New Jersey’s restrictive firearms laws are starting to cost the state money.
After a years-long court fight, the state attorney general’s office earlier this week paid a New Jersey gun-rights group more than $100,000 and released documents describing the state’s background check process. A judge ordered the payment after the state refused to release the State Police’s guide for local departments when performing checks on gun permit applicants.
The court order and payment comes after a commission formed by Gov. Chris Christie issued a report in December finding New Jersey’s permitting process was opaque and inefficient. That commission also recommended permitting regulations be loosened to allow broader access for those seeking to carry a concealed firearm.
