TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal issued the following statements in support of Jaime’s Law, a bill in Congress that would extend existing background check requirements on firearm sales to also include ammunition sales.

“As gun violence continues to tear apart families and communities, bold and decisive action is needed,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud of the leadership and courage on display in New Jersey as we continue to tackle gun violence in our State. I stand with Attorney General Grewal and the twenty other Attorneys General in calling for the House and Senate to pass Jaime’s Law without delay and ensure that individuals who cannot legally obtain firearms are not able to purchase ammunition.”

“New Jersey has become a leader in the fight against gun violence, and it’s time for the federal government to do its part,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Under Governor Murphy, New Jersey has continued to tighten its laws to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, violent criminals, and domestic abusers. But we can’t defeat the scourge of gun violence alone, which is why I’m proud to join Attorneys General from across the country in calling for the passage of Jaime’s Law to expand background checks at the federal level.”

Jaime’s Law is named after Jaime Guttenberg, who was 14 years old when she was one of 17 students and teachers killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The bill would make it illegal for individuals who are already “prohibited purchasers” under federal law—including convicted felons, domestic abusers, and individuals with serious mental health conditions— to purchase or possess ammunition. 

A coalition of Attorneys General issued a letter urging the House Judiciary Committee to ensure passage of the bill. A copy of the letter can be found here.