Press Releases
Girgenti Is Excited About The Enactment Of Six Sponsored Laws That Will Greatly Increase The Safety Of The Residents Of New Jersey
January 18, 2008
TRENTON – Senator John A. Girgenti today said that six recently enacted laws he sponsored will go a long way in protecting the residents of this State from gangs, guns and Internet predators.
“As the Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I was able to sponsor legislation that improves safety and the quality of life for New Jersey’s residents,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “New Jersey needed tougher penalties for those who commit or attempt to commit gang related crimes. New Jersey has been working hard to combat crime, and these new laws will go even further in restoring safety to our streets.”
The first enacted bill, S-2940, creates strict secondary penalties for gang criminality and promoting organized street gang crimes.
The second enacted bill, S-2932, makes it a crime in the second degree to transport guns into the State for the purpose of unlawful sale or transfer. A crime of the second degree carries a penalty of five to ten years in prison and, or, a fine of up to $150,000.
The third enacted bill, S-2431, upgrades the penalty for those possessing illegal handguns, assault weapons or machine guns, to a crime of the second degree.
The fourth enacted bill, S-206, expands the current laws regarding retired police officers and their right to carry firearms by permitting retired law enforcement officers from other states to carry a firearms and increase the age limitation for retired law enforcement officers to carry a firearm to 75 years of age or younger.
“While crime in many categories is down across our state, crimes that are associated with guns have increased,” said Senator Girgenti. “We need to stop gun violence before it starts by cracking down on those who bring illegal firearms into our State. With tough penalties we can deter people from using guns to commit crimes.”
The fifth enacted bill, S-1977, requires Internet dating services to inform customers whether criminal background screenings have been performed on those individuals posted on the website.
The sixth enacted bill, S-1978, imposes mandatory minimum sentences without the opportunity for parole for those convicted of luring or enticing who have previously been convicted of sexual assault, sexual contact or endangering the welfare of a child.
“The Internet can be a useful link to all sorts of information and a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family, but unfortunately, some people out there are using the internet as a way to prey on our children,” said Senator Girgenti. “As a co-sponsor of ‘Megan’s Law,’ I understand how important it is to protect ourselves and the children of this State from sex offenders.”