New Jersey on Thursday got one step closer to banning a firearms accessory allegedly used by the gunman in the Las Vegas mass shooting.

The state Assembly's law and public safety committee voted 8-0, with one abstention, to advance a Democrat-sponsored bill that would prohibit the sale and possession of "bump stocks" in the state.

Bump stocks can be affixed to semiautomatic riffles to allow them to fire bullets more rapidly, mimicking automatic weapons, which are mostly illegal in the U.S.

A fierce national debate over the accessory emerged in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre. The gunman had 12 of the devices in his hotel room, allegedly helping him to kill 58 people and injure 500 more in a matter of minutes.

WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO: The legislation (S3477/A5200) would prohibit the sale and possession of bump stocks in New Jersey and set up criminal penalties for those who violate the ban. Violators could face three to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

WHAT PROPONENTS SAY: Sponsors of the bill say there's no need for anyone in New Jersey to be able to mimic automatic fire.

"Our law enforcement officials and residents will be in greater danger if they are allowed in New Jersey," Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, D-Union -- a sponsor -- said Thursday.

Dolores Phillips, legislative director for gun-control group Ceasefire New Jersey, added: "We are not under any illusion this bill will solve mass shootings. But it's a step forward."

WHAT OPPONENTS SAY: The biggest argument is that bump stocks are already technically illegal to use in New Jersey. While you're permitted to sell, buy, and own them, state law prohibits people from possessing them if they are used on a firearm or in the vicinity of a firearm.

"There really isn't a whole lot for this bill to do," Rob Nixon of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs said Thursday. "This isn't really a New Jersey-related issue."

This measure would create an outright ban on the accessories and make it a third-degree crime with specific punishments.

Alexander Roubian, president of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, added that people can still use 3D printers to create their own bump stocks.

"It's grandstanding on the issue," Roubian said of the bill.

THE VOTE: All six Democrats on the panel voted in favor Thursday. Two of the three Republicans voted yes: Michael Patrick Carroll of Morris County and Edward Thomson of Monmouth County. Republican Erik Peterson of Hunterdon County abstained.

WHAT'S NEXT: For the bill to become law, the full Assembly and state Senate -- both of which are controlled by Democrats -- must pass it and the governor must sign it.

Republican Chris Christie will be governor until Jan. 16. He has often opposed new gun laws in the state, but he said last month he'd be open to "further regulations" on bump stocks, noting that "it's an accessory ... not a gun. It's not an infringement on anybody's Second Amendment rights."

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