Gov. Christie Vetoes Bill Requiring NJ Retailers To Sell Smart Guns
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed legislation requiring New Jersey gun sellers to offer so-called personalized handguns, or "smart guns" once they become available.
The New Jersey Senate voted 22-15 in favor of the bill in December 2015. The legislation would repeal parts of an older law that lawmakers say resulted in fewer personalized handguns being sold in New Jersey.
Christie, who is seeking the GOP nomination for president, pocket vetoed the measure on Tuesday.
The veto comes as Christie seeks to persuade Republican primary voters to support his candidacy and as his on guns has changed over time.
New Jersey lawmakers also failed to override another gun legislation bill vetoed by Christie, which would require potential gun buyers to to clear a mental health record and to notify law enforcement officials of their petition.
As a candidate for state office two decades ago, he supported a ban on assault weapons, a position at odds with many conservative voters.
Christie now emphasizes that he has vetoed such a ban. He does not mention that he signed other legislation unpopular with conservatives, like a measure barring those on a terror watch list from purchasing firearms.
New York officials have also made a push for smart gun legislation recently, with hopes the devices would help reduce gun violence.
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