Sen. Boucher named to Special Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety Will Chair the Enhanced School Security Working Group

Members of the Special Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety meets for the first time in Hartford.

Hartford, CT – Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) has been named co-chair of the enhanced school security working group, part of the special bipartisan task force on gun violence prevention and children’s safety convened by the leaders of the House and Senate. Sen. Boucher, as ranking member on the Education and Higher Education Committees will oversee the drafting of policy as part of the working group focused on enhanced school security.

“I am honored to be chosen as one of the leaders of the legislative committee working on this task force. As parents and grandparents, as well as legislators we want to do all that we can to assure the people of Newtown and the state of Connecticut that we will do our job in a thoughtful way,” said Sen. Boucher. “Our schools are an extension of our homes and teachers are like family. The Newtown tragedy has shaken our belief that our children will be safe in their classrooms. We look forward to helping restore parent’s confidence that our schools are a safe haven.”

Democratic and Republican legislative leaders joined this week to announce the creation of the special bipartisan task force. The group, formed in the wake of the Newtown tragedy, will conduct a review of current law and make recommendations on a range of potential legislation to prevent gun violence, enhance school security and ensure the availability of mental health services in Connecticut.

“I look forward to working together with the leadership on both sides of the aisle on this very important public policy. As a former member of local and state Boards of Education, I understand how important it is to involve and confer with educators, parents and first responders to achieve the best public policy,” added Sen. Boucher.

The task force will provide recommendations to Senate and House leadership with the goal of producing a bipartisan emergency certified bill in late February.

The first full meeting of the task force was held on Friday, January 18th at 1:30 PM in Room 2E of the legislative office building in Hartford.

It was also announced that there will be a series of public hearings.

A fourth public hearing will be held by the full task force at Newtown High School on January 30 at 6:00 p.m.

Sen. Boucher can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 1-800- 842 1421.