HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Legislation that would bar people with temporary restraining orders against them from possessing firearms was sent Monday to Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s desk.
The Senate voted 23-13 in favor of the bill, which has been debated in each of the last few sessions following high-profile, deadly cases of domestic violence involving guns. From 2000 through 2012, Connecticut averaged 14 intimate partner homicides each year and firearms were the most commonly used weapon.
Malloy, a Democrat, pushed for the legislation and said he’ll sign it into law.
“We have a moral obligation to work to prevent needless tragedy and to make this the law,” he said. “Women in abusive relationships are five times more likely to be killed if their abuser has access to a firearm.”
The bill requires a person to transfer firearms to police or a firearms dealer within 24 hours after being served with a temporary restraining order. The weapons would be returned if a judge determined at an expedited hearing not to impose a formal restraining order. That hearing would be held within seven days of the person being served with the temporary restraining order.
Opponents voiced concerns about due process rights of the gun owners.
“A vote against this bill is not a vote in favor of domestic violence. That equation is simply not true,” said Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, who voted against the legislation. “I would suggest that there are other ways that the law can help.”
Sen. Mae Flexer, D-Killingly, said advocates for domestic violence abuse victims recommended the legislation, which is on the books in about 20 other states.
“The fact is, our state laws are the weakest at the moment that is the most dangerous for victims of domestic violence,” she said, referring to when an abuser is served with a temporary restraining order. “That’s why this measure is so important.”
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