The Connecticut chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both grassroots initiatives of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement applauding the Connecticut Senate vote to pass HB 6355, which would strengthen Connecticut’s existing extreme risk law to maximize its life-saving impact by allowing 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. The bill, having previously passed through the House, will now head to Governor Lamont’s desk for signature.
“This bill would make our extreme risk law one of the strongest in the nation,” said Kate Martin, a volunteer with the Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Family members know better than anyone when a loved one may pose a threat to themselves and others. This expansion will go a long way toward saving lives from preventable gun violence. We are encouraged to see that the Senate continues to value issues of gun safety and the protection of Connecticut communities.”
Every year hundreds of people are shot and killed or wounded in Connecticut. Gun violence costs Connecticut $1.4 billion each year, of which $60.4 million is paid by taxpayers. Read about gun violence in Connecticut here.