Substitute Senate Bill No. 1503 seeks to incentivize educational and workforce achievements to potentially shorten probation terms for individuals on probation. The bill amends Section 53a-29 of the general statutes by introducing new language that mandates probation officers to report on probationers' educational and workforce accomplishments, in addition to their compliance with probation conditions. This information will be submitted to the court, the state’s attorney, and the probationer's attorney, if applicable. Furthermore, the bill requires that victims be notified and allowed to provide statements regarding the potential termination of a probationer's sentence.

In addition to these insertions, the bill repeals certain existing provisions and replaces them with updated criteria for probation and conditional discharge, including the introduction of a $200 fee for probation supervision. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and are anticipated to generate minimal savings for the Judicial Department by potentially reducing the length of probation terms based on educational and workforce achievements. The timeline for submitting progress reports remains unchanged, with reports due at least 60 days before specific milestones in the probation term, and the court must decide on the continuation or termination of probation within 60 days of receiving the report.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 777: