Posted on 12/23/2002 10:56:36 AM PST by bvw
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey has become the first state in nation to enact a law requiring all new handguns sold to have a mechanism that allows only their owners to fire them.
Gov. James E. McGreevey signed a bill Monday requiring "smart gun" technology, but the requirement will not go into effect immediately because the technology is still under development and it could be years before it becomes a reality.
"This is common sense legislation. There are safety regulations on cars, on toys. It's clearly time we have safety regulations on handguns," McGreevey said at Monday's signing ceremony.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is developing a smart gun prototype that would use sensors on the pistol grip to identify a user.
The owner would have his grip programmed at a gun shop or police range by practice-firing the weapon. A microchip in the weapon would remember the grip and determine in an instant whether the authorized user was holding the weapon. If not, the gun would not fire.
Under the New Jersey law, the technology will be required in all new handguns sold three years after the state attorney general determines a smart gun prototype is safe and commercially available.
Supporters say the law will help prevent accidental gun deaths and suicides.
But opponents argued that it makes little sense to legislate about a technology that does not yet exist and have raised questions about its reliability.
"No technology is foolproof," said Nancy Ross, spokeswoman for the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs. "Anyone who has a computer knows how many times it crashes."
Particularly stop selling to all state and local agencies in NJ, and prohibit importation of any weapon into the state. Talk about squealing like a puppy with its tail in the washing machine motor!! The cops themselves will lynch the legislature!!!
Boonie Rat
MACV SOCOM, PhuBai/Hue '65-'66
No, but your widow and/or surviving children can.
Sorry Spiritus, but they covered their own asses. Check out the last section in the bill:
No action or inaction by a public entity or public employee in implementing the provisions of P.L. ____, c. ____ (C. ____) (now pending before the Legislature as this bill), including but not limited to the promulgating, amending or supplementing of a list of personalized handguns that may be sold in this State, shall constitute a representation, warranty or guarantee by any public entity or employee with regard to the safety, use or any other aspect or attribute of a personalized handgun.
No action to recover damages shall arise or shall be brought against any public entity or public employee for any action or inaction related to or in connection with the implementation of any aspect of P.L. ____, c. ____ (C. ____) (now pending before the Legislature as this bill).
Wow. That's a *great* CYA provision! So if they can't be sued for any action or inaction related to this bill, and the Supreme Court has already established that police can't be sued for failing to prevent crime...
Hot dang! Open season on New Jerseyites, and no bag limit!
Not necessarily.
HEY, to them it's a victory! As stupid as it is, it gives them a political agenda! I don't wish them well in their endeavors.
I just caught your post! You would make a very talented carpenter for I think you hit the nail, with perfection, on the head! I can see where this idiotic bill could lead.
That reminds me of Al Bundy's "Shoe Lights". They were as practical as this nonsesical law.
What's New Jersey going to do about the millions of "old tech" guns already on the street?
safety regulations
My guns have safety regulations. It's what's between my ears.
I could be wrong but I think the V-Chip actually exists and are being put in TV's
Now if anyone knows how to use it is another matter
When oh when does it end. He!!, my babster..a husky, has a chip in his head which I had to go and have programmed with my name and address as to track him in case he gets loose. I didn't request it but the options when I purchased him were "have the chip installed and programmed on purchase or don't take him and the pup gets the needle"
are you serious???
If they want to have these pets adopted .. that is not a good way of doing it .. these chips are a big turn off to most people
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.