CT HB05491

Expands self-defense law to include defense of third persons and uses gender-neutral language ("or she") throughout relevant statutes, effective October 1, 2011.

Adds sworn agents and sworn uniformed division officers of the United States Secret Service to the list of law enforcement personnel authorized to use physical and deadly force when effecting arrests or preventing escapes from custody.

Grants Secret Service agents authority to obtain and serve search warrants and arrest warrants for financial crimes, and to make warrantless arrests for felonies committed in their presence.

Allows private persons assisting Secret Service agents to use reasonable physical force under the agent's direction, consistent with existing provisions for persons assisting peace officers.

Specifies that Secret Service agents acting under these powers (except when using deadly force) are deemed peace officers under Connecticut law, effective October 1, 2011.