CT SB00824

Law enforcement units cannot discharge, discipline, discriminate against, or penalize police officers solely for seeking mental health care services or surrendering their firearms, ammunition, or electronic defense weapons during mental health treatment, effective October 1, 2019.

Before returning surrendered weapons, law enforcement units must request officers submit to examination by a licensed mental health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist from a state or municipal list to determine fitness for duty, with costs paid by the law enforcement unit.

Law enforcement units are immune from civil liability for damages arising from actions taken by officers using personal firearms during weapon surrender or for six months after surrender, whichever is longer.

The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Police Officer Standards and Training Council, and labor representatives must develop and maintain lists of licensed mental health providers by October 1, 2019, published on state and municipal websites.

Amendments to criminal firearm possession statutes add exemptions allowing police officers who voluntarily received mental health care and had weapons returned under this act to legally possess firearms and electronic defense weapons.