HB 6624 Summary

• Allows municipalities and school boards to employ retired police officers and qualified retired parole officers to provide armed security in public schools, effective July 1, 2023.

• Establishes eligibility criteria for retired parole officers: minimum 10 years of service (or separation due to service-connected disability), annual firearms training meeting active officer standards, medical clearance for firearm use, and no legal prohibitions on firearm possession.

• Expands the definition of "retired police officer" to include federal law enforcement agents and out-of-state police officers meeting Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council certification standards.

• Removes the requirement that peace officers be "engaged in the performance of official duties" when carrying firearms on school grounds, effective October 1, 2023.

• Maintains possession of weapons on school grounds as a class D felony, with exceptions for authorized school programs, employment agreements with schools, and lawful hunting access.