The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 1505, aims to amend Section 54-56l of the general statutes to allow courts the discretion to incorporate a family violence component into the pretrial supervised diversionary program for individuals with psychiatric disabilities or veterans accused of non-serious crimes. The bill specifies that if a participant is accused of a family violence crime, the Court Support Services Division must assess their capacity for domestic violence treatment and may add a domestic violence component to their treatment plan, provided it aligns with the major tenets of the domestic violence offender program standards. This addition is contingent upon the division's determination that the individual is amenable to treatment and that appropriate community supervision and services are available.
Additionally, the bill outlines the eligibility criteria for participation in the diversionary program, including provisions for individuals who may otherwise be ineligible due to prior participation or other factors. It mandates that the court seal the case file upon application and requires notification to victims regarding the participant's application and any conditions affecting them. The bill also establishes a database for tracking participants and their program involvement, ensuring that law enforcement has access to relevant information when responding to incidents involving these individuals. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill: 54-56l
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 54-56l
File No. 761: 54-56l
APP Joint Favorable: 54-56l