Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

This bill restricts the availability of accelerated rehabilitation programs for defendants charged with certain animal cruelty offenses. It specifically excludes from eligibility individuals charged with serious felonies, crimes causing death, family violence, drug-related offenses, and other specified violations. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and aims to limit the use of this diversion program for cases involving animal cruelty while maintaining it for other qualifying offenses.

This bill restricts how local law enforcement agencies can share information with federal immigration authorities, specifically prohibiting officers from responding to immigration detainer requests for individuals charged with certain serious crimes. The legislation directly affects state and local police, correctional officers, probation officers, and school security personnel by limiting their ability to assist federal agencies in detaining or transferring individuals who have been charged with Class A, B, or C felonies or family violence offenses. Key provisions include banning law enforcement from providing federal immigration authorities with non-public information about an individual's release dates, addresses, or compliance with probation terms, and preventing agencies from allowing federal officers to interview detainees or use jail facilities for immigration enforcement activities. The bill also defines specific types of confidential information that cannot be shared, including details about an individual's sexual orientation, victim status, witness role, or financial records.

HB 5313 requires the Chief Court Administrator to develop a plan by January 1, 2027, creating uniform state-wide case identification codes for domestic violence cases across three state systems: the Judicial Branch, Division of Criminal Justice, and Department of Emergency Services. The codes must consistently track all domestic violence cases (defined as family violence between household members under state law) in electronic case files, improving statewide data collection for reporting and policy analysis while maintaining confidentiality. This plan must be reported to legislative committees by February 1, 2027. The bill directly affects how state agencies track and manage domestic violence case data, aiming to standardize identification without changing legal definitions or services.

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.

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.

HB 5310 adds a new defense for individuals accused of violating protective or restraining orders. It allows defendants to argue that the person protected by the order (not the defendant) initiated or encouraged the contact that led to the alleged violation. This defense applies to all covered orders, including those related to domestic violence or harassment, but does not apply if the defendant’s actions already constitute a separate crime. The bill does not change the underlying criminal penalties for violations but modifies the legal defense available during prosecution.