Updates to CT Red Flag Laws Take Effect

June 7, 2022

Last year, my legislative colleagues and I passed critical updates to our groundbreaking "Red Flag" law, otherwise known as its Risk Warrant or Risk Protection Order statute, in an effort to better protect residents, families, and communities from gun violence.

Key provisions of this law took effect last week.
Connecticut enacted the groundbreaking Risk Protection Order statute in 1999 in response to a mass shooting at the Connecticut Lottery. While once historic, 19 states and Washington D.C. implemented comprehensive and proactive legislation that went further than our state's. 

Public Act 21-67 incorporates language from these laws and closes technical loopholes to strengthen Connecticut's Risk Protection Order statute. Relevant forms to petition state courts for a risk warrant are available on the CT Judicial Branch's website using the following links.

In the wake of the recent tragedies in New York and Texas, it is particularly poignant to highlight how our state continues to lead on gun reform legislation while our federal lawmakers consistently choose not to act. 

Our "Red Flag" law  is just one of the common sense, life-saving solutions our state has enacted to combat gun violence. 

I will continue working alongside my legislative colleagues, advocates, and community leaders to build upon our efforts to make our towns and cities safer for everyone.