Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 5451: AN ACT CONCERNING POSSESSION OF A FIREARM ON SCHOOL GROUNDS BY A CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER.

This bill allows certified police officers to carry firearms on school grounds at any time, regardless of whether they are performing official duties. It directly affects law enforcement officers certified under section 7-294d and modifies existing rules that previously restricted firearm possession on school property to only those actively performing official duties. The legislation creates an exception to the felony charge for unauthorized firearm possession on school grounds, which remains a class D felony for all other individuals. The change takes effect on October 1, 2026, and does not impose additional costs on state or municipal budgets.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances law enforcement capabilities on school grounds by allowing certified officers to carry firearms at all times, strengthening public safety and police authority in educational settings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 486: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONCERNING CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS OF EMPLOYEES WITH ACCESS TO TAX RECORDS.

This bill requires state agencies and contractors in Connecticut to conduct criminal background checks on employees who have access to federal tax records. The law mandates that applicants, transfer candidates, and current employees with such access submit written statements about any criminal convictions or pending charges and undergo fingerprinting for state and national criminal history checks. These background checks must occur at least every five years for all covered employees and contractors, ensuring ongoing security for sensitive tax information. The bill also extends these requirements to any subcontractors whose work involves accessing federal tax data, maintaining consistent security standards across all levels of employment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by requiring background checks for employees accessing sensitive tax records, enhancing security and protecting public trust.75% confidence

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signed · Connecticut · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 397: AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE USE AND RETENTION OF DATA DERIVED FROM AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER SYSTEMS.

This bill establishes a state-level civil rights enforcement mechanism allowing Connecticut residents to sue individuals or entities, including government officials, for depriving them of constitutional rights. It creates a new cause of action similar to federal civil rights laws, permitting courts to award damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief when violations are proven. The bill also empowers the Attorney General to investigate and intervene in cases involving civil rights violations, seek civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation, and accept assurances that unlawful practices will stop. Additionally, it clarifies that these actions do not waive sovereign immunity and maintains existing rights to file complaints with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes civil rights enforcement mechanism protecting constitutional rights and empowering Attorney General to investigate violations, directly supporting criminal justice reform and police accountability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Tags Civil Liberties

signed · Connecticut · House May 27, 2026

HB 5476: AN ACT CONCERNING OVERSIGHT OF EFFORTS TO PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE USE OF CONFIDENTIAL CRISIS HOTLINES AT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

This bill establishes a Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee state efforts to prevent human trafficking. The coordinator will work with various state agencies and law enforcement to develop prevention strategies, create a confidential database for reporting trafficking incidents, and maintain a directory of victim service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the coordinator to develop training programs for state agencies, healthcare facilities, and other organizations on identifying and responding to trafficking cases. A Trafficking in Persons Council will also be updated to include the new coordinator and representatives from multiple state departments to coordinate statewide response activities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes oversight and prevention mechanisms for human trafficking, enhancing law enforcement coordination and victim services within criminal justice framework75% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 5308: AN ACT CONCERNING POST-CONVICTION DNA TESTING.

HB 5308 allows individuals convicted of crimes and currently incarcerated or under supervision (probation/parole) to petition courts for DNA testing of evidence held by law enforcement, the Division of Criminal Justice, or courts. The bill requires petitioners to prove the testing could show they didn’t commit the crime, the evidence still exists and wasn’t previously tested, and the request isn’t for delay. Courts must order testing if these conditions are met, and the state covers costs for indigent petitioners while ensuring they have legal representation. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and makes denials of such petitions final for appeal.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables post-conviction DNA testing to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals, aligning with criminal justice reform by protecting civil rights and correcting errors in sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 343: AN ACT CONCERNING FEES CHARGED FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS.

SB 343 sets new fees for criminal history record checks in Connecticut, primarily affecting individuals applying for pardons and certain professionals. It establishes specific charges (e.g., $36 for a name search, $75 for a criminal history check) while requiring the state to waive the $75 criminal history check fee for pardon applicants until July 1, 2029, and allowing fee waivers after that date for applicants demonstrating financial need. The bill also prohibits third-party contractors from charging convenience fees for pardon-related checks during these waiver periods. Volunteer fire departments, ambulance services, and government agencies are exempt from these fees. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill waives $75 fee for pardon applicants until 2029, reducing barriers to criminal record clearance and supporting reintegration efforts in criminal justice reform.85% confidence

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passed · Connecticut · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 5225: AN ACT PROHIBITING CERTAIN LICENSEES AND REGISTRANTS FROM SELLING, DISPENSING, TRANSFERRING OR DELIVERING ANY DRUG OR DEVICE TO EXECUTE A COURT-IMPOSED SENTENCE OF DEATH.

HB 5225 prohibits pharmacies, drug distributors, and manufacturers from selling, dispensing, transferring, or delivering drugs or devices intended for lethal injection executions. It directly affects licensed healthcare entities (like hospitals, pharmacies, and medical suppliers) that might otherwise provide these items to correctional facilities. The law specifically bans such transactions unless the correctional facility has no knowledge the drugs will be used for execution. Exemptions cover routine pharmacy operations (e.g., emergency stock for nursing homes) but exclude any supply for execution purposes. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits execution drug supply, aligning with criminal justice reform efforts to limit capital punishment methods.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 374: AN ACT CONCERNING THE EXPANSION OF THE CRISIS INITIATIVE PILOT PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

SB 374 requires the Division of State Police (within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection) to expand the CRISIS Initiative pilot program statewide by January 1, 2027, working with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The program, officially named "Connection to Recovery through Intervention, Support and Initiating Services," aims to provide crisis response services. This expansion will move the program from a limited pilot to full statewide implementation, directly affecting state law enforcement and mental health agencies. The bill mandates this structural change without specifying new services or funding details.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands mental health crisis response program to divert non-violent incidents from law enforcement, reducing unnecessary criminal justice involvement and aligning with reform goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands mental health crisis response services statewide through dedicated program implementation, directly advancing mental health care access and infrastructure per bill's mandate.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Mental Health Substance Abuse

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signed · Connecticut · House May 26, 2026

HB 5291: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS STATUTES RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

HB 5291 requires municipal fire departments to notify the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESP) within 10 business days of appointing a new or interim fire chief, providing specific contact details like name, address, and phone numbers on a form prescribed by DESP. The bill also updates evidence rules for chemical tests in DUI and related criminal cases, mandating that test results be admissible only if the defendant had a chance to contact a lawyer before testing, results were delivered within 24 hours, approved equipment was used, and a second test was performed within 10 minutes. These changes directly affect fire departments that must report appointments and law enforcement/courts handling such prosecutions. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeUpdates DUI evidence rules to require defendant's opportunity to contact lawyer before testing, protecting defendant rights and ensuring due process in criminal cases.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 23, 2026

HJ 3: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE CLAIMS COMMISSIONER'S COMPENSATION AWARD TO MARK STUART WITH RESPECT TO HIS CLAIM AGAINST THE STATE FOR WRONGFUL INCARCERATION.

This House Joint Resolution (HJ 3) confirms a $16,500 compensation award to Mark Stuart for wrongful incarceration by the state. It directly affects Mark Stuart, who was awarded this amount by the Claims Commissioner to compensate for his wrongful imprisonment. The resolution formally approves the Claims Commissioner's decision (file #24394) to pay the funds from the General Fund's adjudicated claims account. This is a procedural confirmation of an existing award, not a new policy or law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeConfirms compensation for wrongful incarceration, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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