Preemption | Connecticut Concealed Carry

Connecticut State Preemption of Firearm Laws

Connecticut does not have a comprehensive state preemption law that prevents municipalities from enacting their own firearm regulations. This is a significant consideration for concealed carry permit holders, as local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law.

Background on Preemption in Connecticut

The Connecticut General Assembly's Office of Legislative Research (OLR) published a backgrounder on this topic: "Firearm Preemption Issues: Does Connecticut Law Preempt Municipal Firearm Ordinances?" (Report 2011-R-0137). This report addresses the question of whether state law preempts local firearm ordinances.

Unlike many other states that have enacted explicit statutory preemption provisions preventing municipalities from passing firearm regulations stricter than state law, Connecticut has not enacted such a blanket preemption statute. This means that Connecticut municipalities may have the ability to enact local ordinances related to firearms, provided they do not directly conflict with state statutes.

Key Considerations for Concealed Carry Permit Holders

• Local Ordinances May Apply: Because Connecticut lacks comprehensive preemption, concealed carry permit holders should be aware that individual municipalities may have local firearms ordinances that impose additional restrictions.

• State Parks and Forests: DEEP regulations (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-1(c)) prohibit, with exceptions, carrying firearms in state parks or forests. A person may only legally possess a handgun in a state park or forest when carrying it for hunting small game or participating in other authorized activities (such as at a firearms range or during a hunter education class), at predetermined times in areas set aside and posted by DEEP for such purposes (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-66-2(d)). Violations constitute an infraction with a total fine of $75, and DEEP may evict the violator for 24 hours or prohibit entry to any state park for up to one year after conviction (CGS § 23-4(a)).

• State Permit Requirement: A valid state permit to carry a pistol or revolver is required under CGS § 29-28. This permit is issued at the state level, though the application process involves local authorities.

• Dealer Permits Involve Local Authority: Firearms dealer permits must be issued by the local police chief (or the municipality's chief executive officer or designated state trooper/state police officer), demonstrating that local authorities retain significant roles in firearms regulation (CGS § 29-28(a)).

Constitutional Provisions

• Connecticut Constitution, Article I, Section 15: Addresses the right to bear arms in Connecticut.
• U.S. Constitution, Second Amendment: Provides the federal constitutional framework for the right to keep and bear arms.

Practical Implications

Concealed carry permit holders in Connecticut should:

1. Research local ordinances in any municipality they plan to visit or travel through, as local regulations may differ.
2. Be aware of restrictions in state parks and forests, where carrying firearms is generally prohibited except for specific authorized activities.
3. Understand that the state permit to carry (CGS § 29-28) is required but may not override all local restrictions.
4. Stay informed about legislative changes, as Connecticut has been active in passing firearms legislation, including P.A. 23-53 (An Act Addressing Gun Violence), P.A. 21-67, P.A. 19-5, P.A. 18-29, and P.A. 13-3, among others.

Relevant Statutes and Regulations