01-05-2025
House passes 3 bills in busy day at State Capitol
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Wednesday was a busy night at the State Capitol as lawmakers debated over bills that could impact gun manufacturers and store owners.
It was one of several bills being discussed by state representatives, including bills that affect firefighters and veterans.
Connecticut House votes to advance gun manufacturers liability bill
House Bill, 7042, The Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, could hold gun manufacturers responsible for the first time.
'This particular bill is doing something that has never been done before,' State Sen. and Deputy Republican leader Rob Sampson (R-16) said. 'Which is to say now we are going to hold a manufacturer of a product responsible for what happens when someone purchases it and uses it in an unlawful way.'
The bill allows for lawsuits against manufacturers or gun dealers who market or sell to anyone who is likely to commit violence with that gun. It passed out of the house pretty much down party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. Now senators are talking about it as it heads to their desk.
'Keeping somebody liable and accountable for their actions, is what we do in private business is what we do in our personal lives,' said State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25). 'We should do that with guns as well, I think everybody would think that is common sense.'
Legislature votes unanimously to pass bill benefitting firefighter, veteran and military families
There is also Senate Bill 1426, which strengthens firefighter cancer relief. It acknowledges that firefighters are exposed to toxins on the jobs and are more likely to develop cancer than the general population.
'We have an opportunity to strengthen our statute and make it easier for our firefighters to access the benefits they need,' State Sen. Jason Perillo (R-21) said. 'It's important step and I'm certainly voting yes like everybody else will as well.'
There is also House Bill 6442, The Connecticut Hero Act. It's comprised of nearly a dozen different measures honoring veterans. It starts by naming November as Veteran's Month and new commemorative plates, honoring women and Puerto Rican veterans. It also allows makes it easier for military families to transfer from school to school.
State Rep. Jaime Foster (D-57) noted that will be helpful for veterans who are parents of children with special needs. 'The parent is an important part of that team, and to make sure that transition move smoothly and making sure that meeting happens very quickly between when the child moves into the district,' Foster said.
All of these bills are headed over to the Senate, and if it passes they are onto the Governor for his signature.
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