GOP Lawmakers In Connecticut Want Gun Law Deadline Extended
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Republican lawmakers in Connecticut have called for an extension to the looming deadline for registering certain weapons and ammunition magazines under a new state law.
Under the legislation that was passed in response to the Sandy Hook school massacre, state residents have until the end of Dec. 31, 2013 to register assault weapons as well as ammunition magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
"This is just a continued example of how this negligent piece of legislation is continually harming law-abiding citizens,'' said Rep. Rob Sampson, of Wolcott.
Sen. Toni Boucher, of Wilton, said she's received many calls from her constituents complaining about long lines and delays.
A spokesman for Gov. Dannel Malloy said the deadline, which was set six months ago, can't be moved because it is set by statute. He added that the state government will do everything it can to accommodate people who try to register firearms in advance of the deadline.
Gov. Malloy said 25,000 assault weapons were registered by late last Wednesday. He said 17,000 people registered high-capacity magazines, some registering as many as 100.
Malloy called the registration program successful and maintained that it has been "executed relatively well,'' despite the lines.
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