S.B. No. 366

COALITION OF CONNECTICUT SPORTSMEN P.O. Box 2506, Hartford, CT 06146, (203) 245-8076

www.ctsportsmen.com

Testimony presented to the Public Safety Committee (2/28/02)

IN SUPPORT of  (RAISED) PUBLIC SAFETY  S. B. 366, AN ACT CONCERNING RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER STATES CONCERNING PERMITS TO CARRY PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS.

By Robert T. Crook, Director

This bill will provides determination authority to the Commissioner of Public Safety and establishes standards to designate and respond to other states requesting reciprocity concerning acceptance of their permit or license to carry pistols or revolvers.

The standards to be met for reciprocity are strict:

·        21 years of age and has a permit in possession;

·        Mandatory firearms training that meets or exceeds CT standards;

·        Has had a National Criminal History records check prior to issue.

The bill also allows non-residents from states designated reciprocal a 90 day period of legality upon moving to this state to apply for a resident permit.

The basis for the bill is to allow fully qualified permitted/licensed non-residents to exercise self-protection and to more freely participate in shooting competitions and hunting. Accepting other states activity qualifications is not dissimilar to what we allow for drivers licenses, hunting, boating, and many other licensing activities. This bill, however, primarily addresses the basic natural and Constitution right of self-protection.

Several other states already recognize CT permits without reciprocal requirements (Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Utah, Wyoming); others, primarily East Coast states, require reciprocal agreements. 

Qualified individuals who carry firearms, from whatever state, are undeniably the most lawful and peaceful members of the population. Permit holders are honorable, law-abiding people who do not fear a background check, who take pride in their safe gun handling skills, and someone in whom an extra measure of trust can be faithfully placed. To treat our fellow citizens rights as less than our own, even when they meet our qualifications, is clearly inappropriate. There is no danger, real or imagined, in permitting law abiding Americans to enjoy the same freedoms in our state that they do in their own. 

Similar bills are proceeding through several states and, we believe, will provide a foundation for standardization of all permits throughout the nation as happened with hunting license criteria. This bill is also a parallel for the police proposal for a national permit to carry. 

WE URGE YOUR SUPPORT.