O F F I C E O F L E G I S L A T I V E R E S E A R C H
P U B L I C A C T S U M M A R Y
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PA 21-31—sHB 6491
Judiciary Committee
AN ACT CONCERNING EL ECTRONIC DEFENSE WEA PONS
SUMMARY: This act allows individuals age 21 and older to carry an electronic
defense weapon (e.g., stun gun) if they possess a valid firearm credential (i.e., a
handgun or long gun eligibility certificate, permit to carry or sell handguns, or
ammunition certificate).
Under existing law, unless an exemption applies, carrying an electronic
defense weapon is a (1) class D felony (see Table on Penalties) if carried in a
motor vehicle and (2) class E felony if carried on a person. Under the act, these
penalties do not apply to someone age 21 or older with a valid firearm credential.
The act 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 prior law, “electronic defense weapon” meant a weapon that, by
electronic impulse or current, could temporarily immobilize a person but was
incapable of inflicting death or serious physical injury. The act expands the
definition by eliminating the requirement that the weapon be incapable of
inflicting death or serious physical injury.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021