After hours of heated testimony Monday, the State Senate Law and Public Safety Committee approved a bill to reduce the legal limit of rounds in an ammunition magazine from 15 to 10.

(Joe Raedle, Getty Images)
(Joe Raedle, Getty Images)
loading...

Supporters and detractors of the measure were very passionate in expressing their views.

"New Jersey can remain in the forefront in this important struggle to address the gun violence that ravages our communities," said Ron Schwartz, a member of the Bergen County Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. "Sadly, there are many examples of how limiting the size of ammunition magazines has been necessary to save lives."

Critics of the legislation also had their say before the Senate panel.

"The cold, hard truth is that no one will be any safer under this feel-good legislation because criminals and madmen will either ignore it or find another tool," said Scott Bach, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs. "In Virginia Tech, 10-round magazines were used. In Columbine, 10-round magazines were used."

According to Bach, it is absurd to think a criminal can have a 10-round magazine, but not a 15-round magazine. Schwartz said that limiting magazine clips to 10 rounds will make New Jersey safer for children and communities.

Under current law, 15-round ammunition magazines are legal in New Jersey. The 10-round limit would bring the Garden State's laws in line with the limits in the 1994 assault weapons ban. The bill was approved by the full Assembly in March and now awaits final legislative approval by the full Senate, before heading to the desk of Gov. Chris Christie.

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM