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Governor Rell signs lost and stolen firearms bill sponsored by representative Tong into law
By Governor Rell's office
Aug 9, 2007 - 6:47:38 AM

State Representative William Tong (D-Stamford) applauded Governor M. Jodi Rell’s decision to sign into law a bill that is designed to hold owners of lost and stolen firearms accountable into law recently. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tong, aims at decreasing the number of illegal firearms on the street by imposing stricter penalties for owners who fail to report the disappearance of the weapons.

“This bill targets the deadly business of illegal gun trafficking,” said Rep. Tong. “Now more than ever, we need to take these important steps to stop violent crime before it happens and protect the children and families of the state. I commend the Governor for signing this critical legislation.”

The new legislation requires gun owners to report the loss or theft of their firearm to local law enforcement officials within 72 hours of the discovery of the firearms disappearance. An individual who fails to report the disappearance by the end of the allocated time frame will be subject to a fine and be guilty of a Class “D” felony for subsequent offenses. Any intentional failure to report will result in a Class “C” felony.

“This bill has two main purposes,” explained Rep. Tong. “It attempts to get the illegal guns off the streets where they fall into the hands of those who shouldn’t have them. And it targets firearms traffickers. This bill is not going to restrict any American’s ability to own a gun; however, it does make owners responsible for taking good care of their firearms.”

The law will take effect on October 1, 2007.

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