HB 5306 would give Connecticut judges the authority to reduce sentences or grant relief when a person’s history of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking played a significant role in their criminal conduct.
Why it matters:
- Recognizes trauma — Survivors should not be sentenced without considering how abuse and violence shaped their lives and choices.
- Promotes fairness — The bill ensures individualized assessments at sentencing, not one-size-fits-all outcomes.
- Supports rehabilitation — People more likely to succeed when the justice system acknowledges and addresses the causes of criminal behavior.
HB 5306 brings Connecticut closer to a justice system that balances accountability with compassion and evidence-based practice.