Connecticut House Bill HB06388

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/19
• Refer: 1/25/19

Caption

An Act Allowing Off-duty Police Officers To Carry Firearms Used In The Performance Of Official Duties On School Grounds.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would have implications for the state's approach to security in schools. Advocates for the bill argue that allowing off-duty police officers to carry firearms on school grounds can serve to deter crime and improve the safety of students and staff. The change in law might empower police officers to react more swiftly to incidents on school properties. However, this could also raise concerns about the presence of firearms in educational environments, which may provoke debate on whether this policy contributes positively to school safety or inadvertently increases risk.

Summary

House Bill 06388 proposes to amend section 53a-217b of the general statutes, specifically to allow off-duty police officers to carry firearms that they use in the performance of their official duties onto school grounds, even when they are not actively performing their official duties. The intent of this bill is to enhance security on school campuses by enabling law enforcement personnel to remain armed while on school property, thereby potentially providing a quicker response to emergencies or threats that may occur while they are off-duty.

Contention

The bill has garnered attention and sparked debate regarding the balance between ensuring safety and the risks associated with firearms in schools. Proponents assert that the enhanced security provided by armed officers could save lives during critical incidents. In contrast, opponents may express worries about the implications of normalizing firearms in educational settings, fearing that it could lead to accidental discharges or escalate conflicts. The discussion around HB06388 highlights the ongoing dialogue about public safety, law enforcement policy, and gun rights in the context of educational institutions.