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SR 5

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF WAKANA HIROTA OF BERLIN TO BE A MEMBER OF THE PSYCHIATRIC SECURITY REVIEW BOARD.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Duff

Connecticut confirms Wakana Hirota to the Psychiatric Security Review Board, which evaluates cases of individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity and determines condition...

SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 32
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Bill Summary · SR 5

Legislative bill overview

SR 5 is a Connecticut Senate resolution to confirm Wakana Hirota of Berlin to serve as a member of the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). The PSRB is a judicial body responsible for reviewing cases of individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity and determining conditions for their conditional release or continued commitment. This is a straightforward confirmation of a gubernatorial nominee to fill a position on the board.

Why is this important

The PSRB plays a critical role in public safety and mental health policy by balancing the rights of individuals with serious mental illness against community protection. Board members directly influence decisions affecting people's liberty and psychiatric treatment. Confirmation of qualified nominees ensures the board maintains competent, experienced membership necessary for sound judgment in complex cases involving criminal justice, psychiatry, and civil commitment.

Potential points of contention

With limited publicly available information about Ms. Hirota's background and qualifications, potential areas of concern include:

  • Professional background and relevant experience in psychiatry, law, or criminal justice
  • Philosophical approach to balancing individual liberty against public safety in forensic cases
  • Track record or positions on conditional release versus continued commitment decisions
  • Potential conflicts of interest or prior involvement with cases the PSRB may review
  • Whether stakeholders (mental health advocates, law enforcement, psychiatric professionals) have concerns about the nomination

The resolution has already passed committee with a favorable report and is on the Senate calendar, suggesting broad support exists for confirmation.

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

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