June 23, 2023 – Earlier this month, Connecticut House Bill 6667, entitled “An Act Addressing Gun Violence” went into effect. This new law includes many changes to the types of firearms available to Connecticut residents, the legal age and permitting requirements to purchase firearms, ammunition and magazines, and how retailers conduct business in Connecticut.
The bill expands Connecticut’s ban on “assault weapons” to include “other” semi-automatic firearms and pre-1994 “assault weapons” that were previously grandfathered. As such, the bill expands the definition of “assault weapons” to include “[a]ny semiautomatic firearm other than a pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun” that has at least one feature contained in a list of seven characteristics (i.e. pistol grip, threaded barrel, etc.). CT ST § 53—202a(G). Lawful current owners of “assault weapons” have until May 1, 2024, to apply for a certificate of possession to register these firearms. CT ST § 53–202d(4)(A). In addition to the expansion of the “assault weapon” ban, Connecticut now restricts most individuals to purchasing only three pistols or revolvers within any thirty-day period. CT ST § 29–33(f)(1). Connecticut also raised the age to purchase any semi-automatic rifle to 21 (CT ST § 29–37(a)) and requires a state permit to purchase ammunition or magazines (CT ST § 29–38(m)).
Connecticut dealers also have been saddled with additional licensing and operational requirements. A state permit, in addition to a Federal Firearms License, is now required if a person or entity sells “ten or more firearms in a calendar year.” CT ST § 29–28. In addition, the new law requires in-state dealers to conduct annual inventory checks and report the results to the state every October. Further, all firearms, not just handguns, sold at retail must be equipped with a “reusable trigger lock, gun lock or gun locking device appropriate for such firearm” along with a written warning which shall state in block letters not less than one inch in height: “UNLAWFUL STORAGE OF A LOADED FIREARM MAY RESULT IN IMPRISONMENT OR FINE.” CT ST § 29-37b.
The bill contains forty separate sections which take effect on different dates. If you have questions about the details of these new laws, please contact us.
Renzulli Law Firm, LLP will continue to monitor legislative developments and other firearm related statutes and litigation around the country. If you have any questions concerning the new Connecticut statutes or any other firearms related statutes, please contact John F. Renzulli or Christopher Renzulli.
