CT SB01502

Allows defendants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking to request reduced sentences at sentencing if the abuse was a contributing factor in their offense, with mandatory sentence reductions ranging from life without parole reduced to 30 years or less, down to 3-5 year terms reduced to 18 months or less

Requires defendants seeking relief to provide at least two pieces of documented proof of survivor status, including court records, protective orders, medical records, sworn statements from counselors or advocates, or hospital/law enforcement records

Creates new pathways for incarcerated survivors to seek sentence modification through courts, parole through the Board of Pardons and Paroles, or commutation of sentence, regardless of whether abuse evidence was previously presented at trial

Establishes parole eligibility for qualifying survivors serving sentences over 10 years after serving 60% of their sentence or 12 years (whichever is greater), or after 30 years for sentences exceeding 50 years

Mandates annual reporting by January 15, 2027 from both the Judicial Branch and Board of Pardons and Paroles on the number of applications submitted and granted under these new provisions; effective date is January 1, 2026