Gov. Chis Christie signed into law Thursday a measure that allows nearly anyone who has ever worn a badge in New Jersey to carry a firearm after they retire.

The new bill expands the list of people who can carry firearms in the Garden State to virtually all former uniformed law enforcement officers.

Previously, only interstate, state and local police officers, county sheriff's officers, and state or county park officers were allowed to continue to carry their firearms into retirement.

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon says that it is their right to carry a firearm.

“We benefit from having people like that on the street ready to protect us,” he says.

But not all lawmakers went along with the expansion willingly.

Sen. Richard Codey questioned whether low-risk professions, such as park rangers and revenue agents, should retain possession of firearms after handing in their badges.

Sen. Codey was not available for comment Friday.

The measure will also allow retired college campus police officers to carry weapons.