News release from State Rep. Steve Stafstrom:
State Representative Steve Stafstrom (D-Bridgeport) announced today that he is sponsoring two important bills that close loopholes in Connecticut’s gun regulations. The first bill, HB 5408, would explicitly authorize police to require a person carrying a handgun to produce their permit upon request by a police officer. Current law only allows for permit inspection if there is a reasonable suspicion of a crime.
“A few short weeks ago in a downtown Bridgeport sandwich shop we witnessed the anxiety a lawful gun owner can cause by refusing to cooperate with a police officer.” Rep. Stafstrom said. “We shouldn’t need legislation to tell you that if law enforcement asks to see your permit, you should do so, but apparently we do. This legislation closes that loophole and gives our police the tools they need to protect the public.”
The second bill, HB 5054, closes a loophole in current law which allows individuals who are accused of domestic violence offenses to keep and buy firearms when they are subject to a court ordered temporary restraining order.
“Connecticut has been a national leader in promoting sensible gun legislation, but a significant loophole in our laws leaves victims of domestic violence vulnerable.” Rep. Stafstrom said. “By closing this loophole we can reaffirm our commitment to keeping the citizens of our state safe, especially in their time of greatest need. Accusations of domestic violence, stressful court proceedings and firearms are a lethal combination that we must seek to prevent.
This is a no-brainer. Well done, Steve!
Bravo, Atty. Stafstrom! Very sensible on your part to propose legislation.
It would seem this is among the better, strongly indicated pieces of proposed legislation to come out of this year’s GA session so far. Nice work, Mr. Stafstrom!
I can’t imagine this won’t pass. It will be interesting–and vital–that we watch the progress of this bill up to its signing by the Governor.