The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5435, seeks to amend the current law regarding the holding period for firearms seized under a risk protection order or warrant. Specifically, it modifies subsection (i) of section 29-38c of the general statutes by changing the time frame before which seized firearms and deadly weapons can be destroyed. The bill stipulates that firearms shall not be destroyed until two years have passed since the individual named in the order or warrant last petitioned the court to terminate it, as opposed to the previous requirement of one year.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that if, after the two-year period, the firearms or deadly weapons have not been transferred as per subsection (h), the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection or the local police department must proceed with the destruction of the seized items. This change aims to provide a longer holding period for firearms under risk protection orders, thereby allowing more time for legal proceedings and potential recovery of the firearms by the individuals involved. The effective date for this amendment is set for October 1, 2026.