Rush to Pass Connecticut Legislation Creates Problems with Firearms Transfers

In a rush to pass legislation in CT, the new law which was passed and signed today creates some problems for individual transfers of firearms.

For example, the language in the new law specifies a procedure for licensed firearms retailers to perform mandatory “universal” background checks on private party transactions that is not permissible based on federal law and regulations governing the National Instant Criminal Background Checks (NICS) system. As we read it, this mistake in lawmaking means that all private party transactions in the state now cannot be accomplished legally unless the individual sells the firearm to a dealer and a third-party buys it from the dealer which may not longer be permitted for some firearms that are now restricted.

Many of the new provisions in the law went into effect today. We will continue to update this information as more develops.

Here is a link to a summary of the bill http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/BA/2013SB-01160-R00-BA.htm

and a link to the full bill http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/TOB/S/2013SB-01160-R00-SB.htm