Connecticut bill requiring gun owners to show permits dies in committee

Connecticut Citizens Defense League members listen to testimony on the bill. Connecticut Citizens Defense League members listen to testimony on the bill. Photo: Ctnewsjunkie File Photo Photo: Ctnewsjunkie File Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Connecticut bill requiring gun owners to show permits dies in committee 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

HARTFORD >> Proponents conceded defeat Thursday on a bill that would have given law enforcement permission to ask a person to see their gun permit.

Before the Judiciary Committee had even posted its final agenda for Friday’s meeting, Connecticut Against Gun Violence let its supporters know in an email that the bill would not be raised for debate.

This is the second year proponents had pitched the legislation. Last year, it passed the Public Safety and Security Committee on a 16-9 vote, but never got raised for a vote in the House.

This year, it wasn’t only Second Amendment supporters who opposed the proposal. It was lawmakers from urban districts concerned about racial profiling by police.

“The bill was opposed by gun rights activists, as expected, but it was also opposed by some legislators from urban districts that unfortunately have a long history of racial profiling and inequalities,” Ron Pinciaro, executive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, said. “They were afraid this bill would be another reason to stop young men of color. We tried to find a way to address their concerns but were unable to reach such a compromise before tomorrow’s deadline.”

Read more.