Rep. Scott Statement on An Act Addressing Gun Violence

Hartford—State Representative Tony Scott (R-112) voted against HB 6667 on Thursday.

This piece of legislation included concepts from several bills brought up for public hearings, some of which I could have supported. I ultimately voted against this proposal because it targeted law-abiding gun owners.

There’s a growing frustration from gun owners that they are continually asked to meet more stringent requirements of using and possessing their firearms. Even after proving they are suitable to obtain a firearm, the government is now telling them what they can spend their money on, and in what time frame. I understand rights have limitations, we don’t want guns in the hands of the wrong people, but this seems like government overreach.

This bill would bar carrying of firearms openly in public, bar the sale, delivery, or transfer of more than three handguns to an individual in a 30-day period and would expand existing prohibitions on retail sale to people under 21 years old of certain semiautomatic rifles to include private sales.

I could have supported certain aspects of this bill such as safe storage and bail changes. There were requirements to expand safe storage to all situations, not only those where a minor may gain access to firearms and requiring a person arrested for a serious firearm offense, has previous gun-related convictions or high-level larceny or drug sale convictions to deposit 30% of bond as cash with the court.

The bill was passed by the House in a 96-51 vote. It now goes to the Senate.