A bill introduced Monday by New Jersey Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex) would require municipalities to report detailed reasons for gun permit denials, including age, race, and gender identity of applicants. The push comes after studies showed people of color are disproportionately denied gun carry permits for subjective reasons under New Jersey’s current laws.
Current state law allows police to deny permits based on vague concerns about an applicant’s “temperament.” Gun rights advocates argue that this standard invites racial bias. Data reviewed by researchers and gun-rights groups show Black and Hispanic applicants face higher denial rates despite passing initial screening.
Fantasia, backed by the New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate, says her bill seeks transparency, not leniency. “There should never be bias associated with your ability to exercise a constitutional right,” she said.
Since the 2022 Bruen ruling expanded carry rights, permit applications in New Jersey have surged. Of nearly 77,000 received, about 400 were denied.
The bill would require monthly reports and could reshape how New Jersey administers one of the nation’s strictest gun control regimes.
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