Ethan's Law Passes in House

May 8, 2019

Connecticut is a leader when it comes to sensible gun safety laws. Yesterday, we continued our leadership on the issue by passing Ethan’s Law and legislation regulating ghost guns.

I am proud to see this critical legislation move forward.  I have been a strong advocate for gun responsibility for 30 years, from the original "Kids and Guns Act" in 1990 through many successful efforts, including pushing for a slew of gun control laws in response to the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.  

Safe Storage in the Home 
 
Better known as Ethan’s Law, HB 7218 would require that a gun, loaded or unloaded, be properly stored so that individuals under the age of 18 cannot access the firearm. The bill was prompted by the tragic death of 15 year-old Guildford resident, Ethan Song. While at a friend’s house, Ethan died after being shot with an improperly stored gun and due to a loophole, the owner of the gun could not be prosecuted.

Ghost Guns
 
Made from kits of partially completed firearms which are easily purchased online, ghost guns are created without a serial number and untraceable, causing a great risk to public safety. HB 7219 creates sensible regulations to ensure people that can’t buy a gun aren’t building untraceable guns and assault weapons from parts purchased online or by using a 3D printer. 

Safe Storage in Cars

Guns should not be left unsecured in vehicles.  Across the U.S., unsecured guns being stolen from cars have become a growing concern with a number of large cities reporting an annual increase of 40 percent.  HB 7223 would require that any handgun present in an unattended vehicle be stored in a locked safe or trunk.  The passage of this safe storage bill will offer increased public safety by curtailing the flow of illegal firearms in our communities.

For more information: CT Mirror