House Passes Comprehensive Update to Gun Violence Statutes

May 26, 2023

As you know, I have been a champion for common sense gun responsibility laws for decades. Last week there came the reports of an active shooter in my neighborhood. I'd like to give a big shout out to the first responders not only from Danbury’s Police Department, but also those from our neighboring towns. They apprehended the shooter, and he was put in custody.

My work for your safety continues.
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed HB 6667, An Act Addressing Gun Violence, which is the most comprehensive update to Connecticut's gun violence statutes since the historic reforms we passed after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

 While Connecticut remains one of the safest states in the nation because of our previous legislative action, it does not make us immune to the continuing epidemic of gun violence. We still need to take meaningful action to ensure that these situations are few and far in between. HB 6667 is a step toward making Connecticut even safer.

The bill:

  1. Strengthens safe storage to address home invasions, and if a firearm is stolen and reported within 72 hours, the owner will not be held liable for crimes committed by the offender
  2. Increases the number of family violence crimes as disqualifiers for purchasing a firearm
  3. Tightens the definition of open carry, which is prohibited unless a person is on their own property or their own business
  4. Increases accountability for gun dealers, giving  Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection more accountability tools
  5. Updates permit requirements
  6. Prohibits the sale of more than three guns per 30-day period to prevent straw purchases and to provide more flexibility for those who purchase guns lawfully
  7. Increases the penalty for not reporting stolen firearms which is one of the leading causes of firearm deaths

We have seen states around the nation recklessly retreat from sensible gun regulations, but Connecticut continues to lead and to stand strong in the push to make our neighborhoods safer. I’m happy to be a part of the effort.

The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.