Not satisfied in keeping its citizens disarmed by robbing them of their constitutional right to bear arms, NJ now goes after all martial artists:
NJ has moved to regulate all martial arts classes in the state, requiring licensing of all instructors and regulatory oversight of martial arts schools. The way they are written, they would in effect amount to a ban on martial arts schools due to insane requirements and costs. This would effect everyone who teaches any martial arts class including leaders of study groups, requiring them to go through 150-300 hours of classroom courses and a rigid licensing process.
And for those of you that don't live in New Jersey, if this act manages to get passed- even in part- and starts pulling money from the state's fitness oriented businesses, it won't be long before other states get the same idea. The impact that this bill would have on martial artists cannot be understated.
A facebook group has been started to promote opposition to these bills:
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.pCurrent bills in both the NJ State Assembly A3356 and the NJ State Senate S2164, (known as the “Fitness Professional Licensing Act”) that will potentially eliminate many martial arts schools in New Jersey (as well as a number of other fitness related professions such as health clubs, fitness centers, Yoga and Pilates studios, etc.). This legislation seeks to impose unreasonable regulations and licensing requirements as well as significantly increasing the fees associated with running certain fitness related businesses. This could force many of these small businesses to close their doors while the surviving ones will be have to increase the overall cost of their services.
We urge you to contact your state legislators and tell them that you oppose the “Fitness Professionals Licensing Act”. We would also suggest registering your opposition directly with the sponsors of these bills as well.
• Assemblyman Joseph J. Roberts, Jr.
District 5 (Camden and Gloucester)
(856)742-7600
Sponsor of A3356
• Senator Paul A. Sarlo
District 36 (Bergen, Essex and Passaic)
(201)804-8118
Sponsor of S2164
To find your legislator(s), you can go to
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ and click on the “Find your Legislator” link on the left hand side of the screen (under the “Members” heading).
Being concerned voters, we feel this bill infringes upon our constitutional freedom as citizens. We view the martial arts not as mere physical fitness, but as a way of life and as a means of artistic self-expression.
By imposing additional regulations and license requirements and fees, especially in such a difficult economic environment will place undue burden on these small business owners. Please work with us to remove this proposed act.
You can read both bills in their entirety at:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/B...
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/B...
You can also write the Governor here:
http://www.state.nj.us/governor/gov...
Following it up with a postal mail letter is also suggested.
Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-6000
Topic: NJ Moves to Regulate (ban) Martial Arts (Read 895 times)