Establishes priority for certain firearm-related background checks when applicant has obtained domestic violence restraining order.

This bill (A172) clarifies that individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses - defined as acts covered under New Jersey law (C.2C:25-19) or comparable statutes elsewhere - will be denied handgun purchase permits or firearms purchaser identification cards. It directly affects applicants for firearm permits who have such convictions, as these disqualify them under existing law. The key mechanism adds explicit language to the permit denial criteria, ensuring domestic violence convictions are treated as a permanent barrier to firearm access. The bill does not change the background check process itself but reinforces that these convictions automatically prevent permit issuance. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).