Conn. gov forms commission to explore gun policies

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Governor Malloy wants recommendations on school safety and gun law changes by the middle of March and he's appointing the well-known mayor of a local town to head up the 'Sandy Hook Advisory Commission.'

Several State lawmakers have already proposed some changes. The Governor wants a review of everything that pertains to this tragedy so he can make and push for is own.

"This is an issue that touches us all, Mark. My son is in first grade, um, I believe very strongly in this, that I do feel in this, is possibly the most important thing I could be doing right now," said Mayor Scott Jackson of Hamden.

Jackson, the two term Mayor of Hamden was appointed by the Governor today to head the commission.

"I want the commission to have the ability to study every detail so that they can help craft meaningful legislative and policy changes," said Gov. Malloy.

The commission will study all laws regarding guns and ammunition, mental health care access, public safety to be sure law enforcement has all the tools they need and school infrastructure.

But the Governor noted that Connecticut cannot do it alone, especially because weapons and ammunition can be purchased in any state.

"We need Washington to get its act together so that they can put together a reasonable gun policy that protects the citizens of our state, and our nation," said Malloy.

And the Governor is taking aim especially at high capacity gun magazines, like the ones used by the Sandy Hook shooter and notes they were illegal ten years ago under the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban.

"We went from a ten clip maximum to a thirty clip maximum. That was a mistake," said Malloy. "If you examine a number of the incidents since that time, it was the larger clip, more often than not, that was used."

Jackson says he agrees with the Governor on the ammunition issue but says his first emphasis will be on the safety of the state's school buildings.

"I think that's where we really have to focus and then look at access to guns and ammunition as a subset of that," said Jackson.

Members of the commission are expected to be announced shortly with a schedule of public hearings to follow.