Weinberg, Sweeney, Beach Bill to Allow Law Enforcement Officers to Carry Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines Approved

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Senate Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee Chairman James Beach that would allow an off-duty law enforcement officer to possess and carry a large-capacity ammunition magazine was approved by the full Senate today.

“This bill will allow off-duty law enforcement officers to carry a firearm with an ammunition magazine capable of holding 17 rounds of ammunition or less,” said Senator Weinberg (D-Bergen). “The important clarification is that it also allows an off-duty officer to carry a firearm with an ammunition magazine holding more than 17 rounds but only if that firearm is issued by the officer’s employer. This restriction ensures that the officer is not limited by civilian restrictions, but we also are being responsible by not giving carte blanche to an unlimited number of sanctioned large-capacity magazines.”

“In the debate over sensible gun control regulation, we must look at all sides of any new regulation,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “This bill recognizes the legitimate need off-duty law enforcement officers have to be prepared when a crisis arises, while still restricting the number of legal large-capacity ammunition magazines that are in circulation.”

“An important distinction to be made with this bill is that it outlines how many large-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 17 rounds that an off-duty officer may possess and carry,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “The limit is one: the officer’s service firearm. The bill respects the rights of off-duty officers and protects the public as well.”

The bill, S-2846, clarifies existing law on when an officer can possess and carry a large capacity ammunition magazine capable of holding more than 17 rounds. The bill was approved by a vote of 29-0.