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 individual's amenability to treatment and the availability of appropriate community supervision and services.

Additionally, the bill outlines the eligibility criteria for participation in the diversionary program, including provisions for sealing court files and notifying victims of the accused's application to the program. It also establishes procedures for the Court Support Services Division to develop tailored treatment plans, maintain a database of participants, and ensure that victims are informed of any conditions affecting them. The bill emphasizes the importance of mental health treatment while addressing domestic violence issues, thereby enhancing the support provided to individuals with psychiatric disabilities or veterans involved in the criminal justice system. The effective date for these changes is set for 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