Gov. Malloy said the United States has "really bad laws" when it comes to guns.
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy is proposing an executive order that would ban gun sales to people on federal no-fly watch lists. He said Thursday his policy would further limit the purchase of ammunition or guns already outlawed in the state.
Malloy said banning gun sales to those who are not allowed to fly is "basic common sense," and said those who are barred from gun sales may appeal.
A statement from Malloy outlined how the ban would work:
Pending federal approval, Governor intends to sign an Executive Order mandating that Connecticut State Police be required to cross-reference the names of those who wish to obtain a permit to own a firearm with the government watchlists. Those with existing permits who are found to be on those watchlist would have their permits revoked, and if a new match is found, the permit would be denied and the purchaser would be unable to purchase handguns, shotguns, rifles and ammunition. Assault weapons are already outlawed in Connecticut.
In an editorial meeting with WNPR this week, Malloy said the United States has "really bad laws" when it comes to guns.
"When the NRA has such power over your body politic that you can't deny people a gun that you would deny a seat on a plane, you know you're screwed up," Malloy said.
Gun rights advocates oppose the no-fly list proposal because they say it violates the rights of people who have not been convicted of a crime.
Malloy said he is responding to the fatal terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California. He criticized the Republican-led Congress for failing to act. A measure to ban gun sales to people on government watch lists failed in Congress this month.
Malloy told WNPR he thinks there may be possible action on increased gun control in Congress.
"I think this focused debate on why the NRA wins an argument that we should have to sell guns to people on the terrorism watch list is an issue worth watching," Malloy said. "I think that's going to change quicker than just about anything else. But I think we'll continue to make more progress."
Malloy said the state is working with the White House to get access to federal lists.
Patrick Skahill contributed to this report, which includes information from The Associated Press.