crimes and to prevent the illegal distribution and use of firearms.”

The bill would criminalize both purchasing separately or as a kit any combination of parts from which an untraceable firearm may be readily assembled.  It would make the purchase of firearm parts to illegally manufacture an untraceable firearm a third degree crime, punishable by a three-to-five year term of incarceration, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

Currently, unassembled gun parts can be purchased legally with no background checks or waiting period.

Under current state law, it is illegal to manufacture a handgun, rifle, machine gun, assault rifle or shotgun without a license. The bill would expand the prohibitions to cover the purchase of firearm parts to create a firearm without a serial number.

The bill was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.