Here’s what happened in Connecticut’s 2019 legislative session

The Connecticut 2019 legislative session ended on June 6th. The ACLU of Connecticut weighed in with testimony on more than 105 bills. We supported and helped pass 13 bills. We helped to defeat 22 bills out of the 23 bills that we opposed.

By Kaley Lentini, David McGuire

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At #StopTheBans rally, hundreds gather to support abortion access in Connecticut

On May 21, 2019, hundreds of people from across the state joined together to say that when abortion rights are under attack nationwide, Connecticut will stand up and fight back.

ACLU-CT speaks at abortion access rally in Hartford. Signs say "abortion is healthcare, abortion is a right" and "protect safe, legal abortion."

Early voting will get another chance in 2021 – here’s how

Because of a vote in the state Senate, Connecticut voters won’t get to weigh in on early voting in 2020 – but we could get to decide in 2022. Here’s a quick breakdown of what just happened with early voting, and what’s next.

By Kaley Lentini

Sticker saying "I voted" with American flag

#JusticeForChulo

Here are the government agencies and officials who can take action, right now, to end police violence by taking democratic control over the Wethersfield Police Department.

By Melvin Medina

Protesters in Wethersfield hold a "justice for chulo" banner demanding justice for Anthony "Chulo" Vega, who was shot and killed by Wethersfield police

Justice for Stephanie, Paul, Chulo, and Everyone Hurt, Killed, or Violated by Police

Ending police violence requires all Connecticut residents to demand better from our governments locally, statewide, and federally. And it requires all of our government actors, from mayors and town councilmembers to state legislators and members of Congress, to take action now.

By David McGuire, Melvin Medina

Protesters in New Haven stand in "hands up don't shoot" position protesting Hamden and Yale police shooting of Stephanie Washington and Paul Witherspoon

#JusticeForStephanie

Every arm of the government has a role to play in ending police violence. Until our state and local governments stop abdicating their responsibilities and start ensuring democratic control over police, we will see police violence in Connecticut again.

By Melvin Medina

Life of Pix photo police car

Connecticut voters want to open up the black box of prosecutors’ decisions

Connecticut voters have spoken, and they want transparency about what prosecutors do. A new statewide public opinion poll of Connecticut voters shows strong support across the political spectrum for legislation to increase transparency about prosecutors’ actions. 

By Gus Marks-Hamilton

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Connecticut should bring prosecutors' decisions out of the shadows.

Transparency is critical for our democracy, and no part of the government should be exempt from sunlight. If our state is going to create a smarter justice system, all of us need numbers on what prosecutors are doing.

By Gus Marks-Hamilton, David McGuire

Supporters and leaders from the ACLU-CT ACLU of Connecticut Smart Justice campaign stand in solidarity as leaders testify on a bill to create transparency about prosecutor decisions

A Connecticut Bill Would Help Ensure That Re-Entry Doesn’t Last a Lifetime for the Formerly Incarcerated

This year, I moved from one city in Connecticut to a new one. On top of the usual stress of trying to find an affordable, comfortable place to live, I was burdened with extra anxiety.

By Anderson Curtis

Anderson Curtis