Sen. Cicarella Votes NO on H.B. 5043, Cites Failure to Address Violent Crime

Hartford — State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R–34) released the following statement after voting against H.B. 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:

“Session on May 5 continued overnight and into the early morning hours of May 6, with debate on H.B. 5043 beginning around 3:25 a.m. Major legislation that impacts constitutional rights and public safety deserves thoughtful, transparent debate conducted at reasonable hours when public participation and meaningful discussion aren’t limited.

I voted NO on H.B. 5043 because I do not believe this legislation will address violent crime or make our communities safer.

Instead, it places additional restrictions on law-abiding residents and businesses while doing little to deter criminals who already ignore existing laws.

Testimony and discussion repeatedly highlighted that the overwhelming majority of violent gun crimes are committed with illegally possessed firearms by individuals who do not follow the law in the first place.

At times, even experts struggled to clearly explain how portions of this bill would be interpreted. That raises serious concerns about how these provisions will ultimately be applied and enforced.

If we are serious about reducing gun violence, we must focus on holding violent offenders accountable and addressing the growing mental health crisis.

That is where real solutions begin.

We should not be trying to solve serious issues by simply making more laws that criminals will not abide by.

I remain willing to sit down and have serious, productive conversations about how we can truly reduce violence and protect our communities.”