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

What the Bill Would Do

House Bill 05436 addresses two distinct areas of Connecticut firearms law^[1].

Part 1: Updated Firearms Definitions

The bill would expand Connecticut's statutory firearms definitions to cover items that are not clearly addressed under current law. Specifically, it would add unfinished frames and receivers (commonly associated with ghost guns), forced reset triggers, and auto-sears to the list of regulated items. This brings Connecticut's definitions in line with recent federal regulatory changes and closes gaps that have allowed these components to be sold without the same controls that apply to completed firearms.

Part 2: Allowing Transfers of Grandfathered LCMs and Assault Weapons

This is the more significant provision for existing gun owners. Under current Connecticut law, large capacity magazines (LCMs) possessed under a declaration of possession and assault weapons possessed under a certificate of possession are grandfathered — meaning the owner may keep them lawfully. However, these items cannot be transferred to another person at all. They are effectively frozen in place with their current owner.

HB05436 would create a new legal pathway allowing these grandfathered items to be transferred between individuals who are legally permitted to possess them, provided the transfer is facilitated through a licensed firearms dealer. This is a significant expansion of rights for owners of grandfathered items, enabling inheritance, private sales, and estate transfers that are currently prohibited.

Effective Dates

The bill has a split effective date: Sections 1 through 3 (definition updates) would take effect October 1, 2026, while Sections 4 through 6 (transfer provisions) would take effect July 1, 2026.

Current Status

HB05436 had a public hearing on March 11, 2026, before the Judiciary Committee^[2]. The bill is pending in committee.

What to Watch

The transfer provisions represent a meaningful change for owners of grandfathered assault weapons and LCMs who currently have no legal way to sell, gift, or bequeath these items. The requirement that transfers go through licensed dealers provides a built-in background check mechanism. Watch for whether the committee broadens or narrows the definition updates, and whether any conditions are added to the dealer-facilitated transfer process.