HB 5201 would amend Connecticut General Statutes section 53-202w to change the definition of a “large capacity magazine.” Under current law, the bill would raise the threshold from devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to devices capable of holding more than 15 rounds. The bill applies to firearm magazines and similar ammunition-feeding devices, including belts, drums, and feed strips.
The stated purpose is to permit possession of firearm magazines that hold no more than 15 rounds. In practical terms, the bill would narrow the category of magazines subject to the state’s large-capacity magazine restrictions and would make magazines holding 11 to 15 rounds no longer fall within that definition.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would directly amend Connecticut’s firearms statutes by revising the legal definition of “large capacity magazine” in section 53-202w. That change would affect the scope of prohibited or regulated firearm accessories under state law, potentially reducing the number of magazines covered by existing restrictions and altering enforcement, compliance, and possession rules for gun owners, retailers, and law enforcement.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available for this bill, so there is no documented legislative debate or recorded sentiment in the provided materials. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears to be a pro-gun-rights measure aimed at loosening an existing firearms restriction, but the available record does not show whether that view was broadly shared or opposed.
Contention
The central point of contention is the appropriate cutoff for defining a large capacity magazine: 10 rounds under current law versus 15 rounds under the proposal. Supporters would likely argue that 15-round magazines should be lawful to possess, while opponents would likely view the change as weakening firearm safety regulations and expanding access to higher-capacity magazines. No specific legislators, advocacy groups, or committee objections are identified in the provided materials.