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News & Updates

Legislative updates, court decisions, and regulatory changes affecting Connecticut firearms law.

Recent Articles

Proposed

HB 5436 (2026): Redefining Firearm Components as Firearms

HB 5436 would classify firearm components (barrels, slides, frames, receivers) as "firearms" under Connecticut law, requiring background checks and storage compliance for parts. Also includes a provision allowing transfer of grandfathered assault weapons and LCMs.

Legislation
Enacted

HB05291 (2026): Public Act 26-45 DESPP Public Safety Changes

Connecticut enacted HB05291 as Public Act 26-45. The firearm-retention provisions are enacted but not yet effective, with an October 1, 2026 effective date.

Legislation
Who: Firearm permit holders, dealers, and individuals subject to DESPP regulatory oversight in ConnecticutReviewed May 14, 2026
Enacted

HB05459 (2026): Voluntary Relinquishment of Firearms

Connecticut's Public Act 26-41 creates a voluntary firearm relinquishment process. Individuals may surrender firearms or ammunition to state or local police for safekeeping, reclaim them within two years if still legally entitled, after which unclaimed firearms are destroyed. Effective October 1, 2026.

Legislation
Who: Connecticut residents who wish to voluntarily surrender firearms and law enforcement agencies that would administer the programReviewed Jun 4, 2026
Enacted

HB05454 (2026): Refund of Certain Firearm Permit Fees

Connecticut's Public Act 26-41 makes firearm permit fees refundable when a permit is not issued or renewed, or when the local permitting authority misses statutory deadlines. The seventy-dollar fee is refunded minus the national criminal history records check portion. Effective October 1, 2026.

Legislation
Who: Firearm permit applicants in Connecticut, particularly those whose applications are denied or withdrawnReviewed Jun 4, 2026
Effective

BFPE Backlog Crisis: 1,200 Cases and Two-Year Delays

A 2025 state audit found the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners has a 1,200-case backlog with two-year delays, raising constitutional concerns.

Regulatory Updates
Who: All Connecticut residents who have been denied or had their firearms permits revoked and are seeking to appealReviewed Jun 3, 2026
Court Challenge

NAGR v. Lamont: Large-Capacity Magazine Ban Challenge

NAGR v. Lamont challenges Connecticut's bans on assault weapons and magazines over 10 rounds; the Second Circuit upheld the bans in August 2025.

Court Decisions
Who: All Connecticut residents who own or wish to acquire firearms magazines holding more than 10 rounds or assault weaponsReviewed May 14, 2026
Court Challenge

Grant v. Rovella: Assault Weapons Ban at the Supreme Court

Grant v. Rovella challenges Connecticut's assault weapons ban at the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing AR-15-style rifles are constitutionally protected post-Bruen.

Court Decisions
Who: All Connecticut residents who own or wish to acquire assault weapons as defined under CGS 53-202aReviewed May 14, 2026
Effective

HB 7042 (2025): Firearm Industry Responsibility Act

Connecticut's HB 7042 (Public Act 25-43) creates civil liability for firearms industry members who fail to implement reasonable controls against illegal sales.

Legislation
Who: Firearms manufacturers, distributors, dealers, importers, and marketing firms operating in ConnecticutReviewed Mar 13, 2026
Effective

HB 6667 (2023): Connecticut's Omnibus Gun Reform Explained

Connecticut's HB 6667 (Public Act 23-53) enacted sweeping gun reforms in 2023, banning open carry, expanding the assault weapons ban, and limiting handgun purchases.

Legislation
Who: All Connecticut firearms owners, dealers, and prospective buyersReviewed Mar 15, 2026
Proposed

HB05436 (2026): Updating Firearms Definitions and Allowing Grandfathered LCM/Assault Weapon Transfers

House Bill 05436 would update Connecticut's firearms definitions to cover ghost gun components and create a new legal pathway for the transfer of grandfathered large capacity magazines and assault weapons between legally permitted persons through licensed dealers.

Legislation
Who: Firearm owners, dealers, and any person seeking to transfer assault weapons or large capacity magazines in ConnecticutReviewed Mar 18, 2026
Proposed

HB05435 (2026): Extending Non-Destruction Period for Risk Warrant Seized Firearms

House Bill 05435 would extend the non-destruction period for firearms seized under Connecticut's risk warrant law from one year to two years, giving firearm owners more time to petition for return of their property before the state may dispose of it.

Legislation
Who: Firearm owners subject to risk warrant petitions and law enforcement agencies executing risk warrantsReviewed May 29, 2026