Republican Gov. Chris Christie has created a commission to study the ownership and possession of firearms after a woman who had a restraining order against an ex-boyfriend was killed at home while waiting for a gun permit to be approved.

An executive order from Christie says the New Jersey Firearm Purchase and Permitting Study Commission is charged with reviewing the state's gun laws.

Christie's order was signed Monday. It says the commission shall issue recommendations to the governor.

It says the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized the right to bear arms for defense is a fundamental guarantee. But it says New Jersey's laws impose significant restrictions.

Berlin Township hairdresser Carol Bowne was stabbed to death in her driveway this month. Police say she applied for a gun license in April but they were awaiting fingerprint information when she died.