Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05547

Introduced
3/16/12  
Introduced
3/16/12  
Refer
3/16/12  

Caption

An Act Concerning Release From Arrest Without Further Criminal Complaint.

Impact

By amending existing statutes, HB 5547 aims to improve the handling of intoxicated individuals by law enforcement and healthcare systems. The measure is seen as a way to reduce the number of individuals with alcohol-related offenses in the criminal justice system, diverting them instead to medical treatment where necessary. This could lead to improved public health outcomes and less strain on court systems, addressing both legal and health-related issues in intoxication scenarios.

Summary

House Bill 5547 introduces significant changes to how police officers can handle situations involving individuals who may be intoxicated or in need of assistance. The bill stipulates that officers may take a person into protective custody if they are incapacitated by alcohol, ensuring to provide immediate medical triage and facilitate transport to appropriate treatment facilities. Importantly, this action is framed as a protective measure rather than an arrest and therefore does not result in a formal arrest record, allowing individuals to avoid the legal repercussions typically associated with arrests.

Contention

While the bill has potential benefits, it also raises questions regarding the powers granted to law enforcement under this new framework. Some stakeholders have expressed concerns that the bill could lead to misuse of protective custody, wherein individuals might be detained unnecessarily. Moreover, discussions on how to adequately train officers in recognizing true incapacitation versus other states must be considered to ensure that this provision does not infringe upon the rights of individuals who are not actually in need of medical assistance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05500

An Act Concerning Revisions To Various Laws Concerning Ignition Interlock Devices, The Department Of Correction, Judicial Retirement Salaries And Criminal Law And Criminal Procedure.

CT HB05397

An Act Concerning Emergency Intervention By A Police Officer When A Person Is Incapacitated By Drugs Or Due To A Medical Emergency.

CT HB05399

An Act Concerning The Criminal Justice Response To Victims Of Sexual Assault.

CT SB00212

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Corrections To The General Statutes.

CT SB00426

An Act Concerning Court Operations And Administrative Proceedings.

CT HB05242

An Act Concerning The Collateral Consequences Of Criminal Records On Housing Opportunities.

CT HB05498

An Act Concerning Election Security And Transparency, The Counting Of Absentee Ballots, Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes, Security Of Certain Election Workers, State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints, Ballots Made Available In Languages Other Than English And Various Other Revisions Related To Election Administration.

CT SB00392

An Act Concerning Treasurers Of Candidate Committees And State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints.

CT HB05506

An Act Concerning Families With Service Needs.

CT HB05508

An Act Concerning Recommendations From The Juvenile Justice Policy And Oversight Committee.

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IA HF479

A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans.(See HF 574.)