The increases would cost legal gun owners in New Jersey close to an additional $8 million a year.

“Imposing additional costs on hunters and other legal gun owners for the purchase of firearms and ammunition is a costly burden that is unfair,” said Senator Burzichelli, who serves on the Senate Budget Committee. “This is an affordability issue for working people who are already struggling to meet basic expenses.”

The budget proposal would add excise taxes of 2.5 percent on the purchase of firearms, 10 percent on ammunition and additional fees on hunting rifles, handguns and firearms used for target practice.

“Gun sales are already taxed, and owners pay hundreds of dollars in fees for licensing and other costs,” said Senator Burzichelli (D- Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “We shouldn’t be penalizing law-abiding citizens with more taxes and fees for firearms on top of what they are already paying.”

More than 150,000 guns are purchased legally each year in the state, according to the New Jersey State Police.

Numerous attempts to increase gun fees in previous budget proposals were rejected by the Legislature.