Matt Blumenthal

We Passed a Bill Strengthening Gun Safety & Accountability

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of House Bill 7042—an important piece of legislation that strengthens accountability within the firearm industry and addresses critical gaps in our existing gun safety laws. We passed it out of the House this week. This bill ensures that individuals harmed by the reckless or irresponsible actions of gun manufacturers, dealers, or sellers have a clear civil remedy. For too long, victims and their families have faced steep legal obstacles in seeking justice. This legislation begins to right that wrong.  House Bill 7042 also closes a significant loophole in our firearm permitting process. Under the new law, individuals who move to Connecticut with out-of-state convictions for crimes that would have disqualified them from obtaining a firearm permit here will now be deemed ineligible. This applies to disqualifying convictions within the past eight years and helps maintain the integrity of our permitting system, regardless of where someone previously lived. Additionally, the bill clarifies our statutes regarding the unlawful discharge of a firearm, a Class C misdemeanor, by making it explicitly clear that this law does not apply to individuals who discharge a firearm in lawful self-defense or in defense of another person. This clarification upholds both public safety and the right to protect oneself and others under the law. Connecticut has long been a national leader in gun safety, and I’m proud that this legislation continues that legacy. House Bill 7042 represents a meaningful step forward—promoting responsibility within the industry, closing dangerous loopholes, and reinforcing our commitment to keeping communities safe. Now it goes to the Senate!