Senate Bill No. 967, identified as File No. 340, is a legislative proposal concerning the procedures for background checks of pistol permit applicants. The bill, effective July 1, 2023, amends subsection (f) of section 29-28 of the general statutes to require nonresident handgun permit applicants with a valid out-of-state gun permit to submit to state and national criminal history records checks in accordance with section 29-17a. This requirement is to be enforced by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The bill also amends subsection (b) of section 29-29 of the general statutes, which pertains to the processing of fingerprints for criminal history records checks by the local authority or the commissioner.

The bill removes the option for using positive identification methods other than fingerprinting and eliminates the possibility for the local authority or the commissioner to forego taking an applicant's fingerprints if they have been previously taken and the applicant's identity has been established. Instead, the bill mandates that the fingerprints be forwarded to the State Police Bureau of Identification for the necessary checks. The bill also removes the requirement to record the date fingerprints were taken and to forward them or other positive identifying information within five business days. The fiscal impact statement indicates a potential revenue gain to the General Fund and the Applicant Fingerprint Card Submission Account within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, as additional background checks may be conducted. The bill analysis clarifies that the commissioner must follow the same procedures required for local officials processing temporary state handgun permit applications.