Gun rights activists and gun control supporters are at odds over a bill that would compel Connecticut individuals to produce their permit to carry a firearm at the request of police.
The Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen is opposing the legislation, telling members of the legislature's Public Safety Committee Thursday the bill infringes on gun owners' constitutional rights.
Currently a person must be reasonably suspected of crime before being required to produce the permit.
But proponents said the legislation will eliminate conflicting interpretations of the current law.
Ricardo Lopez, vice president of the Bridgeport Police Union, said he and other officers are hindered by the current law. He said the proposal will help police make sure someone walking down the street with a gun has the right to carry it.
