Connecticut “Lost or Stolen” Firearms Bill Becomes Law

Unfortunately, the “lost or stolen” firearms bill is now law in Connecticut.  Governor Jodi Rell (R) signed Senate Bill 938 into law on Tuesday, June 19 and it will take effect October 1, 2007.

SB 938 makes it a crime to fail to report the loss or theft of a handgun to police within 72 hours of when you “discovered or should have discovered” the firearm missing.  This law will also trigger two more investigations to determine whether or not you “should have discovered” the missing handgun and whether or not you are a “gun trafficker.” 

After four years of successfully keeping “lost or stolen” legislation from passing, State Representative Arthur O'Neill (R-69) and Republican Minority Leader Larry Cafero (R-142) brokered a compromise that resulted in its passage.  However, even their compromise would not have been possible without the “yes” vote of many in the Republican caucus.

Please take the time to contact those Legislators who voted “ Yes” to turning crime victims into criminals and voice your strong disappointment in their support for this bill.  Legislators can be reached at (860) 240-0100.  To identify your Legislator please click here.

To see how your Legislator voted, please click here.

Also, please take a moment to call those Legislators who voted “No” and thank them for standing up for law-abiding gun owners.

To watch the debate in its entirety, please visit http://www.ctn.state.ct.us/ (under “on demand recent additions,” click on “more...”, then on page 2 of the recorded events, click on House Session recorded 6/4/07.  Fast forward to 08:38:00).

Also, please take a moment to call Governor Jodi Rell to express your disappointment in her for signing a bill that will turn crime victims into criminals.  The Governor can be contacted toll-free at (800) 406-1527 or via email at [email protected].

For firearm information in Connecticut and firearms-related news around the nation please visit www.NRAILA.org.