Substitute House Bill No. 5451 amends existing law regarding the possession of firearms on school grounds. The bill repeals Section 53a-217b and introduces new provisions that allow certified police officers to carry firearms on school property at any time. Specifically, it adds a new clause stating that the prohibition on firearm possession does not apply to police officers certified pursuant to section 7-294d, while maintaining existing exceptions for lawful possession by individuals involved in approved programs or agreements with school officials, as well as peace officers performing their official duties.

The bill retains the classification of possession of a weapon on school grounds as a class D felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The effective date for this legislation is set for October 1, 2026. The fiscal impact statement indicates that the bill will not have any financial implications for the state or municipalities, and it is not expected to change the number of individuals sentenced under the current law.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 326: