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

On June 6, 2023, Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6667 into law as Public Act 23-53, enacting the most sweeping firearms legislation in Connecticut since the 2013 reforms that followed the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.^[1] The law took effect in stages: vehicle transport provisions for long guns and "other" firearms took effect July 1, 2023; most other provisions took effect October 1, 2023; the ghost gun registration deadline was January 1, 2024; and the assault weapon registration deadline was May 1, 2024.^[2]

Open Carry Ban

HB 6667 made Connecticut the latest state to prohibit open carry of firearms statewide. Effective October 1, 2023, CGS 29-35 was amended to ban the knowing and intentional display of a firearm in public.^[3] Three narrow exceptions apply:

• On property the person owns or rents
• Lawful hunters in the field
• Incidental or accidental exposure while concealing (such as printing through clothing)

Intentional open carry without a permit is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses under CGS 29-35(a)(2).^[4]

Expanded Assault Weapons Ban

The law closed two significant loopholes in Connecticut's existing assault weapons ban:

• Pre-ban loophole eliminated: Prior to HB 6667, assault weapons manufactured before September 13, 1994, could be legally sold in Connecticut. The new law treats all assault weapons identically regardless of manufacture date.^[5]
• Arm braces added: Firearms equipped with stabilizing or arm braces are now classified as assault weapons under CGS 53-202a.^[2]

A third registration window opened for owners of newly banned weapons, with a deadline of May 1, 2024, to obtain a Certificate of Possession from DESPP.^[6]

Ghost Gun Registration Expansion

Connecticut first banned unregistered ghost guns in 2019. HB 6667 extended the ban to include ghost guns assembled before the 2019 ban took effect. All unserialized, post-1968 firearms must either be declared to DESPP or have a serial number obtained through the department. The deadline for compliance was January 1, 2024.^[3]

Penalties for ghost gun violations include a Class C felony for ineligible persons and a Class C misdemeanor for eligible persons who fail to register.^[6]

Bulk Purchase Limit

Effective October 1, 2023, no person may purchase more than three handguns in a 30-day period.^[2] This provision targets firearms trafficking by limiting the number of handguns a single buyer can acquire in a short timeframe.

Additional Key Provisions

• Age increase: The minimum age to purchase semiautomatic centerfire rifles that accept detachable magazines with a capacity exceeding 5 rounds was raised to 21 for both dealer and private sales.^[3]
• Expanded safe storage: Ethan's Law (CGS 29-37i) was strengthened to require secure storage of all firearms -- loaded and unloaded -- regardless of whether minors are present in the home.^[1]
• Trigger lock mandate: All firearms sold in Connecticut must now be accompanied by a trigger lock.^[1]
• Updated training requirements: Pistol permit training courses must include instruction on safe storage in the home and in vehicles, lawful use of firearms, and lawful carrying in public. This requirement took effect July 1, 2024.^[5]
• Domestic violence disqualifier: Commission of a family violence crime or federal misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is now an automatic disqualifier for obtaining a pistol permit.^[6]

What This Means for Gun Owners

Connecticut residents who own firearms affected by HB 6667 should verify compliance with the new provisions. Owners of previously legal pre-ban assault weapons or firearms with arm braces who missed the May 1, 2024, registration deadline may face felony charges for possession. Ghost gun owners who did not register or serialize their firearms by January 1, 2024, are similarly at risk. All gun owners should ensure their firearms are stored in compliance with the expanded Ethan's Law requirements.