AN ACT CONCERNING A POLICE OFFICER'S ABILITY TO REQUEST CONSENT TO SEARCH A MOTOR VEHICLE.

This bill restores police officers' ability to request consent to search a motor vehicle when they have reasonable suspicion that weapons, contraband, or evidence of a crime may be inside. It amends Section 54-33o of the general statutes to allow this request, reversing a prior restriction. The policy change applies during traffic stops where officers have specific, justifiable reasons for suspicion. Drivers retain the right to refuse such searches, but officers can now proactively seek consent under these conditions.