Board of Firearms Permit Examiners – Hartford, CT

Board of Firearms Permit Examiners

Firearm Permit Appeals and Hearings

The Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) is the state agency designated to hear appeals from individuals who have been denied a pistol permit or had their permit revoked by a local issuing authority or the State Police. Located in the State Office Building complex in Hartford, the Board functions as an independent administrative tribunal. Its mission is to ensure that the firearms laws of Connecticut are applied fairly and that eligible citizens are not arbitrarily denied their rights while maintaining public safety.

• Appeal Hearings: Conducts administrative hearings for denials and revocations of state and local pistol permits.
• Permit Reinstatement: Has the authority to order the reinstatement or issuance of permits if the denial is found to be without just cause.
• Eligibility Review: Examines cases involving suitability, statutory disqualifiers, and administrative errors.
• Legislative Guidance: Provides information on state statutes regarding firearms possession and carrying.

Hearing Process and Attendance

Appellants wishing to challenge a denial must file a written appeal with the Board. Hearings are typically scheduled in the order received, often with a significant waiting period due to high volume. The hearings are open to the public and are usually held at the State Office Building. It is crucial for appellants to attend their scheduled hearing, as failure to appear often results in a default dismissal. Visitors to the office for administrative matters or hearings must comply with strict state building security protocols.