CT SB00361

Permits defendants convicted of criminal offenses with potential prison sentences to submit family impact statements if they are parents or guardians with physical custody of minor children.

Requires courts to consider family impact statements before pronouncing sentence.

Allows statements to address impacts on minor children and family members from imprisonment, including financial needs, parent-child relationships, family support availability, and employment considerations.

Permits statements to include information about rehabilitation programs available if the defendant avoids imprisonment, the offense severity, and defendant's criminal history.

Takes effect October 1, 2014.