State Rep. Christie Carpino’s Statement on the Gun Legislation

Today I will cast the most difficult vote since I became a legislator. The Sandy Hook tragedy has changed our world. I want to thank the gun owners, school personnel and those with mental health experience who have spent hours sharing their concerns and educating me.

This law includes important and effective provisions on mental health treatment and school security. It provides parity for those seeking mental health coverage by requiring faster insurance coverage decisions for mental health and substance abuse urgent care to increase access. We train educators in mental health first aid, and add new resources for pediatricians to assist children and families with mental illness.

The bill eliminates early release credits for violent offenders. It increases penalties for firearms trafficking and straw purchases. It also reestablishes the statewide firearms trafficking taskforce. This will enhance public safety.

For school security, we fund a competitive grant program for every school district in the state. This permits Portland and Cromwell to apply for funds for the items we need to keep our students safe. We also require school security and safety plans be developed at each school and establishes methods to investigate disturbing/threatening behavior in schools.

Gun control is also a portion of this bill. It increases mental health look backs, gun storage requirements, and background checks. Let me be clear, this legislation does not criminalize any citizen who currently owns a legal firearm or large capacity magazine. It does not confiscate. It does not tax ammunition or require additional insurance for firearms owners. It does however place additional restrictions and limitations on future purchases.

This bill represents a difficult compromise to improve public safety and help those with mental illness. I respect those that disagree. The 32nd district represents honest, hardworking individuals with very different positions. It is impossible to develop a set of solutions to please everyone. However, I have done my best to protect individual liberties and personal property while increasing public safety.