Researcher: DC Page 1 5/13/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6491 (as amended by House "A")*
AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRONIC DEFENSE WEAPONS.
SUMMARY
This bill allows individuals age 21 and older to carry an electronic
defense weapon if they possess a valid firearm credential (i.e., an
eligibility certificate or permit to carry or sell handguns or long guns or
an ammunition certificate). Under current law, carrying electronic
defense weapons is generally a (1) class D felony if carried in a motor
vehicle (punishable by up to five years' imprisonment, up to a $5,000
fine, or both) and (2) class E felony if carried on a person (punishable
by up to three years' imprisonment, up to a $3,500 fine, or both). The
bill additionally makes it a class D felony to sell or transfer these
weapons to anyone who is younger than age 21 or does not possess a
valid firearm credential.
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.
*House Amendment “A” changes the effective date from July 1,
2022, to July 1, 2021.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
COMMITTEE ACTION
Judiciary Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 38 Nay 0 (04/06/2021)