Sen. Kissel, CT Senate Republicans Release Legislation to Implement A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut

February 22, 2022

Sen. Kissel, CT Senate Republicans Release Legislation
to Implement
A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut

Read the Legislative Proposal Draft Bill Language:

LCO No. 766 AN ACT CONCERNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTHS, HOUSING REFORMS AND JUVENILE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS.

HARTFORD – Sen. John A. Kissel and Connecticut Senate Republicans today released draft legislation to implement their proposal to address the surge in violent crime across Connecticut, create opportunity, and make our state safe.

 

The draft bill LCO No. 766 An Act Concerning Opportunities for Youths, Housing Reforms and Juvenile and Criminal Justice Reforms is available here: https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SaferCTBill_2022LCO00766-R00-BIL-002.pdf.

 

VIDEO: Watch to learn more about the Senate Republican proposal: https://youtu.be/iyxAVfGDNmk

 

The plan, A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut, was first announced by Senate Republicans in October. The package includes justice reforms to improve crime response, support law enforcement, and remove barriers to intervention services, as well as policies to address the root causes of crime including issues related to trauma, education, housing and jobs.

 

“I have had the honor and privilege to work with my colleagues in many bipartisan conversations focused on certain juvenile justice reform ideas, but it’s clear the conversation must be expanded,” said Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee. “We need a holistic approach to not only respond to crime immediately, but to prevent crime over the long term.”

 

Read the draft legislation: https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SaferCTBill_2022LCO00766-R00-BIL-002.pdf.

 

Read the plan summary at SaferCT.com: https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/101321_ASaferConnecticut_SRO.pdf

 

Watch to learn more about the Senate Republican proposal: https://youtu.be/iyxAVfGDNmk

PLAN HIGHLIGHTS:

 

Part 1: Crime Response

  • Increase information sharing and modify standards around detention orders
  • Require next day court for juveniles to expedite access to services
  • Ensure current programs are effective in addressing recidivism rates
  • Better recognize when a juvenile needs enhanced services and supports available through the adult court system, with the protections of the Youthful Offender docket in place. 


Part 2: Prevention and Opportunity

  • Support for community programs focused on trauma, truancy, mediation, and mentorship
  • Workforce development programs
  • Partnerships with schools and local businesses to create a pipeline to careers
  • Summer jobs program
  • Vocational program recruitment
  • Safe housing policies


Part 3: Support Police & Safe Communities

  • Law enforcement recruitment
  • Targeted modifications to laws to enable police officers to do their jobs and keep people safe
  • Expand explorer programs to build better relationships between young people and our officers

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