HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—In an effort to remain a national leader in gun violence prevention, Connecticut has adopted new legislation that expands the state's red flag laws and provides additional support to community prevention programs through Medicaid coverage.
Governor Ned Lamont signed two bills into law while at Hartford Communities That Care Tuesday to strengthen the state's gun violence prevention efforts, one of which updates Connecticut's risk protection order laws.
According to State Representative Steve Stafstrom (D), the legislation expands the list of those who can apply for a risk protection order.
"We are moving away from the system where only two police officers or a state's attorney could apply for a risk warrant and we're creating a new process whereby individual family members or medical professionals who often have more accurate, timely information can begin the process and apply for a risk protection order," Stafstrom explained.
The legislation also allows a court to prohibit firearm purchases for people at risk and implements a petition process to end the protection order, eliminating the current one-year expiration date, he said.
The other piece of legislation makes professional community and hospital-based violence prevention assistance a covered service under Medicaid, allowing the program to offer reimbursements for violence prevention services.
Advocacy groups such as CT Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action applauded Connecticut lawmakers for the passage of these bills.
State Senator Douglas McCrory (D) also voiced his support for the new legislation, but he echoed many others at the bill signing ceremony in saying that a lot more work needs to be done.
"Working collectively and dealing with the root causes of what we are in will change things," McCrory said.
He pointed out that resources are needed to provide children opportunities that will put them on a path away from gun violence and to address issues that impact underserved populations and communities of color.
Efforts are underway to get prevention resources to kids early, Governor Ned Lamont said, such as informing judges about whether or not a young person is a first offender to ensure the young person gets the appropriate help they need.
The governor also urged national lawmakers to follow Connecticut's lead in passing gun reform laws for the country.