The Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots initiative of Everytown for Gun Safety, released a statement applauding Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont for signing into law HB 6355, a bill to strengthen Connecticut’s existing extreme risk law to allow family members to directly ask the court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order when a loved one exhibits signs of posing a risk to themself or others.
“Extreme risk laws are crucial to ending gun violence in Connecticut,” said Kate Roschmann, a volunteer with the Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Family members and loved ones know better than anyone else when someone they love poses a danger to themselves or others. From preventing gun suicides, mass shootings, and violent crime, strengthening orders like these will save lives. We are very pleased that Governor Lamont has signed this bill, continuing his commitment to promoting gun safety in our state.”
About the Bill:
- HB 6355 expands the eligibility of those who could petition the court for an order. The provision allows family and household members, specified medical professionals, and only one police officer to petition the court for a protective order. The bill would also prevent a person subject to an order from obtaining new firearms for one year after the order goes into effect.
One study found that Connecticut’s extreme risk law was associated with a 14 percent reduction in the state’s firearm suicide rate following increased enforcement. Another study in Connecticut found that one suicide was averted for approximately every 11 gun removals carried out under the law. Expanding these laws would save even more lives. Connecticut was the first state in the country to enact an extreme risk law. Today, 18 other states, as well as the District of Columbia, have effectively implemented versions of this law.
