MADD to Honor Sen. John A. Kissel on Efforts to Protect CT Children

The Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has chosen Sen. John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) to receive its “Public Policy Award” for his dedication to promote safe and sober driving through legislation in 2016.

MADD is honoring Sen. Kissel for his support of two new laws: Public Act 16-182 “AN ACT CONCERNING A DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM FOR PERSONS UNDER AGE TWNETY-ONE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS AND CRIMES RELATED TO UNDERAGE DRINKING” and Public Act 16-126 “AN ACT CONCERNING CHILD ENDANGERMENT WHILE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.”

Public Act 16-182 allows courts to send a person under 21 who is convicted of underage drinking or motor vehicle offenses to a program which teaches them to alter their self-destructive behavior.

Public Act 16-126 allows judges to take child endangerment into account when someone is arrested for driving drunk with a child as a passenger.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the Connecticut MADD,” Sen. Kissel said. “We need to work harder to attack the problem of substance abuse in our communities. There needs to be a greater emphasis on prevention and intervention coupled with stiffer penalties for endangering children. By attacking the problem from multiple angles we have a better chance of reducing drunken driving tragedies.”

Sen. Kissel will be presented with the award at the MADD Community Champions Award in New Haven on November 17th at Anthony’s Ocean View Restaurant, 450 Lighthouse Rd., at 5:30.

Sen. Kissel represents East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor.

On the web: www.senatorkissel.com