CT HB05345

Adds sworn special agents and uniformed division officers of the United States Secret Service to Connecticut's self-defense and use-of-force statutes, granting them the same legal protections as peace officers and special policemen when using physical or deadly force.

Grants Secret Service agents authority to obtain and serve search warrants and arrest warrants related to financial crimes, and to arrest without a warrant any person they have reasonable grounds to believe has committed or is committing a felony in their presence.

Defines "financial crimes" as violations of 19 specific Connecticut statutes covering offenses such as fraud, forgery, identity theft, counterfeiting, and various forms of theft and larceny.

Allows private persons directed by Secret Service agents to assist in arrests or preventing escapes from custody, with authority to use reasonable physical force and deadly force under specified circumstances.

Prohibits persons from resisting arrest by Secret Service agents, whether the arrest is legal or illegal, effective October 1, 2012.