New Jersey’s ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines will remain in effect after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit granted a stay of its recent ruling while the state’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court moves forward.

In a statement issued Tuesday, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport welcomed the decision, saying the stay ensures the state’s 36-year-old law will remain in force as litigation continues.

“We are thrilled that the Third Circuit this morning stayed its ruling in our assault weapons/large-capacity magazines case while our petition to the U.S. Supreme Court proceeds,” Davenport said. “That ensures this 36-year-old law will remain in place as litigation continues — providing much-needed stability on the ground. We will continue to stand up for common-sense gun-safety laws in court.”

The legal challenge centers on New Jersey’s longstanding restrictions on assault weapons and magazines capable of holding large numbers of rounds. The Third Circuit’s stay means the existing law will continue to be enforced until the Supreme Court determines whether it will hear the case and any further proceedings are completed.