Judiciary Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6455
AN ACT CONCERNING IMPEDING OR OBSTRUCTING THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY AND INTERFERENCE WITH OR ASSAULT UPON A STATE
Title: CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER.
Vote Date: 3/29/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/3/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Judiciary Committee
Rep. Steven J. Stafstrom, 129th Dist.,
Sen. Saud Anwar, 3rd Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill clarifies and increases penalties associated with impeding or obstructing the work of
the General Assembly and interference with or assault upon a State Capitol Police officer.
This bill increases the penalty for an assault on a Capitol Police Officer is a Class C felony, it
also clarifies that interference with a Capitol Police Officer is a Class A misdemeanor, or a
class D felony if it results in injury to a Capitol Police Officer. This bill was prompted by the
attack of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in January.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None offered.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Connecticut Police Chiefs Association supports this bill stating it is necessary to ensure the
members of the Connecticut General Assembly are safe from incidents such as the incident
that occurred in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021.
AFSCME, Legislative Coordinator, Brian Anderson supports this bill stating that it ensures
that assaulting a state capitol police officer is a serious offense and the penalty will serve as a
deterrent to those who may consider assaulting an officer.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
American Civil Liberties Union- CT Chapter opposes this bill stating that Connecticut has
laws in place that prevent interference with the legislative process and increasing penalties
for disrupting the legislature is a solution in search of a problem. It is also stated that those
more likely to be arrested would be marginalized people.
Reported by: Cassandra Gallion Date: 04/05/2021
Page 2 of 2 HB-6455


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 2-1d, 2-1e
JUD Joint Favorable: 2-1d, 2-1e
File No. 471: 2-1d, 2-1e