Substitute House Bill No. 7255 aims to enhance the protection of personal information for certain judicial branch personnel, known as "protected individuals," by establishing an Office of Information Privacy within the Judicial Branch. This office will enable protected individuals, including judges and their families, to request the removal or non-publication of their personal information from public access. The bill defines "personal information" and outlines the circumstances under which public agencies must comply with these requests. Additionally, it modifies existing laws related to the disclosure of records by the Department of Children and Families, repealing subsection (g) of section 17a-28 and replacing it with new provisions that clarify when records can be disclosed without consent, while ensuring confidentiality in accordance with federal law.

The bill also introduces several amendments to existing laws concerning juvenile matters, victim services, and judicial processes. It allows for broader access to juvenile records by various agencies, expands the scope of criminal protective orders, and establishes a task force to review habeas corpus procedures. Key changes include the reduction of the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners' membership, modifications to the handling of civil process based on party residency, and the introduction of a five-year probation period for animal cruelty convictions. The bill aims to streamline judicial operations, enhance victim protections, and improve the efficiency of the judicial system while ensuring the privacy rights of individuals are upheld.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 51-50c, 51-50k, 51-197f, 51-344, 51-345, 52-434, 54-1k, 54-230, 51-85a, 52-350f, 52-278f, 52-46a
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 51-50c, 51-50k, 51-197f, 51-344, 51-345, 52-434, 54-1k, 54-230, 51-85a, 52-350f, 52-278f, 52-46a
File No. 773: 51-50c, 51-50k, 51-197f, 51-344, 51-345, 52-434, 54-1k, 54-230, 51-85a, 52-350f, 52-278f, 52-46a
APP Joint Favorable: 51-50c, 51-50k, 51-197f, 51-344, 51-345, 52-434, 54-1k, 54-230, 51-85a, 52-350f, 52-278f, 52-46a
File No. 951: 51-50c, 51-50k, 51-197f, 51-344, 51-345, 52-434, 54-1k, 54-230, 51-85a, 52-350f, 52-278f, 52-46a, 51-9