Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A quiet rebellion is spreading across New Jersey. And it has nothing to do with gas pumps or pork roll.
A grassroots wave of 2A activism has now pushed 12 municipalities to nullify their local permit-to-carry fees, putting real money back into the pockets of gun owners and firing a shot across the bow of the state’s anti-gun machine.
The latest to join the movement is Howell, N.J., which passed its rebate resolution on Nov. 25. That makes an even dozen towns stepping up to refund their residents after New Jersey lawmakers piled on extra fees post-Bruen.
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How We Got Here: Bad Fees Meet Good Pushback
After the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision opened up the right to carry, New Jersey legislators responded with more hoops and higher costs. Among them:
- $50 diverted to a victims compensation fund (struck down by the 3rd Circuit as unconstitutional).
- $150 kicked to municipalities.
But small towns weren’t having it. Englishtown was first to say, “Nope,” refunding the $150 back to applicants. Now Howell has joined the roster, unanimously agreeing (with one council member absent) to return $125 of its cut.
A Dozen Towns, One Message: Respect the Right
“These municipalities have decided to respect the rights of their citizens,” said Alan Gottlieb, CCRKBA Chairman.
He added that every new resolution weakens the hold of “anti-liberty forces” in the Garden State. And praised the combined grassroots firepower of CCRKBA, NRA-ILA, and NJFOS members who pushed this movement forward.
SEE ALSO: The Illegal Ways Cops Check Your Gun
The list of towns now rejecting the unconstitutional fee structure includes:
Beachwood, Butler, Dumont, Franklin Borough, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Medford Lakes, Vernon, Englishtown, Howell, plus Cresskill and Readington, which went even further by passing ordinances instead of simple resolutions.
Howell Councilman Ian Nadel, who led the effort locally, summed it up bluntly.
“The Second Amendment is the only Amendment that seems to be under repeated attack, especially in the state of New Jersey,” he quipped.
The Impact? Over $125,000 Saved Every Year
According to the organizations involved, nearly 200,000 New Jerseyans stand to benefit as an estimated $125,000+ in unjustifiable fees disappear annually. That’s a real-world win in a state where exercising your rights often comes with a price tag.
And this movement isn’t done.
If gun owners in other towns want to advance their own rebate resolution, NJFOS is inviting them to reach out for assistance. A joint policy brief and model resolution are also available for anyone ready to take the next step.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.