Establishes crime of possessing firearm during public demonstration for purpose of causing civil disorder.
New Jersey's S 2281 makes it a crime (third degree) for anyone to knowingly possess a firearm during a public demonstration specifically intended to cause civil disorder. This applies regardless of whether the person has a valid firearm permit or purchase card. The bill defines "civil disorder" as violent gatherings of two or more people creating imminent danger to public safety, and "public demonstration" as organized public gatherings supporting or opposing a cause. Violators face up to 5 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
John McKeon
DDemocratic
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