Steven Stafstrom

Members of the legislature's Judiciary Committee voted today to pass legislation updating Connecticut's "Red Flag" law, otherwise known as the Risk Warrant or Risk Protection Order statute, which the Connecticut General Assembly passed in 1999. 

"Connecticut passed the nation's first "Red Flag" law in the wake of the Connecticut Lottery mass shooting, and the bill established a legal procedure for the removal of firearms from a volatile situation. While the measure has helped to prevent hundreds of unnecessary deaths, there are clear vulnerabilities in the existing statute," said State Representative Steve Stafstrom (D – Bridgeport), who serves as House Chair of the Judiciary Committee and introduced the concept. "Since this undertaking, several states have implemented their own "Red Flag" laws, taking steps further to pass strong and comprehensive legislation. The bill that was on the table today bolsters our state's statute and corrects technical loopholes to better protect individuals, families, and our communities."

The proposal, House Bill 6355, An Act Concerning Risk Protection Orders or Warrants, allows family or household members, as well as medical professionals to petition for a Risk Warrant or Risk Protection Order. Currently, police officers or the state's attorney may petition a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from an individual who may pose as a danger to themselves or others.

The proposal also expands the existing statute to ensure individuals whose firearms are removed cannot acquire additional firearms or ammunition. The bill also removes the expiration date of the Risk Warrant and allows respondents to petition the court every 180 days.

The Committee voted by a margin of 27 to 11 in favor of moving the proposal forward in the legislative process.