Bill affecting Conn. prison libraries advances [Associated Press]

Story as it appeared in the Associated Press on March 31, 2011

(AP) — Even though Connecticut’s Department of Correction is currently working on new rules for its prison libraries, a bill requiring standards for the books inmates can check out is still advancing through the General Assembly.

The Judiciary Committee approved legislation Wednesday requiring the commissioner to review federal policies for library collections and apply those to Connecticut.

Sen. John Kissel, a Republican from Enfield, said he has not pulled the bill because he wants to make sure the department “is staying on task” and comes up with new rules, as promised, around July 1.

Kissel is concerned about the graphic, violent books one of the defendants in the 2007 fatal Cheshire home invasion may have read while he was previously in prison. Steven Hayes’ co-defendant says many involved strangulation, rape and arson.