Senate Bill No. 1504 proposes the renaming of the existing statewide firearms trafficking task force to the statewide firearms crimes and tracing task force, which will continue to operate under the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The bill repeals and substitutes Section 29-38e of the general statutes, modifying the task force's focus from solely trafficking to a broader scope that includes crimes and tracing related to firearms. The task force will consist of municipal and state law enforcement officers, with the potential inclusion of federal officers, and will be authorized to conduct investigations throughout the state. Additionally, the bill allows the task force to enter into mutual assistance agreements with other states and to request cooperation from various agencies.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the task force submit an annual report to the Governor and the relevant legislative committees starting February 1, 2026. This report will detail the number of individuals identified and arrested for illegal trafficking, the number of firearms seized, other activities undertaken by the task force, and any resources needed for continued operation. The bill also makes minor technical and conforming changes to existing laws, including adjustments to Section 29-31 regarding the sale of firearms and the establishment of a policy board for the task force. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the enforcement of firearms laws and improve accountability through regular reporting.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-38e, 29-31, 54-64a
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 29-38e, 29-31
File No. 743: 29-38e, 29-31