Connecticut has enacted sweeping new laws on firearms, which became effective April 4, 2013 upon signature of the legislation by Governor Malloy.  As noted below, several provisions of the new law were effective immediately.

Large capacity magazines (“LCMs”)

  • Applies to magazines with a capacity of more than ten rounds, excluding .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding devices and tubular magazines in lever-action firearms
  • Effective immediately, it is now a felony in Connecticut to distribute, import into Connecticut, keep for sale, offer or expose for sale, or purchase a LCM
  • Exemptions apply for sales to police departments and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (“DESPP”)
  • Exemptions apply for possession and transport by dealers and gunsmiths
  • Exemptions apply for possession, transport and out-of-state sales by in-state manufacturers
  • LCMs already legally possessed are grandfathered, but must be registered with the DESPP with applications due by January 1, 2014
  • Even when registered, LCMs cannot be loaded with more than ten rounds, except in the home or at a shooting range

Assault weapons

  • The definition of an assault weapon is expanded by using a one-feature test similar to New York’s.  Also included are over 100 specifically named weapons
  • Effective immediately, it is now a felony in Connecticut to distribute, import into Connecticut, keep for sale, offer or expose for sale an assault weapon
  • Exemptions apply to sales to police departments, the DESPP and transfers by inheritance
  • Exemptions apply for possession and transport by dealers and gunsmiths
  • Exemptions apply for possession, transport and out-of-state sales by in-state manufacturers
  • Assault weapons already legally possessed are grandfathered, but must be registered with the DESPP with applications due by January 1, 2014

 Universal background checks for all firearm purchases

  • Effective immediately, no pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun can be sold to any Connecticut resident until the buyer passes a national criminal background check — whether such sale is private, at a gun show, or through a dealer 
  • Beginning April 1, 2014, a long gun eligibility certificate will also be required for the purchase of any rifle or shotgun.  Applicants must undergo a firearms safety training course, and be fingerprinted

 State-issued eligibility certificate required for ammunition purchases

  • Beginning October 1, 2013, an ammunition eligibility certificate will be required for the purchase of ammunition, which will require a national criminal background check

 Dangerous weapon offender registry

  • Felons convicted of any of more than 40 enumerated weapons offenses must register with the DESPP and take specified actions for five years after their release to the community
  • Registry will not be public, but will be made available to law enforcement personnel

 Expands Connecticut’s firearms safe storage law

  • Duty to securely store a firearm applies when any resident of the premises is ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law, or poses a risk of imminent personal injury to himself or herself or to other individuals

 Other provisions

  • Adds restrictions on firearm possession by persons previously admitted to mental health facilities 
  • Increases penalties for many firearm trafficking and illegal weapons possession offenses
  • Bans possession of armor piercing ammunition
  • Bans sales of long guns or ammunition to anyone under 18
  • Bans sales of semi-automatic centerfire rifles that have or accept a magazine with a capacity of more than five rounds to anyone under 21
  • Provides grants for school safety improvements

Renzulli Law Firm is Monitoring Firearm-Related Legislative Developments

Renzulli Law Firm, nationally recognized as one of the premier law firms in the country serving the Firearms Industry, is monitoring legislative developments affecting the industry and publishing regular updates which are available by e-mail and on this website.  Any questions you may have about these developments should be directed to John F. Renzulli or Christopher Renzulli.