TRENTON -- State lawmakers on Monday sent Gov. Chris Christie a bill that would more strictly define the "justifiable need" residents must show to obtain a permit to carry a handgun in New Jersey.

But the Republican governor is likely to veto the measure in his ongoing battle with the Democrats who control the state Legislature over the Garden State's tight gun laws.

The Democratic-sponsored bill (S2165/A3689) is a companion piece to a resolution lawmakers passed earlier this month to stop regulations the Christie administration introduced to make it easier for residents to obtain concealed carry permits in the state.

Second Amendment advocates have long argued that New Jersey's permitting process makes it nearly impossible for anyone who isn't a retired law enforcement officer to get such a permit.

Christie's changes, introduced in April, would allow residents to show evidence of "serious threats" against their lives to obtain permits in as little as a month.

But the resolution passed by the Legislature two weeks ago calls for Christie's administration to amend or withdraw the administration's regulations within 30 days because they violate the "legislative intent."

And Monday's bill aims to clarify what "justifiable need" means because Democrats claim Christie's wording was too vague.

Under the measure, those applying for a permit would have to demonstrate "the urgent necessity for self-protection, as evidenced by specific threats or previous attacks which demonstrate a special danger to the applicant's life that cannot be avoided by means other than by issuance of a permit to carry."

The Democratic-controlled state Assembly voted 46-28, with one abstention, to pass the bill two weeks ago.

The Democratic-controlled state Senate voted 22-17 to pass the measure Monday, sending it to Christie to either sign or veto.

Christie has vowed to fight Democrats over the issue.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.