Substitute House Bill No. 6859 introduces significant amendments to existing laws concerning the handling of sexual assault evidence, juvenile records, firearm transfers, and school security grants in Connecticut. The bill mandates that health care facilities must contact law enforcement within ten days of collecting sexual assault evidence, which must then be analyzed within sixty days by the Division of Scientific Services. It also expands access to juvenile records for officials involved in firearm transfers, removing previous age restrictions. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to utilize the ATF’s eTrace system for tracking firearms and streamlines the documentation process for firearm transfers, consolidating requirements into a single transfer document.

Moreover, the bill modifies the School Security Infrastructure Grant Program, requiring applicants to conduct security assessments based on new guidelines from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). It allows for a more flexible allocation of funds for school security projects and mandates that security officers obtain special permits and training for carrying electronic defense weapons. The bill also repeals outdated provisions and clarifies definitions related to firearms, enhancing the regulatory framework for firearm transactions. Overall, sHB6859 aims to improve public safety through better evidence handling, firearm regulation, and school security measures, with most provisions set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 54-36n, 29-161z, 29-161q, 53-206, 29-33, 29-37a, 54-66a
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 54-36n, 29-161z, 29-161q, 53-206, 29-33, 29-37a, 54-66a
File No. 455: 54-36n, 29-161z, 29-161q, 53-206, 29-33, 29-37a, 54-66a