Senator John Burzichelli expressed his opposition to the proposed increases in fees and taxes for the legal purchase of firearms and ammunition in Governor Phil Murphy’s budget plan for Fiscal Year 2026.
The increases would cost legal gun owners in New Jersey close to an additional $8 million a year.
“Imposing additional costs on hunters and other legal gun owners for the purchase of firearms and ammunition is a costly burden that is unfair,” said Senator Burzichelli, who serves on the Senate Budget Committee. “This is an affordability issue for working people who are already struggling to meet basic expenses.”
The budget proposal would add excise taxes of 2.5 percent on the purchase of firearms, 10 percent on ammunition and additional fees on hunting rifles, handguns and firearms used for target practice.
“Gun sales are already taxed, and owners pay hundreds of dollars in fees for licensing and other costs,” said Senator Burzichelli (D- Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “We shouldn’t be penalizing law-abiding citizens with more taxes and fees for firearms on top of what they are already paying.”
More than 150,000 guns are purchased legally each year in the state, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Numerous attempts to increase gun fees in previous budget proposals were rejected by the Legislature.
New Jersey Assemblyman John Burzichelli has come out in opposition to proposed fee increases for firearm purchases in the state. The proposed fee increases would raise the cost of purchasing a firearm from $2 to $50, a significant jump that has sparked controversy among gun rights advocates and lawmakers alike.
Burzichelli, a Democrat representing District 3 in the New Jersey General Assembly, has been a vocal opponent of the fee increases, arguing that they unfairly target law-abiding gun owners and make it more difficult for individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights. He believes that the proposed fee hikes are excessive and unnecessary, and that they will only serve to burden responsible gun owners without addressing the root causes of gun violence.
Supporters of the fee increases argue that the additional revenue generated from the higher fees would be used to fund gun violence prevention programs and support law enforcement efforts to combat illegal firearms trafficking. They believe that the increased fees are a necessary step to address the public health crisis of gun violence in New Jersey and across the country.
The debate over firearm fees is just one aspect of the larger conversation around gun control and Second Amendment rights in the United States. As lawmakers grapple with how best to address gun violence while respecting constitutional rights, it is clear that there are no easy answers or simple solutions. The issue is complex and multifaceted, requiring thoughtful consideration and careful deliberation.
In the case of the proposed fee increases for firearm purchases in New Jersey, Assemblyman Burzichelli’s opposition highlights the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the concerns of both gun owners and advocates for gun violence prevention. As the debate continues, it is important for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards solutions that prioritize public safety while upholding individual rights.
