SB 259 prohibits performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on minors under 18, defining it as a class D felony except for medically necessary procedures performed by licensed professionals during childbirth or for health reasons. The bill creates a civil remedy allowing victims to sue perpetrators for damages in superior court, removes parental immunity in such cases, and extends the statute of limitations to 30 years after the victim turns 18. It also mandates child-friendly testimony procedures in FGM-related cases, including closed-circuit testimony and accommodations to reduce trauma. The law directly affects minors under 18, medical providers, and parents or guardians who could face criminal or civil liability. The provisions take effect October 1, 2026.
This bill proposes amending the state constitution to replace gendered language with gender-neutral terms throughout existing constitutional text. It specifically targets phrases like "man," "his," "himself," and "his or her" in sections covering fundamental rights - including equality, criminal procedure, jury trials, and the right to bear arms - and updates them to "person," "such person's," or similar inclusive language. The amendment would affect all constitutional provisions referencing individuals, making the language applicable to people of all genders without changing existing legal rights or creating new policies. This is a procedural change to the constitution's wording, not a substantive policy shift.
SB 225 establishes requirements for police body-worn cameras and dashboard recordings in Connecticut. It mandates that officers use compliant body cameras during public interactions (except as specified) and requires departments to install dashboard cameras in patrol vehicles, all meeting jointly approved technical standards. The bill prohibits altering recordings and sets clear timelines for public disclosure - within 48 hours of an officer's review (or 96 hours after a disclosure request), with limited delays for medical or psychological reasons. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, officers, and the public seeking access to these recordings under the Freedom of Information Act.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 7) confirms a $5,752,798 compensation award to Maceo Streater from the state's General Fund for wrongful incarceration. It directly affects Streater, who successfully claimed the state wrongfully imprisoned him, by legally affirming the Claims Commissioner's decision. The resolution requires the state to pay this amount from the adjudicated claims account, finalizing the financial remedy for his claim.
HB 5311 requires courts to state their specific reasons on the record when they decline to issue a standing criminal protective order in family violence cases. This applies to defendants convicted of or found not guilty by reason of mental disease for specific family violence crimes, as defined by law (including offenses under sections 53a-70b, 53a-192a, and others listed in the bill). The bill, effective October 1, 2026, mandates this transparency to ensure judges provide clear justification for not issuing these protective orders, which are designed to safeguard victims from repeat harm. It does not change when orders may be issued but focuses solely on documenting court decisions when they are withheld.
SB 366 standardizes reporting requirements for motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies involving peace officers. It requires police to complete accident reports within five days for incidents causing injury, death, or over $1,000 property damage, and make them available to involved parties within thirty days. For medical emergencies where a person is unstable while under a peace officer's custody or in contact with them, the officer must create a report within five days and provide a copy to the person upon request within five days. This bill directly affects police departments, peace officers, and individuals involved in accidents or medical emergencies.
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.
This bill prohibits landlords from denying rental applications based solely on credit history when the applicant is a victim of domestic violence, as defined by state law. Landlords may charge a capped fee (up to $50 plus annual inflation adjustment) for tenant screening reports but must provide applicants with a copy of the report or instructions to obtain it, along with a receipt. To qualify for the protection, applicants can submit a counselor letter, police report, or valid court order related to domestic violence. Violating this rule requires landlords to reimburse applicants for fees paid and cover attorney costs.
SB 278 amends Connecticut's protective order laws to better address interpersonal violence involving military personnel. It requires applicants to disclose if the respondent (the person against whom the order is sought) holds a firearm permit or possesses firearms, which helps courts assess immediate risks. If firearms are involved, courts must schedule a hearing within seven days for emergency orders (instead of 14 days) and must consider a report including military protective orders, criminal history, and risk assessments. This applies directly to Connecticut residents seeking protection from military members, ensuring their safety concerns are addressed with timely, evidence-based court decisions.
SB 292 amends Connecticut law to clarify and expand the definition of "child sexual abuse material" for legal enforcement. It defines this material as any visual depiction (including digital content) showing a person under 16 years old, or someone appearing under 16, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Key provisions specify that "sexually explicit conduct" includes acts like intercourse, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, and lascivious exhibition of genitals. This definition directly affects law enforcement, prosecutors, and individuals or platforms distributing such content, effective October 1, 2026.
