# Connecticut HB 05291: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS STATUTES RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

Connecticut HB 05291, AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS STATUTES RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY., is a 2026 Regular Session House bill sponsored by Public Safety and Security Committee; status signed, last action 2026-05-26 (Signed by the Governor); PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-01).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-HB05291-2026
- As of: 2026-11-01
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: Connecticut HB 05291
- State: Connecticut
- Session: 2026 Regular Session
- Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS STATUTES RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
- Status: signed
- Chamber: House
- Introduced: 2026-02-19
- Last action: 2026-05-26, Signed by the Governor
- Sponsor: Public Safety and Security Committee
- Cosponsors: 3
- Subjects: public safety and security
- Touches household money: yes
- Roll calls: 3 (0 yes, 0 no in all)
- Economic provisions PRIA read: 10

## Summary

To implement various recommendations of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection concerning (1) the appointment of new or interim fire chiefs, (2) chemical tests of criminal defendants' breath, (3) blood or other biological samples for DNA analysis required from certain arrested or convicted persons, (4) a study of lawfully owed DNA, (5) the membership of the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, (6) standards for determining the proposed level of staffing for the Division of State Police, (7) the school security infrastructure competitive grant program, (8) certificates of competency regarding fireworks and special effects, (9) the holding of firearms or other deadly weapons and ammunition seized pursuant to certain warrants, (10) security officers, and (11) professional bondsmen, surety bail bond agents and bail enforcement agents.

## Bill overview: provisions PRIA read

- More money for school security projects: benefit, low. Starting July 1, 2026, the state emergency services department administers bond money for competitive school security grants. No more than $5 million can go to school projects involving shared communication systems.
- More police training and investigation capacity: benefit, low. The state police commissioner must maintain staffing considered sufficient for efficient operations, and officers appointed on or after July 31, 2020, must earn certification within one year. A temporary investigative unit handles online sexual abuse of minors during the fiscal years ending June 30…
- Stricter rules for display operators: cost, low. Starting October 1, 2026, fireworks and special-effects operators seeking competency certificates must show good character and skill and complete state and national background checks. Certificates cannot be transferred. A supervised display permit costs $100; a competency certificate costs $200, wi…
- More people must provide DNA samples: cost, low. The law expands required DNA collection for people in specified criminal, custody, and supervision categories who have not already provided a sample. Depending on the person’s status, collection is due within six months after sentencing or entering custody or supervision. The state must also audit…
- New weapon permits for bail professionals: mixed, low. Starting October 1, 2026, licensed bail professionals can apply for a permit to carry an electronic defense weapon for work and related travel. Applicants need approved safety training. The permit and each five-year renewal cost $62, and renewal requires an annual refresher course.
- Options for seized firearms and ammunition: mixed, low. Starting October 1, 2026, people whose firearms or ammunition are seized under a risk protection order can arrange a transfer to a licensed dealer. After written notice from the person or representative and dealer, the state must deliver the items within 10 days. The state must keep seized items fo…
- New rules for security officers: mixed, low. Starting October 1, 2026, security officer applicants must learn state search and seizure laws. Qualified applicants can work while their applications are pending, but not at specified schools or child care centers. Some current or recently separated public safety workers can skip training; eligibl…
- New emergency planning rules for towns: mixed, low. Starting July 1, 2026, towns and cities must submit an emergency plan every two years and get state approval to remain eligible for related state or federal benefits. Local leaders must approve the plan first, and a town can report that its plan is unchanged. State plans prepared on or after July 1…
- New evidence rules for impaired-driving cases: mixed, low. Starting October 1, 2026, chemical-test evidence rules for impaired-driving and certain vessel cases require a reasonable chance to call a lawyer and consent to testing. Testing must use approved methods and generally begin within two hours; a second test must follow at least 10 minutes later. Brea…
- New licensing rules for youth camps: mixed, low. Youth camps generally face annual license fees of $815 for for-profit camps and $315 for nonprofit camps, with some exemptions. Camps must check employees in positions with child access against criminal, child-abuse, and sex-offender records; supervised work is allowed while checks are pending. Sta…

## Sponsors and cosponsors

- Sponsor: Public Safety and Security Committee
- Cosponsor: Joseph P. Gresko (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: Kenneth Gucker (Democratic), House
- Cosponsor: Tom Delnicki (Republican), House

## Roll call votes

| Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026-03-17 | Senate | Senate Roll Call Vote 329 | pass |   |   |   |
| 2026-03-17 | House | House Roll Call Vote 127 AS AMENDED | pass |   |   |   |
| 2026-03-17 | House | PS Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute) | pass |   |   |   |

## Actions (22)

- 2026-05-26: Signed by the Governor (legislature)
- 2026-05-15: Transmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor (legislature)
- 2026-05-15: Transmitted to the Secretary of State (legislature)
- 2026-05-14: Public Act 26-45 (legislature)
- 2026-05-05: On Consent Calendar / In Concurrence (legislature)
- 2026-05-05: Senate Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A (Senate)
- 2026-05-05: Senate Adopted House Amendment Schedule A (Senate)
- 2026-04-30: Senate Calendar Number 480 (Senate)
- 2026-04-30: Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate (Senate)
- 2026-04-29: File Number 743 (legislature)
- 2026-04-29: Immediate Transmittal to the Senate (Senate)
- 2026-04-28: House Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A (House)
- 2026-04-28: House Adopted House Amendment Schedule A 4946 (House)
- 2026-04-01: File Number 323 (legislature)
- 2026-04-01: House Calendar Number 242 (House)
- 2026-04-01: Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, House (House)
- 2026-04-01: Reported Out of Legislative Commissioners' Office (legislature)
- 2026-03-26: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/31/26 5:00 PM (legislature)
- 2026-03-17: Filed with Legislative Commissioners' Office (legislature)
- 2026-03-17: Joint Favorable Substitute (legislature)
- 2026-02-27: Public Hearing 03/03 (legislature)
- 2026-02-19: Referred to Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security (legislature)

## Bill text

- Public Act No. 26-45, 2026-05-14: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/ACT/PA/PDF/2026PA-00045-R00HB-05291-PA.PDF)
- File No. 743, 2026-04-29: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FC/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000743-FC.PDF)
- File No. 323, 2026-04-01: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FC/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000323-FC.PDF)
- PS Joint Favorable Substitute, 2026-03-17: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R01-HB.PDF)
- Raised Bill, 2026-02-19: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R00-HB.PDF)
- Bill Analysis For File Copy 323: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/BA/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000323-BA.PDF)
- Bill Analysis For File Copy 743: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/BA/PDF/2026HB-05291-R010743-BA.PDF)
- Bill Analysis for HB-5291, as amended by House "A": [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/BA/PDF/2026HB-05291-R01-BA.PDF)
- Fiscal Note For File Copy 323: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FN/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000323-FN.PDF)
- Fiscal Note For File Copy 743: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FN/PDF/2026HB-05291-R010743-FN.PDF)
- Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4668 (See Fiscal Note Details): [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/fna/pdf/2026HB-05291-R00LCO04668-FNA.PDF)
- Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4946 (See Fiscal Note Details): [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/fna/pdf/2026HB-05291-R00LCO04946-FNA.PDF)
- Fiscal Note for HB-5291, As Amended by House "A" (LCO 4946): [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FN/PDF/2026HB-05291-R01-FN.PDF)
- House LCO Amendment #4668 (J): [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/lcoamd/pdf/2026LCO04668-R00-AMD.pdf)
- House Roll Call Vote 127 AS AMENDED: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/VOTE/H/PDF/2026HV-00127-R00HB05291-HV.PDF)
- House Schedule A LCO# 4946 (J): [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/amd/H/pdf/2026HB-05291-R00HA-AMD.pdf)
- PS Joint Fav. Rpt: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/JFR/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R00PS-JFR.PDF)
- PS Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute): [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TS/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R00PS-CV45-TS.PDF)
- Senate Roll Call Vote 329: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/VOTE/S/PDF/2026SV-00329-R00HB05291-SV.PDF)
- Summary for Public Act No. 26-45: [PDF](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/SUM/PDF/2026SUM00045-R02HB-05291-SUM.PDF)

## Related bills

- HB 05153: AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RELATED STATUTES. (signed)
- SB 00484: AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRACTED DRIVING AND THE SAFE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IN A HIGHWAY WORK ZONE. (signed)
- SB 00475: AN ACT CONCERNING JUDICIAL BRANCH OPERATIONS. (signed)
- SB 00488: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE TREASURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REVISIONS TO THE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM AND SECOND INJURY FUND. (signed)
- SB 00444: AN ACT AUTHORIZING CERTAIN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES TO SERVE ON MUNICIPAL BOARDS OF FINANCE. (signed)
- SB 00370: AN ACT CONCERNING THE HOURLY COMPENSATION FOR ADJUNCT FIRE INSTRUCTORS. (signed)

## Sources
- [Public Act No. 26-45 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/ACT/PA/PDF/2026PA-00045-R00HB-05291-PA.PDF)
- [File No. 743 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FC/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000743-FC.PDF)
- [File No. 323 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FC/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000323-FC.PDF)
- [PS Joint Favorable Substitute (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R01-HB.PDF)
- [Raised Bill (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R00-HB.PDF)
- [Bill Analysis For File Copy 323 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/BA/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000323-BA.PDF)
- [Bill Analysis For File Copy 743 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/BA/PDF/2026HB-05291-R010743-BA.PDF)
- [Bill Analysis for HB-5291, as amended by House "A" (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/BA/PDF/2026HB-05291-R01-BA.PDF)
- [Fiscal Note For File Copy 323 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FN/PDF/2026HB-05291-R000323-FN.PDF)
- [Fiscal Note For File Copy 743 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FN/PDF/2026HB-05291-R010743-FN.PDF)
- [Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4668 (See Fiscal Note Details) (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/fna/pdf/2026HB-05291-R00LCO04668-FNA.PDF)
- [Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4946 (See Fiscal Note Details) (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/fna/pdf/2026HB-05291-R00LCO04946-FNA.PDF)
- [Fiscal Note for HB-5291, As Amended by House "A" (LCO 4946) (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/FN/PDF/2026HB-05291-R01-FN.PDF)
- [House LCO Amendment #4668 (J) (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/lcoamd/pdf/2026LCO04668-R00-AMD.pdf)
- [House Roll Call Vote 127 AS AMENDED (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/VOTE/H/PDF/2026HV-00127-R00HB05291-HV.PDF)
- [House Schedule A LCO# 4946 (J) (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/amd/H/pdf/2026HB-05291-R00HA-AMD.pdf)
- [PS Joint Fav. Rpt (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/JFR/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R00PS-JFR.PDF)
- [PS Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute) (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TS/H/PDF/2026HB-05291-R00PS-CV45-TS.PDF)
- [Senate Roll Call Vote 329 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/VOTE/S/PDF/2026SV-00329-R00HB05291-SV.PDF)
- [Summary for Public Act No. 26-45 (PDF)](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/SUM/PDF/2026SUM00045-R02HB-05291-SUM.PDF)

## Related
- [HB 05153: AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRO…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-HB05153-2026)
- [SB 00484: AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRACTED DRIVING AND THE SAFE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-SB00484-2026)
- [SB 00475: AN ACT CONCERNING JUDICIAL BRANCH OPERATIONS.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-SB00475-2026)
- [SB 00488: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE TREASURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REVISIONS TO THE UNCLAI…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-SB00488-2026)
- [SB 00444: AN ACT AUTHORIZING CERTAIN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES TO SERVE ON MUNICIPAL BOARDS OF…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-SB00444-2026)
- [SB 00370: AN ACT CONCERNING THE HOURLY COMPENSATION FOR ADJUNCT FIRE INSTRUCTORS.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-SB00370-2026)
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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/CT-HB05291-2026 (as of 2026-11-01).