Connecticut: Handful of Gun Bills Introduced in the General Assembly

Since the start of the 2021 Legislative Session, the Connecticut General Assembly has seen the introduction of multiple firearm-related bill proposals.  A few of those measures have been outlined below.

Pro-gun Legislation:
HB 5077 - An Act Limiting Orders Related to Firearms and Ammunition During a Civil Preparedness or Public Health Emergency (Rep. Craig Fishbein)

• Prohibits the Governor or any municipality from restricting lawful possession of a firearm or ammunition during a civil preparedness public health emergency.

SB 544 - An Act Prohibiting the Municipal Regulation of Firearms (Sen. Robert Sampson)

• Prohibits municipalities from adopting ordinances and regulations to regulate firearms.
• HB 5384, HB 5709, and HB 5970 also do this.

Anti-gun Legislation:
HB 5531 - An Act Establishing a Tax on Ammunition (Rep. Jillian Gilchrest)

• Establishes a tax on the purchase of ammunition by a business (for sale at retail).  The measure specifies a 2 cents per round tax on rounds .22 caliber or less and 5 cents per round for all other ammunition.  This is an egregious measure that would place undue financial burden on law-abiding gun owners and create a de facto tax on the exercising of one’s Second Amendment rights.

SB 125 - An Act Limiting Multiple Handgun Purchases in a Thirty-Day Period (Sen. Will Haskell)

• Prohibits anyone from purchasing more than one handgun within any 30-day period. SB 125 unconstitutionally restricts the Second Amendment rights of Connecticut citizens who are legally allowed to purchase and possess firearms for personal use.

Your NRA-ILA will continue to monitor these anti-gun bills and keep you updated on any changes or hearings that come up.  Be sure to stay-tuned to NRA-ILA Alerts, and encourage your friends, family and fellow gun owners to do the same!