Legislative updates, court decisions, and regulatory changes affecting Connecticut firearms law.
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.
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.
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.
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.
House Bill 05451 would permit peace officers to carry firearms on school grounds in Connecticut, creating an exception to the existing prohibition on firearms in schools.
Connecticut's HB 7042 (Public Act 25-43) creates civil liability for firearms industry members who fail to implement reasonable controls against illegal sales.
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.
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.
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.
Connecticut enacted HB05043 as Public Act 26-41. The convertible-pistol provisions are enacted but not yet effective, with an October 1, 2026 effective date.
Senate Bill 00073 would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for Connecticut residents who purchase a gun safe, incentivizing secure firearm storage.