Bill > HB07150

This bill addresses several key provisions related to justices of the peace in Connecticut. It requires all newly appointed justices of the peace to pass a written examination developed by the Secretary of the State by May 1, 2026, and mandates that the Secretary publish an online manual about the duties of justices of the peace by July 1, 2026. The bill prohibits justices of the peace from engaging in various forms of misconduct, such as performing official actions with intent to deceive, using their title for promotional purposes, or performing unlawful marriages. It establishes that justices of the peace can be held liable for damages caused by their official misconduct, and in some cases, their employers may also be liable. The Secretary of the State is given the authority to investigate allegations of misconduct and can issue warnings, suspend, or revoke a justice of the peace's appointment. Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism for filling vacancies in the justice of the peace office when a municipality increases its number of positions, allowing appointments to be made prior to the next regular election. The legislation also creates a working group to examine and make recommendations on various aspects of the justice of the peace role, including selection processes, training, qualifications, and oversight.

Housing and Urban Affairs

Planning and Development Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07150&which_year=2025