Summary of Connecticut Gun Safety Legislation (SB1160)

[NutmegYankee]

So Connecticut is about to pass what may be the strictest gun law in the country, here's a quick summary:

1. Passes strictest assault weapons ban in the country, and virtually outlaws future sales of the AR-15. Current owners are required to register their AR-15/assault weapon with the state.
   
   
2. Bans future sale of magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds. Magazines in possession of gun owners of a larger size will need to be registered with state police. Those registered can only be loaded beyond 10 rounds at a gun range.
   
   
3. Creates a long gun eligibility permit that requires the individual applying to undergo a background check, including finger printing. This complements the previous requirement for handgun eligibility permits. Effectively, all gun purchases would require the buyer get “pre-qualified” by obtaining the eligibility permit.
   
   
4. Creates a new ammunition permit that requires the applicant to undergo a background check. Those with rifle/pistol permits do not need this permit.
   
   
5. All gun sales, including private sales, will require a NICS background check. The state will set up a phone line to call in and will require a form to be filled out and turned in for all private sales.

More summary here: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/BA/2013SB-01160-R00-BA.htm

Read Bill: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/BA/2013SB-01160-R00-BA.htm


As a gun owner in Connecticut, I'm quite happy with the bill. It doesn't remove anyone's property, but will help choke down on illegal guns flowing around. Since 1993 all handguns have been effectively registered in state, and with the new forms and background checks, the street sales will hopefully decline making cities safer. On back of that, tightening of ammunition sales to only people who have undergone background checks should cut the supply to those with illegal guns. With the new forms that track purchases and eligibility permits, the state can be assured that only those who are allowed to buy guns will be able to acquire them.


You can track progress of the House debate here: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGAHouseSession/house.asp