A Joint Resolution condemning firearm manufacturers who produce firearms designed to look like toys.

Whereas, Firearms are dangerous in the hands of children, as children can unintentionally cause harm to themselves and others while playing with firearms; and

Whereas, Each year, almost 350 children under the age of 18 in the United States mistakenly shoot themselves or someone else; and

Whereas, Children in the United States are killed with firearms at a rate six to nine times higher than in other developed countries; and

Whereas, Although firearm laws are stricter in New Jersey than in other states, New Jersey children are not immune from the effects of firearm violence; and

Whereas, An average of 38 children die from firearm violence in New Jersey annually, making firearm violence the third leading cause of death among children in New Jersey; and

Whereas, Firearms that are not properly secured pose a greater risk to children, especially if the firearm is designed to look like a toy; and

Whereas, Approximately 4.6 million children in the United States live in a home where at least one firearm is loaded and unlocked; and

Whereas, The 4.6 million children who live in homes with unlocked and loaded firearms are at higher risk for unintentionally harming themselves and others with these firearms; and

Whereas, The risk of harm done by children playing with firearms increases even more when the firearms are designed to look like toys; and

Whereas, Firearm manufacturers that design a firearm covered in colorful toy blocks make an already appealing firearm even more enticing to children; and

Whereas, Firearm manufacturers across the United States should be responsible in helping to prevent needless injuries and deaths caused by children playing with and accidentally discharging firearms, by refraining from producing firearms covered in children's toys; and

Whereas, Nationally, firearm violence has increased since 2019, making the protection of children from playing with firearms designed to look like toys even more timely; and

Whereas, Protecting innocent children from accidentally harming themselves or others with a firearm can be enhanced if firearm manufacturers do not produce firearms that children will want to play with; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey.

1. The Governor and the Legislature of the State of New Jersey condemn firearm manufacturers who produce firearms designed to look like toys.

2. Copies of this resolution as filed with the Secretary of State shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution condemns firearm manufacturers who produce firearms designed to look like toys.

In the United States, children and those around them are injured and killed too often because of unintentional firearm violence caused by children playing with firearms. A child in the United States has a six to nine time higher risk of being killed with a firearm than in other developed countries around the globe. Firearm manufacturers producing firearms that look like toys would only exacerbate the existing problem. Designing a firearm to be even more appealing to children than it already is would be grossly irresponsible.

Children are naturally curious, so it is important that adults protect them by not producing firearms that appear exciting, as it could possibly entice them to handle household firearms. Building a firearm with modifications such as attaching colorful toy blocks to the outside, would make an already curious child even more intrigued. Firearm manufacturers across the United States should recognize this and take responsibility in helping to protect the youth of America by not producing these firearms.

The time to act on this issue is now, as firearm violence has increased since 2019, putting children at higher risk. This resolution is not about restricting the rights of firearm manufacturers to design firearms the way they want, but rather is about protecting innocent children who may fall victim to a powerful firearm disguised as a toy.