Connecticut Senate Bill SB01094

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/11
• Refer: 3/1/11

Caption

An Act Banning Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines.

Impact

If enacted, SB 01094 would significantly impact firearm regulations in the state, aligning with efforts to address public safety concerns related to gun violence. The bill's introduction reflects a growing movement toward stricter gun control measures, aimed at limiting access to high-capacity magazines that can contribute to the severity of mass shootings and gun-related incidents. The parameters set forth in the legislation would require existing owners of large capacity magazines to either remove them from the state or surrender them to law enforcement within a specified timeframe to avoid legal repercussions.

Summary

Senate Bill 01094 is a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting the possession of large capacity ammunition magazines, defined as any detachable feeding device capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. The bill outlines the legal framework for its enforcement, making possession of such magazines a class D felony. Notably, the bill provides exceptions for specific groups, including law enforcement and military personnel, as well as manufacturers and sellers acting in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Contention

The bill has stirred considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that restricting access to large capacity magazines is a commonsense approach to enhance community safety and prevent potential mass casualty events. However, opponents of the legislation view it as an infringement on Second Amendment rights, asserting that law-abiding citizens should not be penalized for possessing legal firearms and accessories. This tension encapsulates a broader national conversation about gun rights versus public safety, indicating that any movement toward stricter regulation will likely continue to encounter substantial opposition.