SB 91 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT ENHANCING THE INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITY OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND ESTABLISHING PROTECTED AREAS.

This bill (SB 91) is a definitional update, not a substantive policy change. It repeals and replaces existing legal definitions in the statutes (specifically Section 53a-3) to standardize terms like "person," "physical injury," "deadly weapon," and "peace officer" for consistent legal interpretation. The bill does not create new laws, affect specific groups, or establish "protected areas" as its title suggests - those terms do not appear in the actual text. It solely clarifies terminology used in criminal and legal contexts across Connecticut statutes.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Apr 8, 2026

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What changed between versions

Governor's Bill → JUD Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the definition of 'peace officer' to include constables, special policemen, adult probation officers, and other state officials, thereby extending the requirement for Inspector General investigations into deaths involving these officers. Additionally, the investigation scope was broadened to cover deaths occurring in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction and to include cases where next of kin were not properly notified of a death.

Scope change

The scope of the bill was expanded to include additional law enforcement roles and to cover deaths occurring in correctional facilities and due to notification failures.

ELIGIBILITY

The definition of 'peace officer' was expanded to include constables, special policemen, adult probation officers, and other state officials, broadening who is subject to mandatory investigation protocols.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate an Inspector General investigation when a person dies in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction.

New requirements mandate an Inspector General investigation when a next of kin is not notified of a death as required by law.

ENFORCEMENT

The Inspector General's authority to investigate deaths by peace officers was clarified and expanded to include preliminary status reports submitted to state officials.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'deadly physical force' was updated to reference the existing definition in Section 53a-3, ensuring consistency across statutes.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

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Key actions

Committee

Mar 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary

upper

20 primary · 0 co-sponsors