CT HB05566

Amends section 54-56e(c) to restrict eligibility for Connecticut's accelerated rehabilitation program for defendants charged with animal cruelty violations under sections 22-329 or 53-247

Defendants who have previously participated in accelerated rehabilitation for any offense become ineligible for the program if charged with animal cruelty, unless 15 or more years have passed since the prior charges were dismissed

Effective date is October 1, 2026

Accelerated rehabilitation is a pretrial diversionary program that allows charges to be dismissed upon successful completion, avoiding a criminal conviction