CT HB05310

Creates an affirmative defense for defendants charged with criminal violation of protective orders, standing criminal protective orders, restraining orders, or civil protection orders when the protected person initiated or encouraged the prohibited contact directly, indirectly, or through a third party

Affirmative defense does not apply if the defendant's resulting contact or conduct constitutes a separate criminal offense

Applies to four types of orders: protective orders (Section 53a-223), standing criminal protective orders (Section 53a-223a), restraining orders (Section 53a-223b), and civil protection orders (Section 53a-223c)

Effective date: October 1, 2026