On December 10, 2025, the Township of Toms River became the 13th (and largest) municipality in New Jersey to refund the $150 municipal share of the state-required $200 handgun carry permit fee.
The measure was introduced and championed by outgoing Council President, Justin D. Lamb, and passed in a unanimous vote. It was supported with testimony from Daniel Francisco, the mayor of Englishtown, which was the first municipality to pass such a measure. The refund applies to new applicants starting January 1, 2026, upon providing proof of payment, though it would not be retroactive.
“As the person who started this effort in our small borough of Englishtown, I am beyond proud to see this movement expand to the municipality with the largest population of any thus far,” said Francisco. “I lived for years in Toms River. It was an honor to work with and address the governing body, and I especially applaud Justin Lamb for bringing this huge win to his residents and protecting their natural rights.”
“For the running count, we have eliminated over $200,000 per year in permitting fees,” said Joe LoPorto, Director of Legal Operations of the New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate.
With a population of just about 100,000 residents, Toms River has issued 1,623 approved applications for a permit to carry a concealed handgun, with approximately 1,100 being active, according to the state’s Permit to Carry Dashboard.
The movement to rebate carry permits came out of a collaboration between three gun rights groups: the New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and the National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action. This first-of-its-kind movement has helped many private citizens bring similar measures to their town councils for consideration by providing a policy briefing document with both language that can be used in a bill, and suggestions about how to communicate with elected officials.
