General Assembly Raised Bill No. 400 proposes significant amendments to the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the operations of the Probate Court. The bill expands the definition of "children's matters" to include name changes for minors, thereby adding to the existing categories of guardianship, parental rights termination, and adoption. It also allows individuals with federal firearms disabilities due to state adjudications to petition the Probate Court for relief, with petitions being filed in either the district of residence or the district where the adjudication occurred. Additionally, the bill establishes confidentiality for records related to termination of parental rights, guardianship, adoption, and emancipation cases, limiting access to involved parties and certain state agencies. It modifies the appeal process, including the timeframe for filing appeals and clarifying notice requirements, while removing outdated language and ensuring that the Probate Court and judges are not named as parties in appeals.

Moreover, the bill introduces a training program for newly-elected probate judges, requiring courses on various legal and ethical topics, and establishes a Probate Court Budget Committee to oversee budgetary matters. It also includes provisions for waiving or postponing filing fees for applicants facing undue hardship and mandates the auditing of conservatorships of the estate. The bill repeals certain existing statutes and provisions, including those related to a working group, and sets effective dates for the various sections, with most changes taking effect on October 1, 2026. Overall, Raised Bill No. 400 aims to enhance the efficiency, integrity, and administrative structure of the Probate Court system while ensuring that judges are well-trained and that individuals' rights are protected.

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