Connecticut House Bill HB06711

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/19
• Refer: 1/29/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Prosecutorial Reform Recommendations Concerning The Collection And Evaluation Of Data By The Division Of Criminal Justice.

Impact

The implementation of HB 06711 could significantly affect how criminal justice operates within the state. The prescribed data collection method is expected to illuminate potential disparities or inefficiencies in the justice system, thereby providing lawmakers, legal officials, and the public with critical insights to promote accountability. By standardizing the types of data collected, the bill aims to create a more equitable system where all stakeholders can assess the effectiveness and fairness of local prosecutorial practices. This data-driven approach could lead to informed reforms and policies that better serve communities.

Summary

House Bill 06711 is an act that focuses on prosecutorial reform recommendations, specifically targeting the requirements for data collection and evaluation by the Division of Criminal Justice. The primary aim of this bill is to enhance transparency within the criminal justice system by mandating the collection of detailed data across various judicial processes. This includes not only traditional areas such as charging and sentencing but also extends to pretrial releases, plea deals, and alternative sentencing options. By assembling this data by individual court districts, the bill promotes a more nuanced understanding of how justice is administered across different regions.

Contention

However, while there are many supporters who embrace the potential for positive change through increased transparency, critics of the bill raise concerns about the administrative burden it may impose on the Division of Criminal Justice and the courts. There are fears that extensive data collection could lead to resource strain and complexity in managing and analyzing the information, particularly in jurisdictions that are already underfunded. Therefore, striking a balance between thorough data collection and the practical capabilities of the judicial system to manage such tasks is a central point of contention surrounding the bill.