CT HB05509

Secretary of the State must publish an online manual describing justice of the peace duties by July 1, 2027, and newly appointed justices must certify they have read it within 30 days of appointment.

Justices of the peace are prohibited from performing official actions with intent to deceive, using their title for product endorsements, or performing marriages they know to be unlawful or fraudulent; violations constitute "official misconduct" subject to investigation and potential suspension or revocation by the Secretary of the State.

Municipalities that increase justice of the peace positions by ordinance or charter amendment at least 91 days before the next quadrennial appointment may fill vacancies early, with one-third selected by the town clerk and remaining positions split among major political parties.

Marriage license requirements are amended to require a 48-hour waiting period before issuance and to clarify that ceremonies must be performed within 65 days of license issuance and in the physical presence of the officiant.

An 11-member working group is established to study justice of the peace issues including appointment portability, training requirements, oversight and fines, and concerns related to human trafficking and marriage fraud, with a report due by January 1, 2027.