Connecticut House approves Firearm Industry Responsibility Act after debate and failed protective amendment

HARTFORD — The Connecticut House on April 29, 2025 passed House Bill 7042, the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, after several hours of debate and a roll-call vote that followed the rejection of a proposed amendment to raise the civil standard and change fee rules.

Representative Stastroff, the bill’s proponent, told members the amendment now before the chamber (LCO 7516) and the bill it creates “essentially does three things.” He said the legislation would require firearm industry members — manufacturers, dealers and sellers — to “implement certain reasonable controls to prevent illegal activities and to ensure compliance with our firearm related laws,” close an 8‑year interstate lookback gap in permit eligibility, and clarify that unlawful discharge misdemeanor charges do not apply when a firearm is discharged in lawful self‑defense.

Supporters and opponents traded detailed questions about scope and legal mechanics. Representative Fishbein warned the…