HB 5451 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING POSSESSION OF A FIREARM ON SCHOOL GROUNDS BY A CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER.

This bill allows certified police officers to carry firearms on school grounds at any time, regardless of whether they are performing official duties. It directly affects law enforcement officers certified under section 7-294d and modifies existing rules that previously restricted firearm possession on school property to only those actively performing official duties. The legislation creates an exception to the felony charge for unauthorized firearm possession on school grounds, which remains a class D felony for all other individuals. The change takes effect on October 1, 2026, and does not impose additional costs on state or municipal budgets.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 4, 2026 Last action Apr 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → PS Joint Favorable Substitute · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was renamed from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' and received a favorable joint substitute from the Legislative Council Office, indicating it has been amended to address concerns. The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new category allowing police officers certified under section 7-294d to possess firearms on school grounds, expanding the list of authorized individuals beyond just peace officers and school officials. The title was also updated to reflect this broader eligibility by changing 'peace officer' to 'certified police officer'.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include police officers certified under section 7-294d as authorized individuals who may possess firearms on school grounds.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a new provision allowing police officers certified pursuant to section 7-294d to possess firearms on school grounds.

DEFINITION

Updated the bill title to change 'peace officer' to 'certified police officer' to reflect the expanded eligibility.

TECHNICAL

Changed the document type from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' and updated the Legislative Council Office number to reflect the favorable substitute status.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors