Fasano Statement on Gov. Malloy’s Proposed Pistol Permit Fee Increase

Hartford – Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement regarding Gov. Malloy’s proposal to increase the state portion of the gun permit fees from $70 to $300, and of the initial five-year permit from $140 to $370.

“It’s obvious that the governor’s drastic fee hike is not about administrative costs. This is about the governor plugging a budget hole by targeting gun owners for political reasons. And no matter where you stand on the state’s gun laws, I think all people can agree that pricing out the poor on something that all citizens have an equal right to is just wrong no matter the issue. Increasing the state portion of permit fees from $140 to $370 and $70 to $300 is going to be something that many low-income or fixed-income families and responsible gun owners simply cannot afford. An increase this significant wrongly puts up a clear and immediate financial barrier to certain individuals – all so the governor can make a political statement.”