Connecticut House Bill HB07259

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/17
• Refer: 3/9/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Permit And Certificate To Carry A Pistol Or Revolver Reciprocity.

Impact

If enacted, HB 07259 would have a notable impact on Connecticut's firearm laws by broadening the ability of residents from other states to carry firearms within Connecticut without needing to obtain a local permit. This could potentially lead to increased firearm presence in public spaces, which has implications for public safety and local law enforcement. Moreover, the requirement for states to have comparable standards may elevate regulatory requirements across the board, influencing states’ legislative processes regarding handgun permits and licenses.

Summary

House Bill 07259 aims to establish reciprocity for permits and certificates to carry a pistol or revolver between Connecticut and other states that have similar standards for gun ownership. The bill mandates the Attorney General to negotiate agreements with various states, granting individuals with valid out-of-state permits the same privileges as Connecticut residents. This reciprocity hinges on whether the other states have comparable age, training, and background investigation criteria, thereby ensuring consistency in firearm regulation and safety standards.

Contention

The bill has prompted a mix of support and opposition among legislators and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that it facilitates the rights of lawful gun owners and promotes a more uniform approach to handgun regulations across state lines. Conversely, critics express concerns that such measures could undermine state and local firearms regulations, compromising community safety. They fear that expanded carry rights could lead to increased incidents of gun violence and a higher burden on local law enforcement agencies to manage issues arising from interstate gun carrying.