SB 291 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE STATE MARSHAL COMMISSION, THE STATE MARSHALS ADVISORY BOARD AND STATE MARSHALS.

SB 291 reorganizes Connecticut's State Marshal Commission, replacing its current structure with a larger 11-member body effective January 1, 2027. The bill specifies appointments: the Chief Justice appoints one judge, legislative leaders appoint four members, the Governor appoints two (including a chair requiring Senate approval), and the State Marshals Advisory Board appoints two experienced marshals. It establishes new qualifications for members, requiring expertise in areas like civil litigation or state marshal duties, and defines terms (three years for most, one year for advisory board appointees). This bill directly affects the commission members, state marshals (through advisory board appointments), and the oversight process for service of court orders and enforcement.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Feb 23, 2026 Signed May 26, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → JUD Joint Favorable Substitute · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' following committee consideration, which streamlined the State Marshal Commission's structure and duties. The changes simplify the commission's composition by removing a future expansion to eleven members, clarify that members serve without pay, and add specific requirements for recruiting marshals based on county needs. These updates aim to create a more stable and efficient system for appointing and managing state marshals.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed regarding the commission's size; the original version planned to expand the commission to eleven members starting in 2027, but the substitute version keeps the commission at eight members indefinitely.

TIMELINE

Removed a provision that would have expanded the commission from eight to eleven members starting January 1, 2027, keeping the size at eight members permanently.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for the commission to consult with the State Marshals Advisory Board before recruiting new marshals to determine how many are needed in each county.

Established specific criteria for filling vacancies, requiring applicants to live in the county where the vacancy exists and be available to work full-time during court hours.

Added a duty for the commission to develop orientation materials for new members and coordinate with the advisory board to let them observe actual marshals at work.

Updated the commission's duties to include establishing professional standards, residency requirements, and fitness-for-duty certification for marshals over age 72.

FISCAL

Clarified that commission members serve without compensation but are reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while performing their duties.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 30, 2026 · House May 5, 2026

How they voted

36–0

Passed

Total votes 36

Apr 30, 2026

D Democratic25

25 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican11

11 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 26, 2026

Signed into law

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

upper

May 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE PASSED

lower

Apr 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

SENATE PASSED

upper

Mar 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Feb 23, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors