Connecticut’s Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy has been getting some very cool things done in his state. He’s trying to reform the racist and classist bail bond system. He has been very early on and very public about supporting good causes like welcoming Syrian refugees in his state. Malloy has pushed forward on battling the opioid epidemic by proposing an increase in access to overdose reversal drugs. He isn’t making friends on the conservative right. Between right-wing activists who cannot spell their protests—literally—to the always ornery NRA, Governor Dannel Malloy is having success in his efforts to bring progress to the people of Connecticut.
Accused domestic abusers would have to surrender firearms within 24 hours under legislation that won final approval in the Senate on Monday afternoon and now heads to the governor for his expected signature.
The bill was approved 23-13 after a two-and-three-quarter hour debate, in which Republicans failed in three attempts to amend it. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who proposed the legislation, indicated right after the vote that he supports the bill, which would require alleged domestic abusers — in most cases, men — to immediately give up their guns and ammunition if their partners seek restraining orders.
This is important for a variety of reasons. The most obvious is the safety of women who are trying to break free of an abusive relationship. But, although many men (with guns) may not see it now, this will expedite a very stressful period of waiting for both people involved in a domestic dispute.
While 5,000 temporary restraining orders are issued annually, about half result in permanent orders. The bill, which was approved last week in the House, would require court hearings within seven days and if judges decide against extending the orders, weapons would be returned within five days later. Currently, court hearings are held 14 days later.
While Republicans argued something Second Amendment, can I have another check NRA, yada yada yada—others pointed out that when it comes to gun violence, fuck your fake Second Amendment sentiments.
Carolyn Treiss, executive director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, said that the time of greatest threat for intimate-partner violence is right after a restraining order is served. Currently, targets of restraining orders don’t have to surrender weapons until a judge rules.
“This was never a ‘gun rights’ bill,” Treiss said. “Rather, it’s a common-sense prevention of tragedy and a real victory for women’s safety.”