Substitute Senate Bill No. 509 proposes significant reforms to the address verification processes for individuals registered for sexually violent offenses in Connecticut. The bill modifies the definition of "sexually violent offense" by excluding certain cases of sexual intercourse with relatives and including instances of sexual contact with individuals who are mentally incapacitated. It also reduces the penalty for failing to notify the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) about changes in name, address, or status from a class D felony to a class C misdemeanor, applicable only if the failure persists for five business days. Additionally, the bill establishes a nolle prosequi provision for individuals who comply with notification requirements within twenty business days of arraignment and have no prior violations.

Moreover, the bill enhances the address verification process by extending the deadline for returning verification forms from ten to thirty days and requiring DESPP to respond to requests for these forms within five business days. It also stipulates that DESPP cannot notify local police of a registrant's failure to register until thirty days after the mailing of the verification form. The bill includes provisions to protect victim identities and certain registry information from public disclosure, while ensuring that the registry remains a public record accessible online. These changes aim to streamline compliance and improve the registration process while maintaining public safety, with an effective date set for October 1, 2026.