Connecticut House Bill HB05207

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/16
• Refer: 2/11/16

Caption

An Act Concerning The Enhanced Use Of Electronic Notice By The Judicial Branch.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5207 is expected to produce significant operational savings for the Judicial Branch by reducing postage costs associated with sending notices. Currently, multiple notices are delivered via mail, which can also lead to delays and confusion among attorneys and clients alike. The bill seeks to streamline these processes, thereby lowering the occurrence of untimely notifications that can affect the timely progression of legal matters. Additionally, embracing electronic notices may enhance accessibility and responsiveness in the judicial system.

Summary

House Bill 5207 proposes to amend Chapter 870 of the general statutes to allow the Judicial Branch to exempt the delivery of judicial notices to attorneys via traditional mail, provided that these attorneys opt to receive such notices through electronic mail instead. The intention behind this bill is to modernize the communication methods used by the Judicial Branch, which is increasingly anticipated in a digital age where electronic communication is widely effective and efficient. By leveraging electronic mail for notifications, the bill aims to align judicial practices with current technological capabilities.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial from an operational and budgetary standpoint, there could be concerns surrounding the technological divide among attorneys, particularly those who may not have reliable access to electronic communication means. Critics may argue that a shift to exclusively electronic notices should ensure adequate safeguards and alternatives for attorneys who prefer or require traditional mail. Therefore, it is crucial for the implementation of this bill to consider these factors and ensure equitable access to judicial communication for all attorneys.