Connecticut House Bill HB05654

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/13
• Refer: 1/23/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Household Access To Firearms By A Person Who Poses A Risk Of Imminent Personal Injury To Himself Or Others.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend existing statutes to broaden the scope of who can be reported for firearm access risks. This would enable law enforcement to intervene sooner in cases where individuals may not be the primary firearm owner but still have access to firearms in their household. The legislation is designed to empower courts to consider public safety more comprehensively and to potentially remove firearms from situations where they could be used to perpetrate harm. This could strengthen protective measures for vulnerable individuals, particularly in settings involving domestic conflict.

Summary

House Bill 5654 addresses household access to firearms by individuals deemed to pose a risk of imminent personal injury to themselves or others. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance public safety by allowing law enforcement and state's attorneys to file formal complaints regarding individuals who have access to firearms within their households, particularly focusing on those who may pose a threat to themselves or others. This change intends to create a more proactive approach in managing firearm access in potentially dangerous situations, which is especially relevant in contexts where domestic violence or mental health issues may be a concern.

Contention

The bill may face contention regarding the balance between individual rights and public safety. Proponents argue it addresses a critical need for preventing firearm-related incidents among individuals who may be mentally unstable or involved in domestic violence scenarios. Critics may raise concerns about the implications for personal freedoms, including the right to bear arms. Additionally, there could be arguments about the adequacy of the identification processes in discerning who is genuinely at risk and the potential for abuse of the reporting mechanism, which could unfairly penalize individuals without substantial evidence of threat.