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HB 7139

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DUTIES OF STATE MARSHALS AND THE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE STATE MARSHAL COMMISSION AND THE STATE MARSHALS ADVISORY BOARD.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Cicarella and 6 co-sponsors

Strengthens oversight of Connecticut state marshals and standardizes their duties (service of process, evictions/foreclosures) with clearer recordkeeping to boost accountability.

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
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Bill Summary · HB 7139

Summary — HB 7139 / Public Act 25-78

Title: An Act Concerning the Duties of State Marshals and the Activities Undertaken by the State Marshal Commission and the State Marshals Advisory Board
Status: Signed by Governor (Public Act 25-78)

Purpose / Intent

The bill revises and clarifies the statutory duties, oversight, and administrative activities relating to Connecticut state marshals. It also updates the responsibilities and authorities of the State Marshal Commission and the State Marshals Advisory Board to strengthen oversight, standardize practices, and address operational issues related to service of process, enforcement of civil orders, and related administrative functions.

Key provisions (high-level)

Note: the summary below synthesizes the bill’s scope based on its title and subject matter; consult the enacted Public Act for exact statutory language.

  • Clarifies and/or updates the duties of state marshals in civil actions, including service of process (summonses, subpoenas), execution of evictions and foreclosures, and handling of restraining orders and summonses.
  • Defines procedural rules and recordkeeping requirements for marshals when serving persons who are disabled, deceased, or institutionalized (including correctional institution scenarios).
  • Updates oversight functions of the State Marshal Commission and the State Marshals Advisory Board, including complaint investigation, discipline, audits, and policy guidance.
  • Establishes or updates data access and disclosure rules (personal data, motor vehicle department records, and other records) used by marshals and by the Commission/Advisory Board for investigations and operations.
  • Addresses liability and insurance matters (immunity, liability insurance) for marshals and potentially municipal or state exposure arising from marshal activities.
  • Clarifies interactions with other state agencies (Chief Court Administrator, Motor Vehicle Department, municipalities) and private entities (including limited liability companies, foreign LLCs) in relation to service, notices, and records.
  • May adjust fee structures and administrative fee handling related to service of process or enforcement actions (fees not specified here).
  • Includes enhanced reporting, audit, or transparency obligations (audits, records, disclosure) for the Commission or marshals.

Who is affected

  • State marshals (primary) — duties, training, recordkeeping, insurance and discipline.
  • State Marshal Commission and State Marshals Advisory Board — expanded or clarified oversight functions.
  • Courts and Court Administration — procedural interaction and reporting.
  • Litigants, attorneys, municipalities, correctional institutions, and individuals served (including disabled or deceased persons).
  • Related state agencies (e.g., Motor Vehicle Department) and entities requesting or providing records.
  • Insurers and employers who provide liability coverage for marshals.

Legislative timeline / procedural history

  • Introduced: March 4, 2025; referred to Judiciary Committee.
  • Public hearing held March 10, 2025.
  • Reported out of LCO and favorably recommended; House and Senate adopted amendments (House Amendment Schedule A).
  • Passed both chambers (House amended; Senate concurred).
  • Transmitted to Secretary of the State and to Governor on June 16, 2025.
  • Signed by Governor: June 23, 2025 — enacted as Public Act 25-78.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Increased oversight and audit mechanisms may improve accountability and consistency in marshal operations but could impose additional administrative compliance costs.
  • Changes to data-sharing and disclosure rules can affect privacy protections and access to records.
  • Revisions on liability and insurance could alter malpractice or indemnity exposure and insurance costs for marshals or municipalities.
  • Practical effects on eviction/foreclosure processes, subpoena/summons service, and service on vulnerable populations will depend on implementing regulations and administrative guidance by the Court Administration and Commission.

Where to find the enacted language

  • Public Act 25-78 (enacted text) and the final bill text are available from the Connecticut General Assembly website, the Legislative Commissioners’ Office (LCO) file records (File Nos. 770 / 934 references), and the Office of Legislative Research / Office of Fiscal Analysis reports.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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