Senate Leadership
September 30, 2009
Machine Gun Ban for Those Under Age 16 Takes Effect Thursday
Senator Martin Looney (D-New Haven) says common sense law may save lives Hartford: Nearly one year after a Connecticut boy was killed while using a machine gun a new law will take effect that bans the use of machine guns and assault weapons by anyone under the age 16.
Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) proposed the bill after an eight year old boy died after accidentally shooting himself in the head while firing an Uzi submachine gun under adult supervision. The tragedy happened on October 26, 2008 at a gun show in Massachusetts.
“The tragic death of this young boy was a wake-up call for many people in Connecticut,” said Senator Looney. “The machine gun ban for our youth is a common sense law that will save lives.” Senator Looney continued, “It is of vital importance that we keep children safe from assault weapons and machine guns. Children should not be in possession of assault weapons and machine guns which they may not be strong enough to control.”
A legislative analysis on the Senate Bill 358 reads: This bill bars anyone from selling, giving, or transferring machine guns to people under age 16, including temporarily transferring the firearms to these minors to use in target shooting, at a firing or shooting range, or for any other purpose. A violation of the bill carries a $ 1,000 fine, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The bill is supported by police chiefs across Connecticut, including New Haven Police Chief James Lewis and West Hartford Police Chief James Strillaci (speaking for the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association).
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Senator Looney’s Derek Slap |
