Connecticut Governor Gives State Gun Laws a Makeover
- By Ginger Hill
- Apr 04, 2013
In popular frontier adventure literature, such as “The Last of the Mohicans” (1826), it was and is still a symbol of power. Historically, it has been a symbol of protection and control demonstrated by the British control over colonists, as two attempts were made to disarm colonial militias. Politically, it is a symbol of debate. And, currently, it is a symbol of disagreement among the citizens of the United States. Who knew that the small, three-letter word, “gun” could cause all kinds of ruckus?
Adding to this ruckus is Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, who recently signed strong and extremely comprehensive gun legislation, perhaps the strongest in the nation. With Malloy’s signature, Connecticut joined New York and Colorado to become the third state in the United States to pass tough firearm measures since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December of 2012.
So, in the midst of a heated gun debate and U.S. citizen’s divided feelings when it comes to gun control, the state of Connecticut’s government has agreed to:
- Add over 100 guns to the approved list of banned assault weapons;
- Limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds;
- Ban armor-piercing bullets;
- Require registration all magazines in the state;
- Forbid owners to load guns with more than 10 rounds while at a gun range or outside their home;
- Create the nation’s first statewide registry of people convicted of crimes involving the use or threat of dangerous weapons;
- Require background checks for all firearm sales, even during gun shows;
- Create safety standards for school buildings;
- Allow school districts to require mental health first aid training for school personnel; and
- Alter state insurance regulations to beef up mental health care coverage.
A long list, yes, but there’s already a loop-hole! People who owned high-capacity magazines prior to this legislation will be allowed to keep them. Of course, those in favor of guns probably approve of this, while gun control advocates probably highly-disapprove, therefore, adding more discord to the gun control debate.
Malloy, who hoped to set an example for the nation, which in my opinion, no matter what side of the gun debate you are on, he definitely triggered something, believes this legislation serves as just one effort to help combat gun violence.
What are your thoughts on the gun control debate that is prevalent in the United States?
Do you think Connecticut’s government did the right thing by passing this piece of legislation?
Or, are you like me who thinks that no matter what amount of legislation is passed, no matter how strong or harsh, if someone wants a gun, he or she will always be able to get a gun?
Sources:
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20130404-connecticut-governor-signs-sweeping-gun-limits-into-law.ece
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/04/us/connecticut-gun-law-overhaul/index.html?hpt=hp_t1