Substitute House Bill No. 7139, also known as Public Act No. 25-78, introduces significant amendments to the regulations governing state marshals in Connecticut. Key provisions include a requirement for state marshals to carry personal liability insurance with increased minimum coverage amounts of $250,000 for individual damages and $500,000 for multiple persons, with policies needing to renew annually on October 1 starting January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes a State Marshal Commission to oversee professional standards, training, and the equitable assignment of restraining orders, while introducing new regulations regarding residency, minimum fees, and fitness for duty for marshals over 72 years old. Additionally, the bill modifies the timeline for remitting collected funds and sets limits on the number of state marshals appointed in various counties.

The bill further modernizes the service of process laws by allowing electronic transmission of legal documents to state marshals and establishing new procedures for serving correctional officers. It clarifies the definitions of terms related to service and outlines requirements for electronic submissions. The legislation also revises eviction procedures, requiring state marshals to notify individuals at least five business days before an eviction and providing clear instructions for reclaiming possessions. Furthermore, it adjusts the fee structure for serving legal processes and mileage reimbursement rates, ensuring fair compensation for officers. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and clarity of the legal processes involving state marshals and the service of legal documents in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 6-38n
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 52-45a, 6-38n
File No. 770: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 52-45a, 6-38n
File No. 934: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 52-45a, 6-38n
Public Act No. 25-78: 6-35, 6-38, 6-38b, 6-38c, 6-38d, 6-38e, 6-39, 34-243r, 52-593a, 52-50, 52-45a, 6-38n