HB5509 Passes Senate
On May 6, 2026, HB 5509 was added to the Connecticut Senate consent calendar and passed the Senate! This was the final day of the legislative session, so we were on the edge of our seats.
JPus is very grateful to all of the JPs who took the time to submit written and oral testimony to the legislators and help them understand why this legislation was necessary. We’re also very grateful for the leadership of Representative Eleni Kavros Degraw, who chairs the Planning and Development Committee and introduced and ushered the bill through the session. Also, Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey, whose cosponsorship and behind the scenes negotiations moved mountains. And importantly, none of this would have happened without Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, who first heard our pleas to improve the civil officiant system, turning JPus’ white paper into the initial 2023 legislation.
Related Links
- The Justice of the Peace Association’s white paper
- The legislative backstory.
- In addition to testifying live before the Planning and Development Committee, in 2026 JPus submitted written testimony. We did this in 2025 as well, and in 2023. Each is a little different, but they all summarizes the problems.
HB5509 Passes House
Unanimous Vote Gives Confidence
Since 2022, JPus has been working to address problems with JP appointments and increase training requirements for marriage officiants. Pending legislation, HB5509, is the result of these efforts.
On April 8, 2026, Representative Kavros DeGraw fielded questions before the House of Representatives voted unanimously 144-0 to pass HB5509.
Afterwards, in an email, Representative Kavros DeGraw said she is hoping that the bill will be placed on the Senate’s “Consent Calendar” since it passed unanimously through the House.
Related Links
- The Justice of the Peace Association’s white paper
- The legislative backstory.
- In addition to testifying live before the Planning and Development Committee, in 2026 JPus submitted written testimony. We did this in 2025 as well, and in 2023. Each is a little different, but they all summarizes the problems.
Testify in Support of CT JP Bill – 3/11/2026
The bill to address the JP appointment and qualifications problems has been released and the hearing is this Wednesday, March 11th at 10:30AM.
Please plan to submit written testimony in support of the bill. And, if you are able to testify orally, either in person or virtually, please do! Now we need your help to support efforts and get this legislation passed.
Sign-up to speak or submit written testimony in Support of HB5509
- Register to speak in-person or by Zoom. Deadline to sign-up is 3PM Tuesday. Three minute time limit. The speaker order is randomized and is released at 6PM on Tuesday night.
- Submit your written testimony here. The hearing is on March 11, 2025 at 10:30AM. Indicate that you SUPPORT HB5509.
- See our template to guide your written and oral testimony
HB5509, An Act Concerning Justices of the Peace
The Justice of the Peace Association worked with the state legislators who introduced the bill, along with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas on the language of the bill. Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw, Co-Chair of Planning and Development Committee, introduced HB5509 in 2026. This bill is more simple compared to previous year’s legislation. There are five points:
- require the Secretary of the State to publish a manual concerning the duties of justices of the peace
- prohibit misconduct by justices of the peace
- specify that a newly created office of justice of the peace may be filled by appointment prior to the next regular election
- require a forty-eight hour waiting period before the issuance of a marriage license
- establish a working group concerning justices of the peace
Zoom Q&A Scheduled Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 7:30PM
Questions? Join JPus’ Managing Member Loretta Jay on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 7:30PM for more information about the proposed bill, guidance on how to submit written testimony and how to testify in person or by Zoom. Members and non-members are welcome.
- If you are on JPus’ email distribution list, please check your email for the Zoom links.
- If you don’t receive our emails yet, you can sign up here. A reminder will be sent on Sunday at 3PM with the link. If you missed that deadline, please email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link.
Related Links
- How-to Testify in support of the bill, with written sample
- The Justice of the Peace Association’s white paper
- The legislative backstory.
- JPus 2023 Managing Member’s testimony to the Planning and Development Committee that summarizes the problem.
- Member Support article about how to advocate to support legislation
Holiday Party – CT Dec 4th
Celebrate the Holidays with Officiant Friends
An in-person Holiday event is on Thursday, December 4th, 2025. We’re meeting at 5:30 PM at Lorenzo’s in West Haven, Connecticut. Beyond the amazing people who will be attending, we’ll have pizza, salad, appetizers, coffee, tea and soda. Cash bar.
Lorenzo’s Ristorante Italiano, 39 Elm Street, West Haven, Connecticut
To RSVP and complete registration: Follow this link
Tickets
- JPus members $30
- Guests $35
- Extra $5 at the door
This in-person get-together is brought to you by popular demand. We’ll have fun, great food and even better company. Questions? Call 203-255-7703 or email [email protected].
Pizza Get-Together in West Haven CT 9/4/2025
Networking in West Haven, Connecticut
An in-person Officiant Networking event is on Thursday, September 4th, 2025. We’re meeting at 5:30 PM at Lorenzo’s in West Haven, Connecticut. Beyond the amazing people who will be attending, we’ll have pizza, salad, appetizers, coffee, tea and soda. Cash bar.
Tickets
- Register for tickets: $30 JPus members, $35 guests
- Extra $5 at the door
This in-person get-together is brought to you by popular demand. We’ll have fun, great food and even better company. Questions? Call 203-255-7703 or email [email protected].