H.B. 5454, An Act Concerning the Department of Administrative Services and Criminal Background Checks

Connecticut is making strides toward eliminating collateral consequences of criminal records, but to achieve this goal, the state cannot continue to impose new collateral consequences on people trying to build satisfying and stable lives. Unfortunately, this is exactly the effect of legislation that requires needless background checks or erects unnecessary barriers to entry for people living with criminal records. House Bill 5454, unfortunately, falls into this trap. By mandating more frequent background checks by agencies and the Department of Administrative Services, this bill creates a new collateral consequence. This Committee would be well-served by incorporating an individualized assessment using the substantial nexus from Section 46a-80. As such, the ACLU-CT urges this Committee to oppose House Bill 5454 unless amended.