AN ACT CONCERNING A CONVICTION IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION AS A DISQUALIFIER FOR A CARRY PERMIT OR FIREARMS ELIGIBILITY OR AMMUNITION CERTIFICATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Godfrey and 1 co-sponsor

Out-of-state convictions would disqualify individuals from carry permits, firearms eligibility certificates, and ammunition certificates, as Connecticut treats foreign convictions

FILE NO. 782

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Summary — HB 7137 (File No. 782)

Title: AN ACT CONCERNING A CONVICTION IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION AS A DISQUALIFIER FOR A CARRY PERMIT OR FIREARMS ELIGIBILITY OR AMMUNITION CERTIFICATE
Introduced: March 4, 2025
Status (as of April 28, 2025): Reported out of LCO; Joint Favorable Substitute filed; favorably reported and tabled for House Calendar (House Calendar No. 487, File No. 782)

Purpose / Intent

HB 7137 would amend Connecticut law to make a conviction obtained in another state or jurisdiction count as a disqualifying offense when determining eligibility for:
- a carry permit,
- a firearm eligibility certificate, and/or
- an ammunition certificate.

The bill is intended to ensure out-of-state criminal convictions are treated equivalently to in-state convictions for the purpose of firearms licensing and permit decisions.

Key Provisions (as indicated by bill title and subject)

Treats convictions in other jurisdictions as disqualifying circumstances for issuance, renewal, or possession privileges related to:

carry permits,
firearms eligibility certificates, and
ammunition certificates.

Applies the disqualification standard used under Connecticut law to convictions obtained outside Connecticut (subject to the specific statutory language of the bill).

Likely requires licensing authorities to consider out-of-state criminal records in background checks and eligibility determinations.

(Note: the full text of the bill was not provided; this summary is based on the bill title and legislative metadata.)

Who Would Be Affected

Individuals applying for or holding carry permits, firearms eligibility certificates, or ammunition certificates who have criminal convictions from other states or jurisdictions.

State licensing authorities (including the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and local issuing authorities) responsible for reviewing applications and conducting background checks.

Law enforcement agencies and records systems that supply or verify out-of-state conviction information.

Firearms dealers and retailers insofar as eligibility verification is required for sales or transfers.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Expands the reach of Connecticut’s firearms-disqualification rules to include out-of-state convictions, potentially reducing firearm access for persons with such convictions.

Could increase administrative and record-checking burdens on licensing authorities to obtain and evaluate out-of-state records.

Raises legal and procedural questions about how to treat convictions that are later vacated, expunged, or that differ in elements from Connecticut offenses.

May affect reciprocity and portability questions for persons who move to Connecticut or hold permits from other jurisdictions.

Legislative Progress / Timeline

03/04/2025: Referred to Joint Committee on Judiciary.

03/12/2025: Public hearing held.

04/10/2025: Joint Favorable Substitute issued.

04/11/2025: Filed with LCO.

04/21/2025: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis.

04/28/2025: Reported out of LCO; favorably reported and tabled for House calendar (House Calendar No. 487; File No. 782).

For precise statutory changes, operative dates, and any exceptions or definitions, consult the bill text or the Office of Legislative Research summary once the full language is published.