After stalling amid Democratic infighting, landmark gun bill cleared by Assembly committee

[Robb]

TRENTON — A state Assembly panel advanced broad and controversial gun control legislation today, less than two weeks after it stalled in another committee amid Democratic infighting.

The sweeping measure (A4182), which would overhaul the way the state issues firearm identification cards and conducts background checks, was approved by the Assembly Budget Committee by a vote of 7-4. It was passed by the full Senate late last month.

The bill would require the encoding of firearms IDs on driver’s licenses, create a system for instant background checks and require gun buyers to show they have gone through proof-of-safety training. It’s unclear how much the changes will cost.

The legislation has been derided by Second Amendment advocates and gun enthusiasts. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers said today they have reservations about the bill, which was proposed by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) in the aftermath of the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

Read More: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/06/after_stalling_amid_political_infighting_landmark_gun_bill_advances_in_assembly.html