Researcher: DC Page 1 4/22/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6491
AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRONIC DEFENSE WEAPONS.
SUMMARY
This bill makes changes in the laws governing electronic defense
weapons. Specifically, it does the following:
1. allows individuals over age 21 who possess certain firearm
credentials to carry an electronic defense weapon;
2. expands what is considered an “electronic defense weapon” to
include those that are incapable of inflicting death or serious
physical injury; and
3. makes it a class D felony (punishable by up to five years
imprisonment, up to a $5,000 fine, or both) to sell or transfer
these weapons to anyone who is under age 21 or does not
possess a valid firearm credential.
Current law generally prohibits individuals from carrying electronic
defense weapons in motor vehicles or on their persons (because they
are classified as dangerous weapons). The bill exempts from this
prohibition individuals who are at least age 21 and have an eligibility
certificate or permit to carry or sell handguns or long guns or
ammunition certificate (i.e., valid firearm credentials).
Under current law, “electronic defense weapon” means a weapon
that, by electronic impulse or current, can temporarily immobilize a
person but is incapable of inflicting death or serious physical injury
(including a stun gun or other conductive energy device). The bill
expands the definition by eliminating the requirement that the weapon
be incapable of inflicting death or serious physical injury.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2022 2021HB-06491-R000575-BA.DOCX
Researcher: DC Page 2 4/22/21
COMMITTEE ACTION
Judiciary Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 38 Nay 0 (04/06/2021)