OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5246

AN ACT CONCERNING THE PERMIT TO SELL PISTOLS OR REVOLVERS.

SUMMARY:

This bill allows a gun dealer to conduct handgun transactions at gun shows under his or her gun dealer permit, thereby generally conforming state law to federal law. Current state law limits where gun dealers may buy and sell handguns to the room, store, or place described in the gun dealer permit (usually a business premises) which, in practice, means the dealer must get a separate permit for a gun show from the permit-issuing authority in the host town. The current permit fee is $ 200 (CGS § 29-30(a)).

The bill applies to any meeting or exhibition of an organized gun collectors' group or gun show. The laws governing handgun transactions at gun shows are the same as apply to transactions at a dealer's business place.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

BACKGROUND

Federal Regulation

Federal law allows gun dealers to temporarily conduct business under their federal firearm license at gun shows or events sponsored by a state, national, or local organization or any affiliate of the organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the community (18 USC § 923(j)).

Gun Shows

State law defines a “gun show” as an event involving at least two people offering at least 50 or more firearms for public exhibit, sale, transfer, or exchange (CGS § 29-37g).

Permit-Issuing Authority

By law, anyone who sells 10 or more handguns in a calendar year or is a federally licensed gun dealer selling handguns must have a local permit. The permit is issued by the chief of police, borough warden, or first selectman, as applicable (CGS §§ 29-28 (a)).

Related Bill

SB 46, reported favorably by the Public Safety and Security Committee on March 15, requires gun show promoters to notify the DESPP commissioner when they plan to hold a gun show.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Safety and Security Committee

Joint Favorable