CT HB05418

Modifies eligibility requirements for Connecticut's pretrial family violence education program to allow defendants charged with certain violations of section 53-21(a)(1) to participate if good cause is shown, despite class C felony charges.

Establishes four eligibility criteria: defendant has no prior family violence conviction since October 1, 1986; no previous assignment to the program; no prior accelerated rehabilitation acceptance for family violence crimes; and is not charged with class A, B, or certain other serious felonies.

Permits participation in cases involving unclassified felonies carrying more than ten years imprisonment, class D felonies, unclassified offenses with more than five years imprisonment, or offenses involving serious physical injury if good cause is demonstrated.

Requires courts to notify victims of defendant's program request and provide opportunity to be heard; defendants must tolerate toll on statute of limitations and waive speedy trial rights during program participation, lasting up to two years.

Directs that upon satisfactory program completion, charges are dismissed and all records erased pursuant to section 54-142a; program takes effect October 1, 2024.