CGS 53a-217b:
Weapons on School Grounds

Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-217b prohibits possessing firearms or deadly weapons on school grounds and at school-sponsored activities.^[1]

Prohibited Conduct

Under CGS 53a-217b(a), a person is guilty of possession of a weapon on school grounds when, knowing that they are not licensed or privileged to do so, they possess a firearm or deadly weapon (as defined in CGS 53a-3):^[2]

• In or on the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school; or
• At a school-sponsored activity as defined in subsection (h) of CGS 10-233a

The statute applies to both public and private schools at the elementary and secondary levels. It covers the real property comprising the school, not just the school building itself.

Exceptions

The statute provides four specific exceptions under subsection (b). The prohibition does not apply to the otherwise lawful possession of a firearm:^[1]

• School-approved programs: Possession for use in a program approved by school officials in or on such school property or at such school-sponsored activity
• Employer agreements: Possession in accordance with an agreement entered into between school officials and the person or the person's employer
• Peace officers: Possession by a peace officer (as defined in CGS 53a-3, subdivision 9) while engaged in the performance of official duties
• Traversing school property: Possession by a person while traversing school property for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting or for other lawful purposes, provided the firearm is not loaded and the entry on school property is permitted by the local or regional board of education

Scope of "Deadly Weapon"

The prohibition extends beyond firearms to include any "deadly weapon" as defined in CGS 53a-3. This definition encompasses any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged, as well as switchblade knives, gravity knives, billy clubs, blackjacks, bludgeons, and metal knuckles.^[3]

Penalties

Possession of a weapon on school grounds is a Class D felony under CGS 53a-217b(c), punishable by:^[2]

• Up to 5 years imprisonment
• A fine of up to $5,000

Interaction With Federal Law

In addition to CGS 53a-217b, the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. 922(q)) prohibits knowingly possessing a firearm that has moved in or otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a school zone, including school grounds and the area within 1,000 feet of those grounds, with exceptions that include an individual licensed by the state where state law requires law enforcement to verify that the individual is qualified before issuing the license. The Connecticut statute has no exception for permit holders, since P.A. 98-129 deleted it, so a Connecticut permit holder must still comply with the state-level restriction, which has its own separate set of exceptions.