As Gun Legislation Passes, Bolinsky Dedicates 'Yes' Vote to Victims

Connecticut's general assembly has passed a package that will change the way weapons are bought and sold in Connecticut -- and, its supporters hope, quell gun violence.

The bill -- calling for an expanded ban of high-powered weapons and magazines, extensive background checks, and much more -- passed the Connecticut Senate 26-10 late Tuesday afternoon and the House 105-44 in the middle of the night.

One of those voting in favor: Newtown's freshman representative Mitch Bolinsky, who said he considered it part of his "responsibility to represent the community I love and call home."

"Today, I dedicate my vote to the memory of those whose lives were lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School," said Bolinsky. "For the families I represent, I vote yes to a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that, while not perfect, provides a foundation of common sense firearms legislation, while preserving the rights of responsible citizens under the Second Amendment. I am also encouraged to see the bill before us as a beginning in the process of addressing critical mental health issues and establishing historic school safety guidelines, giving municipalities the ultimate choice - without mandates."

Bolinsky was part of the bipartisan legislative task force whose input shaped the gun legislation. In the aftermath of the Dec. 14 shooting, he and other lawmakers heard hours of testimony from experts in gun violence, school safety and mental health.

While the measures limiting high-powered weapons have been most controversial, elements of the bill also cover expanded mental health requirements for schools and puts additional school security protocols in place across Connecticut.

Other members of Newtown's delegation also voted "yes." Sen. John McKinney, whose district includes Newtown, said people are "very fearful" of what they believe is in the bill, according to the Danbury News-Times.

"We are all elected to come to our government to see what we can do to make Connecticut better," he said. "But everyone should try to work together to see if we can find common ground. Keeping people safe, protecting our citizens, is a core function of what we do."

Rep. DebraLee Hovey, who represents Monroe and Newtown, also voted "yes" -- but said the bill strikes a "difficult balance."

"It’s unfortunate that honest, law abiding gun owners will have to jump through so many hoops," said Hovey. "But in response to the victims and families of my district who were personally affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy, I had no option but to vote yes. The rhetoric of the two opposing positions has pitted neighbor against neighbor. Hopefully, now the community will be able to begin to heal."

Gov. Dannel Malloy's office has indicated he will sign the bill at noon Thursday.