Additional, often burdensome fees make it difficult—sometimes impossible—for law abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. When it comes to their ability to carry a gun lawfully for defense of themselves and loved ones, the impact could be disastrous. The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier.
In late 2022, New Jersey increased the price of a handgun permit to $200. Of that fee, $150 goes to the municipality/borough in which the applicant lives, and $50 goes to the state police.
On June 11, the Englishtown, N.J., Borough Council passed a resolution authorizing a full refund of its $150 portion to residents who are, or have been, subjected to the fee. “In my capacity as mayor, it’s my job to protect my residents, including from the abuse of the state,” Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco told NJ.com. “I introduced this proposal and lobbied my council to support it because no natural right should be held hostage to a paywall.”
The number of people living in Englishtown—which is roughly between Newark and Trenton—is modest. The figure runs between 2,000 and 2,300, depending on source.
Despite that fact, the refund policy is gaining traction in other areas of New Jersey. ““There are towns in Atlantic, Gloucester, Sussex and Hunterdon counties that are, right now, considering this resolution,” New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate Director Joe LoPorto told NJ.com. “We are working to circulate it through both a grassroots campaign and direct lobbying.”
After the vote, Mayor Franciso posted on his X account that, “No longer will our residents be subject to the tyrannical $150 municipal carry permit fees prescribed by 2C:58-4. Englishtown respects those who choose to carry, and stands in solidarity with them by now offering a full refund of the statutory municipal fee.”
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