http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-gunlaw.artaug13,0,4121126.story
A Curb On Illegal Gun Sales
August 13, 2007
Although it's not foolproof, the new state law that requires gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 72 hours of discovering them missing is a step in the right direction and could lead to additional reforms.
When it takes effect in October, the gun-control legislation signed Tuesday by Gov. M. Jodi Rell will specifically target "straw buyers," people who buy guns legally and then sell them illegally to felons and other people who shouldn't have guns.
Under current law, even when a gun involved in a crime is traced to a straw buyer, the owner, in most cases, avoids responsibility by claiming the gun was stolen and that he or she neglected to report the theft to the police.
The new law prevents straw buyers from using that alibi. Except for a first-time failure to report a lost or stolen gun - an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $90 - the penalties for subsequent offenses are severe, which may make them a deterrent to selling guns in the first place. Violators will be charged with a Class D felony, subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and five years in prison.
Another provision in the new law makes it a serious felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison, to knowingly give access to firearms to someone who cannot legally possess them.
Unfortunately, the law won't be effective against guns purchased on the black market outside Connecticut. But it's a start that could prevent crime and save a few lives each year.
A Curb On Illegal Gun Sales
August 13, 2007
Although it's not foolproof, the new state law that requires gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 72 hours of discovering them missing is a step in the right direction and could lead to additional reforms.
When it takes effect in October, the gun-control legislation signed Tuesday by Gov. M. Jodi Rell will specifically target "straw buyers," people who buy guns legally and then sell them illegally to felons and other people who shouldn't have guns.
Under current law, even when a gun involved in a crime is traced to a straw buyer, the owner, in most cases, avoids responsibility by claiming the gun was stolen and that he or she neglected to report the theft to the police.
The new law prevents straw buyers from using that alibi. Except for a first-time failure to report a lost or stolen gun - an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $90 - the penalties for subsequent offenses are severe, which may make them a deterrent to selling guns in the first place. Violators will be charged with a Class D felony, subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and five years in prison.
Another provision in the new law makes it a serious felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison, to knowingly give access to firearms to someone who cannot legally possess them.
Unfortunately, the law won't be effective against guns purchased on the black market outside Connecticut. But it's a start that could prevent crime and save a few lives each year.
