Bill > HB07194

This bill clarifies and modifies two existing statutes related to firearm discharge and hunting regulations. First, it explicitly allows the intentional discharge of a firearm for lawful self-defense or defense of another person, which was previously not clearly stated in the law. The bill amends Section 53-203 to specify that discharging a firearm in a manner likely to cause bodily injury or death remains a class C misdemeanor, but self-defense scenarios are explicitly exempted from this prohibition. Additionally, the bill modifies Section 26-66 concerning hunting regulations to ensure that no regulation can prohibit firearm discharge in cases of lawful self-defense. The bill also updates the numbering and formatting of various regulatory provisions related to hunting, such as specifying weapon types, hunting hours, and restrictions on hunting near buildings or on certain types of property. The changes to both sections will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing clarity and legal protection for individuals using firearms in self-defense situations while maintaining existing safety regulations for hunting and firearm use.

Justice

Judiciary Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07194&which_year=2025