CT SB00509

Extends the statute of limitations for petitions for new trials in criminal proceedings based on DNA evidence or other newly discovered forensic scientific evidence from three years to indefinite, allowing petitions at any time after discovery or availability of such evidence.

Requires courts to grant a new trial petition if newly discovered evidence would likely have resulted in a different outcome at the original trial.

Allows newly discovered forensic scientific evidence to include evidence that was not discoverable or available at the time of the original trial, or that might undermine forensic scientific evidence previously presented at trial.

Instructs courts to determine whether forensic scientific evidence qualifies as newly discovered by considering whether relevant scientific evidence or methods have changed since the original trial date or most recent petition.

Protects expert witnesses from civil or criminal liability for repudiating forensic scientific evidence they previously provided if such evidence has since been undermined by later scientific research or technological advancements.