WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gun violence prevention advocates are praising the New Jersey State Legislature and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine for passing an important bill to combat illegal gun trafficking by limiting handgun purchases to one per month per individual.

“New Jersey has taken a sensible step that will profoundly interfere with the ability of gun traffickers to operate in the state, while ensuring that law-abiding citizens who wish to purchase a firearm can do so,” said Dennis Henigan, Vice President for Law and Policy of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “We congratulate the New Jersey Legislature for getting this done, and deeply appreciate Governor Corzine’s work in helping ensure passage.”

“We're thrilled to get this bill across the finish line, and thrilled that it will make New Jersey families safer, because it will make it harder for criminals to get guns,” said Carole Stiller, President of the New Jersey chapters of the Million Mom March.

The legislation has been a long time priority for state advocacy group Ceasefire NJ. “Leave it to sensible Garden State legislators to hold the NRA at bay by promoting the public safety,” said Ceasefire NJ Executive Director Bryan Miller. “New Jersey's Governor, legislative leadership and mayors have, once again, put safety of the state's citizens above the blandishments of the gun lobby and the profits of the gun industry. Our state's leaders deserve the citizenry's profound gratitude.”

Upon enactment of the legislation, New Jersey will join Virginia, Maryland, and California as the fourth state with the anti-trafficking measure in place.