Governor Lamont Signs Representative Lanoue’s Short Form Death Certificate Bill into Law

Public Act 25-97, Includes Various Revisions to Public Health Statutes

HARTFORD- On Wednesday, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 25-97, An Act Concerning Various Revisions to the Public Health Statutes, into law. The new law creates a short form death certificate that omits the cause and manner of death.

Introduced by State Representative Brian Lanoue (R), and originally introduced as H.B. No. 5196, An Act Concerning Death Certificates, this legislation was later merged into a bill from the Public Health Committee. During the committee hearing, Griswold resident Natasha Mozden joined Rep. Lanoue in supporting the measure, recounting her personal experience after the loss of her son, Kaine Sherman, in 2024.

“I am truly grateful for Governor Lamont officially signing Public Act 25-97 into law. With this passage, Connecticut families will finally have access to a short form death certificate, a version that protects the privacy of the deceased, their loved ones, & their estates,” said Natasha Mozden. “This change means the world to me. It honors Kaine’s legacy in the most meaningful way, by sparing other families from unnecessary pain during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. This would not have been possible without the unwavering support & tireless advocacy of Representative Brian Lanoue. Thank you for listening, fighting, and making this a reality,” she concluded.

The law is designed to protect families from privacy intrusions that can occur during probate, acknowledging that death certificates disclose sensitive details about the cause and manner of death to anyone who accesses them after a person’s passing.

“I want to thank Governor Lamont for signing this legislation that creates the short form death certificate in the state of Connecticut. This will hopefully create more privacy and solace to families and to those who have passed away wishing to keep intimate details private,” said Rep. Lanoue. “Again, I cannot be prouder than to serve as state representative to such great people like Natasha Mozden, who had the courage to step forward, steer change, and create new law to help make Connecticut a better place to live and have a family.”

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State Representative Brian Lanoue proudly represents the towns of Griswold, Ledyard, Lisbon, Preston, and Voluntown.