General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7137 seeks to amend the criteria for issuing carry permits and firearms eligibility certificates in Connecticut by introducing new disqualifiers for applicants. The bill specifies that individuals cannot obtain a permit if they have been convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors related to drug violations or family violence, or any misdemeanor in other jurisdictions that is substantially similar to Connecticut's disqualifying offenses. Additionally, it expands disqualifications to include juvenile offenses committed outside of Connecticut. The legislation also modifies the process for obtaining a temporary state permit, requiring applicants to undergo a state and national criminal history check and complete a safety and training course approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The previous subsection (b) of section 29-28 is repealed and replaced with updated language reflecting these changes.

Moreover, the bill establishes eligibility requirements for long gun certificates, allowing individuals aged 18 and older to apply under similar conditions as those for pistols and revolvers. It mandates the completion of a state-approved safety course, with updated requirements for courses taken after July 1, 2024, to include instruction on safe storage and lawful use of firearms. Additionally, the bill requires payment card networks to assign a specific merchant category code for firearms or ammunition retailers by May 1, 2027, to facilitate tracking of transactions related to firearms sales. The Banking Commissioner is empowered to request compliance documentation from payment card networks, with penalties for non-compliance. The effective date for the amendments is set for October 1, 2025, while the merchant categorization provision takes effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-36f, 29-37p