Connecticut Substitute Bill No. 16 Summary

• Establishes a state-wide firearms crimes and tracing task force within the Division of State Police to enforce laws concerning firearms distribution and possession, effective July 1, 2022.

• Task force must review illegal firearms trafficking, identify and prosecute traffickers, track illegally sold firearms, and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies; must report annually to the Governor and legislature starting February 1, 2023.

• Requires firearms vendors to keep sales records in the form prescribed by 27 CFR 478.125 and make records available for inspection by law enforcement and task force investigators.

• Directs the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to study the feasibility of creating a state firearms dealer license in consultation with national firearms industry representatives and report findings by December 31, 2022.

• Allocates $1.25 million from federal American Rescue Plan funds for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 to fund the state-wide firearms crimes and tracing task force.