HB05451 (2026): Certified Police Officers and Firearms on School Grounds

What the Bill Would Do

The April 1 substitute for House Bill 05451 would allow certified police officers to possess firearms on school grounds at any time^[1]. Under CGS 53a-217b, a person is guilty of possession of a weapon on school grounds when, knowing that such person is not licensed or privileged to do so, such person possesses a firearm or deadly weapon in or on the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or at a school-sponsored activity, subject to exceptions that include peace officers performing their official duties. The substitute would keep that official-duty exception and add a separate exception for police officers certified under CGS 7-294d.

Current Status

HB05451 was filed with the Legislative Commissioner's Office (LCO) on March 17, 2026^[2]. It was referred to the Public Safety and Security Committee on March 4, 2026, and scheduled for a March 10 public hearing. The committee reported a joint favorable substitute, and the bill was referred to the Office of Legislative Research and the Office of Fiscal Analysis on March 26, 2026, with a March 31, 2026 deadline at 5:00 p.m. It was printed as File No. 326, received a favorable report and was tabled for the House calendar as Calendar No. 245. The bill history lists no later action.^[2]

What to Watch

The bill analysis lists separate definitions of peace officers and police officers. The substitute would add an exception for police officers certified under CGS 7-294d, while retaining the exception for peace officers performing their official duties.