CT HB05306

Defendants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking may request reduced sentences at sentencing if the abuse was a contributing factor to their offense, with courts required to impose reduced sentences according to a specified schedule (e.g., life without parole reduced to 30 years or less, 50+ year sentences reduced to 25 years or less)

Incarcerated individuals may file motions for sentence modification based on survivor status, with mandatory sentence reductions if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking was a contributing factor in the offense

Survivors serving sentences of 10+ years become eligible for parole hearings after serving 60% of sentences up to 50 years (or 12 years minimum) or after 30 years for sentences exceeding 50 years, regardless of whether survivor status was previously disclosed at trial

The Board of Pardons and Paroles must accept commutation applications from survivors who have served at least 10 years of a 10+ year sentence, giving substantial weight to evidence that abuse was a contributing factor

Applicants must provide at least two pieces of documented proof of survivor status, which may include affidavits, court records, hospital records, protective orders, or statements from counselors, clergy, or advocates; the Judicial Branch and Board of Pardons and Paroles must report annually on applications and grants under these provisions beginning January 15, 2028