Prohibited Locations for Firearms

Even with a valid Connecticut State Pistol Permit, there are locations where carrying a firearm is prohibited by state law, administrative regulation, or federal law. Permit holders should be aware that their permit does not authorize carry in all locations. CGS 29-28 explicitly states that the issuance of a permit does not authorize carrying in any premises where possession is otherwise prohibited by law or by the property owner.^[1]

State-Level Prohibited Locations

The following locations are restricted under Connecticut state law or regulation.

• Public and private elementary and secondary schools: Under CGS 53a-217b, possessing a firearm or deadly weapon on public or private elementary or secondary school property or at a school-sponsored activity, knowing that possession is not licensed or privileged, is a Class D felony, with limited exceptions.^[2]
• State Capitol and Legislative Office Building: CGS 2-1e prohibits firearms in buildings containing either chamber of the General Assembly, legislative offices, or a legislative committee public hearing, with exceptions for specified officers and persons assisting them, armed forces members performing official duties, and uniformed veterans performing as members of official ceremonial units.^[3]
• State parks and forests: Section 23-4-1(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies prohibits carrying firearms in any state park or forest except as authorized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). This regulation is the subject of Nastri v. Dykes, an ongoing legal challenge. The U.S. District Court upheld the ban on September 30, 2025, and the plaintiff has appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, where briefing was completed in May 2026. Argument was set for November 3, 2026, and on September 1, 2026 the court granted the state's motion to adjourn it. The prohibition remains in full effect during the appeal.^[4]

Federal Prohibited Locations

Federal law prohibits firearms in certain locations regardless of state permits.^[5]

• Federal court facilities and other federal facilities covered by 18 USC 930, subject to its exceptions and notice requirements
• Post offices and other postal property, except for official purposes under 39 CFR 232.1(l)
• Airport screening and sterile areas, including when inspection begins, except for authorized weapons carriage under 49 CFR 1540.111(b)
• Buildings or parts of buildings owned or leased by the federal government where federal employees are regularly present for official duties, subject to the exceptions and notice requirements in 18 USC 930

Other Restricted Locations

• Private property: Property owners and businesses may prohibit firearms on their premises. "No weapons" policies posted by private businesses must be respected. CGS 29-28 does not authorize carrying a pistol or revolver where the owner or person in control prohibits it, and CGS 29-37 makes a violation of CGS 29-28 a Class E felony. A permit holder who refuses to leave after being asked may also face trespass charges. The U.S. Supreme Court considered Wolford v. Lopez (argued January 20, 2026), which addressed whether Hawaii could require licensed concealed carry permit holders to obtain express permission before carrying handguns on private property open to the public. On June 25, 2026, the Court reversed the judgment and remanded the case.
• Municipal property: Some municipalities, such as Woodbridge, have enacted local ordinances banning firearms on town-owned property. Woodbridge permits lawful possession of firearms on roads, highways and streets and exempts peace officers acting within the scope of their duties or as otherwise authorized by law.^[6]

Practical Guidance

Permit holders should research the specific rules for any location they plan to visit. When in doubt, contacting the property owner, facility management, or local law enforcement is advisable. Violations of location-based restrictions can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the specific location and applicable statute.