(photo) Sen. Hwang: Easton Threat Highlights Need for Stronger School Safety Law

Sen. Hwang: Easton Threat Highlights Need for Stronger School Safety Law

Sen. Tony Hwang, who represents Easton, issued the following statement regarding the Mar. 23 bomb threat at Helen Keller Middle School.

“First and foremost, I commend law enforcement and school officials from Easton and surrounding towns who did an excellent job in responding to this situation.

“Second, school threats have become an epidemic, not only in Connecticut, but across the country. In recent months, threats of violence have forced lockdowns of schools in Stamford, Hartford, Fairfield, West Haven and Bristol. School lockdowns and evacuations can have very real and lasting consequences on the children and adults who endure them.

“Connecticut’s criminal laws regarding school threats need to be updated – this year. Right now, calling in a bomb threat, or any kind of threat, to a school is a mere misdemeanor. Our bipartisan bill in the legislature would change that, making such threats felonies which would result in a prison sentence. Local school superintendents, parents and law enforcement officials are backing this measure which would make threatening a school a much more serious crime.

“There are less than six weeks remaining in the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2016 legislative session. I am optimistic we can pass this proposal and make our schools safer.”

The school safety bill currently awaits a vote by the full State Senate.

It can be reviewed at https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/TOB/s/2016SB-00246-R00-SB.htm

Sen. Hwang encouraged residents to contact him with their thoughts on the need to make schools safer at [email protected] or at 800 842-1421.

In addition to Easton, Sen. Hwang represents Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. On the web: www.senatorhwang.com.