New Jersey Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker introduced federal legislation Friday that would require a license to buy or receive a firearm nationwide. This move, they say, is critical to protecting New Jersey communities where gun violence remains disproportionately concentrated despite the state’s strict local laws.

The Federal Firearm Licensing Act comes in the wake of the Dec. 13 shooting at Brown University, where two students were killed and nine others injured. While New Jersey already ranks 6th in the nation for gun law strength, according to the gun safety group Everytown, the senators argue that federal standards are the only way to close the “Iron Pipeline” of illegal firearms trafficking that flows into the state from regions with looser regulations.

“Families are demanding Congress step up and deliver commonsense steps that prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands,” Kim said in a statement. “Let’s step up with this legislation, implement basic guardrails for gun ownership, and help save lives.”

Why It Matters for New Jersey

New Jersey residents are already familiar with the permit process: the state requires a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card for rifles and shotguns, and a separate Permit to Purchase for every handgun. Federal data shows that the majority of “crime guns” recovered in New Jersey originated out of state in 2022.

The stakes of this loophole are highest for the state’s communities of color. Data from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions highlights a stark disparity: Young Black males (ages 15–34) make up less than 2% of New Jersey’s population but have historically accounted for nearly 30% of its gun homicide deaths.

Booker emphasized that a federal baseline is a matter of basic public safety equity.

“If a license is required to drive a car, it should be required to own a gun,” Booker said. “The Federal Firearm Licensing Act brings this common-sense idea to every community in the nation.”

What the Bill Would Do

The proposed legislation would create a federal system mirroring what many New Jerseyans already navigate. Key provisions include:

  • Mandatory Licensing: Individuals must obtain a federal license from the Department of Justice before purchasing or receiving a firearm.
  • Safety Training: Applicants must complete written and hands-on training to ensure safe use and accuracy.
  • Background Checks: A comprehensive background check by the Attorney General.
  • Renewal and Revocation: Licenses would need renewal every five years and could be revoked if an individual is deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Evidence from Other States

The Senators point to data suggesting that licensing is one of the most effective tools for reducing violence. The Giffords Law Center reports that after Connecticut implemented a firearm licensing law, its gun homicide and suicide rates dropped by 28% and 33%, respectively. Conversely, when Missouri repealed its purchasing law, the state saw a 47% spike in gun homicides and a 24% rise in suicides.

The bill is endorsed by major gun safety organizations, including Giffords and the Community Justice Action Fund, and is co-sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).