Connecticut House Bill HB06037

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Erased Criminal Records And The Review Of Firearm Permit Applications.

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly impact how background checks are conducted for individuals seeking firearm permits. Currently, individuals with erased records are not held accountable for past arrests under the law. However, with this bill in place, authorities would have the means to access pertinent arrest information, potentially affecting the approval or denial of permit applications. The measure emphasizes the importance of evaluating an applicant's full history, particularly concerning domestic violence incidents, in the context of public safety.

Summary

House Bill 6037 aims to address the issue of erased criminal records in the context of reviewing firearm permit applications. Specifically, the bill proposes amendments to Titles 29 and 54 of the General Statutes that would allow police chiefs and the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners to access arrest records related to domestic violence offenses, even if those records have been erased due to a nolle prosequi disposition. The core intention is to ensure that individuals applying for permits to carry pistols or revolvers are thoroughly vetted for their suitability in light of potentially serious past offenses.

Contention

While the bill may enhance safety by providing law enforcement with crucial information, it may also raise concerns about the implications for individuals whose records have been erased. Opponents might argue that accessing erased records undermines the purpose of having such provisions, which is to allow people a fresh start and to alleviate the negative consequences of past mistakes. Moreover, there might be concerns regarding privacy and the potential for misuse of such information in assessing suitability for firearm permits.