House Republican Press Release

January 5, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

State Rep. Richard Ferrari proposes legislation to re-fund Gun Trafficking Task Force

Bill aimed at stopping illegal sale of firearms to criminals

State Rep. Richard Ferrari (R-East Granby)  has introduced a bill to re-fund the dormant Gun Trafficking Task Force, a group of local law enforcement personnel charged with targeting individuals who purchase firearms legally and resell them to criminals.

The proposed legislation calls for $1 million annually, beginning with the 2007-08 budget. The bill is being co-sponsored by Rep. Ruth Fahrbach (R-Windsor)

The task force was created in 2000 and enjoyed many successes before having its funding pulled in 2002, one of a minimal number of cuts approved by the Democrat-controlled legislature.

“The increase in gun violence in our major cities needs to be addressed. Reinstituting the gun trafficking task force is the one positive step we can take. By reconstituting this task force with an infusion of funds, we can have an immediate impact by taking illegal firearms off the streets and out of the hands of criminals and children,” Rep. Ferrari said.

“We already have enough firearms legislation on the books in Connecticut, which law-abiding gun owners follow,” said Rep. Fahrbach. “Keeping firearms from falling into the hands of criminals illegally is an important effort, and re-funding this task force, which has already proven successful when it was funded, would certainly help us achieve that goal.”