Substitute Senate Bill No. 1503 seeks to reform the probation process by allowing courts to consider a probationer's educational and workforce achievements when deciding on the continuation or termination of probation. The bill amends Section 53a-29 of the general statutes, inserting provisions that require probation officers to include these achievements in their progress reports submitted to the court, the state’s attorney, and the probationer's attorney, if applicable. This change aims to encourage probationers to engage in constructive activities that support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The existing requirement for reports to detail progress in addressing assessed needs and compliance with probation conditions remains unchanged.

Additionally, the bill mandates that probation officers submit these reports at least 60 days before the completion of specified probation periods, maintaining the timeline for report submission. The court is then required to review the report and make a decision regarding the probationer's status within 60 days of receipt. The bill also includes provisions for victim notification and input during this process, promoting a more rehabilitative approach to probation that could lead to cost savings for the Judicial Department by potentially reducing the length of probation supervision. The effective date for this bill is set for July 1, 2025.

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