Substitute House Bill No. 7194 amends existing laws concerning the unlawful discharge of firearms by clarifying that such actions do not include the intentional discharge of a firearm for lawful self-defense or the defense of another person. The bill repeals and replaces Section 53-203 of the general statutes, which previously classified the unlawful discharge of a firearm as a class C misdemeanor. The new legal language explicitly states that the provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the intentional discharge of a firearm for self-defense purposes. Additionally, Section 26-66 is modified to ensure that no regulations or orders can prohibit the intentional discharge of a firearm for lawful self-defense or defense of another person, thereby providing clarity and protection for individuals acting in self-defense.

The bill also addresses the use of deadly force in self-defense situations, stipulating that a person may use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent deadly physical force or great bodily harm to themselves or others. However, it introduces specific conditions under which deadly force cannot be used, such as the ability to retreat safely or comply with certain demands. Furthermore, the bill empowers the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) commissioner to adopt regulations regarding hunting practices, including prohibitions on carrying loaded firearms and hunting near buildings. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and has received unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee, indicating strong legislative backing for these changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 53-203, 26-66, 53-202w, 53-202d, 53-202f
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 53-203, 26-66
File No. 752: 53-203, 26-66