Senator Kane Applauds Connecticut’s Criminal Justice Reforms Senator Kane Continues To Call On General Assembly To Pass Three Strikes Law

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) applauded the criminal justice reform laws passed by the General Assembly this year, but said that ongoing media reports of violent crime continue to highlight the need for a three strikes law.

“The recent home invasions in Thomaston and Naugatuck are terrifying. Fortunately, we took a giant step toward addressing violent crime by passing our new home invasion law, along with other criminal justice reforms, this year. But it is still not enough. As I have said all along, Connecticut residents will breathe much easier when we have a strong three strikes law on the books. Law abiding citizens deserve a state law that sends serious repeat offenders – those convicted three times of horrific violent crimes – to prison for the rest of their lives,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane, who was sworn into office following a special election in January, noted that he voted for criminal justice reform measures on his first day as a state senator when the General Assembly was in special session.

Among other things, the criminal justice reform legislation passed during the January special session 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 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.

Also, Senator Kane supported the persistent offender law passed during this year’s regular legislative session. This new law, among other things, calls for additional funding to deter and prosecute crime and increases mandatory minimum prison sentences for repeat violent criminals convicted of second and third offenses.

“The home invasion and murders in Cheshire served as a wake-up call for all of us. Law abiding citizens deserve to feel safe in their homes, and it is our responsibility as legislators to do everything in our power to promote public safety. Passing a responsible, workable, three strikes law is the next thing we need to do,” said Senator Kane.