Malloy Proposes New Gun Legislation

Gov. Dannel Malloy has put forth a bills pertaining to gun violence prevention for the upcoming session.

One bill would prohibit the possession of firearms for anyone who becomes the subject of a temporary restraining order.

“We are either for protecting victims of domestic violence, or against it,” he said.

Under current law after a temporary restraining order is issued a hearing must occur before a judge to prohibit firearm possession. It could take weeks before that happens.

Connecticut averages 14 domestic violence homicides annually with firearms being used in most instances, said Karen Jarmoc, chief executive officer of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

“We know that the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when she or he leaves and that a victim in an abusive relationship is five times more likely to be killed if their abuser has access to a firearm,” she said.

Another bill would prohibit carrying a firearm or hunting with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or above. Currently the limit is .1. The law would be in line with driving and boating under the influence laws.

Malloy also put forth a bill that would increase access to opiate overdose reversing drug naloxone for first responders and citizens. It would require municipalities to update medical services so that the primary emergency provider must be equipped with naloxone.

In addition, the legislation will prohibit commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone.