BERKELEY – At a recent Township Council meeting, six residents were refunded $100 of their concealed carry gun permit fees.
This stemmed from 2nd Amendment advocates who approached the governing body earlier this year, explaining how expensive these fees have become. They said the fees went above and beyond the cost of the paperwork and even the payment of the staff needed to do the work.
These advocates have gone to several towns in Ocean County making the same request. Many have made changes allowing some kind of refund.
Then, a few of the same people came to another meeting to check on the status of the refund ordinance, and were told it was going to be discussed and then voted on. The ordinance refunding the fees was passed within about three months of being approached by the gun advocates.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Mayor John Bacchione said.
According to state statute, applicants must pay $226, which includes a $50 fee to the state, $26 for a background check, and $150 for a municipal fee for reviewing and processing permits.
The ordinance states that those who purchase or renew their concealed carry permits can be refunded $100 of the total. However, they have to make a request to the town for the refund. The refund is applicable for future registrations as well.
The advocates have said that since the right to bear arms is in the Constitution, people shouldn’t be charged for these rights. They also argued that since the background check is performed by the New Jersey State Police, there is not much work done on the municipal level. However, the registration has to go through the town.
“I’m getting priced out of my permit,” said Keith Durgin of Bayville during a Township Council meeting in the spring. He was one of a few gun owners who came to request the refunds.
Michael Glenn of Lacey said he was with the New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate and that the fees went up by 400%.
Tony Rockhill of Beachwood had previously said he feels that the high fees set by the state are intentional in order to make fewer people buy guns.
