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Bill

SB 529

AN ACT CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF FIREARMS AS PART OF AN ESTATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Sampson

Creates legal procedures allowing firearms to be transferred to heirs through estate probate, clarifying Connecticut's inheritance rules for gun ownership.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#estates #firearms
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 529

Legislative bill overview

SB 529 would modify Connecticut's estate law to establish procedures allowing firearms to be transferred to heirs and beneficiaries as part of a deceased person's estate. Currently, Connecticut has restrictive firearms transfer laws that can complicate the probate process when estates include firearms. This bill aims to create a legal pathway for inheritance of firearms by eligible recipients.

Why is this important

Estate administration is complicated when firearms are involved, as current law may require special procedures or create uncertainty about lawful transfer. For families inheriting firearms, unclear legal pathways can result in having to surrender, destroy, or illegally retain firearms. Clarifying the process affects probate efficiency and family property rights during an emotionally sensitive time.

Potential points of contention

  • Gun control vs. property rights: Advocates for stricter gun regulations may view liberalized inheritance procedures as circumventing Connecticut's gun control framework, while gun rights supporters see it as protecting constitutional property transfer rights
  • Eligibility and screening: Determining who qualifies as an eligible heir (criminal background checks, restraining orders, age restrictions) could be contentious—stricter screening protects public safety but complicates probate
  • Executor liability: Questions about whether estate executors face liability if they transfer firearms to ineligible heirs, and what verification burden falls on them versus the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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