HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) State officials are setting aside millions of dollars to address backlogs in background checks that have soared since the December school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Officials in Connecticut are working with lawmakers to come up with $3 million to $5 million to make technology improvements and fill as many as 39 civilian positions to help address a backlog, estimated by state police at about 9,300 people.

Gun rights advocates fear the delays in Connecticut, which recently passed one of the toughest gun laws in the country, could grow longer once a requirement for background checks on any sale or transfer of a long gun takes effect in January.

But the administration predicts there won't be problem once the new staffing is in place and the workers will likely become permanent.