Law Enforcement Agencies Can Buy Arms At Best Available Prices Under O’Scanlon Sponsored Law

dsc_1646-647x384 Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon that allows New Jersey’s Law Enforcement Agencies to purchase firearms directly from manufacturers was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie yesterday. The legislation clarifies that agencies are not required to have permits or firearms identification cards to purchase guns.

The bill (S2337/A3985) was prompted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ recent misinterpreted a state regulation so that law enforcement agencies are only permitted to purchase firearms for police officers through a licensed dealer.

“This law clears up any confusion and affirms legislative intent. State regulations do not require law enforcement agencies to pay more money to middlemen for tools that ensure officer safety and help fight crime,” said O’Scanlon (R—Monmouth). “Police departments can go straight to manufacturers to negotiate the best prices and service, despite any misinterpretation by the feds. This is a win-win, saving property taxpayers’ money and making it easier for departments to acquire essential equipment that our police need to defend themselves – and us.”

Steven Blaier, owner of Monmouth Arms, LLC, a gun dealer in Marlboro, said that this legislation preserves the long standing practice of police departments and other law enforcement agencies purchasing their arms directly from manufacturers. Individual police officers purchasing their own guns must still go through licensed dealers.