(a)(1) No law enforcement unit, as defined in § 7-294a, shall discharge, discipline, discriminate against or otherwise penalize a police officer, as defined in § 7-294a, who is employed by such law enforcement unit solely because the police officer (A) seeks or receives mental health care services, including such services as a result of a behavioral health assessment conducted pursuant to § 7-291e, or (B) surrenders his or her firearm, ammunition or electronic defense weapon used in the performance of the police officer’s official duties to such law enforcement unit during the time the police officer receives mental health care services.

(2) The provisions of this subsection shall not be applicable to a police officer who (A) seeks or receives mental health care services to avoid disciplinary action by such law enforcement unit, or (B) refuses to submit himself or herself to an examination as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Prior to returning to a police officer his or her surrendered firearm, ammunition or electronic defense weapon used in the performance of the police officer’s official duties, such law enforcement unit shall request the police officer to submit himself or herself to an examination by a mental health professional, as defined in § 31-294k. The examination shall be performed to determine whether the police officer is ready to report for official duty and shall be paid for by such law enforcement unit.

(c) No civil action may be brought against a law enforcement unit for damages arising from an act or omission of a police officer employed by the unit with respect to the officer’s use of his or her personal firearm, if (1) the officer seeks or receives mental health care services and surrenders to such unit his or her firearm, ammunition or electronic defense weapon used in the performance of the police officer’s official duties, and (2) such act or omission occurs during the time period the officer has surrendered his or her firearm, ammunition or electronic defense weapon or within six months of the date of surrendering his or her firearm, ammunition or electronic defense weapon, whichever is longer.