Bill > HB05291

This bill, stemming from recommendations by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, makes several changes to public safety statutes. It requires municipal fire departments to notify the state about new or interim fire chiefs, clarifies procedures for chemical tests of defendants' breath, blood, or urine in criminal cases, and modifies requirements for collecting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples from arrested or convicted individuals, including initiating a study on "lawfully owed DNA" which refers to DNA samples legally required from offenders. The bill also adjusts the membership of the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, revises how staffing levels for the Division of State Police are determined, and modifies the school security infrastructure competitive grant program. Additionally, it updates requirements for certificates of competency for fireworks and special effects, clarifies rules for holding seized firearms and other deadly weapons, and amends regulations concerning security officers, professional bondsmen, surety bail bond agents, and bail enforcement agents, including allowing them to carry electronic defense weapons after completing specific training.

Justice

Public Safety and Security Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05291&which_year=2026