Connecticut HB 5451: AN ACT RAISING THE LEGAL AGE TO PURCHASE TOBACCO TO TWENTY-ONE.

Bill Text

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General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 5451
February Session, 2026

AN ACT CONCERNING POSSESSION OF A FIREARM ON SCHOOL
GROUNDS BY A CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:

Section 1. Section 53a-217b of the general statutes is repealed and the 1
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2026): 2
(a) A person is guilty of possession of a weapon on school grounds 3
when, knowing that such person is not licensed or privileged to do so, 4
such person possesses a firearm or deadly weapon, as defined in section 5
53a-3, (1) in or on the real property comprising a public or private 6
elementary or secondary school, or (2) at a school-sponsored activity as 7
defined in subsection (h) of section 10-233a. 8
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to 9
the otherwise lawful possession of a firearm (1) by a person for use in a 10
program approved by school officials in or on such school property or 11
at such school-sponsored activity, (2) by a person in accordance with an 12
agreement entered into between school officials and such person or such 13
person's employer, (3) by a peace officer, as defined in subdivision (9) of 14
section 53a-3, while engaged in the performance of such peace officer's 15
official duties, [or] (4) by a person while traversing such school property 16
for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to 17
hunting or for other lawful purposes, provided such firearm is not 18

Substitute Bill No. 5451

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loaded and the entry on such school property is permitted by the local 19
or regional board of education, or (5) by a police officer certified 20
pursuant to section 7-294d. 21
(c) Possession of a weapon on school grounds is a class D felony. 22
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following
sections:

Section 1 October 1, 2026 53a-217b

PS Joint Favorable Subst.