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Connecticut Gun Laws.
Clear, Current, Cited.

The reference for Connecticut firearms law.
Every statute cited and every change documented with its source.

Laws Tracked
41
Guides Published
8

Latest Updates

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Did Not Pass

HB 5436 (2026): Redefining Firearm Components as Firearms

HB 5436 would classify firearm components (barrels, slides, frames, receivers) as "firearms" under Connecticut law, with background checks and storage requirements for parts subject to each statute's scope and exceptions. Also includes a provision allowing transfer of grandfathered assault weapons and LCMs.

Legislation
●Reviewed Oct 23, 2026
Effective

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

HB05291 was enacted as Public Act 26-45. Its two-year risk-protection retention period and 90-day written destruction notice took effect October 1, 2026.

Legislation
Who: People subject to risk protection warrants, DESPP, local police, federally licensed firearm dealers, and professional bondsmen, surety bail bond agents or bail enforcement agents with firearm permits●Reviewed Oct 23, 2026
Effective

Public Act 26-41 (2026): Voluntary Relinquishment of Firearms

Public Act 26-41, as amended by Public Act 26-68, allows voluntary firearm and ammunition surrender for safekeeping, with return requests from day 15 through one year if eligibility conditions are met. The amended surrender provision took effect October 1, 2026.

Legislation
Who: Individuals who deliver or surrender firearms or ammunition for safekeeping, and DESPP or local police departments accepting them●Reviewed Oct 23, 2026
Effective

Public Act 26-41 (2026): Refund of Certain Firearm Permit Fees

Connecticut's Public Act 26-41 requires a seventy-dollar refund when a local permitting authority fails to discharge its obligations under CGS 29-28a(b)(1) or 29-29(b) or (c) within the applicable time limits. Fees for a permit that was not issued or renewed are refunded minus the portion spent on the national criminal history records check. A missed time limit under those provisions requires a seventy-dollar refund. Effective October 1, 2026.

Legislation
Who: Firearm permit applicants in Connecticut, particularly those whose local permitting authority misses the statutory deadlines for acting on an application●Reviewed Oct 23, 2026
Did Not Pass

HB05451 (2026): Certified Police Officers and Firearms on School Grounds

The April 1 substitute for House Bill 05451 would allow certified police officers to carry firearms on school grounds at any time. The existing exception for peace officers performing official duties would remain.

Legislation
Who: Peace officers, school administrators, and school communities across Connecticut●Reviewed Oct 23, 2026
Effective

BFPE's 2024 Backlog of 1,203 Cases and Two-Year Delays

A 2025 state audit reported 1,203 unheard Board of Firearms Permit Examiners cases as of March 13, 2024, with hearings scheduled through March 2026. The audit warned that appellants may be denied their right to a timely hearing.

Regulatory Updates
Who: All Connecticut residents who have been denied or had their firearms permits revoked and are seeking to appeal●Reviewed Oct 23, 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 affirmed denial of preliminary injunctions in August 2025.

Court Decisions
Who: All Connecticut residents who own or wish to acquire firearms magazines holding more than 10 rounds or assault weapons●Reviewed Oct 23, 2026
Court Challenge

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

Grant v. Higgins challenges Connecticut's assault weapons ban. The Supreme Court granted review June 30, 2026, with argument set for December 2, 2026.

Court Decisions
Who: All Connecticut residents who own or wish to acquire assault weapons as defined under CGS 53-202a●Reviewed Oct 20, 2026