SOUTHPORT—Connecticut Against Gun Violence (CAGV), a Connecticut based non-profit organization dedicated to making Connecticut communities, families, and children safe from gun violence through a common sense approach to public education and legislative advocacy, announced today its proposal of gun violence prevention legislation in the state of Connecticut.
According to Ron Pinciaro, Executive Director of CAGV, “This comprehensive package of common sense measures is the most ambitious proposal in our state’s history.”
The proposal put forth by CAGV is unique in that it does not grandfather existing weapons; it requires that all weapons defined by law as assault weapons must be destroyed, turned in to law enforcement, or removed from Connecticut; and large capacity ammunition magazines of more than 7 rounds are to be destroyed, turned in to law enforcement, or removed from the state.
Pinciaro stated, “While we respect the rights of gun owners and we accept the Second Amendment as the law of the land, we are also mindful of what Supreme Court Justice Scalia stated in the syllabus of the Supreme Court’s brief on the issue: ‘it is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever, in any manner whatsoever, and for whatever purpose.’ “
Connecticut Against Gun Violence proposes legislation in Connecticut that will:
1 Strengthen the assault weapons ban by requiring that all weapons having military features be banned and that existing weapons defined as assault weapons be destroyed, turned in to law enforcement or removed from the state.
2 Ban large capacity ammunition magazines of more than 7 rounds and that existing magazines of more than 7 rounds be destroyed, turned in to law enforcement, or removed from the state. New York State has just adopted law that established the 7-round limit.
3 Require permits and universal background checks on ALL sales and transfers of guns, including long guns.
4 Require registration of handguns with annual renewal. Require: annual fee and annual background check for all handguns owned; require that the owner stipulate that the guns are still in their possession or explain how the gun was transferred to another person; require safety inspection every three years.
5 Make gun owners liable for negligent storage if any person gains access to firearms and injures himself or another person or causes damage to property. The violation would be a Class D felony.
6 Ban the right of way for transportation of firearms and ammunition bought over the Internet.
7 Tax ammunition sales and require a license/permit to purchase any gun or ammunition.
8 Restrict handgun sales to one gun/month.
There has been a groundswell of public support for strengthening Connecticut’s gun laws, and constituents are demanding change; MARCH FOR CHANGE is a bi-partisan, grassroots effort supporting CAGV’s ambitious proposal. Founded by two Fairfield-county moms Nancy Lefkowitz and Meg Staunton, a key component of MARCH FOR CHANGE is a Valentine’s Day rally at the state capitol in Hartford.
“Our hearts are broken and we demand change. We can no longer be passive participants in this process.” Lefkowitz stated. “We aren’t politicians, we are concerned citizens and we have had enough.”
Staunton agreed, “We have reached a tipping point and it’s time we let our legislators know where we stand. The February 14th rally in Hartford is one opportunity to bring together individuals, families, communities and organizations in Connecticut who want change in our gun safety legislation. CAGV is recommending common sense and reasonable changes to our laws and we support their efforts. MARCH FOR CHANGE will be respectful but relentless in the pursuit of safer gun laws in Connecticut.”
“Legislative leadership in Hartford has indicated that there is a bipartisan mood that will result in smart and effective improvement to gun safety measures. CAGV looks forward to working with the elected officials to reach that goal,” Marty Isaac, Board President, CAGV, said “it’s time the needs of the people come before the needs of the NRA leadership."
Pinciaro concurred, “The eyes of the nation are on Connecticut. We hope that our elected officials will act swiftly on these measures because the horrific tragedy in Newtown compels Connecticut to pass the most comprehensive legislation in the nation. Extended delays will endanger the passage of the type of gun violence prevention measures that will make our communities safer.”
