Connecticut 2026 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 33 D · 1 R cosponsors

HB 5306 — AN ACT CONCERNING SENTENCE REDUCTION OR RELIEF FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

Last action — FILE NO. 598

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced February 20, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 34 sponsors

    34 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (33 D · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

882 added · 735 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updates to Bill HB 5306 clarify the definitions of terms related to victims of serious crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. Specifically, the term "survivor" is clearly defined to include both adults and children who have experienced these traumas. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that if a court finds a defendant to be a survivor and these experiences significantly contributed to their actions, it can affect their sentencing. This change is important as it acknowledges the impact of victimization on behavior and aims to provide a more just legal response for survivors.

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General Assembly Raised Bill No.
House of Representatives General Assembly File No.
5306 February Session, 2026 LCO No.
598 February Session, 2026 Substitute House Bill No.
1697 Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY Introduced by:
5306 House of Representatives, April 13, 2026 The Committee on Judiciary reported through REP.
(JUD) AN ACT CONCERNING SENTENCE REDUCTION OR RELIEF FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
STAFSTROM of the 129th Dist., Chairperson of the Committee on the part of the House, that the substitute bill ought to pass.
AN ACT CONCERNING SENTENCE REDUCTION OR RELIEF FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
(1) (A) For a capital felony committed prior to April 25, 2012, under the provisions of section 53a-54b in effect prior to April 25, 2012, a term of life imprisonment without the possibility of release unless a sentence of death is imposed in accordance with section 53a-46a, or (B) for the class A felony of murder with special circumstances committed on or after April 25, 2012, under the provisions of section 53a-54b in effect on or after April 25, 2012, a term of life imprisonment without the LCO No.
(1) (A) For a capital felony committed prior to April 25, 2012, under the provisions of section 53a-54b in effect prior to April 25, 2012, a term of life imprisonment without the possibility of release unless a sentence of death is imposed in accordance with section 53a-46a, or (B) for the class A felony of murder with special circumstances committed on or sHB5306 / File No.
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598 1 sHB5306 File No.
5306 possibility of release;
598 after April 25, 2012, under the provisions of section 53a-54b in effect on or after April 25, 2012, a term of life imprisonment without the possibility of release;
Upon such motion and a determinationby the court that (A) the defendant is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) domestic LCO No.
Upon such motion and a finding by the court that (A) the defendant is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) domestic violence, sHB5306 / File No.
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598 2 sHB5306 File No.
5306 violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the offense, the court shall impose a sentence in accordance with this subsection.
598 sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense, the court shall impose a sentence in accordance with this subsection.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, (A) "domestic violence" has the same meaning as provided in subsection (b) of section 46b-1;
(2) For purposes of this subsection, (A) "survivor" means an adult or child who has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking in persons;
(B) "sexual assault" means any act that constitutes a violation of section 53a-70b of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2019, or section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a;
(B) "domestic violence" has the same meaning asprovidedinsubsection(b)of section46b-1;
(C) "stalking" means any act that constitutes a violation of section 53a-181c, 53a-181d, 53a-181e or 53a-181f;
(C)"sexual assault"means any act that constitutes a violation of section 53a-70b of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2019, or section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a;
(D) "trafficking in persons" means trafficking in persons under section 53a-192a or a criminal violation of 18 USC Chapter 77, asamended from time to time;
(D) "stalking" means any act that constitutes a violation of section 53a-181c, 53a-181d, 53a-181e or 53a-181f;
and (E) "contributing factor" means a factor that influences an offense but is not necessarily the sole, primary, substantial or major factor leading to the offense.
(E) "trafficking in persons" means trafficking in persons under section 53a-192a or a criminal violation of 18 USC Chapter 77, as amended from time to time;
and (F) "significant contributing factor" means that there is a substantial likelihood that the abuse suffered by the survivor influenced the survivor's commission of the crime without necessarily being the exclusive or overriding factor for the criminal conduct.
In determining whether theabuse sufferedby thesurvivorwas a significant contributing factor, the court may consider the cumulative impact of the abuse suffered by the survivor together with the events immediately surrounding the crime.
presentence report;
sworn statement from a person with direct or indirect knowledge of the domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking inpersons;
sworn statement from a person with direct knowledge or other reliable evidence of the domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons;
documentationpreparedat or nearthetime ofthe commission or prosecution of the present offense tending to support the claims of the defendant;
documentation including written documents, photographs, text messages, electronic mail, videos and audio recordings submitted sHB5306 / File No.
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598 pursuant to the rules of the court and tending to support the claims of the defendant;
or sworn statements from a member of the clergy, an attorney or a social worker, or a domestic violence counselor or sexual assault counselor, each as defined in section 52-146k, or other advocate acting on behalf of a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons.
or sworn statements from a member of the clergy, an attorney or a social worker, a teacher or other school professional, or a domestic violence counselor or sexual assault counselor, each as defined in section 52-146k, or other advocate acting on behalf of a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons.
LCO No.
(4) At any time prior to sentencing, the court may consider testimony from witnesses offered by the prosecution or defense, consider oral and written arguments and consider any other evidence relevant to the court's determination of whether domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the defendant's offense.
1697 3 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 (4) At any time prior to sentencing, the court shall consider testimony from witnesses offered by the prosecution or defense, consider oral and written arguments and consider any other evidence relevant to the court's determination of whether domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the defendant's offense.
(5) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes providing a term of imprisonment for a felony offense, including a mandatory minimum sentence, if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the offense, the court shall depart from the applicable sentence under subsection (a) of this sectionorthesentenceprovidedunderthesectionofthegeneralstatutes for the applicable offense, to the ranges provided as follows:
(5) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes providing a term of imprisonment for a felony offense, including a mandatory minimum sentence, if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense, the court may depart from the applicable sentence under subsection (a) of this section or the sentence provided under the section of the general statutes for the applicable offense, to theranges provided as follows:
(E) a term of twenty-five years of imprisonment or more, up to, but not including, a term of thirty years imprisonment, shall be reduced to a term of twelve and one-half years imprisonment or less;
(E) a term of twenty-five years of imprisonment or more, up to, but not including, a term of thirty years imprisonment, shall be reduced sHB5306 / File No.
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598 to a term of twelve and one-half years imprisonment or less;
(H) a term of five years of imprisonment or more, up to, but not including, a term LCO No.
(H) a term of five years of imprisonment or more, up to, but not including, a term of ten years imprisonment, shall be reduced to a term of five years imprisonment or less;
1697 4 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 of ten years imprisonment, shall be reduced to a term of five years imprisonment or less;
(b) [On] Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, on and after October 1, 2021, at any time during the period of a sentence in which a defendant has been sentenced prior to, on or after October 1, 2021, to an executed period of incarceration of more than seven years as a result of a plea agreement, including an agreement in which there is anagreeduponrangeofsentence, uponagreement ofthedefendant and the state's attorney to seek review of the sentence, the sentencing court or judge may, after hearing and for good cause shown, reduce the sentence, order the defendant discharged, or order the defendant LCO No.
(b) [On] Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, on and after October 1, 2021, at any time during the period of a sentence in which a defendant has been sentenced prior to, on or after October 1, sHB5306 / File No.
1697 5 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 discharged on probation or conditional discharge for a period not to exceed that to which the defendant could have been originally sentenced.
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598 2021, to an executed period of incarceration of more than seven years as a result of a plea agreement, including an agreement in which there is anagreeduponrangeofsentence, uponagreement ofthedefendant and the state's attorney to seek review of the sentence, the sentencing court or judge may, after hearing and for good cause shown, reduce the sentence, order the defendant discharged, or order the defendant discharged on probation or conditional discharge for a period not to exceed that to which the defendant could have been originally sentenced.
(f) At a hearing held by the sentencing court or judge under this section, such court or judge shall permit any victim of the crime to appear before the court or judge for the purpose of making a statement for the record concerning whether or not the sentence of the defendant should be reduced, the defendant should be discharged or the defendant should be discharged on probation or conditional discharge pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
(f) At a hearing held by the sentencing court or judge under this section, such court or judge shall permit any victim of the crime to appear before the court or judge for the purpose of making a statement for the record concerning whether or not the sentence of the defendant should be reduced, the defendant should be discharged or the defendant should be discharged on probation or conditional discharge sHB5306 / File No.
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598 pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
For the purposes of this subsection, "victim" LCO No.
For the purposes of this subsection, "victim" means the victim, the legal representative of the victim or a member of the deceased victim's immediate family.
1697 6 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 means the victim, the legal representative of the victim or a member of the deceased victim's immediate family.
(g) (1) Any defendant filing a motion for sentence modification pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall have the opportunity to present evidence demonstrating that (A) the defendant is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense.
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(g) (1) Any defendant filing a motion for sentence modification pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall have the opportunity to present evidence demonstrating that (A) the defendant is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the offense.
(2) When possible, any motion for sentence modification under this subsectionshallbe heardby theoriginalsentencing judge.
(2) When possible, any motion for sentence modification under this subsection shall be heard by the original sentencing judge.
Iftheoriginal sentencing judge no longer serves within the judicial district in which the original sentence was imposed, the motion shall be randomly assigned to another judge in the judicial district in which the original sentence was imposed.
(3) For purposes of this subsection "domestic violence", "sexual assault", "stalking", "trafficking in persons" and "contributing factor" have the same meaning as provided in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act.
(3) For purposes of this subsection "survivor", "domestic violence", "sexual assault", "stalking", "trafficking in persons" and "significant contributing factor" have the same meaning as provided in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act.
presentence report;
restraining order or protective order pursuant to section 46b-15, 46b-16a or 46b-38c, subsection (f) of section 53a-28 or section 53a-40e or 54-1k, or a foreign order of protection, as defined in section 46b-15a;
restraining order or protective order pursuant to section 46b-15, 46b-16a or 46b-38c, sHB5306 / File No.
sworn statement from a person with direct or indirect knowledge of the domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons;
598 7 sHB5306 File No.
documentation prepared at or near the time of the commission or LCO No.
598 subsection (f) of section 53a-28 or section 53a-40e or 54-1k, or a foreign order of protection, as defined in section 46b-15a;
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sworn statement from a person with direct knowledge or other credible evidence of the domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons;
5306 prosecution of the offense tending to support the claims of the defendant;
documentation including written documents, photographs, text messages, electronic mail, videos, and audio recordings submitted pursuant to the rules of the court and tending to support the claims of the defendant;
or sworn statements from a member of the clergy, an attorney or a social worker, or a domestic violence counselor or sexual assault counselor, each as defined in section 52-146k, or other advocate acting on behalf of a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons.
or sworn statements from a member of the clergy, an attorney or a social worker, a teacher or other school professional, or a domestic violence counselor or sexual assault counselor, each as defined in section 52-146k, or other advocate acting on behalf of a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons.
(5) At a hearing held under this section, the court shall take testimony from witnesses offered by the state or defense, consider oral and written arguments and consider any other evidence relevant to the court's determination of whether domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the defendant's offense.
(5) At a hearing held under this section, the court may take testimony from witnesses offered by the state or defense, consider oral and written arguments and consider any other evidence relevant to the court's finding of whether domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the defendant's offense.
The court may determine that violence or abuse the defendant suffered due to being subjected to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was related to and was a contributing factor to the offense regardless of whether the defendant had previously raised evidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons during the defendant's trial, plea negotiations or sentencing hearing.
The court may determine that violence or abuse the defendant suffered due to being subjected to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a significant contributing factor to the offense regardless of whether the defendant had previously raised evidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons during the defendant's trial, plea negotiations or sentencing hearing.
(6) Regardless of whether the defendant is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence, if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that (A) the defendant is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking inpersons was acontributing factor inthe commission of the offense, the court shall reduce the sentence in accordance with subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act.
(6) Regardless of whether the defendant is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence, if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that (A) the defendant is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a significant contributing factor in the commission of the offense, the court may reduce the sHB5306 / File No.
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598 sentence in accordance with subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act.
LCO No.
(8)Ifthecourtfindsthatsuchdefendanthasnotmettherequirements to apply for relief as provided for in subdivision (1) of this subsection, the court shall notify the defendant and deny such defendant's request without prejudice.
1697 8 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 (8)Ifthecourtfindsthatsuchdefendanthasnotmettherequirements to apply for relief as provided for in subdivision (1) of this subsection, the court shall notify the defendant and deny such defendant's request without prejudice.
(9) Nothing in this subsection shall preclude a defendant from seeking or obtaining relief under section 51-195, 51-196, 54-95c, 54-125a, as amended by this act, or 54-130a, as amended by this act, or any other statute pertaining to sentence reduction relief.
(9) Nothing in this subsection shall preclude a defendant from seeking or obtaining relief under section 51-195, 51-196, 53a-39, as amended by this act, 54-95c, 54-125a, as amended by this act, or 54-130a, as amended by this act, or any other statute pertaining to sentence reduction relief.
At the discretion of the panel, and under the terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the panel including requiring the parolee to submit personal reports, the parolee shall be allowed to return to the parolee's home or to reside in a residential community center, or to go elsewhere.
At the discretion of the panel, and under the terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the panel including requiring the parolee to submit personal reports, the sHB5306 / File No.
The parolee shall, while on parole, remain under the jurisdiction of the board until the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which the parolee was LCO No.
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598 parolee shall be allowed to return to the parolee's home or to reside in a residential community center, or to go elsewhere.
5306 sentenced less any risk reduction credit earned under the provisions of section 18-98e.
The parolee shall, while on parole, remain under the jurisdiction of the board until the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which the parolee was sentenced less any risk reduction credit earned under the provisions of section 18-98e.
Such regulations shall include guidelines and procedures for classifying a person as a violent offender that are not limited to a consideration of the elementsoftheoffense or offensesfor whichsuchpersonwas convicted.
Such sHB5306 / File No.
LCO No.
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1697 10 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 (d) The Board of Pardons and Paroles may hold a hearing to determine the suitability for parole release of any person whose eligibility for parole release is not subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section upon completion by such person of seventy-five per cent of such person's definite or total effective sentence less any risk reduction credit earned under the provisions of section 18-98e.
598 regulations shall include guidelines and procedures for classifying a person as a violent offender that are not limited to a consideration of the elementsoftheoffense or offensesfor whichsuchpersonwas convicted.
(d) The Board of Pardons and Paroles may hold a hearing to determine the suitability for parole release of any person whose eligibility for parole release is not subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section upon completion by such person of seventy-five per cent of such person's definite or total effective sentence less any risk reduction credit earned under the provisions of section 18-98e.
The board shall give substantial weight to any evidence that (A) such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, as defined in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act, and (B) their experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons were a significant contributing factor to the commission of the offense.
(e) The Board of Pardons and Paroles may hold a hearing to determine the suitability for parole release of any person whose eligibility for parole release is subject to the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section upon completion by such person of eighty-five per cent of such person's definite or total effective sentence.
(e) The Board of Pardons and Paroles may hold a hearing to determine the suitability for parole release of any person whose sHB5306 / File No.
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598 eligibility for parole release is subject to the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section upon completion by such person of eighty-five per cent of such person's definite or total effective sentence.
(1) Whether there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, and (2) whether the benefits to such person LCO No.
(1) Whether there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, and (2) whether the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's release to community supervision substantially outweigh the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's continued incarceration.
1697 11 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 and society that would result from such person's release to community supervision substantially outweigh the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's continued incarceration.
The board shall give substantial weight to any evidence that (A) such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, as defined in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act, and (B) their experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons were a significant contributing factor to the commission of the offense.
If a hearing isnot held, theboardshalldocument thespecificreasonsfor not holding a hearing and provide such reasons to such person.
If a hearing is not held, the board shall document the specific reasons for not holding a hearing and provide such reasons to such person.
(f) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, of this section, a person convicted of one or more crimes committed while such person was under eighteen years of age, who is incarcerated on or after October 1, 2015, and who received a definite sentence or total effective sentence of more than ten years for such crime or crimes prior to, on or after October 1, 2015, may be allowed to go at large on parole in the discretion of the panel of the Board of Pardons and Paroles for the institution in which such person is confined, provided (A) if such person is serving a sentence of fifty years or less, such person shall be eligible for parole after serving sixty per cent of the sentence or twelve years, whichever is greater, or (B) if such person is serving a sentence of more than fifty years, such person shall be eligible for parole after serving thirty years.
(f) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, of this section, a person convicted of one or more crimes committed while such person was under eighteen years of age, who is sHB5306 / File No.
Nothing in this subsection shall limit a person's eligibility for parole release under the provisions of subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, of this section if such person would be LCO No.
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1697 12 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 eligibleforparolereleaseatanearlierdateunderanyofsuchprovisions.
598 incarcerated on or after October 1, 2015, and who received a definite sentence or total effective sentence of more than ten years for such crime or crimes prior to, on or after October 1, 2015, may be allowed to go at large on parole in the discretion of the panel of the Board of Pardons and Paroles for the institution in which such person is confined, provided (A) if such person is serving a sentence of fifty years or less, such person shall be eligible for parole after serving sixty per cent of the sentence or twelve years, whichever is greater, or (B) if such person is serving a sentence of more than fifty years, such person shall be eligible for parole after serving thirty years.
Nothing in this subsection shall limit a person's eligibility for parole release under the provisions of subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, of this section if such person would be eligibleforparolereleaseatanearlierdateunderanyofsuchprovisions.
At any hearing to determine such person's suitability for parole release pursuant to this subsection, the board shall permit (A) such person to make a statement on such person's behalf, (B) counsel for such person and the state's attorney to submit reports and other documents, and (C) any victim of thecrime or crimestomake astatement pursuant to section54-126a.The board may request testimony from mental health professionals or other relevant witnesses, and reports from the Commissioner of Correction or other persons, as the board may require.
At any hearing to determine such person's suitability for parole release pursuant to this subsection, the board shall permit (A) such person to make a statement on such person's behalf, (B) counsel for such person and the state's attorney to submit reports and other documents, and (C) any victim of sHB5306 / File No.
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598 thecrime or crimestomake astatement pursuant to section54-126a.The board may request testimony from mental health professionals or other relevant witnesses, and reports from the Commissioner of Correction or other persons, as the board may require.
(4)After suchhearing, theboardmay allowsuchpersonto go at large on parole with respect to any portion of a sentence that was based on a LCO No.
(4)After suchhearing, theboardmay allowsuchpersonto go at large on parole with respect to any portion of a sentence that was based on a crime or crimes committed while such person was under eighteen years of age if the board finds that such parole release would be consistent with the factors set forth in subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (c) of section 54-300 and if it appears, from all available information, including, but not limited to, any reports from the Commissioner of Correction, that (A) there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, (B) the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's release to community supervision substantially outweigh the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person'scontinuedincarceration,and(C)suchpersonhasdemonstrated substantial rehabilitation since the date such crime or crimes were committed considering such person's character, background and history, as demonstrated by factors, including, but not limited to, such person's correctional record, the age and circumstances of such person as of the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, whether (i) such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, as defined in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act, and (ii) their experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons were a significant contributing factor to the commission of the offense, whether such person has demonstrated remorse and increased maturity since the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, such person's contributions to the welfare of other persons through service, such person's efforts to overcome substance abuse, addiction, trauma, lack of education or sHB5306 / File No.
1697 13 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 crime or crimes committed while such person was under eighteen years of age if the board finds that such parole release would be consistent with the factors set forth in subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (c) of section 54-300 and if it appears, from all available information, including, but not limited to, any reports from the Commissioner of Correction, that (A) there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, (B) the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's release to community supervision substantially outweigh the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person'scontinuedincarceration,and(C)suchpersonhasdemonstrated substantial rehabilitation since the date such crime or crimes were committed considering such person's character, background and history, as demonstrated by factors, including, but not limited to, such person's correctional record, the age and circumstances of such person as of the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, whether such person has demonstrated remorse and increased maturity since the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, such person's contributions to the welfare of other persons through service, such person's efforts to overcome substance abuse, addiction, trauma, lack of education or obstacles that such person may have faced as a child or youth in the adult correctional system, the opportunities for rehabilitation in the adult correctional system, whether the person has also applied for or received a sentence modification and the overall degree of such person's rehabilitation considering the nature and circumstances of the crime or crimes.
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598 obstacles that such person may have faced as a child or youth in the adult correctional system, the opportunities for rehabilitation in the adult correctional system, whether the person has also applied for or received a sentence modification and the overall degree of such person's rehabilitation considering the nature and circumstances of the crime or crimes.
(6)The decisionoftheboardunderthissubsectionshallnotbesubject LCO No.
(6)The decisionoftheboardunderthissubsectionshallnotbesubject to appeal.
1697 14 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 to appeal.
(2) The board shall apply the parole eligibility rules of this subsection only with respect to the sentence for a crime or crimes committed while a person was under twenty-one years of age.
(2) The board shall apply the parole eligibility rules of this subsection only with respect to the sentence for a crime or crimes committed while sHB5306 / File No.
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598 a person was under twenty-one years of age.
At least twelve months prior to such hearing, the board shall notify the office of Chief Public Defender, the appropriate state's attorney, the Victim Services Unit within the Department of Correction, the Office of the Victim Advocate and the Office of Victim Services within the Judicial Department of such LCO No.
At least twelve months prior to such hearing, the board shall notify the office of Chief Public Defender, the appropriate state's attorney, the Victim Services Unit within the Department of Correction, the Office of the Victim Advocate and the Office of Victim Services within the Judicial Department of such person's eligibility for parole release pursuant to this subsection.
1697 15 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 person's eligibility for parole release pursuant to this subsection.
(4)After suchhearing, theboardmay allowsuchpersonto go at large on parole with respect to any portion of a sentence that was based on a crime or crimes committed while such person was under twenty-one years of age, if the board finds that such parole release would be consistent with the factors set forth in subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (c) of section 54-300 and if it appears, from all available information, including, but not limited to, any reports from the Commissioner of Correction, that (A) there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, (B) the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's release to community supervision substantially outweigh the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person'scontinuedincarceration,and(C)suchpersonhasdemonstrated substantial rehabilitation since the date such crime or crimes were committed considering such person's character, background and history, as demonstrated by factors, including, but not limited to, such person's correctional record, the age and circumstances of such person as of the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, whether such LCO No.
(4)After suchhearing, theboardmay allowsuchpersonto go at large on parole with respect to any portion of a sentence that was based on a crime or crimes committed while such person was under twenty-one years of age, if the board finds that such parole release would be consistent with the factors set forth in subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (c) of section 54-300 and if it appears, from all available information, including, but not limited to, any reports from the sHB5306 / File No.
1697 16 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 person has demonstrated remorse and increased maturity since the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, such person's contributions to the welfare of other persons through service, such person's efforts to overcome substance abuse, addiction, trauma, lack of education or obstacles that such person may have faced as a person who was under twenty-one years of age in the adult correctional system, the opportunities for rehabilitation in the adult correctional system, whether the person has also applied for or received a sentence modification and the overall degree of such person's rehabilitation considering the nature and circumstances of the crime or crimes.
598 16 sHB5306 File No.
598 Commissioner of Correction, that (A) there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, (B) the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's release to community supervision substantially outweigh the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person'scontinuedincarceration,and(C)suchpersonhasdemonstrated substantial rehabilitation since the date such crime or crimes were committed considering such person's character, background and history, as demonstrated by factors, including, but not limited to, such person's correctional record, the age and circumstances of such person as of the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, whether (i) such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, as defined in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act, and (ii) their experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons were a significant contributing factor to the commission of the offense, whether such person has demonstrated remorse and increased maturity since the date of the commission of the crime or crimes, such person's contributions to the welfare of other persons through service, such person's efforts to overcome substance abuse, addiction, trauma, lack of education or obstacles that such person may have faced as a person who was under twenty-one years of age in the adult correctional system, the opportunities for rehabilitation in the adult correctional system, whether the person has also applied for or received a sentence modification and the overall degree of such person's rehabilitation considering the nature and circumstances of the crime or crimes.
(6)The decisionoftheboardunder thissubsectionshallnotbesubject to appeal.
(6)The decisionoftheboardunderthissubsectionshallnotbesubject to appeal.
(h) (1) For purposes of this subsection, "domestic violence", "sexual assault", "stalking", "trafficking in persons" and "contributing factor" have the same meaning as provided in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act.
sHB5306 / File No.
(2)Notwithstanding theprovisionsofsubsections(a)to (g),inclusive, ofthissection,any personwho isasurvivor ofdomesticviolence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons and for whom domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of such person's offense or conviction, and who received a definite sentence or total effective sentence of more than ten years, may submit an application for a parole suitability hearing before a panel of the Board of Pardons and Paroles for the institution in which such person is confined, provided (A) if such LCO No.
598 17 sHB5306 File No.
1697 17 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 person is serving a sentence of fifty years or less, such person shall be eligible for parole after serving sixty per cent of the sentence or twelve years, whichever is greater, or (B) if such person is serving a sentence of more than fifty years, such person shall be eligible for parole after serving thirty years.
598 (h) Any person released on parole under this section shall remain in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction and be subject to supervision by personnel of the Department of Correction during such person's period of parole.
A person shall have the opportunity to apply for parole under this subsection regardless of whether or not evidence regarding such person's survival of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons had been presented or disclosed at such person's trial, sentencing hearing or any previous application for parole.
Nothing in this subsection shall limit a person's eligibility for parole release under the provisions of subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, of this section if such person would be eligible for parole release at an earlier date under any such provision.
(3) At the time of application for a parole suitability hearing under this subsection, the person shall submit at least two pieces of documented proof, which may include, but not be limited to, documentation described in subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act, corroborating the person's claim that such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons.
(4) If the board finds that the person's documented proof complies with the requirements of subdivision (3) of this subsection, the board shall grant the person a parole suitability hearing not later than one hundred twenty days after such finding to aid the board in determining whether the person should be released on parole.
(5) At the parole suitability hearing, the board shall allow the person to present additional evidence to demonstrate that such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons and that domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of such person's offense.
The board may request testimony from mental health professionals or other relevant witnesses as the board sees fit.
LCO No.
1697 18 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 (6) At such hearing, the board shall give substantial weight to any evidence that (A) the person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the offense, in determining parole suitability as it may pertain to (i) whether there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, and (ii) whether the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's release to community supervision substantially outweigh the benefits to such person and society that would result from such person's continued incarceration.
(7) After such hearing, the board shall articulate for the record its decisionand thereasonsfor itsdecision.Ifthe boarddeterminesthat the person is suitable for parole under this subsection, the board may allow such person to go at large on parole with respect to any portion of a sentence that was based on an offense or offenses committed for which domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor.
If the board determines that continued confinement is necessary, the board may reassess such person's suitability for a new parole hearing at a later date not earlier than two years after the date of the board's decision.
[(h)] (i) Any person released on parole underthis section shall remain in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction and be subject to supervision by personnel of the Department of Correction during such person's period of parole.
(j) Nothing in subsection (h) of this section shall preclude a defendant from seeking relief under section 51-195, 51-196, 53a-39, as amended by this act, 54-95c, 54-125a, as amended by this act, or 54-130a, as amended by thisact, or anyotherstatute pertainingtosentence reductionorrelief.
(k)Not later thanJanuary 15,2028,andannually thereafter,theBoard of Pardons and Paroles shall report on its Internet web site information LCO No.
1697 19 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 from the previous calendar year relevant to the use of subsection (h) of this section, as a basis for parole relief, including, but not limited to:
(1) The number of applications submitted pursuant to subsection (h) of this section, and (2) the number of applications that were granted parole pursuant to subsection (h) of this section.
(d) Prior to holding a session to consider whether to grant any commutationofpunishment,releaseor pardoninthecase ofany person convicted of any offense against the state, the board shall, upon written request, provide the state's attorney for the jurisdictional district in which any conviction for such offense was obtained with a copy of the convicted person's application, any materials and documentation filed in support thereof, except for any information contained in the application, materials and documentation that are confidential, privileged and nondisclosable pursuant to state or federal law, any information obtained by the board about the convicted person pursuant LCO No.
(d) Prior to holding a session to consider whether to grant any commutationofpunishment,releaseor pardoninthecase ofany person convicted of any offense against the state, the board shall, upon written request, provide the state's attorney for the jurisdictional district in which any conviction for such offense was obtained with a copy of the convicted person's application, any materials and documentation filed in support thereof, except for any information contained in the application, materials and documentation that are confidential, privileged and nondisclosable pursuant to state or federal law, any information obtained by the board about the convicted person pursuant to section 54-130c, and shall permit such state's attorney, or such state's attorney's designee, to appear at such session for the purpose of making sHB5306 / File No.
1697 20 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 to section 54-130c, and shall permit such state's attorney, or such state's attorney's designee, to appear at such session for the purpose of making a statement for the record concerning whether the convicted person should be granted any such commutation of punishment, release or pardon.
598 18 sHB5306 File No.
(e) Whenever the board grants an absolute pardon to any person, the board shall cause notification of such pardon to be made in writing to the clerk of the court in which such person was convicted, or the Office of the Chief Court Administrator if such person was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas, the Circuit Court, a municipal court, or a trial justice court.
598 a statement for the record concerning whether the convicted person should be granted any such commutation of punishment, release or pardon.
(f) Whenever the board grants a provisional pardon or a certificate of rehabilitation to any person, the board shall cause notification of such provisional pardon or certificate of rehabilitation to be made in writing to the clerk of the court in which such person was convicted.
(e) When reviewing the application for a pardon, the board shall give substantial weight to any evidence that (1) such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, as defined in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act, and (2) their experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons were a significant contributing factor to the commission of the offense.
[(e)] (f) Whenever the board grants an absolute pardon to any person, the board shall cause notification of such pardon to be made in writing to the clerk of the court in which such person was convicted, or the Office of the Chief Court Administrator if such person was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas, the Circuit Court, a municipal court, or a trial justice court.
[(f)] (g) Whenever the board grants a provisional pardon or a certificate of rehabilitation to any person, the board shall cause notification of such provisional pardon or certificate of rehabilitation to be made in writing to the clerk of the court in which such person was convicted.
(g) In the case of any person convicted of a violation for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment may be imposed, the board shall have authority to grant a pardon, conditioned, provisional or absolute, or a certificate of rehabilitation in the same manner as in the case of any person convicted of an offense against the state.
[(g)] (h) In the case of any person convicted of a violation for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment may be imposed, the board shall have authority to grant a pardon, conditioned, provisional or absolute, or a certificate of rehabilitation in the same manner as in the case of any person convicted of an offense against the state.
(h) (1) For purposes of this subsection, "domestic violence", "sexual assault", "stalking", "trafficking in persons" and "contributing factor" have the same meaning as provided in subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act.
[(h)] (i) The board shall not deny any application for a pardon, unless the board provides a statement in writing to the applicant of the factors considered when determining whether the applicant qualified for the sHB5306 / File No.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, of this section, the board shall accept applications for commutations of sentences from any person who has a total effective sentence of an LCO No.
598 19 sHB5306 File No.
1697 21 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 aggregate term or terms of imprisonment of ten years or more and who has served at least ten years of such term, including any person who is not otherwise eligible for sentence commutation, (A) if such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons, and (B) for whom domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of such person's offense.
598 pardon and an explanation as to which factors were not satisfied.
An applicant shall have the opportunity to apply for commutation under this subsection regardless of whether or not evidence regarding such person's survival of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons had been presented or disclosed at such person's trial, sentencing hearing or any application for parole.
If any person applied for and was denied commutation before January 1, 2026, such person may apply for sentence commutation under this subsection if such denial was for an application filed on or after January 1, 2021, and prior to January 1, 2026.
(3) At the time of application for sentence commutation under this subsection, the applicant shall submit at least two pieces of documented proof, which may include, but need not be limited to, documentation described in subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of section 53a-35a, as amended by this act, corroborating the applicant's claim that such person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons.
(4) The board shall review any such application and the board shall give substantial weight to any evidence that (A) the applicant is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons,and(B)domesticviolence,sexualassault,stalkingortrafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the offense for which the applicant is seeking sentence commutation.
(5) The board may hold a hearing to aid the board in determining whether the applicant's survival of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was a contributing factor in the commission of the applicant's offense.
At such hearing, the board shall LCO No.
1697 22 of 24 Raised Bill No.5306 allow the applicant to present relevant additional evidence.
The board may request testimony from mental health professionals or other relevant witnesses, as the board sees fit.
(i)Nothing in subsection(h)of this section shallpreclude a defendant from seeking relief under section 51-195, 51-196, 53a-39, as amended by this act, 54-95c, 54-125a, as amended by this act, or 54-130a, as amended by thisact, or anyotherstatute pertainingtosentence reductionorrelief.
[(h)] (j) The board shall not deny any application for a pardon, unless the board provides a statement in writing to the applicant of the factors considered when determining whether the applicant qualified for the pardon and an explanation as to which factors were not satisfied.
For any application submitted pursuant to subsection (h) of this section, the board shall articulate for the record the board's decision and the reasons for the decision to grant or deny commutation of sentence.
(k)Not later thanJanuary 15,2028,andannually thereafter,theBoard of Pardons and Paroles shall report on its Internet web site information from the previous calendar year relevant to the use of subsection (h) of this section as a basis for commutation of a sentence, including, but not limited to:
(1) The number of applications submitted pursuant to subsection (h) of this section, and (2) the number of applications that were granted commutation pursuant to subsection (h) of this section.
(NEW) (Effective January 1, 2027) Not later than January 15, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Judicial Branch shall report on its Internet web site information from the previous calendar year relevant to sentencing relief provided on the basis that domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was found to be a contributing factor to the commission of a defendant's offense, including, but not limited to, (1) the number of defendants in each judicial district who were granted a lesser sentence pursuant to subsection (b) of section 53a- 35a of the general statutes, as amended by this act, (2) the number of defendants in each judicial district who applied for sentencing LCO No.
(NEW) (Effective January 1, 2027) Not later than February 15, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Judicial Branch shall report on its Internet web site information from the previous calendar year relevant to sentencing relief provided on the basis that domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons was found to be a significant contributing factor to the commission of a defendant's offense, including, but not limited to, (1) the number of cases in each judicial district that were granted a lesser sentence pursuant to subsection (b) of section 53a-35a of the general statutes, as amended by this act, (2) the number of cases in each judicial district for which there was an application for sentencing modification pursuant to subsection (g) of section 53a-39 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, and (3) the number ofcasesineachjudicialdistrict grantedsentencing modification pursuant to subsection (g) of section 53a-39 of the general statutes, as amended by this act.
1697 23 of 24 Raised Bill No.
5306 modification pursuant to subsection (g) of section 53a-39 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, and (3) the number of defendants granted sentencing modification pursuant to subsection (g) of section 53a-39 of the general statutes, as amended by this act.
5 January 1, 2027 New section Statement of Purpose:
5 January 1, 2027 New section JUD Joint Favorable Subst.
To permit survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking in persons for whom violence or abuse suffered by such survivors was a contributing factor influencing such survivor to commit an offense to be eligible for a sentence reduction or relief.
sHB5306 / File No.
[Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets.
598 20 sHB5306 File No.
Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except underlined.]e entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not LCO No.
598 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
1697 24 of 24
In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.
Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.
OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:
Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 27 $ FY 28 $ Correction, Dept.
GF - Savings Minimal Minimal Note:
GF=General Fund Municipal Impact:
None Explanation The bill, which establishes a process for certain offenders to apply for a reduced sentence or a sentence modification, results in a potential savings to the Department of Correction to the extent there is a reduction in incarceration.
On average, the marginal cost to the state for incarcerating an offender for the year is $3,300.
1 The bill also (1) requires the Boardof Pardonsand Paroles to consider whether an applicant for pardon or parole is a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking survivor and that experience was a significant contributing factor in committing the offense and (2) requires the Judicial Department to annually report on the sentencing relief provided under the bill’s provisions.
These provisions result in no fiscal impact because the affected agencies have the capacity and expertise to meet the bill's requirements.
1Inmate marginal cost is based on increased consumables (e.g., food, clothing, water, sewage, living supplies, etc.) This does not include a change in staffing costs or utility expenses because these expenses would only be realized if a unit or facility opened.
sHB5306 / File No.
598 21 sHB5306 File No.
598 The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to the extent to which sentences are reduced or modified.
sHB5306 / File No.
598 22 sHB5306 File No.
598 OLR Bill Analysis sHB 5306 AN ACT CONCERNING SENTENCE REDUCTION OR RELIEF FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
SUMMARY This bill establishes a process by which a defendant found guilty of a felony offense may get a reduced sentence or a sentence modification due to being a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking survivor if the experience was a significant contributing factor in committing the offense (see BACKGROUND).
Under the bill, the defendant must give the court documented proof to corroborate their survivor status and the court must make its determination for a reduced or modified sentence on these grounds by clear and convincing evidence.
The bill specifies the new sentences that apply, even if existing law sets a mandatory minimum for an offense.
It (1) requires the court to deny a defendant’s motion without prejudice if it does not meet the requirements for applying for the reduction or modification and (2) specifies that its provisions do not prevent a defendant from seeking relief under other specified laws for sentence reduction relief.
Relatedly, the bill requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), when reviewing certain requests for parole or a pardon, to consider whether the applicant is a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking survivor and that experience was a significant contributing factor in committing the offense.
For pardon applicants and parole applicants who have completed at least 75% or 85% of their sentence (depending on the type of crime committed), BPP must give substantial weight to evidence supporting these facts.
For eligible underage offenders, the survivor status and experience are new factors sHB5306 / File No.
598 23 sHB5306 File No.
598 for BPP to weigh when considering if an offender has shown substantial rehabilitation since the crime, which is one of the criteria an offender must meet for parole (see BACKGROUND).
Lastly, the bill requiresthe judicial branch, beginning by February 15, 2028, to annually report on the sentencing relief provided under the bill’s provisions.
The report must include how many cases in each judicial district (1) were granted a lesser sentence, (2) had an application for a sentencing modification, and (3) were granted a modification.
The reports must be for the prior calendar year and posted on the branch’s website.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
January 1, 2027 SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTING FACTOR Under the bill, a “significant contributing factor” is something that made it substantially likely that the survivor’s abuse influenced the commission of the crime, but was not necessarily the only or overriding factor that led up to an offense.
The court determines if the abuse was a significant contributing factor, and the bill allows it to consider both the abuse’s cumulative impact and the events immediately surrounding the crime.
SENTENCE REDUCTION Under the bill, if a court receives a motion, before sentencing, for a reduced sentence and finds by clear and convincing evidence that domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking was a significant contributing factor in committing the offense, it may impose a reduced sentence, up to the maximum sentence as specified in the below table.
The bill requires the court to state on the record that this was done.
Table:
Existing Law’s Sentencing and the Bill’s Reduced Sentencing Existing Law’s Sentence The Bill’s Maximum Reduced Sentence Life imprisonment without possibility of 30 years’ imprisonment release At least 50 years’ imprisonment, but not life25 years’ imprisonment sHB5306 / File No.
598 24 sHB5306 File No.
598 Existing Law’s Sentence The Bill’s Maximum Reduced Sentence imprisonment without possibility of release At least 40, but less than 50, years’ years’ imprisonment imprisonment At least 30, but less than 40, years’ 15 years’ imprisonment imprisonment At least 25, but less than 30, years’ 12.5 years’ imprisonment imprisonment At least 20, but less than 25, years’ 10 years’ imprisonment imprisonment At least 10, but less than 20, years’ imprisonment Five years’ imprisonment At least five, but less than 10, years’ imprisonment At least three, but less than five, years’ months’ imprisonment imprisonment The bill requires a defendant applying for this relief to give the court atleasttwopiecesofdocumentedproofthatcorroboratethedefendant’s status as a survivor as described under the bill.
This proof may include things like the following:
1.
a signed affidavit attesting to the defendant’s survivor status and that their experience was a significant contributing factor in committing the offense;
2.
a sworn statement from someone with direct knowledge or other reliable evidence of the defendant’s experience with domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking;
3.
a court, social services, hospital, or law enforcement record;
4.
a restraining or protective order or a foreign order of protection;
5.
documentationsubmittedunder courtrulesthat tendsto support the defendant’s claims, including written documents, photos, text messages, emails, videos, and audio recordings;
6.
records from a licensed medical or mental health care provider;
or sHB5306 / File No.
598 25 sHB5306 File No.
598 7.
sworn statements from a clergy member, attorney, social worker, teacher or other school professional, domestic violence or sexual assault counselor, or other advocate on the defendant’s behalf.
The bill also allows the court to consider (1) testimony from prosecution or defense witnesses;
(2) oral and written arguments;
and (3) any other evidence that is relevant to determining if the domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking was a significant contributing factor to the defendant’s committing the offense.
It makes reliable hearsay evidence admissible for this purpose.
SENTENCE MODIFICATION Existing law allows a sentencing court or judge to reduce a sentence, order the defendant discharged, or order the defendant discharged on probation or conditional discharge, for good cause.
The bill generally allows defendants to file a motion for a sentence modification based on being a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking survivor and the associated experience being a significant contributing factor to committing the offense for which they are incarcerated.
Defendants may do this even if they did not raise evidence of the domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking at trial, in plea negotiations, or at sentencing.
The modification request, however, is unavailable to defendants who were originally sentenced under the bill’s reduced sentencing on the same grounds.
Under the bill, a defendant must have an opportunity to present evidence that shows these facts and, if possible, this must happen before the original sentencing judge.
If that judge no longer serves in the judicial district of the original sentence, the matter must be randomly assigned to another judge in the district.
The bill requires the defendant to give the court at least two of the sametypesofdocumentedproofthatitrequiresforasentencereduction (see above, such as a court, social services, hospital, or law enforcement record, or certain sworn statements).
It also similarly allows the court at sHB5306 / File No.
598 26 sHB5306 File No.
598 the modification hearing to take testimony from the state’s or defense’s witnesses, consider oral and written arguments and any other relevant evidence, including reliable hearsay.
As with a sentence reduction, the bill requires the court to make its finding for a sentence modification by clear and convincing evidence.
It also aligns the modification with the bill’s reduced sentencing lengths (seeabovetable)andrequiresthecourt tonotifythedefendantanddeny themotionwithout prejudice ifit doesnot meet therequirementsforthe modification.
Under the bill, a court may waive existing law’s time restriction on filing another modification motion if the defendant presents new evidence or shows good cause for a delay in doing so.
BACKGROUND Definitions By law and for the bill’s purposes, “domestic violence” generally includes with respect to a family or household member (1) a continuous threat of present physical pain or injury;
(2) stalking;
(3) a pattern of threating;
or (4) coercive control, which is a behavior pattern that unreasonably interferes with free will and personal liberty (CGS § 46b- 1).
The sexual assault crimes applicable to the bill generally involve (1) compelling another person to engage in sexual intercourse or contact by force, fear, or without consent or (2) subjecting another person to sexual contact and the parties are minors of certain ages or have some professional relationship (such as therapist/patient or school employee/student).
There are more severe associated criminal classes and penalties based on things such as the age of the victim, death of the victim, use of weapons, committing other crimes in order to commit the offense, or help by additional individuals (CGS § 54-240).
“Stalking” generally involves engaging in a course of conduct towardsor about a specific personthat wouldcause areasonable person to fear for their physical safety, have emotional distress, or fear the sHB5306 / File No.
598 27 sHB5306 File No.
598 injury or death of their animal.
It also includes engaging in a course of conduct, with intent to harass or scare a specific person and for no legitimate purpose, that (1) would cause a reasonable person to fear the loss of their job, business, or career or (2) electronically discloses personally identifiable information without consent that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their physical safety or have emotional distress.
There are separate criminal classes and penalties, based on things like the intentionality, previous convictions of the same crime type,andtheagesofthepartiesinvolved.Electronicstalkingisaspecific form of stalking (CGS §§ 53a-181c to -181f).
“Trafficking in persons” (human trafficking) generally occurs when someone knowingly uses fraud, coercion, or force (including a threat of force)to compelor induce another personto (1)engage insexualcontact with others or (2) provide labor or services that the person has a right to not do.
It also includes (1) compelling or inducing a minor to engage in sexual conduct with another person for which that other person could be charged with a crime;
(2) otherwise committing a sex trafficking act;
or (3) a criminal violation of federal law against involuntary servitude, slavery,andhumantrafficking(CGS§53a-192a,18U.S.C.§1581etseq.).
Parole for Underage Offenders The law sets alternative parole eligibility rules for someone who (1) committed a crime when he or she was under age 18 and (2) received a sentenced of more than 10 years.
These rules apply to offenders incarcerated on or after October 1, 2015, regardless of the date of the crime or the offender’s sentencing.
The law similarly extends these alternate rules to a sentence for crimes committed on or before October 1, 2005, and the person was (1) under age 21 when they committed the crime and (2) received a sentence of more than 10 years.
In general, these offenders must show BPP that (1) there is a reasonable probability that they will not reoffend;
(2) the benefits of releasing them would substantially outweigh benefits of keeping them in prison;
and (3) they have substantially rehabilitated since their crime, evidenced by such things as their correctional record, being remorseful, sHB5306 / File No.
598 28 sHB5306 File No.
598 performing service, maturing, and taking efforts to overcome substance abuse, trauma, or educational deficiencies.
COMMITTEE ACTION Judiciary Committee Joint Favorable Substitute Yea 24 Nay 11 (03/24/2026) sHB5306 / File No.
598 29
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Action History

  1. FILE NO. 598

  2. HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 401

  3. FAV. RPT., TABLED FOR HOUSE CALENDAR

  4. RPTD. OUT OF LCO

  5. REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/13/26

  6. FILED WITH LCO

  7. Joint Favorable Substitute

  8. PUBLIC HEARING 0302

  9. REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary

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Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 5306?
HB 5306 is sponsored by Tom Delnicki (Republican), Jaime S. Foster (Democratic), Kenneth Gucker (Democratic), Raghib Allie-Brennan (Democratic), Tammy R. Exum (Democratic), Marcus Brown (Democratic), Corey P. Paris (Democratic), Patrick Biggins (Democratic), Robin E. Comey (Democratic), John-Michael Parker (Democratic), Geoff Luxenberg (Democratic), Anthony L. Nolan (Democratic), Rebecca Martinez (Democratic), Lucy Dathan (Democratic), Julie Kushner (Democratic), Nick Gauthier (Democratic), Mary Welander (Democratic), Aimee Berger-Girvalo (Democratic), Laurie Sweet (Democratic), Sarah Keitt (Democratic), Antonio Felipe (Democratic), Anne M. Hughes (Democratic), Jennifer Leeper (Democratic), Kate Farrar (Democratic), Eleni Kavros DeGraw (Democratic), Michael "MJ" Shannon (Democratic), Steven Winter (Democratic), Josh Elliott (Democratic), Dominique Johnson (Democratic), Nicholas Menapace (Democratic), Gary A. Turco (Democratic), Saud Anwar (Democratic), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (Democratic), and Amy Morrin Bello (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 5306?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced February 20, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 5306?
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