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Debate over bill to bar "convertible" pistols centers on police safety and rights of lawful owners
Summary
Lawmakers and witnesses at a March 11 Judiciary Committee hearing disagreed over Governor's Bill 5043, which would bar sales of pistols officials say can be readily converted to fully automatic firearms. Supporters urged industry accountability; opponents said the measure would punish lawful gun owners and raise constitutional and enforcement problems.
Chairman: The Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony March 11 on Governor's Bill 5043, a proposal aimed at stopping handguns that witnesses say can be quickly converted into automatic weapons. Supporters said the measure focuses on sales and manufacturers, not current owners; opponents said it would burden lawful owners, risk litigation and would not stop criminals.
Supporters: Elizabeth Ryan of Every Town for Gun Safety told the committee the bill is “a smart, targeted approach” that aims to keep easily converted pistols out of commerce, arguing police have found modified handguns in Connecticut. Gregory Lickenbrock, Every Town’s senior firearms analyst, said conversion devices known as “Glock switches” allow some semi‑automatic pistols…
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