New Jersey becomes first state to require 'smart guns'

New Jersey Online ^ | 12/23/02 1:14 PM | PETER SAHARKO

[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."

[bvw]

... could be years before it becomes a reality.
[McGreevey] "This is common sense legislation."

In the days and places where nonsense passes for common sense.

[hobbes1]

Sadly stricken from the Bill was the "Smart Politicians" provisions....Proved to be unworkable...

[Liberal Classic]

...a bill 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.'' -- Gov. James E. McGreevey

Common sense legislation to require technology that doesn't even exist yet?! Yeah! Why don't we "require" matter-transporters from Star Trek? They don't pollute!

[dirtboy]

[McGreevey] "This is common sense legislation.

The Dems are the party who:

Have trouble with the word "is"
Have trouble defining sex
Have trouble with the concept of 53 days
Believe you can consume what you haven't produced

In other words, they talk about common sense when they have none whatsoever...

[Oldeconomybuyer]

...The New Jersey Institute of Technology is developing a smart gun prototype that would use sensors on the pistol grip to identify a user...

So ... if this wiz-bang technology fails we can sue the The New Jersey Instititute of Technology and the State of New Jersey?

[Desdemona]

can you believe this one?

ping

[Teacher317]

Don't be silly... that isn't common sense!

[Bruce Buckley]

And the Soprano clan is the first to order a new arsenal.

As it relates to Ralphie, is New Jersey also requiring "smart cleavers?"

[gundog]

I thought that Glendingaling signed a similar bill in Maryland a couple of years ago.

[Mr. Mojo]

So if my wife needed a gun to defend herself in our home, and my Colt .45 was far more accessible than her shotgun at that moment, she wouldn't be able to use it.

Commmon sense legislation my eye.

[gundog]

The owner would have his grip programmed at a gun shop or police range by practice-firing the weapon.

That's assinine...think your grip will be the same at the gun shop as when yer jacked on adrenaline in the middle of the night?

[L.N. Smithee]

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.

That makes perfect sense! "We don't have the technology, or whether or not it will work reliably, but but doggone it, we got ourselves a law requiring it!"

[Exit148]

Way to go, McGreevey!!!!! (/sarcasm)

We in NJ have to live with this guy every day!!! {{{{sigh}}}}

The only good thing about it is we can add this idiocy to the growing list of dumb stuff he has done. He is making his ouster easier and easier. Now if we can only work on the sheeple out there who have 'the vote'.

[Mo1]

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.

OK .. they passed a law for a technology that doesn't exist??

Oh sure that makes sense /sarcasm

[OldFriend]

And let's not forget McG's $20,000 trip to Ireland that actually cost at least $125,000

[cryptical]

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.

"The" authorized user? OK, so my girlfriend can't be authorized for my guns as well, for when I'm out of town.

"Remember the grip"? So if I want to change from Weaver to Isocoles, or shoot weak hand, or not be able to assume my normal grip because of injury, I might as well use the weapon as a club, because it won't fire?

Next thing you know, they'll say that the mod only weighs six pounds, and the car battery that it uses for power shouldn't be an impediment to any "legitimate" user.

[concerned about politics]

If you're a crimminal, and you want to get rich quick, may I suggest a New Jersey vacation?
If you're a rapist, New Jersey is without personal self defence. You won't have to wait for them to buy or deprogram their weapons. If it feels good - just do it!
If you wish to adopt, or simply have sex with, a child without the long read tape and paperwork, New Jersey is the place to fish.
Crimminal minds, welcome to New Jersey, the safe haven away from home.
Please, enjoy your stay, compliments of the Democrat party.
Thank you, and may the Earth Mother bless you in your chosen endevors.

[Mr. Mojo]

Exactly, and there's a good chance a conealed carry piece would be used in a close quarters battle situation where wrestling with the perp is a distinct possibility. The grip one would have on one's rig in such a circumstance would be highly variable.

[Area51]

Actually what this will do is exactly what they DON'T want to happen.

If the firearm will only fire for the "purchaser", then the family that wants to protect themselves, must purchase a Firearm for each person in the home. Creating a market that wasn't there before this legislation.

Stupid Clymers!

[Fred Mertz]

They should make "smart gun" technology mandatory for all taxpayer supported law enforcement types. Let's see how it works with them first before making the serfs comply.