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HJ 71

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THEODORE M. DOOLITTLE, ESQUIRE, OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Stafstrom and 1 co-sponsor

The bill confirms the Governor’s nomination of Theodore M. Doolittle to serve as an eight-year Superior Court Judge in Connecticut.

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Bill Summary · HJ 71

Summary of Bill: HJ 71 (Connecticut) – 2026 Session

Title

Resolution confirming the nomination of Theodore M. Doolittle, Esquire, of West Hartford, to be a Judge of the Superior Court.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is a joint resolution that formally approves and confirms the Governor’s nomination of Theodore M. Doolittle, Esquire, to serve as a Judge of the Connecticut Superior Court.
  • If confirmed, Doolittle would serve a term of eight years, beginning on the date of confirmation by both houses of the General Assembly.
  • The appointment would fill the judicial vacancy created by the retirement/absence of the Honorable Mary-Margaret D. Burgdorff, whom Doolittle would succeed.

Key Provisions

  • Nomination Confirmation: The resolution serves as the formal instrument of confirmation for the Governor’s nomination.
  • Term of Office: Upon confirmation by both the Senate and House of Representatives, Doolittle will hold the office of Superior Court Judge for an eight-year term.
  • Succession: The appointment is to serve in succession to Judge Mary-Margaret D. Burgdorff, thereby filling the existing vacancy on the Superior Court bench.

Affected Parties

  • Nominee: Theodore M. Doolittle, Esquire (West Hartford) — the object of confirmation and the prospective Superior Court Judge.
  • Judicial Seat: The Connecticut Superior Court vacancy previously held or vacated by Judge Mary-Margaret D. Burgdorff.
  • Governor’s Nomination Process: The bill reflects and completes the Executive nomination process through legislative confirmation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral: Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • Public Hearing: Held on April 13, 2026.
  • Committee Action: Reported favorably and tabled for House calendar (as of the action history).
  • Action History Notes:
    • The bill is identified as LCO No. 3243.
    • The resolution was introduced by Representatives Stafstrom (Dist. 129) and Winfield (Dist. 10) with co-sponsorship from Rep. Stafstrom and Sen. Winfield.
    • The status indicates it was placed on the House calendar (House Calendar No. 412) following favorable reporting.

Practical Impact

  • Provides statutory and formal legislative approval for Theodore M. Doolittle’s appointment to the Superior Court.
  • Establishes a judicial appointment for an eight-year term, contributing to the bench’s composition and caseload management.
  • Ensures due process in the appointment process by requiring bicameral confirmation.

If you’d like, I can add a brief biosketch of Theodore M. Doolittle or summarize how similar confirmations have proceeded in prior years.

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

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