The proposed Substitute Senate Bill No. 1502 seeks to amend Section 53a-35a of the general statutes to allow defendants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking to request sentence modifications based on their experiences. The bill introduces new legal language permitting defendants to demonstrate that their status as survivors and the trauma associated with it were contributing factors to their offenses. If the court finds clear and convincing evidence supporting this claim, it can impose significantly reduced sentences, such as reducing life sentences to a maximum of thirty years. The bill also clarifies that defendants can seek relief under existing statutes related to sentence reduction and establishes procedures for filing motions, including the requirement to provide supporting documentation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the parole eligibility process, mandating that the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP) hold hearings for individuals who committed crimes while under the age of twenty-one, as well as for survivors of the aforementioned traumas. It allows for the admissibility of reliable hearsay and emphasizes the importance of reviewing comprehensive documentation before making parole decisions. The bill also repeals and replaces certain sections of existing law to streamline the process and enhance transparency in decision-making. Overall, sSB1502 aims to create a more compassionate and nuanced approach to sentencing and parole for survivors, while ensuring that the rights of victims are also considered in the legal process.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 54-125a, 54-130a
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 54-125a, 54-130a
File No. 742: 54-125a, 54-130a