In a recent video published by the Martell Training Group, Stephen Mazzagatti gave New Jersey gun owners a critical breakdown of five new bills passed by the State Assembly as of March 24, 2025. These bills, if signed into law, could significantly reshape how gun ownership, digital content, and even banking are regulated in the state. Mazzagatti doesn’t hold back in calling several of the bills redundant, overreaching, or outright dangerous to responsible gun owners. His analysis makes it clear – these aren’t just procedural changes; they could have real consequences for everyday people.
A4974: Machine Gun Conversion Devices
The first bill Mazzagatti discusses is A4974, which targets machine gun conversion devices – specifically devices like Glock switches that transform semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. He notes that both state and federal laws already criminalize such devices, making this bill seemingly unnecessary. According to Mazzagatti, adding another layer of legislation on top of existing laws only creates confusion and possible legal entanglements. “It’s already illegal,” he says, “so what are we really doing here?”
A4975: Digital Files Become Criminal Evidence
The second bill, A4975, raises serious constitutional concerns. This bill creates criminal penalties for merely possessing digital files or instructions that explain how to manufacture firearms or firearm components. As Mazzagatti points out, this means that even if a person never actually builds a gun, they could still be prosecuted for simply having a file saved on their computer. He warns, “It creates a crime where no physical act took place. That’s chilling.” The implications for free speech, digital privacy, and even academic research are hard to ignore.
A1389: Expanding Confiscation Powers
Next on the list is A1389, which mandates the seizure of not just firearms but also ammunition and certain gun parts following a domestic violence restraining order or conviction. While New Jersey already has strong gun confiscation laws tied to domestic violence, Mazzagatti notes that this bill expands those powers. “Why add ammunition and accessories?” he asks. “Is this about safety, or is it about control?” This expansion could lead to broader interpretations that penalize people far beyond the original scope of domestic violence enforcement.
A4976: Reckless Discharge as a New Crime
A4976 introduces the crime of “reckless discharge of a firearm.” While it sounds like a common-sense law, Mazzagatti is concerned that it duplicates existing statutes, such as those addressing unlawful possession and discharge of firearms (specifically 2C:39-4 and 2C:39-5). He warns that this bill could be misused against lawful gun owners who discharge a weapon in self-defense. “This gives prosecutors another tool to go after someone who was defending themselves but might have done so in a chaotic, unpredictable situation,” he explains.
A5345: Tracking Gun Purchases Through Banks
The final and perhaps most troubling bill, according to Mazzagatti, is A5345. This legislation mandates the use of merchant category codes (MCCs) for firearm and ammunition purchases. The goal is to flag suspicious buying patterns, but Mazzagatti argues that it effectively deputizes banks and credit card companies to monitor and report gun owners. “This lays the groundwork for backdoor registration,” he warns. “It’s data collection, plain and simple.” By forcing financial institutions to flag and categorize transactions, the state gains insight into who’s buying what – and how much.
The Bigger Picture: Lawful Gun Owners in the Crosshairs
Throughout the video, Mazzagatti emphasizes a consistent theme: these bills seem less focused on reducing crime and more about burdening lawful gun owners. With over 70,000 permit-to-carry holders in New Jersey, he worries that the real targets aren’t criminals, but responsible citizens who happen to own firearms. Each bill, when taken alone, might seem reasonable to some. But together, they form what he calls a “dangerous patchwork” that could criminalize innocent behavior and stifle personal freedom.
The Risk of Redundant Laws
One of Mazzagatti’s strongest criticisms is aimed at legislative redundancy. Several of the proposed bills cover conduct that’s already illegal under New Jersey law. Creating new statutes for the same offenses not only confuses the public, but also gives prosecutors more leeway to stack charges. In the legal world, more charges mean more leverage – and that can pressure even innocent people to plead out just to avoid risk. “This isn’t about safety,” Mazzagatti says, “this is about power.”
The Chilling Effect on Speech and Education
Particularly with A4975, the implications stretch beyond gun rights. Criminalizing the possession of digital instructions affects not only would-be criminals but also educators, hobbyists, and engineers. Mazzagatti raises the valid concern that people doing legitimate research or learning about firearm mechanics for educational reasons could get swept up in legal trouble. “We’re entering a world where knowledge itself becomes suspect,” he warns. That’s a heavy price for public safety – especially when no crime has been committed.
Weaponizing the Financial System
Mazzagatti’s breakdown of A5345 paints a dystopian picture of gun control via banking regulation. He compares the MCC system to de facto gun registration. While there’s no national gun registry in the United States, tracking purchases through financial data might achieve similar ends without ever passing a registration law. “You don’t need a registry,” he says, “if you already know who’s buying guns and ammo from the bank records.” That’s an alarming shift in tactics – and one that deserves public scrutiny.
A Dangerous Precedent
From a broader perspective, these bills signal something bigger than just state-level regulation. They reflect a growing trend in American politics where laws are used not to protect public safety, but to regulate behavior through indirect means – like digital files or credit card codes. Even if some of these bills seem well-intentioned, they create a slippery slope. It’s not hard to imagine future legislation using similar methods to restrict other constitutional rights. That’s why Mazzagatti’s warning is worth heeding, whether you live in New Jersey or not.
What Gun Owners Can Do Now
Mazzagatti encourages viewers to stay informed and get involved before it’s too late. The bills are headed to the New Jersey Senate next, where they could be amended or passed as-is. If signed by the governor – which is likely – they will become law. Gun owners should reach out to their representatives, voice concerns, and track the progress of these bills. “Knowledge is power,” Mazzagatti reminds his audience. “But action is what makes the difference.” And in this case, sitting back isn’t an option.
More Than Just Five Bills
The five gun bills currently moving through New Jersey’s legislative process are more than just words on paper. According to Stephen Mazzagatti and his detailed breakdown on the Martell Training Group channel, they represent a dangerous shift in how the state views gun ownership, privacy, and individual responsibility. By targeting digital files, bank records, and conduct already regulated, these bills risk turning lawful gun ownership into a minefield of legal traps. Whether or not you agree with every word, one thing’s for sure – these laws could change the game, and not in a good way.
To find out more, check out the Martell Training Group video here.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.