Senate Bill No. 1501, also known as Public Act No. 25-48, introduces several amendments to the operations of Probate Courts in Connecticut, particularly concerning the filing of birth certificates and the adoption process. A key provision allows a parent or legal guardian to petition the Probate Court for an order to create and file a birth certificate when a birth occurs outside of an institution, provided the petition is submitted before the child's first birthday and includes necessary affidavits and evidence. The bill also modifies the notification timeline for complainants and respondents regarding investigations from seven to fifteen business days and clarifies procedures for reconsideration of ex parte orders, ensuring all interested parties are notified and can participate in the process.

In addition to these changes, the bill updates adoption procedures by requiring applications to be filed in the Probate Court and mandates a report from the Commissioner of Children and Families regarding the child's welfare. It removes the requirement for duplicate filings and emphasizes the child's best interests in the adoption process. The bill also establishes that the Probate Court may charge a reasonable fee to adoptive parents for investigation costs and prohibits disapproval of adoptions based solely on the adoptive parent's marital status or differences in race, color, or religion. Furthermore, it mandates the formation of a working group to study conservatorship issues and allows tort claims against an estate to proceed in Superior Court under specific conditions. The bill will take effect on various dates, with some provisions starting as early as July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable:
File No. 741:
Public Act No. 25-48: