This summer, the New Jersey State Assembly passed AB 3511, a bill that could help put illegal gun traffickers out of business by limiting bulk sales of handguns. Gun traffickers often rely on straw buyers to purchase large quantities of handguns for later sale. In some cases, dozens of handguns have been purchased in a single sale. While this is a clear sign that a trafficking ring is in operation, gun dealers are currently under no legal obligation to halt the sale.While New Jersey’s proposed anti-trafficking law won’t stop traffickers from bringing in guns from out of state, there is no question that it will make gun traffickers’ lives more difficult. At the same time, it will have little impact on law-abiding citizens.

The New Jersey Assembly has taken a proactive stance to reduce gun violence in the state by passing this common sense piece of legislation by the overwhelming vote of 51-25. I urge the New Jersey State Senate to follow suit when they return from recess.