Connecticut: Several Important Bills Pending Action in Hartford

A number of bills of interest to gun owners and sportsmen have been introduced and are currently pending consideration.

Senate Bill 82, Senate Bill 115, House Bill 5038, and House Bill 5080 would repeal the hike in hunting and fishing license fees which were raised last year.  These bills have been assigned to the Joint Committee on Environment. 

With many families struggling to afford basic necessities in this difficult economy, it’s important that we keep hunting accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic status.  In addition, there have been recent experiences in other states that show lower license fees generate more revenue for conservation and the state by giving lower-income earners the opportunity to buy a license they might not otherwise afford, thereby broadening the base of hunters.  Because of declining numbers of hunters, overpopulation of species like the whitetail deer, and decreased revenue for conservation projects, it simply makes sense to lower hunting license fees. 

Please contact your State Legislators TODAY and respectfully urge them to support SB82, SB115, HB5038, and HB5080.  Contact information can be found by clicking here.   

Senate Bill 28 would eliminate the independent Board of Firearms Permit Examiners and delegate all such duties to the Department of Public Safety.  SB28 is currently awaiting a hearing in the Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections.   

House Bill 5158 has been assigned to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security where it will be heard on Thursday, February 18.  This legislation would, among other things, would outlaw the private transfer of long guns and also includes a provision mandating the registration of long guns.

Please voice your opposition to SB28 and HB5158.  Contact information can be found by clicking here.