Substitute Senate Bill No. 400, also known as Public Act No. 26-87, amends various sections of the Connecticut General Statutes to enhance probate court operations. Key changes include the expansion of "children's matters" to encompass name changes for minors, as indicated by the insertion of "(8) name changes of minors under section 45a-99" in section 1. The bill also allows individuals with a federal firearms disability due to state adjudication or commitment to petition the Probate Court for relief, clarifying that they may petition either the court in their district or the court that rendered the original adjudication. Additionally, the bill strengthens confidentiality provisions for sensitive records, modifies the appeal process from probate court decisions, and establishes clearer timelines and procedures for filing appeals.

Further amendments focus on involuntary representation procedures and the training of newly-elected probate judges. The bill mandates that upon an application for involuntary representation, the court must issue a citation to specified parties with notice served at least ten days before the hearing. It also requires personal service of the citation and outlines alternative notification methods if personal service is not feasible. Newly-elected probate judges must complete training on judicial conduct, civil procedure, and other relevant areas, with provisions for mentorship and observation of court hearings. The bill also allows the Probate Court to send notices related to conservatorship audits and modifies filing fee provisions, including the discretion to waive fees under certain conditions and the stipulation that no refunds will be issued for amounts less than five dollars. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 588:
Public Act No. 26-87: