Governor Lamont Signs Law Increasing Public Access to Information Within State's Criminal Justice System

Statement

Governor Ned Lamont today joined legislators and stakeholders in the state's criminal justice system at a bill signing ceremony to commemorate the adoption of a new law the governor proposed that will provide the public with greater information regarding how prosecutors make decisions in criminal cases, particularly when it comes to the screening and charging of cases, pretrial and bail recommendations, diversion to programs, case processing, plea negotiations, and sentencing recommendations.

The governor explained that he proposed the reforms because he feels that providing this information to the public is an important step toward ensuring that those who are impacted by the criminal justice system have assurance that justice is being attained in the fairest ways possible.

"By signing this act into law, we commit our state to shedding light on information from the front end of the criminal justice system, which has historically been a mystery to many," Governor Lamont said. "The prosecutorial decision-making data required by this act will be useful for stakeholders from throughout the system, helping inform improved policies and practices."

Even before it took effect, the new law, which is the first of its kind in the nation, already generated attention from stakeholders throughout the country. This summer, North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams used the Connecticut legislation to inform a proposal she introduced that would enact similar reforms on the federal level. In June, the Congresswoman convened a forum on Capitol Hill to discuss the reforms and invited several officials from Connecticut to participate, including Marc Pelka, Governor Lamont's criminal justice advisor.

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