Gun Owners Get Second Chance to Challenge New Jersey’s ‘Sensitive Spaces’ Gun Ban

Gun owners in New Jersey are getting another opportunity to challenge the state’s controversial “sensitive spaces” firearm law, after a federal appeals court agreed to take a second look at the case.

The law, enacted after a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling expanded gun-carry rights nationwide, sharply limits where firearms can be carried in New Jersey — even for people who legally hold carry permits. Under the statute, guns are banned in a wide range of locations labeled as “sensitive places,” including parks, beaches, bars, libraries, entertainment venues, and many other public areas.

Earlier, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals largely upheld the law, dealing a blow to gun-rights advocates who argue the restrictions effectively turn most of the state into gun-free zones. Critics say the law goes far beyond historical limits recognized by the Constitution and places excessive restrictions on lawful gun owners.

Now, the full appeals court has agreed to rehear the case, a rare move that allows all active judges to review the legal challenge instead of a smaller panel. This development gives gun owners and advocacy groups renewed hope that the court could reconsider key parts of the law or strike them down entirely.

Supporters of the “sensitive spaces” ban argue the restrictions are necessary to protect public safety and reduce the risk of gun violence in crowded or vulnerable areas. State officials maintain that the law is consistent with historical firearm regulations and falls within the state’s authority to regulate where guns may be carried.

Gun-rights groups strongly disagree, saying the law undermines the intent of carry permits and leaves lawful citizens unable to defend themselves in most everyday settings. They argue that labeling such a wide range of locations as “sensitive” creates confusion and unfairly exposes permit holders to criminal penalties.

The outcome of the rehearing could have consequences far beyond New Jersey. Other states with similar post-Supreme Court firearm restrictions are closely watching the case, as a ruling against New Jersey could trigger new legal challenges across the country.

For now, the law remains in effect while the court prepares for the rehearing. A final decision is expected in the coming months and could reshape how far states can go in restricting where firearms may be carried.