Researcher: RP Page 1 3/29/22
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 5305
AN ACT CONCERNING THE PENALTY FOR A FIREARMS DEALER
WHO FAILS TO INSTALL A BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM ON THE
PREMISES OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT.
SUMMARY
This bill authorizes the Department of Emergency Services and
Public Protection (DESPP) commissioner, after notice and a hearing, to
impose a civil penalty of up to $100 for violations of the alarm system
requirement for firearms dealers (see BACKGROUND). Under the bill,
each violation is a separate offense and, in cases of continuing violations,
each day is a separate offense subject to an aggregate penalty of up to
$4,900.
The bill also authorizes the commissioner to adopt regulations to
implement the alarm requirement and penalty provisions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2022
BACKGROUND
Alarm System Requirement for Firearms Dealers
By law, each retail business that sells firearms as a regular course of
trade must have an alarm system on the premises if 10 or more firearms
are stored or kept for sale. The alarm system must (1) be directly
connected to the local police department or monitored by a central
station and (2) activate upon unauthorized entry or system interruption.
This requirement does not apply to people who (1) sell or exchange
firearms to enhance their personal collection or as a hobby, (2) sell all or
part of a personal collection, or (3) sell firearms from their residence and
keep 10 or fewer for sale (CGS ยง 29-37d(a)).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Safety and Security Committee 2022HB-05305-R000181-BA.DOCX
Researcher: RP Page 2 3/29/22
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 24 Nay 0 (03/15/2022)