Bill > SB01502

This bill creates new provisions to allow survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking to potentially receive reduced sentences or sentence modifications if the violence or abuse they experienced was a contributing factor in their criminal offense. The bill allows defendants to apply for sentence reduction at different stages of the criminal justice process, including during initial sentencing, sentence modification hearings, parole hearings, and commutation proceedings. To be eligible, defendants must provide at least two pieces of documented proof corroborating their survivor status, such as court records, medical records, sworn statements, or protective orders. The bill defines key terms like "domestic violence" and "contributing factor" and specifies that the violence does not need to be the sole or primary reason for the offense. Courts and parole boards must give substantial weight to evidence of survival and consider how the experienced violence may have influenced the defendant's criminal actions. The legislation aims to provide more nuanced consideration of survivors' experiences in the criminal justice system, recognizing that trauma and abuse can significantly impact an individual's behavior. The bill includes reporting requirements for the Judicial Branch and Board of Pardons and Paroles to track the implementation of these new provisions, with the changes set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Justice

Judiciary Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01502&which_year=2025