Substitute House Bill No. 7150 introduces significant changes to the regulations and qualifications for justices of the peace in Connecticut, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The bill defines key terms such as "justice of the peace" and "official misconduct," requiring individuals to be appointed and pass an examination administered by the Secretary of the State. It establishes prohibitions against deceptive practices and unlawful marriages, holding justices and their employers liable for damages resulting from misconduct. The Secretary of the State is granted the authority to investigate allegations of misconduct and enforce disciplinary actions, including the revocation of appointments. The bill also outlines a new process for filling vacancies, mandating that one-third of justices be selected by the town clerk and introducing a lottery system if applicants exceed available positions.

Additionally, the bill creates an 11-member working group to examine the justice of the peace system, focusing on aspects such as appointment processes and oversight mechanisms, with a report due by January 1, 2026. Key insertions include new provisions for the appointment process, eligibility criteria based on political party enrollment, and the establishment of the working group, while deletions involve previous language regarding the terms of justices and the process for filling vacancies. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance accountability and oversight for justices of the peace, ensuring a more regulated framework within the state.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-184c
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-184c
File No. 723: 9-184c