Steven Stafstrom

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed HB 6667, 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. As House Chair of the Judiciary Committee, I was proud to lead passage of HB 6667, which is a step toward making Connecticut even safer.
 
This legislation targets mass shootings by tightening restrictions on assault weapons and large capacity magazines and expands the ban on the sale of semi-automatic guns to those under the age of 21. HB 6667 additionally requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to update its mass shooting response plan.
 
The bill also directly deals with the issue of gun violence by requiring the registration of any ghost gun manufactured prior to 2019. HB 6667 cracks down on repeat firearm offenders by giving judges more tools to set higher bail and prosecutors more tools to seek revocation of probation, plus increases the penalty for failure to report a stolen firearm.

• 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
• Increases the number of family violence crimes as disqualifiers for purchasing a firearm
• Tightens the definition of open carry, which is prohibited unless a person is on their own property or their own business
• Increases accountability for gun dealers, giving DESPP more accountability tools
• Updates permit requirements
• 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
• 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 stand strong in the push to make our communities safer. I want to thank Gov. Ned Lamont for his leadership on this bill in addition to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Judiciary Committee for their work on it.

The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.