SB 426 — AN ACT CONCERNING COURT OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS.

532 committee] The Chief Court Administrator shall also appoint not less than three such housing mediators for all other judicial districts.

(3)Public firstAct assistantNo. clerks for those judicial districts designated by [an authorized committee of the judges] the Chief Court Administrator;

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426 (3) first assistant clerks for those judicial districts designated by [an authorized committee of the judges] the Chief Court Administrator;

(b) The [judges of the Superior Court or an authorized committee thereof] Chief Court Administrator shall appoint, as [is deemed] the administrator deems necessary for the efficient operation of the courts, (1) assistant clerks for judicial districts and geographical areas, and (2) deputy clerks for those geographical areas designated by the [judges of the Superior Court or an authorized committee thereof] Chief Court sSB426Administrator. / File No.

532 8 sSB426 File No.

532 Administrator.

(f) The Chief Court Administrator may assign, reassign or modify the assignmentPublic ofAct suchNo. clerical personnel as [he] the administrator deems necessary for the efficient operation of the courts.

24-108 9 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 assignment of such clerical personnel as [he] the administrator deems necessary for the efficient operation of the courts.

(b) The [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator shall appoint official court reporters for the court as the [judges or an authorized committee thereof] administrator determines the business of sSB426the /court Filerequires. No.

532 9 sSB426 File No.

532 the court requires.

Subsection (a) of section 51-90d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):Public Act No.

24-108 10 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 passage):

Section 51-164m of the general statutes is repealed and the sSB426following /is Filesubstituted No.in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

532 10 sSB426 File No.

532 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

The [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator shall establish and maintain a separate sliding scale of fines for speeding infractions committed under section 14-219 with a minimum fine of fifty dollars and the fine increasing in proportion to the severity of the violation.Thefinesmaybemodifiedastheviolation.Thefinesmaybemodifiedasthe[judgesoftheSuperiorCourt [judgesoftheSuperiorCourt deem] Chief Court Administrator deems advisable.

(b) The [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator shall establish and maintain a schedule of fines to be paid for those violations of section 14-219 specified in subsection (e) of said section, with such fines increasing in proportion to the severity of the violation andforPublic violationsunderAct subsection(b)ofNo. section51-164n.

24-108 11 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 andfor violationsunder subsection(b)of section51-164n.

(e) Any infraction for which a fine has not been established pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall carry a fine of thirty-five dollars or, if the infraction is for a violation of any provision sSB426of /title File14, No.fifty dollars, until such time as the [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator may establish a different fine for such infraction.

532 11 sSB426 File No.

532 of title 14, fifty dollars, until such time as the [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator may establish a different fine for such infraction.

(d) Any notice, order, judgment, decision, decree, memorandum, ruling,Public opinion,Act mittimus,No. warrant and any form related to such warrant, affidavit, finding or similar document that is issued by the Superior Court or by a judge, judge trial referee or family support magistrate thereof, by a magistrate appointed pursuant to section 51- 193l or by a commissioner of the Superior Court approved by the Chief Court Administrator to hear small claims pursuant to section 52-549d, may be signed or verified by computer or facsimile transmission or by employing other technology in accordance with procedures and technical standards, if any, established by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, and such notice, order, judgment, decision, decree, memorandum, ruling, opinion, mittimus, warrant and any form related to such warrant, affidavit, finding or similar document shall have the same validity and status as a paper document that was signed or verified by the Superior Court or by a judge, judge trial referee or family support magistrate thereof, by a magistrate appointed pursuant to section 51-193l or by a commissioner of the Superior Court approved by the Chief Court Administrator to hear small claims pursuant to section 52-549d.

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426 ruling, opinion, mittimus, warrant and any form related to such warrant, affidavit, finding or similar document that is issued by the Superior Court or by a judge, judge trial referee or family support magistrate thereof, by a magistrate appointed pursuant to section 51- 193l or by a commissioner of the Superior Court approved by the Chief Court Administrator to hear small claims pursuant to section 52-549d, may be signed or verified by computer or facsimile transmission or by employing other technology in accordance with procedures and technical standards, if any, established by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, and such notice, order, judgment, decision, decree, memorandum, ruling, opinion, mittimus, warrant and any form related to such warrant, affidavit, finding or similar document shall have the same validity and status as a paper document that was signed or verified by the Superior Court or by a judge, judge trial referee or family support magistrate thereof, by a magistrate appointed pursuant to section 51-193l or by a commissioner of the Superior Court approved by the Chief Court Administrator to hear small claims pursuant to section 52-549d.

Each juror, duly chosen, drawn and summoned, who fails to appear sSB426shall /be Filesubject No.to a civil penalty, the amount of which shall be established by the [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator, but the court may excuse such juror from the payment thereof.

532If 12a sSB426sufficient Filenumber of the jurors summoned do not appear, or if for any cause there is not a sufficient number of jurors to make up the panel, the court may order such number of persons who qualify for jury service under section 51-217 to be summoned as may be necessary, as talesmen, and any talesman so summoned who makes default of appearance without sufficient cause shall be subject to a civil penalty, the amount of which shall be established by the [judges of the Superior Public Act No.

53224-108 shall13 be subject to a civil penalty, the amount of which71 shallSubstitute beSenate establishedBill byNo. the [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator, but the court may excuse such juror from the payment thereof.

If426 a sufficient number of the jurors summoned do not appear, or if for any cause there is not a sufficient number of jurors to make up the panel, the court may order such number of persons who qualify for jury service under section 51-217 to be summoned as may be necessary, as talesmen, and any talesman so summoned who makes default of appearance without sufficient cause shall be subject to a civil penalty, the amount of which shall be established by the [judges of the Superior Court] Chief Court Administrator.

(d) A warrant may issue only on affidavit sworn to by the complainant or complainants before the judge or judge trial referee, either in person or electronically with simultaneous sight and sound, and establishing the grounds for issuing the warrant, which affidavit shallbepartofthearrest file.Ifthejudge or judge trialrefereeissatisfied that grounds for the application exist or that there is probable cause to believe that grounds for the application exist, the judge or judge trial sSB426referee /shall Fileissue No.a warrant identifying the property and naming or describing the person, place or thing to be searched or authorizing the installation and use of a tracking device and identifying the person on which or the property to, in or on which the tracking device is to be installed.

532The 13warrant sSB426shall Filebe directed to any police officer of a regularly organized police department or any state police officer, to an inspector in the Division of Criminal Justice, to a conservation officer, Public Act No.

53224-108 referee14 shall issue a warrant identifying the property and naming or describing the person, place or thing to be searched or authorizing the installation and use of a71 trackingSubstitute deviceSenate andBill identifyingNo. the person on which or the property to, in or on which the tracking device is to be installed.

The426 warrant shall be directed to any police officer of a regularly organized police department or any state police officer, to an inspector in the Division of Criminal Justice, to a conservation officer, special conservation officer or patrolman acting pursuant to section 26- 6 or to a sworn motor vehicle inspector acting under the authority of section 14-8.

(a) Except in cases of arrest pursuant to a bench warrant of arrest in which the court or a judge thereof has indicated that bail should be denied or ordered that the officer or indifferent person making such arrest shall, without undue delay, bring such person before the clerk or assistant clerk of the superior court for the geographical area under section 54-2a, when any person is arrested for a bailable offense, the chief of police, or the chief's authorized designee, of the police department having custody of the arrested person or any probation sSB426officer /serving Filea No.violation of probation warrant shall promptly advise such person of the person's rights under section 54-1b, and of the person's right to be interviewed concerning the terms and conditions of release.

532Unless 14the sSB426arrested Fileperson waives or refuses such interview, the Public Act No.

53224-108 officer15 serving a violation of probation71 warrantSubstitute shallSenate promptlyBill adviseNo. such person of the person's rights under section 54-1b, and of the person's right to be interviewed concerning the terms and conditions of release.

Unless426 the arrested person waives or refuses such interview, the police officer or probation officer shall promptly interview the arrested person to obtain information relevant to the terms and conditions of the person's release from custody, and shall seek independent verification of such information where necessary.

If, after making such reasonable efforts, the police officer is unable to contact a bail sSB426commissioner /or Fileanintake, assessment andreferralspecialist or contacts Public Act No.

53224-108 1516 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 commissioner or anintake, assessment andreferralspecialist or contacts a bail commissioner or an intake, assessment and referral specialist but such bail commissioner or intake, assessment and referral specialist is unavailable to promptly perform such bail commissioner's or intake, assessment and referral specialist's duties pursuant to section 54-63d, the police officer shall, pursuant to the procedure set forth in subsection (a) of this section, order the release of such person upon the execution of a written promise to appear or the posting of such bond as may be set by the police officer and may impose nonfinancial conditions of release which may require that the arrested person do one or more of the following:

(c) Notwithstanding the provisionsofchapter 14andthischapter,the14andthischapter, the police officer shall provide to the bail commissioner or the intake assessmentPublic andAct referral specialist identifying information about the victim of the crime or crimes with which the arrested person is charged, sSB426 / File No.

53224-108 1617 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 assessment and referral specialist identifying information about the victim of the crime or crimes with which the arrested person is charged, including, but not limited to, the victim's name, address and phone number, if available, for the purpose of carrying out such bail commissioner's or intake assessment and referral specialist's duties.

[(f)] (g) The chief, acting chief, superintendent of police, the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection,Act any captain or lieutenant of any local police department or the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public sSB426 / File No.

53224-108 1718 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 [(f)] (g) The chief, acting chief, superintendent of police, the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, any captain or lieutenant of any local police department or the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection or any person lawfully exercising the powers of any such officer may take a written promise to appear or a bond with or without surety from an arrested person as provided in subsection (a) of this section, or as fixed by the court or any judge thereof, may administer such oaths as are necessary in the taking of promises or bonds and shall file any report required under subsection [(c)] (d) of this section.

Any such statement, whether oral or written, shall relate to the facts of the case, the appropriatenessPublic ofAct anyNo. penalty and the extent of any injuries, financial losses and loss of earnings directly resulting from the crime for which the defendant is being sentenced.

24-108 19 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 appropriateness of any penalty and the extent of any injuries, financial losses and loss of earnings directly resulting from the crime for which the defendant is being sentenced.

If no victim is present and no such written statement has been submitted, the court shall inquire on the record whether an attempt has been made to notify any sSB426such /victim Fileas No.provided in subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section or, if the defendant was originally charged with a violation of section 53a-167c for assaulting a peace officer, whether the peace officer hasbeenpersonally notifiedasprovidedinsubdivision(2)ofsubsection (c) of this section.

532 18 sSB426 File No.

532 such victim as provided in subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section or, if the defendant was originally charged with a violation of section 53a-167c for assaulting a peace officer, whether the peace officer hasbeenpersonally notifiedasprovidedinsubdivision(2)ofsubsection (c) of this section.

(4)Public "Relative"Act meansNo. 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;

24-108 20 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 (4) "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;

and (6) "Emotional harm" means a mental or emotional impairment that sSB426[requires /treatment Filethrough No.services and that] is directly attributable to a threat of (A) physical injury, as defined in subdivision (3) of section 53a-3, or (B) death to the affected person.

532 19 sSB426 File No.

532 [requires treatment through services and that] is directly attributable to a threat of (A) physical injury, as defined in subdivision (3) of section 53a-3, or (B) death to the affected person.

(2) To obtain from the office of the state's attorney, state police, local police departments or any law enforcement agency such investigation andPublic dataAct asNo. will enable the Office of Victim Services to determine if in fact the applicant was a victim of a crime or attempted crime and the extent, if any, to which the victim or claimant was responsible for his own injury, including, but not limited to, a request for information form promulgated by the Office of Victim Services;

(3)24-108 To21 request from the Department of Correction,71 otherSubstitute unitsSenate ofBill theNo. Judicial Department and the Board of Pardons and Paroles such information as will enable the Office of Victim Services to determine if in fact a person who has requested notification pursuant to section 54- 228 was a victim of a crime;

(4)426 Toand takedata oras causewill enable the Office of Victim Services to bedetermine takenif affidavitsin fact the applicant was a victim of a crime or depositionsattempted withincrime and the extent, if any, to which the victim or sSB426claimant /was Fileresponsible No.for his own injury, including, but not limited to, a request for information form promulgated by the Office of Victim Services;

532(3) 20To sSB426request Filefrom No.the Department of Correction, other units of the Judicial Department and the Board of Pardons and Paroles such information as will enable the Office of Victim Services to determine if in fact a person who has requested notification pursuant to section 54- was a victim of a crime;

532(4) To take or cause to be taken affidavits or depositions within or without the state;

(6)Public ToAct provideNo. each person who applies for compensation pursuant to section 54-204, within ten days of the date of receipt of such application, with a written list of rights of victims of crime involving personal injury and the programs available in this state to assist such victims.

24-108 22 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 (6) To provide each person who applies for compensation pursuant to section 54-204, within ten days of the date of receipt of such application, with a written list of rights of victims of crime involving personal injury and the programs available in this state to assist such victims.

(B) Subject to the provisions of section 54-91c, as amended by this act, the victim shall have the right to present a statement of his or her losses, sSB426injuries /and Filewishes No.to the prosecutor and the court prior to the acceptance by the court of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere made pursuant to a plea agreement with the state wherein the defendant pleads to a lesser offense than the offense with which the defendant was originally charged;

532 21 sSB426 File No.

532 injuries and wishes to the prosecutor and the court prior to the acceptance by the court of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere made pursuant to a plea agreement with the state wherein the defendant pleads to a lesser offense than the offense with which the defendant was originally charged;

(E)Public SubjectAct toNo. the provisions of section 54-36a, the victim shall have the right to have any property the victim owns which was seized by police in connection with an arrest to be returned;

24-108 23 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 (E) Subject to the provisions of section 54-36a, the victim shall have the right to have any property the victim owns which was seized by police in connection with an arrest to be returned;

(H) Subject to the provisions of section 54-86g, the parent or legal guardian of a child twelve years of age or younger who is a victim of child abuse or sexual assault may request special procedural sSB426considerations /to Filebe No.taken during the testimony of the child;

532(I) 22Subject sSB426to Filethe No.provisions of section 46b-15, the victim of assault by a spouse or former spouse, family or household member has the right torequestthearrestoftheoffender,requestaprotective orderandapply for a restraining order;

532 considerations to be taken during the testimony of the child;

(I) Subject to the provisions of section 46b-15, the victim of assault by a spouse or former spouse, family or household member has the right torequestthearrestoftheoffender,requestaprotectiveorderandapply for a restraining order;

(7) Within available appropriations, to maintain a victim's assistance centerPublic whichAct shallNo. (A) make available to victims information regarding victim's rights and available services, (B) maintain a victims' notification systempursuant to sections54-227to 54-230a,inclusive, and54-235, and (C) maintain a toll-free number for access to information regarding victims' rights and available services;

24-108 24 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 center which shall (A) make available to victims information regarding victim's rights and available services, (B) maintain a victims' notification systempursuant to sections54-227to 54-230a,inclusive, and54-235, and (C) maintain a toll-free number for access to information regarding victims' rights and available services;

Any vacancy in the membership shall be filled by the appointing authority for the sSB426balance /of Filethe No.unexpired term.

532 23 sSB426 File No.

532 balance of the unexpired term.

(11) To recommend policies and make recommendations to agencies andPublic officersAct ofNo. the state and local subdivisions of government relative to victims of crime;

24-108 25 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 and officers of the state and local subdivisions of government relative to victims of crime;

or (B) establish, within available appropriations, a training program for health care professionals on the care of and collection of evidence from adolescent sSB426and /adult Filevictims No.of sexual assault;

532 24 sSB426 File No.

532 and adult victims of sexual assault;

Subsection (a) of section 54-210 of the general statutes is repealedPublic andAct theNo. following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):

24-108 26 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):

and (6) any other loss, except as set forth in section 54-211, as amended by this act, resulting from the personal injury or death of the victim which the sSB426Office /of FileVictim No.Services or a victim compensation commissioner, as the case may be, determines to be reasonable.

532 25 sSB426 File No.

532 Office of Victim Services or a victim compensation commissioner, as the case may be, determines to be reasonable.

(a) (1) No order for the payment of compensation shall be made under section 54-210, as amended by this act, unless (A) the application has been made within [two] three years after the date of the personal injury or death, (B) the personal injury or death was the result of an incidentPublic orAct offenseNo. listed in section 54-209, and (C) such incident or offense has been reported to the police, [within five days of its occurrence or, if the incident or offense could not reasonably have been reported within such period, within five days of the time when a report could reasonably have been made,] except that a victim of a sexual assault shall not be ineligible for the payment of compensation by reason of failing to make a report pursuant to this subparagraph if such victim presented himself or herself to a health care facility within one hundred twenty hours of such sexual assault for examination and collection of evidence of such sexual assault in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-112a, or if such victim complied with subsection (d) of section 54-209.

24-108 27 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 incident or offense listed in section 54-209, and (C) such incident or offense has been reported to the police, [within five days of its occurrence or, if the incident or offense could not reasonably have been reported within such period, within five days of the time when a report could reasonably have been made,] except that a victim of a sexual assault shall not be ineligible for the payment of compensation by reason of failing to make a report pursuant to this subparagraph if such victim presented himself or herself to a health care facility within one hundred twenty hours of such sexual assault for examination and collection of evidence of such sexual assault in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-112a, or if such victim complied with subsection (d) of section 54-209.

The Office of Victim Services, upon sSB426a /finding Filethat No.such minor is not at fault, may grant such waiver.

532 26 sSB426 File No.

532 a finding that such minor is not at fault, may grant such waiver.

Such person shall file with such application a statementPublic signedAct underNo. penalty of false statement setting forth the date when such person discovered that the person upon whom the applicant was dependent was a victim and the circumstances that prevented such person discovering that the person upon whom the applicant was dependent was a victim until more than [two] three years after the date of the incident or offense.

24-108 28 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 statement signed under penalty of false statement setting forth the date when such person discovered that the person upon whom the applicant was dependent was a victim and the circumstances that prevented such person discovering that the person upon whom the applicant was dependent was a victim until more than [two] three years after the date of the incident or offense.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, no sSB426compensation /shall Filebe No.awarded for losses sustained for crimes against property or for noneconomic detriment such as pain and suffering.

532(d) 27(1) sSB426[No Filecompensation shall be in an amount in excess of fifteen thousand dollars for personal injury except that:] (A) Compensation for Public Act No.

53224-108 compensation29 shallof be71 awardedSubstitute forSenate lossesBill sustainedNo. for crimes against property or for noneconomic detriment such as pain and suffering.

(d)426 (1) [No compensation shall be in an amount in excess of fifteen thousand dollars for personal injury except that:] (A) Compensation for personal injury shall be in an amount not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars;

(e) Orders for payment of compensation pursuant to sections 54-201 to 54-218, inclusive, as amended by this act, may be made only as to injuriesor deathresulting fromincidentsor offensesarising onandafter January 1, 1979, except that orders for payment of compensation pursuant to subsection (b) of section 54-209 may be made only as to injuriesor deathresulting fromincidentsor offensesarising onandafter sSB426July /1, File1985. No.

532Public 28Act sSB426 File No.

53224-108 July30 1,of 1985.71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 (f) Compensation shall be awarded pursuant to sections 54-201 to 54- 218, inclusive, as amended by this act, for personal injury or death resulting from a crime which occurs (1) within this state, regardless of the residency of the applicant;

Subsection (d) of section 1-84 of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(d) No public official or state employee or employee of such public official or state employee shall agree to accept, or be a member or employee of a partnership, association, professional corporation or sole proprietorship which partnership, association, professional corporation or sole proprietorship agrees to accept any employment, fee or other thing of value, or portion thereof, for appearing, agreeing to appear, or taking any other action on behalf of another person before the Department of Banking, the Office of the Claims Commissioner, the Health Systems Planning Unit of the Office of Health Strategy, the Insurance Department, the Department of Consumer Protection, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Insurance and Risk Management Board, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection [, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, the Connecticut sSB426 / File No.

532 29 sSB426 File No.

532 Siting Council] or the Connecticut Real Estate Commission;

provided this shall not prohibit any such person from making inquiry for information on behalf of another before any of said commissions or commissioners if no fee or reward is given or promised in consequence thereof.

For the purpose of this subsection, partnerships, associations, professional corporations or sole proprietorships refer only to such partnerships, associations, professional corporations or sole proprietorships which have been formed to carry on the business or profession directly relating to the employment, appearing, agreeing to appear or taking of action provided for in this subsection.

Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit any employment, appearing, agreeing to appear or taking action before any municipal board, commission or council.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as applying (1) to theactionsofany teaching orresearchprofessionalemployee ofapublic institution of higher education if such actions are not in violation of any other provision of this chapter, (2) to the actions of any other professional employee of a public institution of higher education if such actions are not compensated and are not in violation of any other provision of this chapter, (3) to any member of a board or commission who receives no compensation other than per diem payments or reimbursement for actual or necessary expenses, or both, incurred in the performance of the member's duties, or (4) to any member or director of a quasi-public agency.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection to the contrary, a legislator, an officer of the General Assembly or part-time legislative employee may be or become a member or employee of a firm, partnership, association or professional corporation which represents clients for compensation before agencies listed in this subsection, provided the legislator, officer of the General Assembly or part-time legislative employee shall take no part in any matter involving the agency listed in this subsection and shall not receive compensation from any such matter.

Receipt of a previously established salary, not based on the current or anticipated business of the firm, partnership, association or professional corporation involving the agencies listed in this subsection, shall be permitted.

Sec.

27.

sSB426(1) /"Communication Filetechnology" No.means an electronic device or process that:

532 30 sSB426 File No.

532 (1) "Communication technology" means an electronic device or process that:

(2) "Identity proofing" means a process or service by which a third person provides a commissioner of the Superior Court with a means to verify the identity of a remotely located individual by a review of personalPublic informationAct fromNo. public or private data sources.

24-108 31 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 personal information from public or private data sources.

and (2) When performing a remote acknowledgment pursuant to the provisions of this section, the commissioner of the Superior Court reasonably identifies the individual at the time of the acknowledgment sSB426by /one Fileor No.more of the following methods:

532 31 sSB426 File No.

532 by one or more of the following methods:

(C) Not less than two different types of identity proofing processes or services by which a third person provides a means to verify the identity ofPublic theAct individualNo. through a review of public or private data sources;

24-108 32 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 of the individual through a review of public or private data sources;

(d) Once the record acknowledged pursuant to subsection (b) of this sSB426section /is Filesigned No.by the individual in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section, the individual shall mail or otherwise cause to be delivered the signed original copy of the record to the commissioner of the Superior Court.

532(e) 32The sSB426date Fileand time of an acknowledgment conducted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be the date and time when the commissioner of the Superior Court witnessed the signature being Public Act No.

53224-108 section33 is signed by the individual in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section, the individual shall mail or otherwise cause to be delivered the signed original copy of the71 recordSubstitute toSenate theBill commissionerNo. of the Superior Court.

(e)426 The date and time of an acknowledgment conducted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be the date and time when the commissioner of the Superior Court witnessed the signature being performed by means of communication technology.

(g)Norecordshallbeacknowledgedremotelypursuanttosubsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a of the general statutes, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624 of the general statutes, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r of the general statutes, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570 of the general statutes, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a of the general statutes, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of a health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578 ofthe general statutes, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433 of the general statutes, (9) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-579 or 45a-583 of the general statutes, or sSB426(10) /a Filereal No.estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a of the general statutes.

532 33 sSB426 File No.

532 (10) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a of the general statutes.

Sec.Public Act No.

28.24-108 34 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 Sec.

27.

(c)Suchofficershallfilewiththesuperiorcourtwhichhasvenueover suchmatterorwiththesuperiorcourtforthejudicialdistrictofHartford sSB426at /Hartford Filea verified petition plainly stating such facts of neglect or cruel treatment as to bring such animal within the jurisdiction of the court andpraying for appropriateactionbythe courtinaccordance with Public Act No.

53224-108 3435 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 at Hartford a verified petition plainly stating such facts of neglect or cruel treatment as to bring such animal within the jurisdiction of the court andpraying for appropriateactionbythe courtinaccordance with the provisions of this section.

(e) If physical custody of an animal has not been taken pursuant to subsection(a)or (b)ofthissection,andsuch(b)ofthissection,and such officer hasreasonablecause to believe that an animal is neglected or is cruelly treated in violation of sSB426Public /Act File No.

53224-108 3536 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 section 22-366, 22-415, 53-247, 53-248, 53-249, 53-249a, 53-250, 53-251 or 53-252, such officer may file a petition with the superior court which has venue over suchmatter or withthesuperior court for thejudicialdistrict of Hartford at Hartford, plainly stating such facts of neglect or cruel treatment as to bring the animal within the jurisdiction of the court and praying for appropriate action by the court to ensure the welfare of the animal, including, but not limited to, physical removal and temporary care and custody of the animal, an order to compel the owner of any such animal to provide care in a manner that the court determines is necessary, authorization of an animal control officer or regional animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328, 22-331 or 22-331a, as applicable, or a licensed veterinarian to provide care for the animal on site, vesting of ownership of the animal, the posting of a bond in accordance withsubsection(f)ofthissection andtheassessment ofcosts in accordance with subsection (h) of this section.

If it appears from the allegations of the petition filed pursuant to this subsection and other affirmations of fact accompanying the petition, or provided subsequent thereto, that there is reasonable cause to find that the animal's condition or the circumstances surrounding its care require the immediate removal of the animal from the owner or owners or person having responsibility for the care of the animal to safeguard its welfare, the court shall issue an order vesting in some suitable state, municipal or other public or private agency or person the animal's temporary care and custody pending a hearing on the petition which hearing shall be held not later than ten days after the issuance of such order for such temporaryPublic careAct andNo. custody.

The24-108 service37 of such71 orderSubstitute maySenate beBill made by any officer authorized by law to serve process, state police officer or sSB426 / File No.

532426 36temporary sSB426care Fileand No.custody.

532The service of such order may be made by any officer authorized by law to serve process, state police officer or indifferent person and shall be served not less than forty-eight hours prior to the date and time of such hearing.

The cash bond shall be in the amount ofonethousanddollarsfor eachanimalplacedinthetemporary care or custody of such agency or person and shall secure payment for the reasonable expenses of the agency or person having temporary care and custody of the animal in caring and providing for such animal until thecourtmakesafindingastotheanimal'sdispositionundersubsection (g)ofthissection.Therequirementthatabondbepostedmay(g)ofthissection.Therequirementthatabondbepostedmaybewaived bewaived ifsuchowner providessatisfactory evidence that such owner isindigent and unable to pay for such bond.

(3) If, after hearing, the court finds that the animal is not neglected or cruelly treated, it may cause the animal to be returned to its owner or owners or person having responsibility for its care or, if such owner or owners or person is unknown or unwilling to resume caring for such animal,Public itAct mayNo. vest ownership of the animal in any state, municipal or other public or private agency or person found to be suitable or worthy of such responsibility.

(4)24-108 If38 the court makes a finding under subdivision (1) or (2) of this71 sSB426Substitute /Senate FileBill No.

532426 37animal, sSB426it Filemay No.vest ownership of the animal in any state, municipal or other public or private agency or person found to be suitable or worthy of such responsibility.

532(4) If the court makes a finding under subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection less than thirty days after the issuance of an order of temporary care and custody and the owner of the animal has posted a bond,theagencyorpersonwithwhomthebondwaspostedshallreturn the balance of such bond, if any, to the owner.

In addition, all veterinary costs and expenses incurred for the welfare of the animal shall be paid by the owner or owners or person havingPublic responsibilityAct forNo. the animal.

(i)24-108 If39 the court vests ownership of the71 animalSubstitute inSenate theBill Commissioner of Agriculture or a municipality, the commissioner or the municipality may conduct or participate in a public auction of the animal under such conditionsthecommissioner or themunicipality deemsnecessary or the commissioner or the municipality may consign the animal to an auction sSB426 / File No.

532426 38having sSB426responsibility Filefor No.the animal.

532(i) If the court vests ownership of the animal in the Commissioner of Agriculture or a municipality, the commissioner or the municipality may conduct or participate in a public auction of the animal under such conditionsthecommissioner or themunicipality deemsnecessary or the commissioner or the municipality may consign the animal to an auction or sell the animal through an open advertised bid process whereby bid price and demonstration of sufficient knowledge and ability to care for such animal are factors for the commissioner's or municipality's consideration.

(k) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, any moneys received by the Department of Agriculture pursuant to subsectionPublic (j)Act ofNo. this section shall be deposited in the General Fund and credited to the animal abuse cost recovery account.

24-108 40 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 subsection (j) of this section shall be deposited in the General Fund and credited to the animal abuse cost recovery account.

Additionally, the account may be used for the purpose of providing reimbursement to any municipality for the costs of providing temporary care to such animal if such temporary care exceeded thirty days in duration and such costs exceeded the amount of any surety bond or cash bond posted pursuant to subsection (f) of this sSB426section /provided Filethe No.total annual reimbursement to municipalities from said account for such purpose shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars.

532 39 sSB426 File No.

532 section provided the total annual reimbursement to municipalities from said account for such purpose shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars.

29.28.

(a) Any owner or [the agent of any owner of any domestic animal or poultry, or the Chief Animal Control Officer, any animal control officer, any municipal animal controlofficer, any regional animal controlofficer or any police officer or state policeman, may kill any dog which he observes pursuing or worrying any such domestic animal or poultry] keeper of any animal or poultry, or an agent of such owner or keeper, or any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328, 22- 331 or 22-331a, or any police officer, including a state police officer, may kill any dog while the dog is in the act of biting, attacking or pursuing any such animal or poultry of the owner or keeper.

Any owner, keeper, animal control officer or police officer who kills such dog shall make complaint concerning the circumstances of the attack to any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328, 22-331 or 22-331a of the town where such attack occurred.

The animal control officer to whom suchPublic complaintAct isNo. made shall investigate the circumstances of the attack set forth in the complaint.

24-108 41 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 such complaint is made shall investigate the circumstances of the attack set forth in the complaint and report on the circumstances of the attack to the Chief State Animal Control Officer, appointed pursuant to section 22-328.

[Such person shall make complaint concerning the circumstances of the attack to the Chief Animal Control Officer, any animal control officer or the municipal animal control officer or regional animal control officer of the town wherein such dog, sSB426cat /or Fileother No.animal is owned or kept.

532Any 40such sSB426officer Fileto No.whom such complaint is made shall immediately make an investigation of such complaint.] Any person who kills such animal shall make complaint concerning the circumstances of the attack to any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-331 or 22-331a of the town where such attack occurred.

532The catanimal orcontrol otherofficer animalto whom such complaint is ownedmade orshall kept.investigate the circumstances of the attack set forth in the complaint and report on the circumstances of the attack to the Chief State Animal Control Officer, appointed pursuant to section 22-328.

Any such officer to whom such complaint is made shall immediately make an investigation of such complaint.] Any person who kills such animal shall make complaint concerning the circumstances of the attack to any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328, 22-331 or 22-331a of the town where such attack occurred.

The animal control officer to whom such complaint is made shall investigate the circumstances of the attack set forth in the complaint.

If anPublic ownerAct orNo. keeper fails to comply with a restraining order made pursuant to this subsection, the Chief Animal Control Officer, any animal control officer, any municipal animal control officer or any regional animal control officer may seize the dog, cat or other animal to ensure such compliance and the owner or keeper shall be responsible for any expenses resulting from such seizure.

24-108 42 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 an owner or keeper fails to comply with a restraining order made pursuant to this subsection, the Chief Animal Control Officer, any animal control officer, any municipal animal control officer or any regional animal control officer may seize the dog, cat or other animal to ensure such compliance and the owner or keeper shall be responsible for any expenses resulting from such seizure.

Any dog owned by a police agency of the state or any of its political subdivisionsisexempt fromtheprovisionsofthissubsectionwhen such dog is under the direct supervision, care and control of an assigned police officer, is currently vaccinated and is subject to routine veterinary sSB426care. / File No.

532 41 sSB426 File No.

532 care.

(1) ThePublic abilityAct ofNo. the owner or keeper of the dog, if any, to control the animal;

24-108 43 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 The ability of the owner or keeper of the dog, if any, to control the animal;

(e) Any person who kills any dog, cat or other animal in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not be held criminally or civilly sSB426liable /therefor. File No.

532 42 sSB426 File No.

532 liable therefor.

(2)Public InAct theNo. interest of public health and safety, and the health and safety of animals, whenever an order issued pursuant to this section requires the disposal of an animal, the issuing officer shall take physical custody and retain possession of the animal subject to the order during any appeal of such order;

(3)24-108 Not44 later than twenty-four hours after the issuance of any71 orderSubstitute issuedSenate pursuantBill toNo. this section, a copy of the order shall be delivered to the person bitten or attacked, or to the owner or keeper of an animal which has been bitten or attacked.

An426 (2) In the interest of public health and safety, and the health and safety of animals, whenever an order issued pursuant to this section shallrequires includethe disposal of an animal, the date,issuing timeofficer shall take physical custody and placeretain wherepossession of the prehearinganimal meetingsubject shallto occur.the order during any appeal of such order;

The(3) orderNot shalllater alsothan includetwenty-four ahours statementafter informing the ownerissuance orof keeperany oforder theissued bitingpursuant orto attackingthis animalsection, a copy of theirthe rightorder shall be delivered to pursuethe anowner appealor keeper of the orderbiting followingor attacking animal, and the prehearingperson meeting;bittenorattacked,ortothe ownerorkeeperofananimalwhichhasbeen bitten or attacked.

(4)The Not later than fifteen days after the date of issuing an order issued pursuant to this section by any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328, 22-331 or 22-331a, the municipality in which the attack occurred shall schedulealso andinclude hold a prehearingstatement meetinginforming with the owner or keeper of the animalbiting subject to the order and the person who was bitten or attacked,attacking oranimal theof ownertheir orright keeperto ofpursue an animalappeal whichof has been bitten or attacked, to determine if the orderorder; is in dispute.

At(4) suchNot meetinglater than fifteen days after the date of an order issued pursuant to this section by any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-331 or 22-331a, the municipality in which the attack occurred shall offer in writing to the dog owner a pre-appeal meeting, which may include the owner or keeper of the animal subject to the order and theirthe legalperson counsel,who ifwas any,bitten or attacked, or the owner or keeper of an animal controlwhich officerhas issuingbeen bitten or attacked, to determine if the order sSB426is /in Filedispute. No.

532At 43such sSB426meeting Filethe No.owner or keeper of the animal subject to the order and their legal counsel, if any, the animal control officer issuing the order and the animal control officer's appointing authority, or their designee, may stipulate to an alternate order.

532All andsettlement thediscussions animalthat controloccur officer'sduring appointingthe authority,pre-appeal ormeeting theirshall designee,be mayconfidential stipulateand toprotected anfrom alternatedisclosure order;under state law;

(5) A statement of the prehearingconclusion of the pre-appeal meeting, including only the names of the attending parties, the date of the prehearing meeting and whether the order was modified, shall be provided by the municipality to the owner or keeper of the animal subject to the order, and the victim or the owner or keeper of an animal whichPublic hasAct beenNo. bitten or attacked, not later than ten days after the date of the prehearing meeting.

All24-108 settlement45 discussionsof that71 occurredSubstitute duringSenate theBill prehearingNo. meeting shall be confidential and protected from disclosure under state law;

(6)426 Afterwhich thehas prehearingbeen meetingbitten is concluded, any person aggrieved by any order, including an alternate order, issued pursuant to this section by any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22- 328, 22-321 or 22-321a,attacked, may appeal to the superior court of the judicial district in which such municipality is located, provided such appeal is made not later than fifteentwenty-four dayshours after the dateconclusion onof which the prehearingpre-appeal meetingmeeting. is concluded;

If a pre-appeal meeting statement is issued pursuant to this subdivision, then the time to appeal to the Superior Court shall run from the date of the issuance of such statement.

If there is no pre-appeal meeting, then the time to appeal to the Superior Court runs from the date of the order;

(6) Any person aggrieved by any order issued under the provisions of this section by the commissioner or any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328, 22-331 or 22-331a, may appeal to the Superior Court of the judicial district in which such aggrieved person is a resident, provided such appeal is made not later than forty- five days after issuance of the order.

If the person aggrieved by an order engages in a pre-appeal meeting under subdivision (4) of this subsection, then the time to appeal to the Superior Court shall run from the date of the statement issued pursuant to subdivision (5) of this subsection.

The pre-appeal meeting shall be concluded for purposes of this section not later than thirty days after the date of the order;

If an owner or keeper of an animal subject to an order issued pursuant to this section fails to comply with theany order,restraint anyorder animalmade controlpursuant officerto appointedthissection,any pursuantanimalcontrolofficer appointedpursuant to section 22-328,22- 328, 22-331 or 22-331a may seize the animal prior to or during the pendency of thean prehearing meeting or appeal and until completion of thean appeal of such order to ensure such compliance and the owner shall be responsible for any expenses resulting from such seizure;

(9)and AnyPublic ownerAct or keeper of an animal subject to a final order or judgment issued pursuant to this subsection who fails to comply with a sSB426 / File No.

53224-108 4446 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 (9) Any owner or keeper of an animal subject to a final order or judgment issued pursuant to this subsection who fails to comply with a final order or judgment shall be guilty of a class D misdemeanor;misdemeanor.

and[(h)] (10)(i) AnyA person aggrievedwho bysustains anydamage order[by issueda underdog] theor provisionsphysical ofinjury thisto such person's poultry, ratite, domestic rabbit, [companion] animal or livestock as defined in section 22-278, by a biting or attacking dog shall make complaint concerning circumstances of the commissionerbite or anattack by such dog on any such animal or livestock to the [Chief Animal Control Officer, any animal control officer mayor appealthe tomunicipal theanimal superiorcontrol courtofficer or regional animal control officer of the judicialtown district in which such aggrieveddog person is aowned resident,or providedkept] suchanimal appealcontrol isofficer madeappointed notpursuant laterto thansection fifteen22-331 daysor after22-331a of the datetown ofin issuancewhich of the order.bite or attack occurred.

[(h)]The (i)animal Acontrol personofficer who sustains damage [by a dog] or physical injury to whom such person'scomplaint poultry,is ratite,made domestic rabbit, [companion] animal or livestock as defined in section 22-278, by a biting or attacking dog shall makeinvestigate complaintthe concerning circumstances of the bite or attack byset suchforth dogin on any such animal or livestock to the [Chiefcomplaint Animaland Controlreport Officer,on anythecircumstancesoftheattacktotheChiefStateAnimalControlOfficer, animal control officer or the municipal animal control officer or regional animal control officer of the town in which such dog is owned or kept] animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328,22-328. 22-331 or 22-331a of the town in which the bite or attack occurred.

An officer towhomto whom such complaint is made shall immediately investigate such complaint.

A personaggrievedperson aggrieved by anorderoftheChiefAnimalControlOfficeran oranyPublic animalAct control officer, municipal animal control officer or regional animal control officer made pursuant to this subsection may request a sSB426 / File No.

53224-108 4547 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 order of the Chief Animal Control Officer or any animal control officer, municipal animal control officer or regional animal control officer made pursuant to this subsection may request a hearing before the commissioner not later than fourteen days after the issuance of such order.

A dog owned by a police agency of the state or any of its political subdivisions is exempt from the provisions of this section when such dog is under the direct supervision, care and control of an assigned police officer, has been vaccinated annually and is subject to routine veterinary care.] In the interest of public health and safety, andandthe the health and safety of animals, if after investigation, any animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 22-328, 22-331 or 22-331a in the municipality or region in which an alleged dog bite or attack occurs determines that an animal has in fact beenbeenbittenor bittenattackedby oradog,suchanimalcontrolofficer,or attackedtheChief byState aAnimal dog,Control suchOfficer animalappointed controlofficerpursuant to section 22-328, may make any order concerning therestraintthe restraint or disposal of such biting or attacking dog as is necessary to protect public health and safety and the health and safety of animals.

In determining the type of order to be issuedissuedorconditionsofrestrainttobeimposed,theanimalcontrolofficer orshall conditionsconsider offactors restraintthat toinclude, beimposed,theanimalcontrolofficershallconsiderfactorsthatinclude, but need not be limited to:

(1) The abilityabilityoftheownerorkeepertocontrolthedog;(2)theseverityofinjury ofinflicted by the ownerbiting or keeperattacking to control the dog;

(2) the severity of injury inflicted by the biting or attacking dog;

(j) Any dog or other animal owned by the United States military, a law enforcement agency of the United States or a law enforcement agencyPublic ofAct thisNo. state or any of its political subdivisions shall be exempt from the provisions of this section when such dog or other animal is owned by or in the custody and control of such agency and under the direct supervision, care and control of an assigned handler, is currently vaccinated for rabies and is subject to routine veterinary care.

Any24-108 service48 animal owned by or in the custody and control of a71 personSubstitute withSenate sSB426Bill / File No.

532426 46agency sSB426of Filethis No.state or any of its political subdivisions shall be exempt from the provisions of this section when such dog or other animal is owned by or in the custody and control of such agency and under the direct supervision, care and control of an assigned handler, is currently vaccinated for rabies and is subject to routine veterinary care.

532Any service animal owned by or in the custody and control of a person with a disability shall be exempt from the provisions of this section when such service animal is under the direct supervision, care and control of such person, is currently vaccinated for rabies and is subject to routine veterinary care.

As used in this subsection, "service animal" and "disability" have the same meaningmeanings as provided in section 22-345.

30.29.

If, within four months of judgment, the lien is placed on real property which was previously attached in the action, the lien on that property shall hold from the date of attachment, provided the judgment lien certificate contains a clause referring to and identifyingPublic theAct attachment,No. substantially in the following form:

24-108 49 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 identifying the attachment, substantially in the following form:

(d) In the case of a consumer judgment, the complaint shall indicate sSB426whether, /pursuant Fileto No.an installment payment order under subsection (b) of section 52-356d, the court has entered a stay of execution and, if such a stay was entered, shall allege any default on an installment payment order which is a precondition to foreclosure.

532 47 sSB426 File No.

532 whether, pursuant to an installment payment order under subsection (b) of section 52-356d, the court has entered a stay of execution and, if such a stay was entered, shall allege any default on an installment payment order which is a precondition to foreclosure.

If the judgment debtor elects to participate in, and the court orders the case assigned to, said foreclosure mediation program, (A) the judgment debtor shall be entitled to the rights and shall assume the obligations of a mortgagor under sections 49-31k to 49-31o, inclusive, and (B) a judgment creditor shall be entitled to the rights and shall assume the obligations of a mortgagee under sections 49-31k to 49-31o, inclusive, except that the judgment creditor shall not be required to furnish the mortgage specific information described in subsection (d) of sectionPublic 49-31l,Act butNo. instead shall furnish a copy of the underlying judgment, and an accounting of current interest and other charges incurred for the time period prescribed in subsection (d) of section 49- 31l.

24-108 50 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 section 49-31l, but instead shall furnish a copy of the underlying judgment, and an accounting of current interest and other charges incurred for the time period prescribed in subsection (d) of section 49- 31l.

The judgment lien shall expire twenty years after the judgment wasrendered, exceptany judgment lienrecordedwithrespect to asmall claims action shall expire ten years after the judgment was rendered, unless the party claiming the lien commences an action to foreclose it withinthatperiodoftimeandrecordsanoticeoflispendensinevidence thereof on the land records of the town in which the real property is sSB426located. / File No.

532 48 sSB426 File No.

532 located.

31.30.

32.31.

Subsection (d) of section 1-205 of the general statutes is repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1,Public 2024):Act No.

24-108 51 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 1, 2024):

In case of a refusal to comply with any such subpoena or to testify with respect to any matter upon sSB426which /that Fileperson No.may be lawfully interrogated, the superior court for the judicial district [of New Britain] in which the public agency is located, on application of the commission, may issue an order requiring suchpersonto comply withsuchsubpoenaandto testify;failure to obey any such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.

532 49 sSB426 File No.

532 which that person may be lawfully interrogated, the superior court for the judicial district [of New Britain] in which the public agency is located, on application of the commission, may issue an order requiring suchpersonto comply withsuchsubpoenaandto testify;failure to obey any such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.

33.32.

A notice ofappealshallbefiledofappealshallbe filed not later thanthirty daysafter suchdenial,except in the case of an unnoticed or secret meeting, in which case the appeal shall be filed not later than thirty days after the person filing the appeal receives actual or constructive notice that such meeting was held.

For purposesPublic ofAct thisNo. subsection, such notice of appeal shall be deemed to be filed on the date it is received by said commission or on the date it is postmarked, ifreceivedmorethanthirtydaysafterthedateofthedenial from which such appeal is taken.

24-108 52 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 purposes of this subsection, such notice of appeal shall be deemed to be filed on the date it is received by said commission or on the date it is postmarked, ifreceivedmorethanthirtydaysafterthedateofthedenial from which such appeal is taken.

In the case of the denial of a request to inspect or copy records contained in a public employee's personnel or medical file or similar file under subsection (c) of section 1- 214, the commission shall include with its notice or order an order requiring the public agency to notify any employee whose records are the subject of an appeal, and the employee's collective bargaining representative, if any, of the commission's proceedings and, if any such employee or collective bargaining representative has filed an objection under said subsection (c), the agency shall provide the required notice to such employee and collective bargaining representative by certified sSB426mail, /return Filereceipt No.requested, by electronic transmission or by hand delivery with a signed receipt.

532 50 sSB426 File No.

532 mail, return receipt requested, by electronic transmission or by hand delivery with a signed receipt.

Said commission shall, after due notice to the parties, hear anddecidetheappealanddecide notlaterthantheappealnotlaterthan oneyearafterthefiling of the notice of appeal.

If a notice of appeal concerns an announced agency decision to meet in executive session or an ongoing agency practice of meeting in executive sessions, for a stated purpose, the commission or a member or members of the commission designated by its chairperson shall serve notice upon the parties in accordance with this section and hold a preliminary hearing ontheappealnotlaterthanseventy-twohoursafterreceiptofthenotice, providedPublic suchAct noticeNo. shall be given to the parties at least forty-eight hours prior to such hearing.

24-108 53 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 provided such notice shall be given to the parties at least forty-eight hours prior to such hearing.

If after the preliminary hearing the commission finds probable cause to believe that the agency decision or practice is in violation of sections 1- 200 and 1-225, the agency shall not meet in executive session for such purpose until the commission decides the appeal.

The commission may declare null and void any action taken at any meeting which a person was denied the right to sSB426attend /and Filemay No.require the production or copying of any public record.

532 51 sSB426 File No.

532 attend and may require the production or copying of any public record.

If the commission finds that a person has taken an appeal under this subsection frivolously, without reasonable grounds and solely for the purpose of harassing the agency from which the appeal has been taken, after such person has been given an opportunity to be heard at a hearing conducted in accordance with sections 4-176e to 4-184, inclusive, the commission may, in its discretion, impose against that personPublic aAct civilNo. penalty of not less than twenty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars.

24-108 54 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 person a civil penalty of not less than twenty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars.

Any party aggrieved by the commission's denial of such leave may apply to the superior court for sSB426the /judicial Filedistrict No.[of New Britain] in which the public agency is located, not later than fifteen days of the commission meeting at which such leave was denied, for an order requiring the commission to hear such appeal.

532 52 sSB426 File No.

532 the judicial district [of New Britain] in which the public agency is located, not later than fifteen days of the commission meeting at which such leave was denied, for an order requiring the commission to hear such appeal.

(B) the nature, content, language or subject matter of prior or contemporaneous requests or appeals by the personPublic makingAct theNo. request or taking the appeal;

24-108 55 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 person making the request or taking the appeal;

(4) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection, in the case of an appeal to the commission of a denial by a public agency, the commission may, upon motion of such agency, confirm the action of the agency and dismiss the appeal without a hearing if it finds, after examining the notice of appeal and construing all allegations most favorably to the appellant, that (A) the agency has not violated the FreedomofInformationAct,or(B)theagencyhascommittedatechnicalFreedomofInformationAct,or(B)theagencyhascommitted atechnical violation of the Freedom of Information Act that constitutes a harmless error that does not infringe the appellant's rights under said act.

(5) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection, in the case of an appeal to the commission of a denial by a public agency where, after a hearing, the commission finds the public agency is engaging in a practiceorpatternofconductthatconstitutesanobstructionofany right sSB426conferred /by Filethe No.Freedom of Information Act or reckless, wilful or wanton misconduct with regard to the delay or denial of responses to requests for public records under said act, the commission may impose a civil penalty of not less than twenty dollars nor more than five thousand dollars against a custodian or other official of such public agency,andordersuchotherreliefthatthecommission,initsdiscretion, determines is appropriate to rectify such obstruction or misconduct and to deter such public agency from violating the Freedom of Information Act.

532In 53case sSB426of Fileany failure or refusal to comply with any order issued Public Act No.

53224-108 conferred56 by the Freedom of Information71 ActSubstitute orSenate reckless,Bill wilfulNo. or wanton misconduct with regard to the delay or denial of responses to requests for public records under said act, the commission may impose a civil penalty of not less than twenty dollars nor more than five thousand dollars against a custodian or other official of such public agency,andordersuchotherreliefthatthecommission,initsdiscretion, determines is appropriate to rectify such obstruction or misconduct and to deter such public agency from violating the Freedom of Information Act.

In426 case of any failure or refusal to comply with any order issued under this subdivision, the commission may apply to the superior court for the judicial district [of New Britain] in which the public agency is located for an order requiring such public agency to comply with such order.

The commission shall vote at its next regular meeting after such recommendation to accept or reject such recommendation and, after such meeting, shall issue a written explanation of the reasons for suchacceptance or rejection.Iftheexecutive director determinesthat a hearing is warranted, the commission shall serve upon all parties, by sSB426certified /or Fileregistered No.mail or electronic transmission, a copy of such petition together with any other notice or order of the commission.

532 54 sSB426 File No.

532 certified or registered mail or electronic transmission, a copy of such petition together with any other notice or order of the commission.

Upon a grant of such petition, the commission may provide appropriate relief commensurate with the vexatious conduct, including, but not limited to,Public anAct orderNo. that the agency need not comply with future requests from the vexatious requester for a specified period of time, but not to exceed one year.

24-108 57 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 to, an order that the agency need not comply with future requests from the vexatious requester for a specified period of time, but not to exceed one year.

34.33.

Sections [1-205, 1-206,] 2-48, 3-21a, 3-62d, 3-70a, 3-71a, 4-61, 4- 160, 4-164, 4-177b, 4-180, 4-183, 4-197, 5-202, 5-276a, 8-30g, 9-7a, 9-7b, 9- 369b, 10-153e, 12-208, 12-237, 12-268l, 12-312, 12-330m, 12-405k, 12-422, 12-448, 12-454, 12-456, 12-463, 12-489, 12-522, 12-554, 12-565, 12-572, 12- 586f, 12-597, 12-730, 13b-34, 13b-235, 13b-315, 13b-375, 14-57, 14-66, 14- 67u, 14-110, 14-195, 14-311, 14-311c, 14-324, 14-331, 15-125, 15-126, 16-41, 16a-5,17b-60,17b-100, 17b-238,17b-531,19a-85,19a-86,19a-425,19a-498, 19a-517, 19a-526, 19a-633, 20-12f, 20-13e, 20-29, 20-40, 20-45, 20-59, 20- 73a, 20-86f, 20-99, 20-114, 20-133, 20-154, 20-156, 20-162p, 20-192, 20- 195p, 20-202, 20-206c, 20-227, 20-238, 20-247, 20-263, 20-271, 20-307, 20- 341f, 20-363, 20-373, 20-404, 20-414, 21a-55, 21a-190i, 22-7, 22-228, 22-248, 22-254, 22-320d, 22-326a, 22-344b, 22-386, 22a-6b, 22a-7, 22a-16, 22a-30, 22a-34, 22a-53, 22a-60, 22a-62, 22a-63, 22a-66h, 22a-106a, 22a-119, 22a- 180, 22a-182a, 22a-184, 22a-220a, 22a-220d, 22a-225, 22a-226, 22a-226c, sSB42622a-227, /22a-250, File22a-255l, 22a-276, 22a-310, 22a-342a, 22a-344, 22a-361a, 22a-374, 22a-376, 22a-408, 22a-430, 22a-432, 22a-438, 22a-449f, 22a-449g, 22a-459, 23-5e, 23-65m, 25-32e, 25-36, 28-5, 29-143j, 29-158, 29-161z, 29- Public Act No.

53224-108 5558 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 22a-227, 22a-250, 22a-255l, 22a-276, 22a-310, 22a-342a, 22a-344, 22a-361a, 22a-374, 22a-376, 22a-408, 22a-430, 22a-432, 22a-438, 22a-449f, 22a-449g, 22a-459, 23-5e, 23-65m, 25-32e, 25-36, 28-5, 29-143j, 29-158, 29-161z, 29- 323, 30-8, 31-109, 31-249b, 31-266, 31-266a, 31-270, 31-273, 31-284, 31-285, 31-339, 31-355a, 31-379, 35-3c, 35-42, 36a-186, 36a-187, 36a-471a, 36a-494, 36a-587, 36a-647, 36a-684, 36a-718, 36a-807, 36b-26, 36b-27, 36b-30, 36b- 50, 36b-71, 36b-72, 36b-74, 36b-76, 38a-41, 38a-52, 38a-134, 38a-139, 38a- 140, 38a-147, 38a-150, 38a-185, 38a-209, 38a-225, 38a-226b, 38a-241, 38a- 337, 38a-470, 38a-620, 38a-657, 38a-687, 38a-774, 38a-776, 38a-817, 38a- 843, 38a-868, 38a-906, 38a-994, 42-103c, 42-110d, 42-110k, 42-110p, 42- 182, 46a-56, 46a-100, 47a-21, 49-73, 51-44a, 51-81b, 51-194, 52-146j, 53- 392d and 54-211a.

35.34.

[(b) All statutes relating to pleading, practice and procedure in sSB426existence /on FileJuly 1, 1957, shall be deemed to be rules of court and shall Public Act No.

53224-108 5659 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 existence on July 1, 1957, shall be deemed to be rules of court and shall remain in effect as such only until modified, superseded or suspended by rules adopted and promulgated by the judges of the Supreme Court or the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of this section.

35.

Section 52-278n of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2024):

(a) The court may, on motion of a party, order an appearing defendant to disclose property in which he has an interest or debts Public Act No.

24-108 60 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 owing to him sufficient to satisfy a prejudgment remedy.

The existence, location and extent of the defendant's interest in such property or debts shall be subject to disclosure.

The form and terms of disclosure shall be determined by the court.

(b) A motion to disclose pursuant to this section may be made by attaching it to the application for a prejudgment remedy or may be made at any time after the filing of the application.

(c) The court may order disclosure at any time prior to final judgment after it has determined that the party filing the motion for disclosure has, pursuant to section 52-278d, 52-278e or 52-278i, probable cause sufficient for the granting of a prejudgment remedy.

(d) A defendant, in lieu of disclosing assets pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, may move the court for substitution either of a bond with surety substantially in compliance with sections 52-307 and 52-308, or of other sufficient security.

(e)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsections(a)to(d),inclusive, of this section, no party may compel disclosure of the names and addresses of clients of an individual or entity that provides professional services, as defined in subdivision (20) of section 4e-1, when the disclosure of such names and addresses would constitute a violation of state or federal law, or the applicable rules of professional conduct governing such profession, as the case may be.

[(e)] (f) Rules of court shall be enacted to carry out the foregoing provisions and may provide for reasonable sanctions to enforce orders issued pursuant to this section.

Sec.

Section 52-278b52-351b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2024):

Notwithstanding(a) anyA provisionjudgment ofcreditor themay generalobtain statutesdiscovery tofrom the contrary,judgment noPublic prejudgmentAct remedy shall be available to a person in any action at law or equity (1) unless he has complied with the provisions of sections 52-278a to 52-278g, inclusive, except an action upon a sSB426 / File No.

53224-108 5761 sSB426of File71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

532426 commercialdebtor, transactionor whereinfrom theany defendantthird hasperson executed a waiver as provided in section 52-278f, [or] (2) for the garnishmentjudgment ofcreditor earningsreasonably asbelieves, defined in subdivisiongood (5)faith, ofmay sectionhave 52-350a,assets or (3) for information compelling disclosure of the namesjudgment anddebtor, addresses of clients of an individual or entityfrom thatany providesfinancial professionalinstitution services,to as defined in subdivision (20) of section 4e-1, when the disclosureextent ofprovided suchby namesthis andsection, addresses would constitute a violation of stateany ormatters federalrelevant law,to orsatisfaction the applicable rules of professional conduct governing such profession, as the casemoney mayjudgment. be.

The judgment creditor shall commence any discovery proceeding by serving an initial set of interrogatories, in a prescribed form containing such questions as to the assets and employment of the judgment debtor as may be approved by the judges of the Superior Court or their designee, on the person from whom discovery is sought.

Service of an initial set of interrogatories relevant to obtaining satisfaction of a money judgment of a small claims session of the Superior Court may be made by sending such interrogatories by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person from whom discovery is sought.

Questions contained in the interrogatory form shall be in clear and simple language and shall be placedonthepageinsuchmannerastoleavespace undereachquestion for the person served to insert such person's answer.

Such person shall answer the interrogatories and return them to the judgment creditor within thirty days of the date of service.

Interrogatories served on a judgment debtor shall be signed by such debtor under penalty of false statement.

With respect to assets, the person served is required to reveal information concerning the amount, nature and location of the judgment debtor's nonexempt assets up to an amount clearly sufficient in value to ensure full satisfaction of the judgment with interest and costs, provided disclosure shall be first required as to assets subject to levy or foreclosure within the state.

If interrogatories are served on a financial institution, the financial institution shall disclose only whether itholdsfundsofthejudgmentdebtoronaccountandthebalanceofsuch funds, up to the amount necessary to satisfy the judgment.

(b) The interrogatory form shall specify the names and last-known addresses of the judgment creditor and the judgment debtor, the court in which and the date on which the judgment was rendered, and the original amount of the judgment and the amount due thereon.

The Public Act No.

24-108 62 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 interrogatory form shall contain a notice of rights with respect to postjudgment interrogatories as prescribed by section 52-361b.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no party may compel disclosure of the names and addresses of clients of an individual or entity that provides professional services, as defined in subdivision (20) of section 4e-1, when the disclosure of such names and addresses would constitute a violation of state or federal law, or the applicable rulesofprofessionalconductgoverningsuchprofession,asthecasemay be.

[(c)] (d) On failure of a person served with interrogatories to return, within the thirty days, a sufficient answer or disclose sufficient assets for execution, or on objection by such person to the interrogatories, the judgment creditor may move the court for such supplemental discovery orders as may be necessary to ensure disclosure including (1) an order for compliance with the interrogatories, or (2) an order authorizing additional interrogatories.

The judgment creditor may obtain discovery, including the taking of depositions, from any person served with interrogatories in accordance with procedures for discovery in civil actions without further order of the court.

The court may order such additional discovery as justice requires provided the order shall contain a notice that failure to comply therewith may subject the person served to being held in contempt of court.

[(d)] (e) Any party from whom discovery is sought may seek a protective order pursuant to section 52-400a.

SubsectionSection (a)51-343 of section 51-345 of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective JulyOctober 1, 2024):

(a)For Exceptpurposes asof provided in section 51-348, as amended by this act,chapter and subsectionssection (b)52-46a, tothe (h),following inclusive,definitions of this section, all civil process shall beapply: made returnable to a judicial district, as follows:

(1)[(a) If"Domestic allcorporation" ofmeans theany partiescorporation resideincorporated outsidePublic thisAct state,No. to the judicial district where (A) the injury occurred, (B) the transaction occurred, or (C) the property is located or lawfully attached.

(2)24-108 If63 theof defendant71 isSubstitute notSenate aBill resident,No. to the judicial district where the attached property is located.

(3)426 Ifunder either or both the plaintifflaws orof thethis defendantstate.] are(1) residents"Domestic of,business ororganization" havemeans anany officesole orproprietorship, placepartnership, ofcorporation, businesslimited in,liability thiscompany, state,association, tofirm theor judicialother districtform whereof eitherbusiness the plaintiff or thelegal defendantentity resides,organized or hasincorporated anunder officethe orlaws place of business,this except:state.

(A)[(b)] If(2) either"Filed" themeans plaintifffiled orat the defendantcourt resideslocation in,where orthere hasis ana officeclerk ordesignated placeto ofreceive businessand in,maintain the townrecord of Manchester, East Windsor, South Windsor or Enfield, the action mayregardless be made returnable at the option of the plaintiffcourt location to eitherwhich the judicialwrit districtis ofmade Hartfordreturnable. or the judicial district of Tolland.

(B)[(c) If"Foreign eithercorporation"] the(3) plaintiff"Foreign orbusiness theorganization" defendantmeans residesany in,[corporation] orsole hasproprietorship, anpartnership, officecorporation, limited liability company, association, firm or placeother form of business in,or thelegal townentity ofincorporated Plymouth,under the actionlaws mayof beany madeother sSB426state /or Fileforeign No.government.

532[(d)] 58(4) sSB426"Made Filereturnable" No.designates the judicial district court location or geographical area where the plaintiff desires the case to be heard.

532[(e)] returnable(5) at"Property" themeans optionanything of thevalue. plaintiff to either the judicial district of New Britain or the judicial district of Waterbury.

(C)[(f) If"United eitherStates thecorporation" plaintiffmeans orany thecorporation defendantincorporated residesunder in, or has an office or place of business in, the townlaws of Bethany, Milford, West Haven or Woodbridge, the actionUnited mayStates.] beSec. made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of New Haven or the judicial district of Ansonia-Milford.

(D) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place of business in, the town of Southbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Ansonia-Milford or the judicial district of Waterbury.

(E) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place of business in, the town of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport or Wilton, the action may be madereturnableattheoptionoftheplaintifftoeitherthejudicialdistrict of Stamford-Norwalk or the judicial district of Bridgeport.

(F) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place of business in, the town of Watertown or Woodbury, the action maybemadereturnableattheoptionoftheplaintifftoeitherthejudicial district of Waterbury or the judicial district of Litchfield.

(G) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place of business in, the town of Avon, Canton, Farmington or Simsbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of New Britain.

(H) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place of business in, the town of Newington, Rocky Hill or Wethersfield, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of New Britain, except for actions where venue is in the geographical area as provided in section 51-348, as amended by this act, or in rules of sSB426 / File No.

532 59 sSB426 File No.

532 court.

(I) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place of business in, the town of Cromwell, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of Middlesex.

(J) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place of business in, the town of New Milford, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Danbury or the judicial district of Litchfield.

(K) If either the plaintiff or the defendant resides in, or has an office or place ofbusinessin, thetownofWindhamor Ashford,theactionmay be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Windham or the judicial district of Tolland.

Sec.

Subsection (c) of section 51-345 of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2024):

(c) In all actions by a [corporation] domestic or foreign business organization, except actions made returnable under subsection (b), (d) or (g) of this section, civil process shall be made returnable as follows:

(1) If the plaintiff is [either a domestic corporation or a United States corporation] a domestic business organization and the defendant is a Public Act No.

24-108 64 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 resident,either(A)tothejudicialdistrictwheretheplaintiffhasanoffice or place of business, or (B) to the judicial district where the defendant resides, except:

(i) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Manchester, East Windsor, South Windsor or Enfield, the action may be madereturnableattheoptionoftheplaintifftoeitherthejudicialdistrict of Hartford or the judicial district of Tolland.

(ii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Plymouth, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of New Britain or the judicial district of Waterbury.

(iii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Bethany, Milford, West Haven or Woodbridge, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of New Haven or the judicial district of Ansonia-Milford.

(iv) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Southbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Ansonia-Milford or the judicial district of Waterbury.

(v) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport or Wilton, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Stamford-Norwalk or the judicial district of Bridgeport.

(vi) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Watertown or Woodbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Waterbury or the judicial district of Litchfield.

Public Act No.

24-108 65 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 (vii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Avon, Canton, Farmington or Simsbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of New Britain.

(viii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Newington, Rocky Hill or Wethersfield, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of New Britain, except for actions where venue is in the geographical area as provided in section 51-348, as amended by this act, or in rules of court.

(ix) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Cromwell, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of Middlesex.

(x)If theplaintiffhasanoffice or place ofbusinessinthetownofNew Milford, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Danbury or the judicial district of Litchfield.

(xi) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Windham or Ashford, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Windham or the judicial district of Tolland.

(2) If the plaintiff is [either a domestic corporation or a United States corporation] a domestic business organization and the defendant is a [corporation, domestic or foreign] domestic or foreign business organization, to the judicial district where (A) the plaintiff has an office or place of business, (B) the injury occurred, (C) the transaction occurred, or (D) the property is located or lawfully attached, except:

(i) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Public Act No.

24-108 66 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 Manchester, East Windsor, South Windsor or Enfield, the action may be madereturnableattheoptionoftheplaintifftoeitherthejudicialdistrict of Hartford or the judicial district of Tolland.

(ii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Plymouth, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of New Britain or the judicial district of Waterbury.

(iii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Bethany, Milford, West Haven or Woodbridge, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of New Haven or the judicial district of Ansonia-Milford.

(iv) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Southbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Ansonia-Milford or the judicial district of Waterbury.

(v) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport or Wilton, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Stamford-Norwalk or the judicial district of Bridgeport.

(vi) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Watertown or Woodbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Waterbury or the judicial district of Litchfield.

(vii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Avon, Canton, Farmington or Simsbury, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of New Britain.

Public Act No.

24-108 67 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 (viii) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Newington, Rocky Hill or Wethersfield, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of New Britain, except for actions where venue is in the geographical area as provided in section 51-348, as amended by this act, or in rules of court.

(ix) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Cromwell, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Hartford or the judicial district of Middlesex.

(x)If theplaintiffhasanoffice or place ofbusinessinthetownofNew Milford, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Danbury or the judicial district of Litchfield.

(xi) If the plaintiff has an office or place of business in the town of Windham or Ashford, the action may be made returnable at the option of the plaintiff to either the judicial district of Windham or the judicial district of Tolland.

(3) If the plaintiff is a foreign [corporation] business organization and the defendant is a resident, to the judicial district where the defendant resides.

(4) If the plaintiff is a foreign [corporation] business organization and the defendant is a [corporation,] domestic or foreign business organization, to the judicial district where (A) the injury occurred, (B) the transaction occurred, or (C) the property is located or lawfully attached.

Sec.

39.

Subsection (g) of section 51-345 of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2024):

Public Act No.

24-108 68 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 (g) Venue for small claims matters shall be at Superior Court facilities designated by the Chief Court Administrator to hear such matters.

In small claims matters, civil process shall be made returnable to the Superior Court facility designated by the Chief Court Administrator to serve the small claims area where the plaintiff resides, where the defendant resides or isdoing business or where thetransactionor injury occurred.

If the plaintiff is a [domestic corporation, a United States corporation, a foreign corporation or a limited liability company] domestic or foreign business organization, civil process shall be made returnable to a Superior Court facility designated by the Chief Court Administrator to serve the small claims area where the defendant resides or is doing business or where the transaction or injury occurred.

Sec.

40.

Section 22-357 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2024):

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Law enforcement officer" means:

Each officer, employee or other person otherwise paid by or acting as an agent of (A) the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection;

(B) the Office of the State Capitol Police;

(C) a municipal police department;

and (D) the Department of Correction;

(2) "Property" includes, but is not limited to, a companion animal, as defined in section 22-351a;

and (3) "The amount of such damage", with respect to a companion animal, includes expenses of veterinary care, the fair monetary value of the companion animal, including all training expenses for a guide dog owned by a blind person or an assistance dog owned by a deaf or mobility impaired person and burial expenses for the companion animal.

(b) If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any Public Act No.

24-108 69 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 person, the owner, [or] keeper, or both, shall be liable for the amount of such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog.

[or, if] If the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for the amount of such damage.

[, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog.] If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, was under seven years of age at the time such damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.

In an action under this section against a household member of a law enforcement officer to whom has been assigned a dog owned by a law enforcement agency of the state, any political subdivision of the state or the federal government for damage done by such dog, it shall be presumed that such household member is not a keeper of such dog and the burden of proof shall be upon the plaintiff to establish that such household member was a keeper of such dog and had exclusive control of such dog at the time such damage was sustained.

Sec.

41.

Section 22-364bof the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2024):

The owner or keeper of a dog shall restrain and control such dog on a leash when such dog is not on the property of its owner or keeper and is in proximity to a person with a disability accompanied by a service animal, provided such service animal is readily identifiable as a service animal, is in the direct custody of such person and is licensed in Public Act No.

24-108 70 of 71 Substitute Senate Bill No.

426 accordance with section 22-345.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall have committed an infraction.

If an owner or keeper of a dog violates the provisions of this section and, as a result of such violation, such dog attacks and injures the service animal, such owner, [or] keeper, or both, shall be liable, as provided in section 22-357, as amended by this act, for any damage done to such service animal, and such liability shall include liability for any costsincurredby suchperson for the veterinary care, rehabilitation or replacement of the injured service animal and for reasonable attorney's fees.

Sec.

42.

Subsection (a) of section 54-142t of the2024 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with the Judicial Branch and the Criminal Justice Information System Governing Board established pursuant to section 54-142q, shall develop and implement automated processes for erasure pursuant to section 54-142a.

Any agency holding records subject to such automated processes for erasure, including, but not limited to, the Department of Correction, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Judicial Branch and the Criminal Justice Information System Governing Board, shallassist theDepartment ofEmergency ServicesandPublic Protection in carrying out such automated processes for erasure and shall provide all necessary information to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Sec.

43.

Section 9 of public act 24-18 is repealed.

(Effective from passage) Sec.

44.

(Effective July 1, 2024) ThisApproved actJune shall4, take2024 effectPublic asAct followsNo. and shall amend the following sections:

July24-108 1,71 2024of Section71 1 4a-60(a)(1) Sec.

2 July 1, 2024 14-140(b) Sec.

3 October 1, 2024 29-38c(c) Sec.

4 from passage 46b-3(a) Sec.

5 from passage 46b-123 Sec.

6 from passage 46b-142(a) Sec.

7 from passage 46b-207 July 1, 2024 Sec.

8 47a-35a Sec.

9 from passage 47a-69(a) Sec.

10 from passage 51-27b Sec.

11 from passage 51-51v Sec.

12 from passage 51-60(b) Sec.

13 from passage 51-90c(a) Sec.

14 from passage 51-90d(a) Sec.

15 from passage 51-164m Sec.

16 October 1, 2024 51-193c(d) Sec.

17 from passage 51-237 sSB426 / File No.

532 60 sSB426 File No.

532 Sec.

18 from passage 51-348(a) Sec.

19 October 1, 2024 54-33a(d) Sec.

20 July 1, 2024 54-63c Sec.

21 July 1, 2024 54-91c(b) July 1, 2024 Sec.

22 54-201 Sec.

23 July 1, 2024 54-203 Sec.

24 July 1, 2024 54-210(a) Sec.

25 July 1, 2024 54-211 Sec.

26 from passage 1-84(d) Sec.