What Ethan's Law Requires
The statute was originally enacted in 1990 and required secure storage of loaded firearms when the person knew or reasonably should have known that a minor was likely to gain access without a parent or guardian's permission. Following the January 2018 death of Ethan Song, a 15-year-old Guilford teenager killed by an unsecured firearm, the legislature 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, whether 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 kept in a securely locked box or other container or in a manner 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"
For stored firearms, the statute allows a securely locked box or other container or another manner a reasonable person would believe to be secure. Acceptable storage options generally include:
- A securely locked gun safe or gun cabinet
- A lockbox designed for firearms that is securely locked or used in another manner a reasonable person would believe to be secure
- 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, used in a manner a reasonable person would believe to be secure
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 can readily retrieve and use it as if you carried it on your person. A handgun on your nightstand while you are sleeping nearby, or a firearm within arm's reach while you are in the room, satisfies this exception only if you can readily retrieve and use it as if you carried it on your person. If you no longer carry the firearm or remain close enough to readily retrieve and use it as if carried, you must store it in a securely locked box or other container or in a manner a reasonable person would believe to be secure.[1]
Trigger Lock Requirement for Sales
As of October 1, 2023, every firearm sold at retail in Connecticut must be equipped with an appropriate reusable trigger lock, gun lock or gun locking device made of material strong enough to prevent easy disabling, with a locking mechanism accessible by a key or an electronic or other mechanical accessory specific to the lock or device to prevent unauthorized removal. Sellers must also provide a written warning in block letters at least one inch high that unlawful storage of a loaded firearm may result in imprisonment or a fine.[3]
Penalties for Non-Compliance
A person who violates the safe storage law faces strict civil liability for damages if a minor under 18 or a resident of the premises who is ineligible to possess a firearm or poses a risk of imminent personal injury obtains the firearm and causes injury or death. Criminal liability has the conditions described below.
- Criminal liability. Criminally negligent storage is a Class D felony when a safe storage violation allows another person to obtain the firearm and cause injury or death. The offense does not apply if the firearm is obtained through unlawful entry and, if stolen, is reported stolen as required by law.
- Strict civil liability. The person responsible for the storage violation may be held liable for damages under the conditions described above regardless of whether they intended the outcome.
Criminally negligent storage requires another person to obtain the firearm and cause injury or death, subject to the unlawful-entry and stolen-firearm reporting exception.[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 no longer carry it or remain close enough to readily retrieve and use it as if carried.
- Ensure all household members understand the storage requirements and know not to access firearms without authorization.