Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, the lead sponsor of legislation to protect domestic violence victims from gun violence, released the following statement Monday after Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the bill for the second time:
“The legislature gave the governor another chance to do the right thing. Once again, he failed to lead.
“As someone who lived through the agony of being in a home with an abuser, I can only think of the many who will continue to suffer in silence. The mere presence of a gun significantly increases the likelihood that a domestic dispute will escalate into a homicide. Recognizing that and taking action accordingly is about protecting women and children and holding abusers accountable, not scapegoating responsible gun owners.
“It’s disappointing to see a governor who voiced support for commonsense gun reform in the past now take action against a measure that can save lives.
“This is not the end for this legislation. On behalf of my mother and so many other women who have experienced, or are experiencing, a life of constant fear, I will continue this fight.”
The main provisions of Mosquera’s bill (A-1211) would:
- Require domestic abusers to surrender their firearms while a domestic violence restraining order is in effect, or when they are convicted of a domestic violence crime or offense;
- Require an abuser’s firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a handgun to be suspended during domestic violence restraining orders;
- Require an abuser’s firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase a handgun to be revoked if the individual is convicted of a domestic violence crime or offense; and
- Require cross-referencing of records to assist in determining whether an alleged domestic abuser owns a firearm in order to assist law enforcement’s ability to ensure that an abuser does not have access to firearms.
Among the changes proposed by Christie is a provision to make it quicker and easier for domestic violence victims to purchase a gun.