CT SB00246

Adds new criminal offense: threatening to commit violence or hazardous substance crimes with intent to evacuate school buildings or grounds during instructional hours or school-sponsored activities is a class C felony (elevated from class D felony for general threatening in first degree).

Elevates threatening charges to class D felony when the threatened person is at a preschool, school, or higher education institution during instructional hours or school-sponsored activities (previously class A misdemeanor for threatening in second degree).

Establishes absolute pardon eligibility for persons convicted of school-based threats before age 18 if at least three years have passed since conviction and they have no subsequent criminal convictions during those three years.

Provides absolute civil liability defense for individuals who report school-based threats in good faith and with due care.

All provisions effective October 1, 2016.