HARTFORD — Gun owners in Connecticut may soon have to secure their weapons inside an unattended vehicle.
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 98-to-48 Wednesday in favor of a bill requiring a pistol or revolver to be kept in a vehicle’s truck, a locked safe or a locked glove box. Proponents say they hope this legislation, which now awaits Senate action, will reduce the number of guns stolen in motor vehicle break-ins.
The bill originally did not allow a gun to be stored inside a locked glove box. Democratic Rep. Steven Stafstrom of Bridgeport said police officers cited safety concerns when pulling over vehicles, considering many drivers keep their registrations inside a glove box.
But some Republicans questioned that reasoning and persuaded Democrats to allow a locked glove box to be used.