Durham Rep. Noreen Kokoruda Answers Questions About New Gun Control Legislation

This week, Connecticut lawmakers passed what some have described as the 'strictest gun control laws in the nation.'

The legislation, known as an act concerning gun violence prevention and children's safety, bans the sale of over 100 different guns, magazines that hold over 10 rounds of ammunition and increases background checks for gun buyers.

The new restrictions were supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature before being signed into law Thursday by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

One of those lawmakers, State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda (R-101st), who represents Durham, has provided a FAQ on her website "to help paint a clearer picture of what the bill does and does not do."

Here's a sample of some of the questions and answers:

Q. Will I have to surrender any of my currently owned firearms, magazines, or ammunitions?
A. No. The bill does not provide for the confiscation of any property lawfully owned prior to the effective date of the bill.

Q. What will I need to purchase ammunition?
A. After October 1, 2013, you will need a pistol permit, eligibility certificate, long gun eligibility certificate or an ammunition certificate along with a valid form of identification in order to purchase ammunition in Connecticut.To obtain an ammunition certificate, any person 18 or older may request that the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection perform a national criminal history records check to determine if such person is eligible to possess a firearm in Connecticut. After a successful records check, the Department will issue an ammunition certificate that is good for 5 years.

Q. Are there changes being made to the permit application process or fee structure?
A. The process for obtaining a pistol permit remains the same; however, applicants going forward will only be able to apply for a temporary permit to carry in the town where they are a bona fide resident. In the past, you could apply for a temporary permit to carry in either your town of residence or place of business. Also, you may only apply for a temporary permit to carry a pistol or revolver once every twelve months.There are no increases in any existing fees. There are fees related to the new long gun eligibility certificate and the ammunition certificate. Both certificates will cost $35 every five years.

Q. Are police, military and corrections officers who are exempt in their professional capacity also exempt in the private capacity?
A. Yes. The exemptions for police, military and corrections officers apply on and off duty.

Q. What are penalties if registration or certificates not done?
A. Persons who lawfully possess a newly designated assault weapon will have until January 1, 2014 to apply for a certificate of possession for that firearm.  People in possession of newly designated assault weapons who fail to register their firearms will have committed a Class A misdemeanor for a first time violation. Subsequent violations of the law will be classified as a Class D felony.Persons who are in lawful possession of large capacity magazines (magazines that exceed 10 rounds of bullets) that have been acquired prior to the effective date of the bill, will have until January 1, 2014 to declare each large capacity magazine.  Failure to declare any large capacity firearms past that date will have committed an infraction for a first offense and a Class D felony for subsequent offenses.

To read the remaining FAQ, visit State Rep. Kokoruda's website.