What Ethan's Law Requires
Connecticut's safe storage law (CGS 29-37i) is one of the strictest in the nation. The statute was originally enacted in 1999, requiring secure storage of loaded firearms in homes where minors were present. Following the January 2018 death of Ethan Song -- a 15-year-old Guilford teenager killed by an unsecured firearm -- the legislature significantly strengthened the statute in 2019 through Public Act 19-5, commonly known as Ethan's Law. The 2019 amendments raised the age threshold from 16 to 18 and expanded the requirement to include unloaded firearms. HB 6667 further expanded the law in 2023, removing the age limitation entirely.[1]
As of October 1, 2023, the law applies to all firearms -- loaded or unloaded -- regardless of whether minors are present in the home. No person may store or keep any firearm on premises under their control unless:[2]
- The firearm is securely locked in a box or other container in a location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure; OR
- The person carries the firearm on their person or within such close proximity that they can readily retrieve and use it as if it were on their body.
What Qualifies as "Securely Locked"
The statute requires the firearm to be in a locked box or container in a location a reasonable person would consider secure. Acceptable storage options generally include:
- A gun safe or gun cabinet with a locking mechanism
- A lockbox designed for firearms
- A locked room or closet (if a reasonable person would consider it secure)
- A trigger lock or cable lock that prevents the firearm from being fired
The law does not specify particular brands or types of locking devices. The standard is objective: would a reasonable person believe the firearm is secure?[1]
The "On Your Person" Exception
You do not need to lock up a firearm that you carry on your person or keep within close enough proximity that you could readily retrieve and use it. This means a handgun on your nightstand while you are sleeping nearby, or a firearm within arm's reach while you are in the room, may satisfy the requirement. However, if you leave the room or the premises, the firearm must be secured.[1]
Trigger Lock Requirement for Sales
As of October 1, 2023, every firearm sold at retail in Connecticut must be equipped with a reusable trigger lock or gun locking device made of material strong enough to prevent easy disabling. Sellers must also provide a written warning that unlawful storage may result in imprisonment or a fine.[3]
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If a safe storage violation results in a minor (under 18), an ineligible person, or a person who poses a risk of imminent personal injury obtaining the firearm and using it to cause injury or death, the firearm owner faces:
- Criminal liability: Penalties vary based on the circumstances of the violation and resulting harm.
- Strict civil liability: The firearm owner may be held liable for damages regardless of whether they intended the outcome.
Even without resulting harm, failure to properly store firearms may constitute a criminal violation.[2]
Practical Compliance Tips
- Invest in a quality gun safe or lockbox for each firearm you own.
- Use the trigger lock provided with your firearm as an additional layer of security.
- Keep ammunition stored separately if possible, though the law does not require this.
- If you carry at home under the "on your person" exception, secure the firearm whenever you leave the room for an extended period.
- Ensure all household members understand the storage requirements and know not to access firearms without authorization.