The Appropriations Committee of the General Assembly has passed SB 650,  An Act Concerning Temporary Restraining Orders. Previously, the bill passed the Judiciary Committee. Now it is on to the State Senate for a floor vote. This bill closes the significant loophole that leaves victims of domestic violence vulnerable to gun violence: The state does not prohibit abusers subject to a temporary restraining order from possessing or purchasing guns.

Women who are victims of domestic violence are 5 times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner when a gun is present. The period immediately following a victim applying for a temporary restraining order is the most dangerous time for them. Help pass this important legislation that requires the subject of a temporary restraining order immediately surrender any guns or ammunition.

Please click here to send a quick message to your State Senator in support of SB 650. 

Connecticut has strong laws in place to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers who have been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence crime or are subject to a permanent domestic violence restraining order. But that law does not apply to Temporary Restraining Orders. This is a significant gap in the law that allows abusers subject to a TRO to continue to possess guns. Please take two minutes now to contact your State Senator and help pass this important legislation that will help protect victims of domestic violence.