Connecticut House Bill HB05232

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/13
• Refer: 1/11/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Filing Of Frivolous Lawsuits By Inmates.

Impact

The impact of HB05232 is significant as it directly influences how civil actions are processed in relation to inmates. Should the bill become law, it would likely lead to a decrease in the number of frivolous lawsuits filed, thereby streamlining court operations and reducing costs associated with these cases. Defendants would benefit financially, as they would no longer bear the burden of legal fees for unfounded cases filed by inmates. This bill reflects a broader effort to enhance judicial efficiency and accountability within the prison system.

Summary

House Bill 05232 aims to address the issue of frivolous lawsuits filed by inmates in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction. The bill proposes to amend chapter 901 of the general statutes to mandate that any inmate who files a civil action deemed frivolous must reimburse the defendant for the associated court costs. This legislative change is framed as a necessary step to mitigate the burden on the judicial system, which has been overwhelmed by non-substantive lawsuits filed by individuals in correctional facilities.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise concerns regarding access to justice for inmates. Critics might argue that imposing a financial penalty could deter legitimate claims from being filed, thereby hindering inmates' rights to seek redress for grievances. The discussion surrounding HB05232 will likely explore whether the bill effectively balances the need to curb frivolous lawsuits with the necessity to maintain fair access to legal recourse for individuals in correctional facilities.