The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1327, seeks to amend Section 53a-39 of the general statutes regarding the reduction of sentences by the sentencing court or judge. Key changes include the removal of the previous stipulation that limited sentence reductions to specific circumstances, allowing for broader discretion by the court to reduce sentences or discharge defendants at any time during their incarceration. The bill also modifies the waiting period for defendants to reapply for sentence reductions from five years to two years, and it allows for the possibility of modifying sentences below mandatory minimum terms, which was previously prohibited.

Additionally, the bill introduces procedural changes to enhance the efficiency of the application process for sentence modifications. It requires that defendants provide the state with a copy of their application and supporting materials, and mandates that the court schedule a hearing within ninety days of receiving the application. If an application is rejected on technical grounds, the court must document the reasons for rejection, allowing defendants the opportunity to amend their applications. The bill also ensures that victims of the crime can participate in the hearing process, either in person or through written statements, to express their views on the potential reduction of the defendant's sentence. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.