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HB 5043

AN ACT CONCERNING CONVERTIBLE PISTOLS, UNFINISHED FRAMES OR UNFINISHED LOWER RECEIVERS, VOLUNTARY RELINQUISHMENT OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION AND REFUNDABILITY OF PERMITS FOR SALE AT RETAIL OF FIREARMS AND FOR CARRYING OF PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aimee Berger-Girvalo and 19 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill would prohibit manufacturing and selling convertible pistols to prevent circumvention of firearm regulations.

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
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Bill Summary · HB 5043

Legislative bill overview

HB 5043 would ban the manufacture and sale of convertible pistols in Connecticut—firearms designed to be easily modified or converted between different calibers or configurations. The bill was introduced in the 2026 legislative session and referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Why is this important

Convertible pistols present a regulatory enforcement challenge because they can be modified to circumvent existing firearm restrictions or caliber limitations. Proponents argue the ban closes a loophole that allows weapons to evade state gun regulations, while the provision affects both licensed manufacturers and the firearms market in Connecticut.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment implications: Gun rights advocates will likely argue the ban constitutes an unconstitutional restriction on lawful firearm ownership and manufacturing, particularly post-Bruen Supreme Court decisions
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "convertible pistol" may be unclear—many modern modular firearms could potentially fall under this category, raising questions about which specific designs are targeted
  • Enforcement and interstate commerce: Difficulty enforcing the ban given interstate firearm sales and online markets; manufacturers could relocate while supply chains continue to function
  • Public safety efficacy: Limited empirical evidence that convertible pistols are disproportionately used in crimes compared to standard firearms, raising questions about the ban's practical impact

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

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