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 survivor status and related trauma contributed to their offenses, requiring the court to consider documented proof and relevant evidence. It establishes criteria for significant sentence reductions, including the possibility of reducing life sentences to a maximum of thirty years, and repeals existing language in Section 53a-35a to implement this new framework, effective January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill modifies the parole eligibility process, mandating that the Board of Pardons and Paroles hold hearings for individuals seeking parole, particularly those who committed offenses as survivors of violence. It sets specific eligibility criteria for parole based on the length of sentences and allows for earlier parole applications for younger offenders. The bill also requires the Board to report annually on the outcomes of these provisions and introduces new requirements for the decision-making process regarding pardons and commutations. Overall, sSB1502 aims to create a more compassionate approach to sentencing and parole, while ensuring that the rights of victims are considered throughout the process.

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