Connecticut state law, acting in combination with federal law and regulation, make it impossible for young adults – those aged 18 to 20 years old to acquire and carry a handgun. As a result, these young adult Connecticut residents have their Second Amendment rights nearly entirely extuingished, despite the fact that they are adults in the eyes of the law, and should have the full panoply of fundamental rights guaranteed them by the constitution.

Connecticut’s legal regime establishes multiple legal hurdles for young adults that wish to exercise their rights. First, the state requires either a Handgun Eligibility Certificate or Pistol Permit to acquire and possess a handgun. The eligibility requirements for each require applicants be 21 years of age or older. Should a young adult overcome that hurdle, the state has then put in place an outright transfer ban, making any transfer of a handgun to them illegal. Should that hurdle be overcome, young adults must then find a way to actually acquire a handgun – and once again they are thwarted. Connecticut state law, along with state officials’ policy and practice require all handgun transfers to be conducted through an FFL. But FFL’s cannot transfer a handgun to anyone under 21 per federal law and regulation. Likewise, the only lawful means of carrying a handgun in public for self-defense to acquire the same Pistol Permit mentioned earlier. To be eligible for that permit, applicants must be 21 or older.

On February 18, 2025, Second Amendment Foundation, Connecticut Citizens Defense League and two Connecticut residents challenge the legal regime preventing them from acquiring, possessing and carrying a handgun for self-defense. The Complaint challenges both the Connecticut state regime as well as the related federal law and regulations which, in concert, prevent plaintiffs from exercising their rights.

Case Team: Cameron Atkinson, Craig C. Fishbein, Doug Dubitsky

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