Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00154

Introduced
2/18/14  
Introduced
2/18/14  
Refer
2/18/14  
Refer
2/18/14  
Report Pass
3/28/14  
Report Pass
3/28/14  
Refer
4/10/14  
Refer
4/10/14  
Report Pass
4/16/14  
Engrossed
4/23/14  
Engrossed
4/23/14  
Report Pass
4/25/14  
Report Pass
4/25/14  
Chaptered
5/16/14  
Chaptered
5/16/14  
Enrolled
5/21/14  
Passed
6/6/14  

Caption

An Act Concerning Probate Court Operations.

Impact

The implications of SB00154 will significantly alter how individuals are treated within the psychiatric commitment framework. By enhancing the rights of respondents, it aims to establish a more robust procedural safeguard that requires courts to act more expeditiously on applications for release, facilitating a balance between patient rights and necessary psychiatric care. The enactment modifies existing statutes to streamline the process of transferring case management to appropriate probate districts when a patient changes residence, promoting greater accessibility to local court systems.

Summary

Senate Bill 00154, enacted as Public Act No. 14-103, reformulates several operations concerning the Probate Court, focusing specifically on procedures related to individuals with psychiatric disabilities and their rights during commitment processes. The bill emphasizes timely hearings for applications regarding release from hospitals, ensures that respondents have access to counsel, and affirms their right to cross-examine witnesses during commitment hearings. Notably, the updated statutes will apply the rules of evidence from civil matters to such hearings, enhancing the rights of individuals subject to psychiatric commitments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00154 was largely positive among advocates for mental health reform. Proponents praised the bill for introducing vital protections for patients' rights and improving transparency and accountability in the commitment process. However, some concerns were raised about the capacity of the Probate Court to handle increased case loads in a timely manner, which might affect the quality of hearings and access to justice for all parties involved.

Contention

Key points of contention included the potential risks of overburdening the system, with critics arguing that while the intent is to protect individuals' rights, the increased procedural demands might result in delays that undermine those very rights. Additionally, discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of funding and staffing within the judicial and mental health systems, which are necessary to ensure the bill's provisions are implemented effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00324

An Act Concerning Probate Court Operations And Administration.

CT SB00426

An Act Concerning Court Operations And Administrative Proceedings.

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 HB05487

An Act Concerning The Operation And Administration Of The Office Of The Claims Commissioner.

CT HB05290

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT HB05236

An Act Concerning Recommendations By The Department Of Consumer Protection.

CT HB05365

An Act Concerning Technical Revisions To Statutes Concerning Human Services.

CT SB00125

An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Department Of Children And Families Relative To Identified Adoptions And Revisions To Certain Terminology.

CT HB05382

An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Office Of The Child Advocate.

CT HB05506

An Act Concerning Families With Service Needs.

Similar Bills

CT SB00404

An Act Concerning Whiting Forensic Hospital And Connecticut Valley Hospital.

CT SB00406

An Act Concerning The Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services, Connecticut Valley Hospital And Whiting Forensic Hospital.

CT SB00939

An Act Concerning Psychiatric Commitment Evaluations.

NJ A2708

Establishes procedures for involuntary civil commitment of children.

LA HB552

Updates provisions of law relative to behavioral health treatment

KS HB2007

Senate Substitute for Substitute for HB 2007 by Committee on Ways and Means - Reconciling multiple amendments to certain statutes.

CT SB00452

An Act Concerning The Care And Treatment Of Persons With Psychiatric Disabilities.

CT HB05001

An Act Concerning Children's Mental Health.