Connecticut Passes Three New Bills Concerning Firearm Laws

 Posted on June 12, 2019 in New Law

Firearms have been a part of American history for as long as the United States has been a country. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution specifically gives American people the right to own firearms, but with the invention of new weapon technologies, more laws are being enacted each year. Gun owners should be sure to understand how changing laws will affect them in order to avoid facing weapons charges.

The latest gun safety law was passed in both the Connecticut Senate and House of Representatives this past month. The bill, dubbed “Ethan’s Law,” was named in memory of Ethan Song, a 15-year-old Guilford boy who accidentally shot himself to death with a firearm that was easily accessible while at a friend’s house

Bill Calls for Gun Storage Changes

The biggest change to Connecticut’s firearm laws is the way that firearms must be stored. Prior to the passage of Ethan’s Law, the criminal liability a person had when a child accessed their firearms only applied if the firearm was loaded, and the child was able to gain access to the weapon. Under the new bill, a person must keep firearms in a securely locked box or in another secure manner if a minor under the age of 18 is likely to gain access to the firearm - regardless of whether or not the firearm is loaded.

Changes Concerning Firearm Storage in Vehicles

Another bill that was recently passed in the Senate deals with the way handguns are stored when they are inside motor vehicles. The bill prohibits the storage of handguns in unattended motor vehicles unless they are stored in the trunk, a locked safe, or a locked glove box. The bill makes a first offense a Class A misdemeanor that carries possible penalties of up to one year in prison, up to $2,000 in fines, or both. A second or subsequent offense is a Class D felony, which carries penalties of up to five years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, or both.

Restrictions Placed on “Ghost Guns”

Another bill prohibits “ghost guns,” or firearms that can be made through the assembly of untraceable parts, unless a unique serial number is obtained from the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and engraved onto the firearm. The bill also aims to regulate 3D printed firearms. The bill would prohibit any firearm made from polymer plastic to be made, unless it can be detected by walk-through metal detectors after the grips, stocks, and magazines have been removed from the firearm.

A Knowledgeable Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorney Can Answer Your Questions

The state of Connecticut and many other states are taking steps that are intended to ensure that all firearms are handled and treated in a safe manner. If you are facing any type of criminal charges related to the ownership or use of a firearm, a skilled Hartford, CT weapons charges defense lawyer is your best bet for a successful outcome. At the Woolf Law Firm, LLC, we have been providing clients with trusted legal advice and representation for more than 20 years. Contact our office today at 860-290-8690 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you.

Sources:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/amd/H/pdf/2019HB-07219-R00HA-AMD.pdf

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/FC/pdf/2019HB-07218-R000429-FC.PDF

https://ctmirror.org/2019/05/23/ethans-law-wins-final-passage-in-senate/

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/BA/pdf/2019HB-07223-R01-BA.pdf