In a significant step towards improving public safety, Gov. Ned Lamont has recently signed into law the most comprehensive set of gun control measures since the enactment of legislation following the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012. This new bill, known as Public Act 23-53, will come into effect on October 1st, bringing about sweeping changes to Connecticut’s gun laws.

The new gun laws bill, officially known as Public Act 23-53, will introduce significant changes to Connecticut’s gun laws starting on October 1st, marking a major advancement in terms of public safety. Signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont, this legislation is the most comprehensive set of gun control measures since the enactment of laws following the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012.

It aims to address the issue of gun violence and promote responsible gun ownership in Connecticut.

With these new changes, it is important for residents of Connecticut to familiarize themselves with the updated laws and regulations surrounding firearms. This includes understanding the types of guns that are now prohibited, as well as the stricter background check requirements for purchasing firearms. Additionally, the new law also requires safe storage of firearms to prevent accidents and unauthorized use.

Furthermore, Gov. Lamont has also signed a separate bill that will help provide greater protection for victims of domestic violence by prohibiting individuals with temporary restraining orders from possessing firearms. This measure will go into effect on October 1st as well, along with other provisions such as extending the waiting period for gun purchases.

Often referred to as the “New Gun Laws Bill”, this piece of legislation aims to address some key issues related to gun safety and ownership.

The bill’s include:

Open Carry:

Connecticut prohibit the open carrying of firearms in public. However, individuals with a valid concealed carry permit will still be allowed to carry their firearm. This change aims to improve public safety and reduce the risk of gun violence.

High-Risk Repeat Offenders:

Stricter measures for individuals with repeated serious firearm offenses. These measures include increased bail, probation, and parole responses for this specific group of offenders. This decision was made in order to address the issue of repeated gun-related crimes and to strengthen public safety.

Domestic Violence:

Connecticut’s gun laws will make it an automatic disqualifier for individuals with a history of family violence or federal misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence to obtain a pistol permit. Additionally, any commission of these crimes after October 1, 2023 will also be a qualifier for criminal possession of a firearm. These measures aim to increase safety and accountability for gun ownership in the state. Additionally, other changes to Connecticut’s gun laws in 2023 include stricter background checks and requirements for safe storage of firearms.

Ghost Guns:

The state of Connecticut has implemented new gun laws for 2023, including an updated ban on unregistered “ghost guns”. This now includes those that were assembled before the previous ban was enacted in 2019. All ghost guns must be registered with the state by January 1, 2024. These measures aim to increase safety and accountability within the state. Additionally, the state has also increased penalties for individuals found in possession of unregistered ghost guns. This serves as a strong deterrent and reinforces the seriousness of these new laws.

Bulk Purchase Of Guns:

Aim to prevent the practice of straw purchasing by limiting the number of handguns an individual can purchase in a 30-day period. Specifically, individuals will be prohibited from buying more than three handguns within that time frame, with an exception for licensed instructors who may purchase up to six handguns. This measure also exempts law enforcement agencies, and allows for returns/exchanges and transfers to museums.

Gun Dealer Accountability:

To further strengthen gun control measures, the new Connecticut gun laws of 2023 have implemented stricter regulations for gun dealers. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection now has the authority to issue a notice of violation and impose an order barring sales for any dealers found to be in violation of their responsibilities. This increased accountability ensures that dealers are held responsible for their actions and helps to prevent illegal sales of firearms. Additionally, the new laws require all gun dealers to maintain accurate records of their inventory and sales, making it easier for law enforcement to track and trace firearms used in crimes. These measures are crucial steps towards reducing gun violence in the state of Connecticut.

Large-Capacity Magazine Ban:

One such law aims to reinforce the existing ban on large-capacity magazines. Under this law, possession of these magazines will now be considered a class D felony for prohibited individuals and a class A misdemeanor for non-prohibited individuals.
Moreover, underage purchases of guns have also been addressed in the new law. Private sales of semiautomatic rifles with a capacity greater than five rounds are now prohibited for individuals under the age of 21, in addition to the existing ban on retail sales. These measures reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring safety and reducing gun violence in our communities.

Assault Weapons Ban:

Connecticut has recently closed loopholes in their existing ban on assault weapons. This new legislation includes “other” firearms that have similar features to those found on banned pistols and rifles, as well as pre-September 13, 1994 “pre-ban” firearms that were previously excluded from the original ban. A registration process will be made available for these newly classified assault weapons in 2023. However, owners who purchased these firearms before the date of the new law’s passage will have until May 1, 2024 to register them. Once registered, owners can continue to possess these weapons but are prohibited from further transferring them. This update to Connecticut’s gun laws aims to further restrict access to potentially dangerous firearms in the state. 2023 will mark a significant year for gun regulation in Connecticut as the new laws come into effect, ensuring the safety and protection of its citizens.

Permitting Timelines:

In order to effectively enforce the new gun laws in Connecticut, local authorities must adhere to a specific timeline for the first stage of pistol permitting. This will ensure that all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner and that the process runs smoothly for both applicants and officials involved.

Pistol Permit Training:

The state of Connecticut has recently implemented new gun laws for the year 2023. As part of these changes, pistol permit and eligibility certificate holders are now required to receive training on safe storage practices, knowledge of state firearms laws, and lawful use of firearms.

Trigger Locks:

These laws require that all firearms, including handguns and long guns, be sold with a trigger lock. This measure is aimed at promoting safety and preventing accidental shootings by ensuring that firearms are properly secured when not in use. With these new regulations, gun owners will be required to purchase trigger locks and use them on their firearms at all times.
Furthermore, these new laws also require that gun stores provide trigger locks for purchase to customers who are buying firearms.

Safe Storage:

An expansion of safe storage regulations. This means that all scenarios, including those where a minor or prohibited person may have access to a firearm, will now be subject to these laws. This measure aims to further enhance gun safety and prevent unauthorized use of firearms by ensuring proper storage practices are followed at all times. By requiring safe storage of firearms in all situations, the state is taking a proactive step towards reducing accidents and incidents involving firearms. Additionally, this expansion reflects the importance of responsible gun ownership and highlights the need for individuals to take proper precautions when it comes to handling and storing firearms.

Transport:

Connecticut Gun Laws have clarified that all long guns, including those categorized as “other,” must be carried unloaded when transported in a vehicle. This includes shotguns, rifles, and other weapons with a barrel length of at least 26 inches. This measure aims to increase safety on the roads and prevent any accidental discharge of firearms while in transit. Violations of this law may result in penalties and fines

Body Armor:

Gun laws now require individuals who purchase body armor to possess either a pistol permit or an eligibility certificate. However, there are exemptions for specific groups such as law enforcement officers, state and judicial officials, and military personnel.

Bail:

In the state of Connecticut, a new bill has been passed regarding the release on bail for serious firearm offenders. Under this law, it is assumed that any individual who has been arrested and charged with a crime involving firearms poses a significant threat to the safety of others. This presumption can be rebutted, but it now serves as an important consideration in determining whether or not to grant bail to such offenders. The bill applies not only to those charged with serious firearm offenses, but also to any felony offender facing charges for a crime involving firearms. This measure is just one of the many steps being taken by Connecticut lawmakers to address and prevent gun violence in the state.
With this new law in place, it is clear that Connecticut takes the issue of gun violence very seriously and is actively working to keep its citizens safe. It sends a strong message that those who commit serious firearm offenses will not be easily released back into the community, as their potential danger to society must be carefully assessed before bail is granted.

Conditions for Release for Serious Firearm Arrests:

The Connecticut gun law of 2023 includes provisions for the release conditions of individuals arrested for serious firearm offenses. These conditions vary depending on whether or not the individual has prior convictions for certain crimes. In cases where there are no prior convictions, the bill follows existing release procedures. However, prosecutors have the option to petition the court to consider the person a serious risk to public safety. If the petition is granted, the individual may only be released upon completing a bond of at least 30%. This new release process aims to ensure that individuals with prior convictions for certain crimes are closely monitored and potentially restricted from obtaining firearms in the future. By implementing stricter release conditions, this measure hopes to prevent potential harm caused by repeat offenders who have a history of violent behavior. Furthermore, this provision may also serve as a deterrent for individuals with criminal records to avoid future involvement in serious firearm offenses. Overall, these changes in the release process demonstrate the state’s commitment to promoting public safety and preventing gun violence through stricter laws and regulations.