HB 5306 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

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

HB 5306 allows courts to reduce sentences for individuals convicted of felonies who were survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, provided the abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. Defendants must submit documented proof (such as court records, protective orders, or counselor affidavits) demonstrating their survivor status and the abuse's role in the crime. Courts must then determine if the abuse was a contributing factor before applying sentence reductions. This applies to all felony convictions where the abuse contributed to the offense, without requiring it to be the sole cause, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 20, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → JUD Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was converted from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Joint Favorable Substitute,' indicating it has passed committee review and is ready for final action. Substantively, the bill expands eligibility for survivors of domestic violence to receive reduced sentences by adding 'trafficking in persons' to the list of qualifying crimes. It also updates the legal definition of a 'significant contributing factor' to clarify that abuse need not be the sole cause of the crime. Finally, the bill broadens the types of evidence a defendant can submit to prove they are a survivor, including digital records like text messages and photos.

Scope change

The bill's scope of applicability was expanded to include survivors of trafficking in persons, whereas the original version only covered domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking separately without explicit inclusion in the eligibility criteria.

ELIGIBILITY

Added 'trafficking in persons' to the list of qualifying crimes for sentence reduction, ensuring survivors of this specific crime are eligible for the same relief as survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.

DEFINITION

Replaced the term 'contributing factor' with 'significant contributing factor' and updated the definition to clarify that the abuse must have a substantial likelihood of influencing the crime, without needing to be the exclusive cause.

REQUIREMENT

Expanded the list of acceptable proof for survivors to include modern forms of evidence such as text messages, electronic mail, videos, and audio recordings.

Updated the list of witnesses who can provide sworn statements to include teachers and other school professionals.

TECHNICAL

Changed the bill title from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' and updated page counts, reflecting its progression through the legislative process.

Floor votes

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No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

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Key actions

Committee

Mar 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 20, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary

lower

34 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

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Legislator

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State

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