Senator Kane Votes For Criminal Justice Reform Bill During Special Session

January 22, 2008

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) today voted in favor of the criminal justice reform legislation passed by the Senate during today’s special session.

“I am glad to have had the opportunity on my first day as a State Senator to help pass legislation that I strongly believe will help to make Connecticut safer for all of us, although I was disappointed that the Republican three strikes amendment did not pass” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane participated in today’s special session on criminal justice reform hours after being sworn into office. Senator Kane was elected to represent the 32nd Senatorial District in a January 15th special election.

Among other things, the criminal justice reform legislation passed by the Senate today creates the new crime of home invasion and increases the penalty for burglary of a dwelling at night; makes those convicted of second degree burglary or home invasion ineligible for parole until serving at least 85 percent of the sentence imposed; makes several changes to the parole process; updates the crime victim notification law; requires GPS monitoring of 300 more parolees, and creates a diversionary program for people with psychiatric disorders who have been accused of less serious crimes.

Republicans tried unsuccessfully to amend today’s criminal justice reform bill to include three strikes language calling for life imprisonment of those convicted of a third serious violent felony.

“Fortunately, we have the opportunity in the upcoming regular session to pursue three strikes legislation, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to pass this much needed law. The home invasion and murders of a mother and her children this past summer horrified people all across the state and, frankly, has frightened all of us. What we did today is a good start, but we need a strong, workable, three strikes law,” said Senator Kane.