SB 475 — AN ACT CONCERNING JUDICIAL BRANCH OPERATIONS.

(a) Any selectman, town manager, or town, city or borough welfare department, any probation officer, or the Commissioner of Social Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families or any child- sSB475caring /institution Fileor No.agency approved by the Commissioner of Children andFamilies, a childor suchchild'srepresentativeor attorneyor afoster parent of a child, having information that a child or youth is neglected, uncared for or abused may file with the Superior Court that has venue over such matter a verified petition plainly stating such facts as bring the child or youth within the jurisdiction of the court as neglected, uncared for or abused within the meaning of section 46b-120, the name, date of birth, sex and residence of the child or youth, the name and residence of such child's parents or guardian, and praying for appropriate action by the court in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

653Upon 7the sSB475filing Fileof such a petition, except as otherwise provided in subsection (k) of section 17a-112, the court shall cause a summons to Public Act No.

65326-92 caring8 institution or agency approved by the Commissioner of Children55 andFamilies,Substitute aSenate childorBill suchchild'srepresentativeorNo. attorneyor afoster parent of a child, having information that a child or youth is neglected, uncared for or abused may file with the Superior Court that has venue over such matter a verified petition plainly stating such facts as bring the child or youth within the jurisdiction of the court as neglected, uncared for or abused within the meaning of section 46b-120, the name, date of birth, sex and residence of the child or youth, the name and residence of such child's parents or guardian, and praying for appropriate action by the court in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Upon475 the filing of such a petition, except as otherwise provided in subsection (k) of section 17a-112, the court shall cause a summons to be issued requiring the parent or parents or the guardian of the child or youth to appear in court at the time and place named, which summons shall be served not less than fourteen days before the date of the hearing in the manner prescribed by section 46b-128, and the court shall further give notice to the petitioner and to the Commissioner of Children and Families of the time and place when the petition is to be heard not less than fourteen days prior to the hearing in question.

(b) If it appears from the specific allegations of the petition and other verified affirmations of fact accompanying the petition and application, or subsequent thereto, that there is reasonable cause to believe that (1) the child or youth is suffering from serious physical illness or serious physical injury or is in immediate physical danger from the child's or youth's surroundings, and (2) as a result of said conditions, the child's or youth's safety is endangered and immediate removal from such surroundings is necessary to ensure the child's or youth's safety, the court shall either (A) issue an order to the parents or other person having responsibility for the care of the child or youth to appear at such time as the court may designate to determine whether the court should vest the child's or youth's temporary care and custody in a person related to the child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law or in some other person or suitable agency pending disposition of the petition, or (B) issue an order ex parte vesting the child's or youth's temporary care and custody in a person related to the child or youth by sSB475[blood /or Filemarriage] No.blood, marriage or law or in some other person or suitable agency.

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653 [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law or in some other person or suitable agency.

Such orders shall include a conspicuous notice to the respondent written in clear and simple languagecontainingatleastthefollowinginformation:(i)ThattheorderPublic containsAct allegationsNo. that conditions in the home have endangered the safety and welfare of the child or youth;

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475 languagecontainingatleastthefollowinginformation:(i)Thattheorder contains allegations that conditions in the home have endangered the safety and welfare of the child or youth;

The sSB475expense /for Fileany No.temporary care and custody shall be paid by the town in which such child or youth is at the time residing, and such town shall be reimbursed for such expense by the town found liable for the child's or youth's support, except that where a state agency has filed a petition pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the agency shall pay such expense.

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653 expense for any temporary care and custody shall be paid by the town in which such child or youth is at the time residing, and such town shall be reimbursed for such expense by the town found liable for the child's or youth's support, except that where a state agency has filed a petition pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the agency shall pay such expense.

ThePublic agencyAct shallNo. file in writing with the clerk of the court the reasons for placing the child or youth in a particular placement outside the town where the child or youth resides.

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475 The agency shall file in writing with the clerk of the court the reasons for placing the child or youth in a particular placement outside the town where the child or youth resides.

sSB475(2) /Ensure Filethat No.an attorney, and where appropriate, a separate guardian ad litem has been appointed to represent the child or youth in accordance with subsection (b) of section 51-296a and sections 46b-129a and 46b-136;

653Public 10Act sSB475 File No.

65326-92 (2)11 Ensure that an attorney, and where appropriate, a separate guardian ad litem has been appointed to represent the child or youth in accordance with subsection (b) of section55 51-296aSubstitute andSenate sectionsBill 46b-129aNo. and 46b-136;

475 (3) Upon request, appoint an attorney to represent the respondent when the respondent is unable to afford representation, in accordance with subsection (b) of section 51-296a;

Such documents shall be executed and filed in accordance with chapter 815y and a copy deliveredtotheclerkofthesuperior court forjuvenilematters.The clerk of the superior court for juvenile matters shall send the original sSB475acknowledgment /of Fileparentage to the Department of Public Health for filing in the parentage registry maintained under section 19a-42a, and Public Act No.

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653475 acknowledgment of parentage to the Department of Public Health for filing in the parentage registry maintained under section 19a-42a, and shall maintain a copy of the acknowledgment of parentage in the court file] prescribed by the Department of Public Health;

(d) (1) (A) If not later than thirty days after the preliminary hearing, or within a reasonable time when a relative resides out of state, the CommissionerPublic ofAct Children and Families determines that there is not a sSB475 / File No.

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653475 Commissioner of Children and Families determines that there is not a suitable person related to the child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law who can be licensed as a foster parent or serve as a temporary custodian, and the court has not granted temporary custody to a person related to the child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law, any person related to the child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law may file, not later than ninety days after the date of the preliminary hearing, a motion to intervene for the limited purpose of moving for temporary custody of such child or youth.

The court may also request such relative to release such relative's medical records, including any psychiatric or psychologicalPublic recordsAct andNo. may order such relative to submit to a physical or mental examination.

The26-92 expenses14 incurredof for55 suchSubstitute physicalorSenate mentalexaminationshallbepaidBill ascostsofcommitment are sSB475 / File No.

653475 13psychological sSB475records Fileand No.may order such relative to submit to a physical or mental examination.

653The expenses incurred for such physicalor mentalexaminationshallbepaid ascostsofcommitment are paid.

(5) Any relative granted intervenor status pursuant to this subsection shall not be entitled to court-appointed counsel or representation by Division of Public DefenderAct ServicesNo. assigned counsel, except as provided in section 46b-136.

(e)26-92 If15 any parent or guardian fails, after service of such55 order,Substitute toSenate sSB475Bill / File No.

653475 14(5) sSB475Any Filerelative No.granted intervenor status pursuant to this subsection shall not be entitled to court-appointed counsel or representation by Division of Public Defender Services assigned counsel, except as provided in section 46b-136.

653(e) If any parent or guardian fails, after service of such order, to appear at the preliminary hearing, the court may enter or sustain an order of temporary custody.

(h)Public IfAct anyNo. parent or guardian fails, after due notice of the hearing scheduled pursuant to subsection (g) of this section and without good cause, to appear at the scheduled date for a contested hearing on the order of temporary custody or order to appear, the court may enter or sustain an order of temporary custody.

(i)26-92 When16 a petition is filed in said court for the commitment of a55 childSubstitute orSenate youth,Bill the Commissioner of Children and Families shall make a sSB475 / File No.

653475 15(h) sSB475If Fileany No.parent or guardian fails, after due notice of the hearing scheduled pursuant to subsection (g) of this section and without good cause, to appear at the scheduled date for a contested hearing on the order of temporary custody or order to appear, the court may enter or sustain an order of temporary custody.

653(i) When a petition is filed in said court for the commitment of a child or youth, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall make a thorough investigation of the case and shall cause to be made a thorough physical and mental examination of the child or youth if requested by the court.

(B) vest such child's or youth's legal guardianship in any private or public agency that is permitted by law to care for neglected, uncaredPublic forAct orNo. abused children or youths or with any other person or persons found to be suitable and worthy of such responsibility by the court, including, but not limited to, any relative of such child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law;

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475 uncared for or abused children or youths or with any other person or persons found to be suitable and worthy of such responsibility by the court, including, but not limited to, any relative of such child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law;

or (D) place the child or youth in the custody of the parent or guardian with protective sSB475supervision /by Filethe No.Commissioner of Children and Families subject to conditions established by the court.

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653 supervision by the Commissioner of Children and Families subject to conditions established by the court.

and (C) file a motion for revocation of commitment not later than thirty days after the date such trial home visit commences, unless the commissioner removes the child or youth from the home priorPublic toAct thatNo. time pursuant to its responsibility and authority over children and youth committed to the care and custody of the commissioner.

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475 prior to that time pursuant to its responsibility and authority over children and youth committed to the care and custody of the commissioner.

(4) If the court determines that the commitment should be revoked and the child's or youth's legal guardianship or permanent legal guardianship should vest in someone other than the respondent parent, parents or former guardian, or if parental rights are terminated at any time, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that an award of legal sSB475guardianship /or Filepermanent No.legal guardianship upon revocation to, or adoption upon termination of parental rights by, any caregiver or person or who is, pursuant to an order of the court, the temporary custodian of the child or youth at the time of the revocation or termination, shall be in the best interests of the child or youth and that such caregiver is a suitable and worthy person to assume legal guardianship or permanent legal guardianship upon revocation or to adopt such child or youth upon termination of parental rights.

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653 guardianship or permanent legal guardianship upon revocation to, or adoption upon termination of parental rights by, any caregiver or person or who is, pursuant to an order of the court, the temporary custodian of the child or youth at the time of the revocation or termination, shall be in the best interests of the child or youth and that such caregiver is a suitable and worthy person to assume legal guardianship or permanent legal guardianship upon revocation or to adopt such child or youth upon termination of parental rights.

[The court shallorder specificstepsthat theparent must taketo facilitate the return of the child or youth to the custody of such parent.] (5) The commissioner shall be the guardian of such child or youth for the duration of the commitment, provided the child or youth has not reached the age of eighteen years, or until another guardian has been legally appointed, and in like manner, upon such vesting of the care of such child or youth, such other public or private agency or individual shallPublic beAct theNo. guardian of such child or youth until such child or youth has reached the age of eighteen years or, in the case of a child or youth in full-time attendance in a secondary school, a technical education and career school, a college or a state-accredited job training program, until such child or youth has reached the age of twenty-one years or until another guardian has been legally appointed.

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475 shall be the guardian of such child or youth until such child or youth has reached the age of eighteen years or, in the case of a child or youth in full-time attendance in a secondary school, a technical education and career school, a college or a state-accredited job training program, until such child or youth has reached the age of twenty-one years or until another guardian has been legally appointed.

When placing such child or youth, the commissioner shall provide written notification of the placement, including the name, sSB475address /and Fileother No.relevant contact information relating to the placement, to any attorney or guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child or youth pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

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653 address and other relevant contact information relating to the placement, to any attorney or guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child or youth pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

At least ten days prior to transferring a child or youth to a second or subsequentPublic placement,Act theNo. commissioner shall give written notice to such child or youth and such child's or youth's attorney of said commissioner's intention to make such transfer, unless an emergency or risk to such child's or youth's well-being necessitates the immediate transfer of such child or youth and renders such notice impossible.

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475 subsequent placement, the commissioner shall give written notice to such child or youth and such child's or youth's attorney of said commissioner's intention to make such transfer, unless an emergency or risk to such child's or youth's well-being necessitates the immediate transfer of such child or youth and renders such notice impossible.

(6) (A) A youth who is committed to the commissioner pursuant to this subsection and has reached eighteen years of age may remain in the care of the commissioner, by consent of the youth and provided the youth has not reached the age of twenty-one years of age, if the youth is (i) enrolled in a full-time approved secondary education program or an sSB475approved /program Fileleading No.to an equivalent credential;

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653 approved program leading to an equivalent credential;

(B)Public AnyAct youthNo. who was committed to the commissioner pursuant to this subsection and, having declined to consent to remain in the care of the commissioner, left such care once such youth turned eighteen years of age, may request, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, not later than sixty days prior to the date such youth turns twenty-one years of age, to reenter into the care of the commissioner.

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475 (B) Any youth who was committed to the commissioner pursuant to this subsection and, having declined to consent to remain in the care of the commissioner, left such care once such youth turned eighteen years of age, may request, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, not later than sixty days prior to the date such youth turns twenty-one years of age, to reenter into the care of the commissioner.

(7) Prior to issuing an order for permanent legal guardianship, the sSB475court /shall Fileprovide No.notice to each parent that the parent may not file a motiontoterminatethepermanentlegalguardianship,orthecourtshall indicate on the record why such notice could not be provided, and the court shall find by clear and convincing evidence that the permanent legal guardianship is in the best interests of the child or youth and that the following have been proven by clear and convincing evidence:

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653 court shall provide notice to each parent that the parent may not file a motiontoterminatethepermanentlegalguardianship,orthecourtshall indicate on the record why such notice could not be provided, and the court shall find by clear and convincing evidence that the permanent legal guardianship is in the best interests of the child or youth and that the following have been proven by clear and convincing evidence:

(C)Public (i)Act IfNo. the child or youth is at least twelve years of age, such child or youth consents to the proposed permanent legal guardianship, or (ii) if the child is under twelve years of age, the proposed permanent legal guardian is:

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475 (C) (i) If the child or youth is at least twelve years of age, such child or youth consents to the proposed permanent legal guardianship, or (ii) if the child is under twelve years of age, the proposed permanent legal guardian is:

sSB475(k) /(1) File(A) No.Nine months after placement of the child or youth in the care and custody of the commissioner pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement, or removalofachildor youthpursuant to section 17a-101g or an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, whichever is earlier, the commissioner shall file a motion for review of a permanency plan if the child or youth has not reached his or her eighteenth birthday.

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653 (k) (1) (A) Nine months after placement of the child or youth in the care and custody of the commissioner pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement, or removalofachildor youthpursuant to section 17a-101g or an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, whichever is earlier, the commissioner shall file a motion for review of a permanency plan if the child or youth has not reached his or her eighteenth birthday.

Any party seeking to oppose the commissioner'sPublic permanencyAct plan,No. including a relative of a child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law who has intervened pursuant to subsection (d) of this section and is licensed as a foster parent for such child or youth or is vested with such child's or youth's temporary custody by order of the court, shall file a motion in opposition not later than thirty days after the filing of the commissioner's motion for review of the permanency plan, which motion shall include the reason therefor.

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475 commissioner's permanency plan, including a relative of a child or youth by [blood or marriage] blood, marriage or law who has intervened pursuant to subsection (d) of this section and is licensed as a foster parent for such child or youth or is vested with such child's or youth's temporary custody by order of the court, shall file a motion in opposition not later than thirty days after the filing of the commissioner's motion for review of the permanency plan, which motion shall include the reason therefor.

(B) (i) If a child is at least twelve years of age, the child's permanency sSB475plan, /and Fileany No.revision to such plan, shall be developed in consultation with the child.

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653 plan, and any revision to such plan, shall be developed in consultation with the child.

Regardless of the child's age, the commissionerPublic shallAct provideNo. not less than five days' advance written notice of any permanency team meeting concerning the child's permanency plan to an attorney or guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

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475 commissioner shall provide not less than five days' advance written notice of any permanency team meeting concerning the child's permanency plan to an attorney or guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

or (D) for a child sixteen years of age or older, another planned permanent living arrangement sSB475ordered /by Filethe No.court, provided the Commissioner of Children and Families has documented a compelling reason why it would not be in the best interests of the child or youth for the permanency plan to include the goals in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of this subdivision.

653Such 23other sSB475planned Filepermanent living arrangement shall, Public Act No.

65326-92 ordered25 by the court, provided the Commissioner of Children55 andSubstitute FamiliesSenate hasBill documentedNo. a compelling reason why it would not be in the best interests of the child or youth for the permanency plan to include the goals in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of this subdivision.

Such475 other planned permanent living arrangement shall, whenever possible, include an adult who has a significant relationship withthechild,andwho iswilling to beapermanency resource,andmay include, but not be limited to, placement of a youth in an independent living program or long term foster care with an identified foster parent.

(4) At a permanency hearing held in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the court shall (A) (i) ask the child oryouthabouthisorherdesiredpermanencyoutcome,or(ii)ifthechild or youth is unavailable to appear at such hearing, require the attorney for the child or youth to consult with the child or youth regarding the child's or youth's desired permanency outcome and report the same to the court, (B) review the status of the child or youth, (C) review the progress being made to implement the permanency plan, (D) determine a timetable for attaining the permanency plan, (E) determine the servicesto beprovidedto theparent ifthecourt approvesapermanency plan of reunification and the timetable for such services, and (F) determine whether the commissioner has made reasonable efforts to sSB475achieve /the Filepermanency No.plan.

653The 24court sSB475may Filerevoke commitment if a cause for commitment no longer exists and it is in the best interests of Public Act No.

65326-92 achieve26 theof permanency55 plan.Substitute Senate Bill No.

The475 court may revoke commitment if a cause for commitment no longer exists and it is in the best interests of the child or youth.

As used in this subdivision, "thorough adoption assessment" means conducting and documenting face-to-face interviewswiththechild or youth,foster care providersand other significant parties and "child specific recruitment" means recruiting an adoptive placement targeted to meet the individual needs of the specific child or youth, including, but not limited to, use of the media,use ofphoto-listing servicesandanyother in-stateorout-of-state resources that may be used to meet the specific needs of the child or youth, unless there are extenuating circumstances that indicate that suchPublic effortsAct areNo. not in the best interests of the child or youth.

sSB47526-92 /27 Fileof 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

653475 25such sSB475efforts Fileare No.not in the best interests of the child or youth.

653 (l) The Commissioner of Children and Families shall pay directly to the person or persons furnishing goods or services determined by said commissioner tobenecessary forthecareandmaintenance ofsuchchild or youth the reasonable expense thereof, payment to be made at intervals determined by said commissioner;

(n)Public IfAct the court has ordered legal guardianship of a child or youth to be vested in a suitable and worthy person pursuant to subsection (j) of this section, the child's or youth's parent or former legal guardian may file a motion to reinstate guardianship of the child or youth in such sSB475 / File No.

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653475 (n) If the court has ordered legal guardianship of a child or youth to be vested in a suitable and worthy person pursuant to subsection (j) of this section, the child's or youth's parent or former legal guardian may file a motion to reinstate guardianship of the child or youth in such parent or former legal guardian.

(p) A foster parent, prospective adoptive parent or relative caregiver shallPublic receiveAct noticeNo. and have the right to be heard for the purposes of this section in Superior Court in any proceeding concerning a foster child living with such foster parent, prospective adoptive parent or relative caregiver.

A26-92 foster29 parent, prospective adoptive parent or relative caregiver who has cared for a child or youth shall have the right to be heard and comment on the best interests of such55 childSubstitute orSenate youthBill in any proceeding under this section which is brought not more than one sSB475 / File No.

653475 27shall sSB475receive Filenotice No.and have the right to be heard for the purposes of this section in Superior Court in any proceeding concerning a foster child living with such foster parent, prospective adoptive parent or relative caregiver.

653A foster parent, prospective adoptive parent or relative caregiver who has cared for a child or youth shall have the right to be heard and comment on the best interests of such child or youth in any proceeding under this section which is brought not more than one year after the last day the foster parent, prospective adoptive parent or relative caregiver provided such care.

(1) A finding that the state has received notice in writing from the receiving state, in accordance with subsection (d) of Article III of section 17a-175, indicating that the proposed placement does not appear contrary to the interestsPublic ofAct theNo. child or youth, (2) the court has reviewed such notice, (3) whether or not an interstate compact study or other home study has been completed by the receiving state, and (4) if such a study has been completed, whether the conclusions reached by the receiving state as a result of such study support the placement.

(s)26-92 In30 any proceeding under this section, the Department of Children55 andSubstitute FamiliesSenate shallBill provide notice to (1) each attorney of record for each party involved in the proceeding when the department seeks to transfer a child or youth in its care, custody or control to an out-of-state sSB475 / File No.

653475 28interests sSB475of Filethe No.child or youth, (2) the court has reviewed such notice, (3) whether or not an interstate compact study or other home study has been completed by the receiving state, and (4) if such a study has been completed, whether the conclusions reached by the receiving state as a result of such study support the placement.

653(s) In any proceeding under this section, the Department of Children and Families shall provide notice to (1) each attorney of record for each party involved in the proceeding when the department seeks to transfer a child or youth in its care, custody or control to an out-of-state placement, and (2) the attorney for the child or youth, and any guardian ad litem for such child or youth, of (A) any new report of abuse or neglect pertaining to such child or youth or such child's or youth's parent or guardian received pursuant to section 17a-103a, (B) whether such report resulted in an investigation, and (C) the results of any such investigation.

(6) any new report alleging abuse or neglect pertaining to such child or youthPublic orAct aNo. parent or guardian of such child or youth pursuant to section 17a-103a, and (A) whether such report resulted in an investigation, and (B) the findings of any such investigation;

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475 youth or a parent or guardian of such child or youth pursuant to section 17a-103a, and (A) whether such report resulted in an investigation, and (B) the findings of any such investigation;

(u) Prior to the issuance of any order affecting the legal status or placement ofa childin any proceeding under thissection,thecourt shall sSB475confirm /that File(1) No.any attorney for such child has obtained a clear understanding of the situation and the needs of such child, as described in 42 USC 5106a(b)(2)(B), as amended from time to time;

653 29 sSB475 File No.

653 confirm that (1) any attorney for such child has obtained a clear understanding of the situation and the needs of such child, as described in 42 USC 5106a(b)(2)(B), as amended from time to time;

(2) whether the child has received services recommended by any such providers and a descriptionPublic ofAct anyNo. concerns identified by such providers;

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475 description of any concerns identified by such providers;

(w) In any proceeding under this section, theDepartment of Children and Families shall identify the source of any documentation, statements or allegations included in the department's submissions to the court and the date or dates upon which any such information was obtained by the sSB475department. / File No.

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653 department.

The Chief Court Administrator shall provide, in a format prescribed by the Chief Court Administrator, any suchPublic transcriptAct toNo. the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

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475 such transcript to the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

and (3) "Confidential communications" means all oral and written sSB475communications /transmitted Filein No.confidence between a first responder and a peer support team member in the course of participation in an employer established peer support program and all records prepared by a peer support team member related to such first responder's participation in such program.

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653 communications transmitted in confidence between a first responder and a peer support team member in the course of participation in an employer established peer support program and all records prepared by a peer support team member related to such first responder's participation in such program.

(c)Public NoAct personNo. in any civil or criminal case or proceeding or in any legislative or administrative proceeding may request or require information from any first responder relating to the first responder's participation in a peer support program, including whether or not such first responder at any time participated in such peer support program.

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475 (c) No person in any civil or criminal case or proceeding or in any legislative or administrative proceeding may request or require information from any first responder relating to the first responder's participation in a peer support program, including whether or not such first responder at any time participated in such peer support program.

(e) (1) A peer support team member shall not be liable for damages for any act, error or omission, not wanton, reckless or malicious, committed by the peer support team or peer support team member in performing peer support services for the benefit of an employee who is sSB475a /first Fileresponder. No.

653 32 sSB475 File No.

653 a first responder.

Subsection (a)(f) of section 53a-3251-44a of the general2026 statutessupplement isto repealedthe andthefollowingPublic issubstitutedAct inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctoberNo. 1, 2026):

(a)26-92 At35 any time during the period of probation55 orSubstitute conditionalSenate discharge,Bill theNo. court or any judge thereof may issue a warrant for the arrest of a defendant for violation of any of the conditions of probation or conditional discharge, or may issue a notice to appear to answer to a charge of such violation, which notice shall be personally served upon the defendant.

Whenever475 ageneral probationstatutes officer has probable cause to believe that a person on probation who is arepealed serious firearm offender has violated a condition of probation, and such probation officer reasonably believes that such person may pose a risk to the safetyfollowing of another person or persons or is forsubstituted ain newlieu felony arrest or knows that a person on probation for a felony conviction has been arrested for the commission of a serious firearm offense, such probation officer shall apply to the court or any judge thereof for(Effective aOctober warrant1, for2026): the arrest of such person for violation of a condition or conditions of probation or conditional discharge.

Any(f)Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(e)ofthissection,thecommission such warrant shall authorizeseek allqualified officerscandidates namedfor thereinconsideration toby return the defendantGovernor tofor thenomination custodyas ofjudges for the courtSuperior orCourt, toAppellate anyCourt suitableand detentionSupreme facilityCourt. designated by the court.

WheneverThe acommission probationshall officeradopt hasregulations, probablein causeaccordance towith believethe thatprovisions a person has violated a condition of suchperson'sprobation,suchprobationofficerchapter (1)may54, notifyconcerning anycriteria policeby officerwhich thatto suchevaluate person has, in such officer's judgment, violated the conditionsqualifications of suchcandidates, person'sincluding probation,incumbent andjudges (2)who shallseek notifyappointment suchto police officer if such person is a seriousdifferent firearmcourt. offender and such probation sSB475 / File No.

653The 33commission sSB475shall Fileinvestigate No.and interview the candidates, including incumbent judges seeking appointment to a different court.

653In officerthe reasonablyevent believesthatthe suchcommission personmayissues posea ariskdecision toinforming thesafetya ofcandidate anotherthat personthe orcandidate personswill ornot isbe considered by the Governor for anomination newas felonya arrestjudge or isinforming onan probationincumbent judge that suchjudge willnot beconsideredby theGovernor for appointment to a felonydifferent convictioncourt, andsuch hascandidate beenor arrestedjudge formay request from the commission a brief summary that informs the candidate or judge of athe seriousreasons firearmsupporting offense.such decision.

SuchThe noticeform shall be sufficient warrant for the police officer to arrest such person and returnmanner such person to the custody of thesuch courtsummary orshall tobe anydetermined suitable detention facility designated by the court.commission.

WheneverA alist probation officer so notifies a police officer, the probation officer shall notify the victim of the offense for which such personqualified iscandidates onshall probation,be andcompiled anyby victim advocate assigned to assist the victim,commission. provided the probation officer has been provided with the name and contact information for such victim or victim advocate.

AnyOn probationor officerbefore mayJanuary arrestfirst anyof defendanteach onyear, probationthe withoutcommission ashall warrantsubmit orthe maylist deputizeof anyincumbent otherjudges officerand withqualified powercandidates to arrestthe toGovernor, dothe sopresident bypro givingtempore suchof otherthe officerSenate, athe writtenspeaker statementof settingthe forthHouse thatof Representatives, the defendantmajority has,and inminority theleaders judgmentof both houses of the probationGeneral officer,Assembly violatedand the conditionschairpersons and ranking members of the defendant'sjoint probation.standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary.

SuchIn writtenaccordance statement, delivered with the defendantprovisions byof thesubsection arresting(j) officer to the official in charge of anythis correctionalsection, centersuch orlist other place of detention, shall be sufficientconfidential warrantand fornot open to the detentionpublic ofor thesubject defendant.to disclosure.

After making such an arrest, such probation officer shall present to the detaining authorities a similar statement of the circumstances of violation.

Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, provisions regarding release on bail of persons charged with a crime shall be applicable to any defendant arrested under the provisions of this section.

Upon such arrest and detention, the probation officer shall immediately so notify the court or any judge thereof.

(d)Public TheAct courtNo. shall refer such person to the Court Support Services Division for confirmation of eligibility and assessment of the person's mental health condition.

If26-92 such36 person resides outside of the55 StateSubstitute ofSenate Connecticut,Bill such person shall return to the State of Connecticut as instructed by the division for assessment of such person's mental health sSB475 / File No.

653475 34(d) sSB475The Filecourt No.shall refer such person to the Court Support Services Division for confirmation of eligibility and assessment of the person's mental health condition.

653If such person resides outside of the State of Connecticut, such person shall return to the State of Connecticut as instructed by the division for assessment of such person's mental health condition.

(k) The Court Support Services Division [, in consultation] may consultPublic withAct theNo. Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services [, shall] to develop standards and oversee appropriate treatment programs to meet the requirements of this section and may contract with service providers to provide such programs.

26-92 37 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 consult with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services [, shall] to develop standards and oversee appropriate treatment programs to meet the requirements of this section and may contract with service providers to provide such programs.

sSB475(b) /Whenever Filea No.child is brought before a judge of the Superior Court, which court shall be the court that has jurisdiction over juvenile matters where the child resides if the residence of such child can be determined, such judge shall immediately have the case proceeded upon as a juvenile matter.

653 35 sSB475 File No.

653 (b) Whenever a child is brought before a judge of the Superior Court, which court shall be the court that has jurisdiction over juvenile matters where the child resides if the residence of such child can be determined, such judge shall immediately have the case proceeded upon as a juvenile matter.

(o) Not later than January 1, 2019, and annually thereafter, the Department of Correction [and the Court Support Services Division of thePublic JudicialAct Branch]No. shall report to the committee on compliance with the provisions of section 46b-126a.

26-92 38 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 the Judicial Branch] shall report to the committee on compliance with the provisions of section 46b-126a.

sSB475(g) /(1) FileFor No.purposes of this subsection, "juvenile residential center" means a juvenile residential center operated by, or under contract with, the Judicial Department.

653 36 sSB475 File No.

653 (g) (1) For purposes of this subsection, "juvenile residential center" means a juvenile residential center operated by, or under contract with, the Judicial Department.

(3) The local or regional board of education under whose jurisdiction thePublic childAct wouldNo. otherwise be attending school or, if no such board can be identified, the local or regional board of education for the school district in which the juvenile residential center is located shall be financially responsible for the tuition charged for the provision of educational services to the child in such juvenile residential center.

26-92 39 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 the child would otherwise be attending school or, if no such board can be identified, the local or regional board of education for the school district in which the juvenile residential center is located shall be financially responsible for the tuition charged for the provision of educational services to the child in such juvenile residential center.

Application for the grant to be paid by the state for costs sSB475in /excess Fileof No.the local or regional board of education's basic contribution shall be made in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (5) of subsection (e) of section 10-76d.

653 37 sSB475 File No.

653 in excess of the local or regional board of education's basic contribution shall be made in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (5) of subsection (e) of section 10-76d.

(5)Public TheAct localNo. or regional board of education under whose jurisdiction the child would otherwise be attending school or, if no such board can be identified, the local or regional board of education for the school district in which the juvenile residential center is located shall be notified [in writing by the Judicial Branch of the child's placement at the juvenile residential center not later than one business day after the child's placement, notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes] of the child's placement at the juvenile residential center in writing by the Commissioner of Children and Families in accordance with section 10-220h.

26-92 40 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 (5) The local or regional board of education under whose jurisdiction the child would otherwise be attending school or, if no such board can be identified, the local or regional board of education for the school district in which the juvenile residential center is located shall be notified [in writing by the Judicial Branch of the child's placement at the juvenile residential center not later than one business day after the child's placement, notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes] of the child's placement at the juvenile residential center in writing by the Commissioner of Children and Families in accordance with section 10-220h.

(6) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, a child who is enrolled in a school district at the time of placement in a juvenile residential center shall remain enrolled in that same school district for sSB475the /duration Fileof No.his or her detention, unless the child voluntarily terminates enrollment, and shall have the right to return to such school district immediately upon discharge from the juvenile residential center into the community.

653 38 sSB475 File No.

653 the duration of his or her detention, unless the child voluntarily terminates enrollment, and shall have the right to return to such school district immediately upon discharge from the juvenile residential center into the community.

(8)Public UponAct learningNo. that a child is to be discharged from a juvenile residential center, the educational services provider for the juvenile residential center shall immediately notify the jurisdiction in which the child will continue his or her education after discharge from thejuvenile residential center.

26-92 41 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 (8) Upon learning that a child is to be discharged from a juvenile residential center, the educational services provider for the juvenile residential center shall immediately notify the jurisdiction in which the child will continue his or her education after discharge from thejuvenile residential center.

sSB475(a) /A Fileperson, No.as defined in section 42a-1-201, who has been identified in a filing pursuant to chapters 821 to 822, inclusive, may petition the Tax and Administrative Appeals Session of the Superior Court to invalidate such filing, or any amendment thereof, when such filing was falsely filed or amended.

653 39 sSB475 File No.

653 (a) A person, as defined in section 42a-1-201, who has been identified in a filing pursuant to chapters 821 to 822, inclusive, may petition the Tax and Administrative Appeals Session of the Superior Court to invalidate such filing, or any amendment thereof, when such filing was falsely filed or amended.

The court's finding may be made solely on a review of the documentation attached to the petition and the responses, if any, of the personPublic namedAct asNo. a lienor on the land records and without hearing any oral testimony, if none is offered by the lienor.

26-92 42 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 person named as a lienor on the land records and without hearing any oral testimony, if none is offered by the lienor.

(d) If the court determines [after a hearing] that a filing identified in a petition filed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section is not valid, the court shall render a judgment that such filing is void in its entirety and sSB475shall /direct Filethe No.custodian of such filing, when feasible, to note that such filing is not valid.

653 40 sSB475 File No.

653 shall direct the custodian of such filing, when feasible, to note that such filing is not valid.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) The official seal of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, or imitation thereof, whether as a reproduction, imprint or facsimile, shall be made and used only under the direction and with the approval of the Office of the Chief Court Administrator for purposes specifically authorized by the Constitution andPublic lawsAct ofNo. the state or related directly or indirectly to the official business of the Judicial Branch, provided the Chief Court Administrator may in the administrator's judgment approve other reproductions of said seal for educational purposes as determined by the administrator.

26-92 43 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 and laws of the state or related directly or indirectly to the official business of the Judicial Branch, provided the Chief Court Administrator may in the administrator's judgment approve other reproductions of said seal for educational purposes as determined by the administrator.

sSB475(3) /"Dependent" Filemeans No.any relative of a deceased victim or a person designated by a deceased victim in accordance with section 1-56r who was wholly or partially dependent upon his income at the time of his death or the child of a deceased victim and shall include the child of such victim born after his death;

653(4) 41"Relative" sSB475means Filea person's spouse, parent, grandparent, Public Act No.

65326-92 (3)44 "Dependent" means any relative of a55 deceasedSubstitute victimSenate orBill aNo. person designated by a deceased victim in accordance with section 1-56r who was wholly or partially dependent upon his income at the time of his death or the child of a deceased victim and shall include the child of such victim born after his death;

(4)475 "Relative" means a person's spouse, parent, grandparent, stepparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, child, including a natural born child, stepchild and adopted child, grandchild, brother, sister, half brother or half sister or a parent of a person's spouse;

or (2) modify the payee of the support order to be the person or entity awarded guardianship or custody of the child by the court, ifsuchpersonorentity isother thantheobligor underthesupport sSB475order. / File No.

653(b) 42Whenever sSB475the Fileparties to a preexisting support order later intermarry, such marriage shall operate to terminate the support order, and the parties shall be jointly liable for ongoing support pursuant to Public Act No.

65326-92 order.45 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

(b)475 Whenever the parties to a preexisting support order later intermarry, such marriage shall operate to terminate the support order, and the parties shall be jointly liable for ongoing support pursuant to section 46b-37.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, when an agreement to arbitrate includes the method for selecting an arbitrator for an arbitration proceeding to be conducted in this state, no person may be appointed or serve as the arbitrator for the arbitration sSB475proceeding /unless, Fileat the time the person is appointed as arbitrator, and thereafter throughout the duration of the arbitration proceeding, such Public Act No.

65326-92 4346 sSB475of File55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

653475 proceeding unless, at the time the person is appointed as arbitrator, and thereafter throughout the duration of the arbitration proceeding, such person is a member in good standing of the bar of this state, unless all parties to the agreement to arbitrate execute a written waiver of the requirements of this subsection as relate to the arbitrator's qualifications.

A determination on the objection to the continued service of the arbitrator and whether a successor arbitrator is to be appointed shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this sect.onsection Sec..

Sec.

sSB475Public /Act File No.

65326-92 4447 sSB475of File55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

653475 (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, when an agreement to arbitrate includes the method for selecting an arbitrator for an arbitration proceeding to be conducted in this state, no person may be appointed or serve as the arbitrator for the arbitration proceeding unless, at the time the person is appointed as arbitrator, and thereafter throughout the duration of the arbitration proceeding, such person is a member in good standing of the bar of this state, unless all parties to the agreement to arbitrate execute a written waiver of the requirements of this subsection as relate to the arbitrator's qualifications.

Any party to an arbitration agreement shall have not more than fourteen days (1) after the date of appointment of the arbitrator toobjecttosuchappointmentongroundsthatthearbitratorfailstomeetto object to such appointment on grounds that the arbitrator fails to meet the requirements of this subsection.subsection, and (2) to object to the arbitrator's continued role in an arbitration proceeding after receiving actual notice in writing which informs the parties that the arbitrator is no longer a member in good standing of the bar of this state.

For any arbitration proceeding pending in this state onJulyon July 1, 2026, in which an evidentiary hearinghashearing has not commenced, any party to the arbitration proceeding may file a written objection to the continued service of the arbitrator.

[(c)] (d) An application under this section and the proceedings thereon shall conform to the application and proceedings provided for in section 52-410, except that such changes shall be made in the complaint as may be necessary to correctly[correctly and conciselyconcisely] state the plaintiff's cla.mclaim Sec.correctly and concisely.

Sec.

(a) (1) Whenever an arrested person is released upon the execution of aPublic bondAct withNo. surety in an amount of five hundred dollars or more and such bond is ordered forfeited because the principal failed to appear in courtasconditionedin suchbond,thecourtshall,atthetimeofordering the bond forfeited:

(A)26-92 Issue48 aof rearrest55 warrantSubstitute orSenate aBill capias directing a proper officer to take the defendant into custody, (B) provide written or sSB475 / File No.

653475 45a sSB475bond Filewith No.surety in an amount of five hundred dollars or more and such bond is ordered forfeited because the principal failed to appear in courtasconditionedin suchbond,thecourtshall,atthetimeofordering the bond forfeited:

653(A) Issue a rearrest warrant or a capias directing a proper officer to take the defendant into custody, (B) provide written or electronic notice to the surety on the bond that the principal has failed to appear in court as conditioned in such bond, except that if the surety on the bond is an insurer, as defined in section 38a-660, the court shall provide such notice to such insurer and not to the surety bail bond agent, as defined in section 38a-660, and (C) order a stay of execution upon the forfeiture for six months.

(a) If collateral security or other indemnity was received on a bail bondPublic byAct aNo. surety bail bond agent and such bond is terminated, the insurer, managing general agent or surety bail bond agent shall return the collateral security or other indemnity, except a promissory note or an indemnity agreement, not later than twenty-one days after receipt of [a written report] written or electronic notice from the court that an electronic report is available indicating that the bail bond has been terminated.

Suchcollateralsecurity26-92 orother49 indemnityof shallbereturned55 toSubstitute theSenate personBill who provided the collateral security or other indemnity sSB475 / File No.

653475 46bond sSB475by Filea No.surety bail bond agent and such bond is terminated, the insurer, managing general agent or surety bail bond agent shall return the collateral security or other indemnity, except a promissory note or an indemnity agreement, not later than twenty-one days after receipt of [a written report] written or electronic notice from the court that an electronic report is available indicating that the bail bond has been terminated.

653Suchcollateralsecurity orother indemnity shallbereturned to the person who provided the collateral security or other indemnity unless another disposition is provided for by legal assignment to another person of the right to receive the return of the collateral security or other indemnity.

If any such clerk is removed from office, the Treasurer shall requirePublic suchAct clerkNo. to account for any money of the state remaining in such clerk's hands at the time of such removal and, if such clerk neglects to so account, the Treasurer shall certify the neglect to the Chief Court Administrator.

(b)26-92 (1)50 The state shall remit to the municipalities in which the violations occurred all amounts received in respect to the violation of subdivision55 (2)Substitute ofSenate subsectionBill (a) of section 14-12, sections 14-251, 14-252, 14-253a and 14-305 to 14-308, inclusive, or any regulation adopted thereunder or ordinance enacted in accordance therewith, and (2) in the case of the municipalities ranked one to eight, inclusive, when all sSB475 / File No.

653475 47require sSB475such Fileclerk No.to account for any money of the state remaining in such clerk's hands at the time of such removal and, if such clerk neglects to so account, the Treasurer shall certify the neglect to the Chief Court Administrator.

653(b) (1) The state shall remit to the municipalities in which the violations occurred all amounts received in respect to the violation of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-12, sections 14-251, 14-252, 14-253a and 14-305 to 14-308, inclusive, or any regulation adopted thereunder or ordinance enacted in accordance therewith, and (2) in the case of the municipalities ranked one to eight, inclusive, when all municipalities are ranked from highest to lowest in population, based on the most recent federal decennial census, the state shall remit to the municipality in which the violations occurred fifty per cent of the fine amounts received in respect to the violation of section 14-250b, or any ordinance enacted in accordance therewith.

(c) For the purpose of providing additional funds for municipal and state police training, each person who pays in any sum as (1) a fine or forfeiture for any violation of section 14-12, 14-215, 14-219, 14-222, 14- 224, 14-225, 14-227a, 14-227m, 14-227n, 14-266, 14-267a, 14-269 or 14-283, or (2) a fine or forfeiture for any infraction, shall pay an additional fee ofonedollar for eacheight dollarsorfractionthereofoftheamount such person is required to pay, except if such payment is made for violation ofPublic suchAct aNo. section which is deemed to be an infraction, such additional fee shall be only on the first eighty-eight dollars of such fine or forfeiture.

26-92 51 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 of such a section which is deemed to be an infraction, such additional fee shall be only on the first eighty-eight dollars of such fine or forfeiture.

Each clerk of the sSB475Superior /Court Fileor No.the Chief Court Administrator, or any other official of the Superior Court designated by the Chief Court Administrator, on or before the thirtieth day of January, April, July and October in each year, shall certify to the Comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter under this subsection to each municipality served by the office of the clerk or official.

653 48 sSB475 File No.

653 Superior Court or the Chief Court Administrator, or any other official of the Superior Court designated by the Chief Court Administrator, on or before the thirtieth day of January, April, July and October in each year, shall certify to the Comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter under this subsection to each municipality served by the office of the clerk or official.

Each clerk of the Superior Court or the Chief Court Administrator, or any other official of the Superior Court designated by the Chief Court Administrator,shall,onorbeforethethirtiethdayofJanuary,April,JulyAdministrator,shall,onor beforethethirtiethdayofJanuary,April,July and October in each year, certify to the Comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter under this subsection to each municipality served by the office of the clerk or official.

(f) The state shall remit to a lake authority, established pursuant to section7-151a,Public allamountsreceivedinrespectAct toNo. any fineissued by such lakeauthorityforanyviolationofchapter268.EachclerkoftheSuperior Court or the Chief Court Administrator, or any other official of the Superior Court designated by the Chief Court Administrator, shall, on or before the thirtieth day of January, April, July and October in each year, certify to the Comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter under this subsection to each lake authority served by the office of the clerk or official.

26-92 52 of 55 Substitute Senate Bill No.

475 section7-151a, allamountsreceivedinrespect to any fineissued by such lakeauthorityforanyviolationofchapter268.EachclerkoftheSuperior Court or the Chief Court Administrator, or any other official of the Superior Court designated by the Chief Court Administrator, shall, on or before the thirtieth day of January, April, July and October in each year, certify to the Comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter under this subsection to each lake authority served by the office of the clerk or official.

The applicant shall sSB475pay /all Fileprocessing No.fees incurred for such investigation.

653 49 sSB475 File No.

653 pay all processing fees incurred for such investigation.

ThisSec. act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:

Section30. 1 July 1, 2026 4b-52(a) Sec.

2Subsection October(f) 1,of 2026section 4b-124 Sec.of public act 25-91 is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

3(f) JulyNot later than January 1, 2026[2027] 4-582028, Sec.the task force shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary, in accordance with the provisions of section 11- 4a of the general statutes.

4The Julytask force shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January 1, 2026[2027] 46b-15f(h)2028, Sec.whichever is later.

5 July 1, 2026 46b-38c(c) Sec.

631. July 1, 2026 46b-122(c) Sec.

7Subsection July(a) 1,of section 51-1f of the 2026 46b-129supplement Sec.to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

8Public JulyAct 1,No. 2026 46b-145 Sec.

926-92 July53 1,of 202655 51-286fSubstitute Sec.Senate Bill No.

10475 July(a) 1,As 2026used 52-146vin Sec.this section:

11(1) October"Public 1,agency" 2026has 53a-32(a)the Sec.same meaning as provided in section 1- 200.

12(2) October"Personal 1,information" 2026means 54-56l(d)a: and (e) Sec.

13(A) OctoberHome 1,address 2026of 54-56l(k)a Sec.primary residence;

14(B) Octoberhome 1,telephone 2026number; 46b-133(b) Sec.

15(C) Octobermobile 1,telephone 2026number; 46b-121n(o) Sec.

16(D) Januarypersonal 1,electronic 2027mail 10-253(g)address; Sec.

17(E) OctoberSocial 1,Security 2026number; 47-31a Sec.

18(F) Julydriver's 1,license 2026number; New section Sec.

19(G) Octoberfederal 1,tax 2026identification 54-207anumber; Sec.

20(H) Octoberlicense 1,plate 2026number 54-201or Sec.unique identifier of a vehicle;

21(I) Octoberbirth 1,or 2026marital 46b-224record; Sec.

22or from(J) passagechild's Newname. section Sec.

23"Personal frominformation" passagedoes Newnot sectioninclude Sec.information that has been publicly displayed that the protected individual has not requested to be removed, or information that is relevant to and displayed as part of a news story, commentary, an editorial or any other speech on a matter of public concern.

24(3) July"Protected 1,individual" 2026means: 52-407kk Sec.

25(A) JulyA 1,justice 2026or 52-411judge Sec.of a court established under article XX of the State Constitution;

26(B) Octobera 1,senior 2026judge 54-65a(a)appointed Sec.pursuant to section 51-50i;

27(C) Octobera 1,state 2026referee 38a-660h(a)appointed Sec.pursuant to section 52-434;

28(D) Octobera 1,family 2026support 51-56amagistrate Sec.appointed pursuant to section 46b-231;

29(E) froma passagefamily 6-32gsupport JUDreferee Jointappointed Favorablepursuant Subst.to section 46b-236;

sSB475(F) /a Filefederal No.district judge, a federal court of appeals judge, a federal bankruptcy judge, or a federal magistrate judge, if such judge is a resident of Connecticut;

653and 50[(F)] sSB475(G) Filea No.spouse, a child or a dependent who resides in the same household as an individual described in subparagraphs (A) to [(E)] (F), inclusive, of this subdivision.

653(4) The"Publish" followingmeans Fiscalto Impactpost Statementor andotherwise Billmake Analysisavailable areto prepared for the benefitpublic ofon the membersInternet, ofsocial themedia General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or eithersocial chambernetworks. thereof for any purpose.

InSec. general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.

Whenever32. applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.

OFA(NEW) Fiscal(Effective NoteJuly State1, Impact:2026) (a) Upon the release of any person from a correctional facility, the Department of Correction shall disburse to such person the remaining balance in such person's Inmate Public Act No.

Agency26-92 Affected54 Fund-Effect FY 27 $ FY 28 $ Resources of the55 GeneralSubstitute FundSenate GFBill -No. Revenue 20,000 20,000 Loss Judicial Dept.

CICF475 -Trust PotentialFund Minimalaccount. Minimal Cost Judicial Dept.

CICFThe -department Potentialmay Seemake Belowsuch Seedisbursement Belowto Revenuethe Gainformerly Correction,incarcerated Dept.person in the form of cash, a check or a prepaid device, provided the department may not disburse funds by means of a prepaid device unless the department also provides the formerly incarcerated person with at least one alternative option of receiving the disbursed funds by cash or check.

GF(b) -In Potentialany Minimalsituation Minimalwhere Savingsthe Note:department is unable to make such disbursement upon release of such person because the department was not informed of the person's release date at least two weeks in advance of such date, the department shall request a mailing address from such person prior to, or at the time of, such person's release, and mail such disbursement to such person when a mailing address has been provided.

GF=GeneralIn Fund;any such situation, not later than two weeks after such person is released, the department shall mail the disbursement by United States mail to the mailing address provided by the formerly incarcerated person.

CICF=Criminal(c) InjuriesIf Compensationthe Funddepartment Municipaldisburses Impact:funds by means of a prepaid device pursuant to this section, neither the department nor the issuer of the prepaid device may impose, or cause to be imposed, any fee payable by the formerly incarcerated person.

MunicipalitiesAs Effectused FYin 27this $section, FY"prepaid 28device" $means Variousa Municipalitiescard, Potentialcode Minimalor Minimalother Savingsmeans Explanationof Theaccess billto makesa variousconsumer's changesaccount toheld courtby proceduresa andfinancial operations,institution resultingor inother thefinancial followingservice fiscalprovider. impacts.

SectionGovernor's 3Action: results in a potential revenue gain to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (CICF) by requiring the Office of the Chief Court Administrator to establish a procedure for selling or disposing of unclaimed detainee property, including clothing and jewelry.

AllApproved saleJune proceeds4, must2026 bePublic creditedAct toNo. the CICF.

Section26-92 1155 narrowsof the55 circumstances under which a probation officer must seek a warrant and notify police about a serious firearm offender’s probation violation, resulting in a potential savings to the sSB475 / File No.

653 51 sSB475 File No.

653 Department of Correction beginning in FY 27, to the extent less individuals are incarcerated for violations of probation as a result of this bill.

On average, the marginal cost to the state for incarcerating an offender for the year is $3,300.

2 Section 17 establishes a process by which a person can ask the court to invalidate a municipal lien.

To the extent this reduces the number of third parties willing to purchase municipal tax liens, this may restrict a municipality's option to sell tax liens to recoup outstanding debt beginning in FY 27.

Section 20 results in a minimal potential cost to the CICF by broadening the definition of “emotional harm”, thereby expanding the circumstances under which certain crime victims may be compensated.

Under current law, compensation for emotional harm may not exceed $5,000.

Section28increasestherevenuethatalakeauthoritymayretainfrom fines issued for violations of state boating laws, resulting in an annual revenue loss to the General Fund of about $20,000 beginning in FY 27.

3 Thismayalsoresultinapotentialminimalsavingstomunicipalitiesthat are members to the extent fewer funds are needed from the municipalities to support the lake authority.

4 The bill also makes various conforming, procedural, and technical changes that do not result in a fiscal impact because the affected 1There are currently about 1,300 individuals incarcerated for violations of probation or conditional discharge, though it is unknown how many of these violations concerned serious firearm offenders.

Inmate marginal savings is based on decreased consumables (e.g., food, clothing, water, sewage, living supplies, etc.).

This amount does not include a change in staffing costs or utility expenses because savings for these expenses would only be realized if a unit or facility closed.

If this bill results in a large enough reduction in inmate population to allow for closing one or more units, the estimated marginal savings would be about $12,500 per person.

Between FY 22 and FY 25, it is estimated that lake authorities have collected an average of $20,000 in fines annually under chapter 268 of the general statutes.

Municipalities provide appropriations to lake authorities.

For example, the Candlewood Lake Authority is funded by equal appropriations from Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, and Sherman.

sSB475 / File No.

653 52 sSB475 File No.

653 agencies have the capacity and expertise to meet the requirements of these provisions.

The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to any reduction in incarceration for violations of probation, compensation for victims who experienced emotional harm, and the number of fines imposed by lake authorities under chapter 268 of the general statutes.

sSB475 / File No.

653 53 sSB475 File No.

653 OLR Bill Analysis sSB 475 AN ACT CONCERNING JUDICIAL BRANCH OPERATIONS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

SUMMARY §§ 1 & 2 — CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TO STATE PROPERTY Aligns provisions on making capital improvements to judicial branch and higher education constituent unit property without the DAS commissioner’s prior approval § 3 — DISPOSING OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY Requires OCCA to establish a procedure for the judicial branch to dispose of unclaimed detainee property § 4 — CONNECTICUT BAR FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT Pushes back, from July 1 to September 30, the deadline for CBF to report to the Judiciary Committee about the temporary restraining order legal assistance program’s impact § 5 — FAMILY VIOLENCE RESPONSE AND INTERVENTION UNITS Requires the judicial branch to inform DCF about progress on, and compliance with, court-ordered intervention and services when there are open cases in both the branch’s family violence intervention unit and DCF;

consolidates and broadens authorized disclosures related to defendants’ supervision and service needs §§ 6 & 7 — JUVENILE MATTERS & PROCEEDINGS Requires the court, when placing a child or youth in a protective supervision custody arrangement, to include specific steps for the parent to keep the child or youth in the parent’s custody;

eliminates outdated procedural court requirements for parentage acknowledgements;

makes conforming changes to reflect that a person may be related by law, instead of only by blood or marriage § 8 — JUVENILE TRANSFER TO ADULT CRIMINAL COURT sSB475 / File No.

653 54 sSB475 File No.

653 Makes a conforming change to the statute that generally prohibits children from being prosecuted in adult court § 9 — SENTENCING HEARING TRANSCRIPTS Eliminates the requirement that prosecutors request certain sentencing hearing transcripts on the record § 10 — PEER SUPPORT TEAM LIABILITY Immunizes (1) an employer for having a peer support program to benefit first responders and (2) a peer support team member from liability for performing peer support services § 11 — PROBATION VIOLATIONS BY SERIOUS FIREARM OFFENDERS Narrowsthecircumstancesunderwhichaprobationofficermustseek a warrant and notify police about a serious firearm offender’s probation violation §§ 12 & 13 — PRETRIAL DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES AND VETERANS Requires program applicants who live outside of Connecticut to return to the state for mental health assessment;

requires program participants to be classified based on risk level for supervisory and monitoring purposes;

allows, instead of requires, CSSD to consult with DMHAS when developing standards, overseeing treatment programs, and contracting with service providers § 14 — JUVENILE RISK AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT Allows the court to order a risk and needs assessment of an arrested child when it has found probable cause that the child committed the acts alleged § 15 — REPORT ON OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS Eliminates an annual reporting requirement for CSSD on out-of- school suspensions of children living in its residential facilities § 16 — STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS Requires DCF, instead of the judicial branch, to inform the applicable board of education when a child is placed in a juvenile residential center § 17 — INVALIDATING FALSE LIENS Allows the court to discharge a falsely filed lien without a hearing § 18 — JUDICIAL BRANCH OFFICIAL SEAL sSB475 / File No.

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653 Restricts the use of the judicial branch’s official seal and imitations of it §§ 19 & 20 — VICTIM SERVICES Expands the circumstances under which crime victims may be compensatedforemotionalharm;allowsthechiefcourtadministrator to designate someone to set (1) policies and procedures to implement victim services and (2) standards to uniformly pay claims § 21 — SUPPORT ORDERS Specifies that a support order ends and the parties to it are jointly liable for ongoing family expenses if the parties marry §§ 22 & 23 — LAW LIBRARY REGULATIONS REPEAL Repeals obsolete regulations for state law libraries §§ 24 & 25 — ARBITRATOR QUALIFICATIONS Requires arbitrators to be Connecticut-licensed attorneys in good standing, unless waived by the parties in writing §§ 26 & 27 — ELECTRONIC NOTICE TO BAIL BOND AGENTS Allows the court to electronically notify bail bond sureties when it forfeits a bond § 28 — BOATING FINE REMITTANCE TO LAKE AUTHORITIES Requires the state to remit all fines issued by lake authorities for boating law violations to the authority that issued the fine § 29 — JUDICIAL MARSHAL APPLICANT SUITABILITY Requires the judicial branch to determine the suitability of a judicial marshal applicant SUMMARY This bill makes various unrelated changes in laws on court procedures and operations.

It also makes various technical and conforming changes.

A section-by-section analysis follows.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

October 1, 2026, unless stated otherwise below.

§§ 1 & 2 — CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TO STATE PROPERTY Aligns provisions on making capital improvements to judicial branch and higher education constituent unit property without the DAS commissioner’s prior approval The bill aligns expense caps on state-funded improvements (repairs, sSB475 / File No.

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653 alterations, or additions) that can be made, without the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) commissioner’s prior approval, to buildings the judicial branch or the state’s higher education constituent units rent or occupy.

Existing law sets the caps at $3 million, but a separate provision requires the commissioner’s approval for improvements to a state building or premises under the supervision of the Office of the Chief Court Administrator (OCCA, which manages the branch’s operations) or a constituent unit of thestate higher educationsystemthat costs more than $500,000, including contracts for the work.

The bill (1) eliminates the inconsistency, applying the $3 million threshold to both provisions and (2) makes a conforming change to the DAS commissioner’s duties for administering capital improvements, which currently requires her oversight for judicial branch improvements with consultant services costing more than $750,000.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026, except the conforming change to the commissioner’s duties is effective October 1, 2026.

§ 3 — DISPOSING OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY Requires OCCA to establish a procedure for the judicial branch to dispose of unclaimed detainee property The bill requires OCCA to establish a procedure for selling or disposing of unclaimed detainee property, including clothing and jewelry, after a reasonable effort to return it to its owner.

All sale proceeds must be deposited in the General Fund and credited to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, which pays for compensation services for crime victims.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 § 4 — CONNECTICUT BAR FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT Pushes back, from July 1 to September 30, the deadline for CBF to report to the Judiciary Committee about the temporary restraining order legal assistance program’s impact The bill pushes back, from July 1 to September 30, the deadline for the Connecticut Bar Foundation (CBF), as administrator of the grant sSB475 / File No.

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653 program that provides free legal assistance to indigent people seeking temporary restraining orders, to submit a report to the Judiciary Committee on the program’s impact.

(By law, for each year that the program gets funding, CBF must (1) have an analysis done on its impact for thepreviousyear, including informationabout proceduraloutcomes and the legal services provided and (2) report the results of the analysis to the committee.) EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 § 5 — FAMILY VIOLENCE RESPONSE AND INTERVENTION UNITS Requires the judicial branch to inform DCF about progress on, and compliance with, court-ordered intervention and services when there are open cases in both the branch’s family violence intervention unit and DCF;

consolidates and broadens authorized disclosures related to defendants’ supervision and service needs The law requires the judicial branch, through its Court Support Services Division (CSSD), to have a family violence intervention unit in each geographical area court to respond to family violence cases.

The units prepare reports on each case for the court, provide or arrange for victim and offender services (including referrals to counselors who deliver trauma-informed care), and contract for these services.

Generally, the information the units receive is confidential, but it must be disclosed for certain purposes.

One required disclosure is to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) if a defendant is a danger or threat to a child or the child’s custodial parent.

The bill also requires disclosure to DCF about progress and compliance with court-ordered intervention and services when there are open cases in both the family violence intervention unit and DCF.

But this information must only be used for child protection services and not in any other court proceeding unless another law allows it.

The bill also generally consolidates four authorized disclosures.

Currently, the below information may be disclosed as follows:

1.

information allowed under chief court administrator-adopted guidelines shared with specified employees (family relations counselor or trainee or family services supervisor);

sSB475 / File No.

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653 2.

information about a defendant on, or being considered for, pretrial release shared with a bail commissioner or a judicial branch intake, assessment, and referral specialist;

3.

information about a defendant convicted and sentenced to probation in a family violence case shared with a probation officer to determine service needs and supervision levels;

and 4.

information about a defendant convicted in a family violence case shared with a probation officer to prepare a presentence investigation report.

Consolidating and broadening them, the bill allows for disclosure to another CSSD employee all files and reports about the defendant to (1) determine whether to recommend pretrial release;

(2) prepare a presentence investigation report or a pre-dispositional study;

(3) determinesupervisionandserviceneeds,forbothbeforeatrialandafter conviction;

and (4) monitor and enforce release or probation conditions.

The disclosure must be authorized by the CSSD executive director or a division designee.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 §§ 6 & 7 — JUVENILE MATTERS & PROCEEDINGS Requires the court, when placing a child or youth in a protective supervision custody arrangement, to include specific steps for the parent to keep the child or youth in the parent’s custody;

eliminates outdated procedural court requirements for parentage acknowledgements;

makes conforming changes to reflect that a person may be related by law, instead of only by blood or marriage By law, when the court decides in a commitment or custody proceeding that a child’s or youth’s care should be assigned to someone other than his or her parent, parents, or former guardian, the court must order specific steps that must be taken to help return the child or youth to the parent’s custody.

If the court orders placement with the parent under DCF protective supervision (meaning that DCF oversees the arrangement and the court sets conditions), the bill similarly requires the order to specify steps that must taken to keep a child or youth in the parent’s custody.

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653 By law, an alleged genetic parent in a case involving a petition for a neglected, uncared for, or abused child or youth may sign a paternity acknowledgement.

The bill eliminates outdated procedural requirements, specifically that the documents be executed and filed in line with an obsolete statutory chapter and sent to the Department of Public Health (DPH) for inclusion in the parentage registry.

(Under current practice, the court does not participate in DPH’s voluntary parentage establishment program.) It instead requires that the parent use a form that the court provides and that DPH creates.

The bill also makes several conforming changes to juvenile matters provisions to reflect the state’s adoption of the Connecticut Parentage Act (PA 21-15) and that a person may be related by law, instead of only by blood or marriage.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 § 8 — JUVENILE TRANSFER TO ADULT CRIMINAL COURT Makes a conforming change to the statute that generally prohibits children from being prosecuted in adult court The bill adds a conforming reference to the statute that generally prohibits children from being prosecuted in adult court (the regular criminal docket) to reflect an exception in existing law that allows children to be tried in adult court when the case involves a serious homicide, firearm, or sexual offender prosecution.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 § 9 — SENTENCING HEARING TRANSCRIPTS Eliminates the requirement that prosecutors request certain sentencing hearing transcripts on the record Existing law requires prosecutors to request transcripts of sentencing hearingsfor caseswith adefinite, nonsuspendedsentence ofat least two years.

The bill eliminates the requirement that the request be made on the record.

This conforms to judicial branch practice, which requires all attorneys, unless exempt from the branch’s electronic services requirements, to use the branch’s online transcript ordering system.

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653 EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 § 10 — PEER SUPPORT TEAM LIABILITY Immunizes (1) an employer for having a peer support program to benefit first responders and (2) a peer support team member from liability for performing peer support services By law, communications between a first responder and a peer support team member are generally confidential.

A “peer support team member” is someone who directs or staffs an employer-established peer support program for first responders.

First responders include, among others, peace officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers, EMTs, and Department of Correction (DOC) employees.

The bill immunizes employers from damages for setting up or maintaining a peer support program for their first responder employees.

It also immunizes peer support team members from liability for their or their team’s acts, errors, or omissions made when providing peer support services for a first responder’s benefit (including deciding if it is appropriate to disclose confidential communications).

However, this liability protection does not apply to wanton, reckless, or malicious conduct.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 § 11 — PROBATION VIOLATIONS BY SERIOUS FIREARM OFFENDERS Narrows the circumstances under which a probation officer must seek a warrant and notify police about a serious firearm offender’s probation violation Under current law, a probation officer with probable cause to believe that a serious firearm offender violated a probation condition must (1) ask the court for a warrant to arrest the person and (2) notify the police.

The bill narrows situations when this is required to those when (1) the probation officer reasonably believes that the person may be a safety risk to another person or (2) it is due to a new felony arrest.

By law, a “serious firearm offender” is someone with (1) two convictions for certain firearms offenses (such as possessing a stolen firearm or a firearm without its serial number, removing a firearm’s serial number, or illegally possessing a large capacity magazine) or (2) a sSB475 / File No.

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653 conviction for one of these offenses and a prior conviction for specified firearm offenses or at least two prior additional felony convictions.

§§ 12 & 13 — PRETRIAL DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES AND VETERANS Requires program applicants who live outside of Connecticut to return to the state for mental health assessment;

requires program participants to be classified based on risk level for supervisory and monitoring purposes;

allows, instead of requires, CSSD to consult with DMHAS when developing standards, overseeing treatment programs, and contracting with service providers By law, CSSDoperatesasuperviseddiversionary programfor people with psychiatric disabilities and veterans with mental health conditions whoareaccusedofcrimesthatarenotconsideredserious.Aprospective participant must apply to the court to participate in the program, and the court refers the applicant to CSSD to determine eligibility and assess the person’s mental health condition.

Under the bill, if the applicant lives outside of Connecticut, he or she must return to the state as CSSD requires for the metal health assessment.

Existing law allows the court to grant a person’s application to participate in the program after it confirms eligibility and considers the proposed treatment plan.

Participants are supervised by a probation officer.

The bill also, for supervision and monitoring purposes, requires the participants to be classified based on the level of risk they pose to the community, using the chief court administrator’s existing systemfor doing this.

For the diversionary program, current law requires CSSD to develop standards and oversee treatment programs and allows it to contract with service providers, but all of this must be done in consultation with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

The bill instead gives CSSD discretion to consult with DMHAS.

§ 14 — JUVENILE RISK AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT Allows the court to order a risk and needs assessment of an arrested child when it has found probable cause that the child committed the acts alleged By law, a child arrested for a delinquent act must generally be brought before a Superior Court judge within five business days after sSB475 / File No.

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653 their arrest.

At that time, if the court finds probable cause to believe that the child committed the acts alleged, current law allows it to consider whether the child should be assessed for services.

The bill specifically allows the court to order a risk and needs assessment to determine if the child could benefit from services.

It also requires that the assessment generally be confidential, as the law already requires for a child’s risk or mental or behavior health screening.

Under existing law, unchanged by the bill, the (1) assessment must occur within two weeks after the child’s arraignment and (2) child has the right to counsel at the assessment.

A “risk and needs assessment” is a standardized tool that (1) helps juvenile probation officers collect and synthesize information about a child’s recidivism risk and identify other factors that, if treated and changed, can reduce the likelihood of reoffending and (2) serves as a guide for intervention planning.

§ 15 — REPORT ON OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS Eliminates an annual reporting requirement for CSSD on out-of-school suspensions of children living in its residential facilities The bill removes a requirement that CSSD annually report to the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee on its compliance with the law that prohibits CSSD-operated facilities from giving children living at the facilities out-of-school suspensions.

(In practice, CSSD does not(1)provideorcontractforeducationservicesatitsresidentialcenters or programs or (2) make decisions about these suspensions.) Existing law, unchanged by the bill, also requires DOC to report on this information.

§ 16 — STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS Requires DCF, instead of the judicial branch, to inform the applicable board of education when a child is placed in a juvenile residential center The bill transfers, from the judicial branch to DCF, responsibility for notifying the local or regional board of education when a child is placed in a juvenile residential center.

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653 By law, the written notice must go to the board that would otherwise be responsible for educating the child, or if there is not one, to the board for the school district where the juvenile residential center is located.

It must have all necessary information to give the child educational services, including name and birthdate, parents’ or guardians’ address, and placement contact information.

Current law requires the judicial branch to send the notice within one business day after the child’s placement.

Under the bill, DCF must send the notice immediately upon placement, in line with its existing requirements to request the transfer of previous school records for students placed in juvenile justice facilities or incarcerated.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 1, 2027 § 17 — INVALIDATING FALSE LIENS Allows the court to discharge a falsely filed lien without a hearing Existing law sets out a process by which a person may ask the court to invalidate a lien that is falsely filed on the municipal land records.

By law, the court must review the petition and determine if there is reason to doubt the filing’s validity.

Current law requires the court to have a hearing, within 60 days after finding that there is reason to doubt it, to decide if the filing should be invalidated or other relief granted.

The bill allows the court to decide the matter without a hearing.

It specifies that the court may base its decision on documents submitted with the petition and any responses from the person who is listed as the lienor (lien holder) onthe land records.

And the court need not hearoral testimony unless the lienor offers it.

§ 18 — JUDICIAL BRANCH OFFICIAL SEAL Restricts the use of the judicial branch’s official seal and imitations of it The bill prohibits using the judicial branch’s official seal, including imitations of it through a reproduction, imprint, or facsimile, without the chief court administrator’s direction and approval.

It also generally restricts the seal’s use to purposes (1) authorized by the state’s sSB475 / File No.

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653 constitution and statutes or (2) related to the judicial branch’s official business.

The bill allows the chief court administrator to approve other seal reproductions for educational purposes.

By law, a similar restriction applies to using the official arms and seal of Connecticut, with the secretary of the state having the authority to direct and approve of its use.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 §§ 19 & 20 — VICTIM SERVICES Expands the circumstances under which crime victims may be compensated for emotional harm;

allows the chief court administrator to designate someone to set (1) policies and procedures to implement victim services and (2) standards to uniformly pay claims The bill makes two changes to victim services-related laws.

First, it expands the circumstances under which certain crime victims may be compensated for personal injury, including emotional harm.

Under current law, eligible “emotional harm” is a mental or emotional impairment directly attributable to a threat of physical injury or death.

The bill broadens it to also include mental or emotional impairment caused by intentional or knowing actions that would make a reasonable person fear for their safety.

By law, compensation for emotional harm is limited to medical and mental health care and security measures, generally capped at $5,000.

Second, current law requires the chief court administrator to prescribe any necessary policies and procedures to implement victim services and allows her to formulate standards for uniformly paying compensation claims.

The bill allows her to designate someone to do these tasks.

§ 21 — SUPPORT ORDERS Specifies that a support order ends and the parties to it are jointly liable for ongoing family expenses if the parties marry The bill specifies that in cases where the parties to a preexisting child support order marry each other, the marriage ends the order, and they are jointly liable for ongoing family support, as existing law requires of sSB475 / File No.

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653 all spouses to support their family.

This codifies existing practice.

§§ 22 & 23 — LAW LIBRARY REGULATIONS REPEAL Repeals obsolete regulations for state law libraries The bill (1) repeals obsolete regulations for state law libraries and (2) requires the secretary of the state to update the official compilation of state agency regulations on the eRegulations System by October 1, 2026, to reflect the repeal.

These regulations set minimum standards for the state law libraries three-tier system, which PA 90-234 eliminated.

That act instead requires the Connecticut Supreme Court to adopt policies and procedures for maintaining the state’s law library system.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Upon passage §§ 24 & 25 — ARBITRATOR QUALIFICATIONS Requires arbitrators to be Connecticut-licensed attorneys in good standing, unless waived by the parties in writing When an arbitration agreement includes the method for selecting an arbitrator for a proceeding in this state, the bill requires the selected person to be a Connecticut-licensed attorney in good standing at the time of appointment and throughout the proceeding.

The parties to the agreement may waive this requirement but must do so in writing.

If a party to the arbitration believes the appointed arbitrator does not meet this requirement, the bill limits how long they have to object to it to within 14 days after the appointment is made.

It also allows a party to a proceeding pending on July 1, 2026, to file a written objection to the arbitrator’s continued service as long as an evidentiary hearing has not begun.

The Superior Court has the authority to determine whether a successor arbitrator should be appointed.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2026 §§ 26 & 27 — ELECTRONIC NOTICE TO BAIL BOND AGENTS Allows the court to electronically notify bail bond sureties when it forfeits a bond By law, when the court orders a bond forfeited due to an arrestee’s sSB475 / File No.

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653 failure to appear in court as required, it must notify the bond’s surety, including an insurer, about the forfeiture.

The bill allows this notice to be sent electronically, instead of only in writing, and makes conforming changes to the law requiring the return of certain collateral security or other indemnity after a bond terminates.

§ 28 — BOATING FINE REMITTANCE TO LAKE AUTHORITIES Requires the state to remit all fines issued by lake authorities for boating law violations to the authority that issued the fine The bill effectuates existing law’s requirement that lake authorities receive revenue from the fines they issue for violations of state boating laws.

Under existing law, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) must establish a schedule of retention fees that the authorities may keep.

(DEEP’s retention schedule for these fees has 100% of the boating fines being remitted to the issuing lake authorities.) Specifically, the bill requires the state to remit the fines collected from boating law violators to the lake authority that issued the fine.

The Superior Court clerk or the chief court administrator (or an official she designates) must certify to the comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter to each lake authority served by the clerk or official.

The certifications must be made annually by the 30th day of January, April, July, and October.

§ 29 — JUDICIAL MARSHAL APPLICANT SUITABILITY Requires the judicial branch to determine the suitability of a judicial marshal applicant Under existing law, the chief court administrator must require anyone seeking employment as a judicial marshal to have a criminal background check done by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and the FBI.

The bill makes the judicial branch responsible for determining the applicant’s suitability for employment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: