Disqualifies person named on federal Terrorist Watchlist from obtaining firearms identification card or permit to purchase handgun.

This bill (A1569) adds a new disqualification to New Jersey's firearm permit process: individuals named on the federal Terrorist Watchlist maintained by the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center cannot obtain a firearm identification card or handgun purchase permit. It directly affects New Jersey residents whose names appear on this federal list. The bill amends existing law (N.J.S.2C:58-3) to include this watchlist as a specific reason for denial, requiring law enforcement to inform applicants denied under this provision. The change applies to all firearm permit and identification card applications, with a provision allowing applicants to contest the denial by proving they are not the person listed on the watchlist. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.