Trumbull's Sen. Musto Praises New CT Gun Laws

I think this is an extremely emotional issue for people, and I am proud that we were able to come together across the political aisle to pass a piece of legislation that respect all points of view.

We heard from responsible gun owners who asked us to focus on mental health, punishing criminals, and asked us not to outlaw otherwise legal guns and magazines. All of these issues were addressed in the bill.  We also heard from concerned parents and gun control advocates regarding the need to stem the flow of high powered assault weapons and high capacity magazines, as well as restricting who may purchase firearms.

The bill therefore requires universal background checks for all firearm or ammunition purchases and creates a gun-offender registry.  In short, the bill helps protect our citizens without confiscating people’s guns or restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. 

The bill contains other provisions as well.  Regarding school safety, the bill establishes a School Safety Infrastructure Council to develop safety standards, reauthorizes the school security infrastructure competitive grant, requires safety plans be developed at ALL Connecticut schools, and addresses school bullying.  The bill also focuses on helping individuals and families access necessary mental health assistance and allows teachers and school employees to participate in mental health first aid training.

It expands the State’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, adds additional slots to assist people with mental health issues in the probate system, and establishes the ACCESS-MH program which will provide training and support to pediatricians to intervene with children who have mental health conditions.

This bill will not prevent all gun crimes.  But by implementing this legislation, we all hope to save some lives by reducing the incidence of gun crime.  The law puts the proper focus on criminals and the safety of our society while preserving our Constitutional rights.