Senator Maroney Votes To Increase Protections Against Domestic Violence
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) joined in the bipartisan and unanimous support of a 2023 Senate Democrats’ public policy priority to increase protections for domestic violence victims by expanding GPS monitoring of violent offenders, increasing funding for victim services, and preventing people convicted of certain domestic violence crimes from ever collecting any alimony from their former spouse.
Senate Bill 5, “AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PROTECTIONS AGAINST AND RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” passed the state Senate today on a 36-0 unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Previously, the bill had received a 37-0 unanimous vote in the Judiciary Committee and a 55-0 unanimous vote in the Appropriations Committee.
“On December 6, 2022 Julie Minogue was brutally murdered, and her family suffered an unthinkable loss. Our community was shaken by the tragic event. That unfortunately is not an uncommon statistic, as on average, one person a month dies because of domestic violence in Connecticut. This bill, especially requiring GPS trackers in the event of Protective Orders for domestic violence, will hopefully restore some small sense of safety and security to those victims of domestic violence who are living in fear.” – State Senator James Maroney.
In 2010, the General Assembly passed Public Act 10-144, which established a GPS (Global Positioning System) monitoring pilot program to protect victims in extremely dangerous situations; the pilot program has operated in the Bridgeport, Danielson, and Hartford judicial districts. Senate Bill 5 now expands the GPS monitoring program to cover the entire state.
The GPS expansion is expected to cost $8 million over 2024 and 2025; Democrats have already included the funding in their proposed legislative budget.
Under the program, after a person violates a restraining order or a protective order, a judge will evaluate whether that offender is a high risk, and if so, the domestic violence survivor will have the option of having the offender monitored by GPS. Although Connecticut currently has GPS monitoring for certain domestic violence offenders, as well as for some on parole or on the sex offender registry, this program is different. It provides live monitoring and alert notification for domestic violence survivors.
At the survivor’s discretion, the survivor carries his or her own GPS device, and the offender’s location is constantly monitored to ensure a safe distance is kept from not only the survivor’s home and work, but wherever they go. If ever the offender encroaches near the survivor or a forbidden buffer zone, the monitoring service will notify the survivor and law enforcement.
Senate Bill 5 also provides more than $43 million for victim’s services in Connecticut. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund relies on fines and fees arising from federal prosecutions, and it is very volatile, peaking at $6.5 billion in 2017 but not rising above $822 million ever since. The VOCA Fund provides a number of services for crime victims, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse, and families impacted by homicide. In federal fiscal year 2021, VOCA helped 104,366 victims of crimes in Connecticut, and most of the services were provided by community-based nonprofits. To avoid a drop in funding, Senate Bill 5 provides $13.175 million for Fiscal Year 2023 (beginning July 1) and $20 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Finally, Senate Bill 5 prohibits any alimony by a domestic violence survivor to their spouse or former spouse who is convicted of an attempted murder, class A or B felony sexual assault, or a class A or B felony family violence crime. Current state law leaves it to the discretion of the court (a judge) to determine any alimony award; Senate Bill 5 removes this option from a judge to prevent those convicted of certain crimes from continuing to abuse their victim through the legal system.
Senator Moore Votes To Increase Protections Against Domestic Violence
State Senator Marilyn Moore Applauds Passage of Bill Allowing Pharmacists To Administer Additional Vaccines
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) joined in the bipartisan and unanimous support of a 2023 Senate Democrats’ public policy priority to increase protections for domestic violence victims by expanding GPS monitoring of violent offenders, increasing funding for victim services, and preventing people convicted of certain domestic violence crimes from ever collecting any alimony from their former spouse.
Senate Bill 5, “AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PROTECTIONS AGAINST AND RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” passed the state Senate today on a 36-0 unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Previously, the bill had received a 37-0 unanimous vote in the Judiciary Committee and a 55-0 unanimous vote in the Appropriations Committee.
“Survivors deserve justice, they don’t deserve to feel uncomfortable every time they step out of their house,” said Senator Moore. “This program is vital to advancing the state’s protections. It is unfortunate that victims have had to go through the horrific experience of being in a domestic violence partnership and hopefully we can help to prevent future encounters.”
In 2010, the General Assembly passed Public Act 10-144, which established a GPS (Global Positioning System) monitoring pilot program to protect victims in extremely dangerous situations; the pilot program has operated in the Bridgeport, Danielson, and Hartford judicial districts. Senate Bill 5 now expands the GPS monitoring program to cover the entire state.,/p>
The GPS expansion is expected to cost $8 million over 2024 and 2025; Democrats have already included the funding in their proposed legislative budget.
Under the program, after a person violates a restraining order or a protective order, a judge will evaluate whether that offender is a high risk, and if so, the domestic violence survivor will have the option of having the offender monitored by GPS. Although Connecticut currently has GPS monitoring for certain domestic violence offenders, as well as for some on parole or on the sex offender registry, this program is different. It provides live monitoring and alert notification for domestic violence survivors.
At the survivor’s discretion, the survivor carries his or her own GPS device, and the offender’s location is constantly monitored to ensure a safe distance is kept from not only the survivor’s home and work, but wherever they go. If ever the offender encroaches near the survivor or a forbidden buffer zone, the monitoring service will notify the survivor and law enforcement.
Senate Bill 5 also provides more than $43 million for victim’s services in Connecticut. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund relies on fines and fees arising from federal prosecutions, and it is very volatile, peaking at $6.5 billion in 2017 but not rising above $822 million ever since. The VOCA Fund provides a number of services for crime victims, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse, and families impacted by homicide. In federal fiscal year 2021, VOCA helped 104,366 victims of crimes in Connecticut, and most of the services were provided by community-based nonprofits. To avoid a drop in funding, Senate Bill 5 provides $13.175 million for Fiscal Year 2023 (beginning July 1) and $20 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Finally, Senate Bill 5 prohibits any alimony by a domestic violence survivor to their spouse or former spouse who is convicted of an attempted murder, class A or B felony sexual assault, or a class A or B felony family violence crime. Current state law leaves it to the discretion of the court (a judge) to determine any alimony award; Senate Bill 5 removes this option from a judge to prevent those convicted of certain crimes from continuing to abuse their victim through the legal system.
Senator Hochadel Votes To Increase Protections Against Domestic Violence
Senator Hochadel Votes To Increase Protections Against Domestic Violence
Today, state Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) joined in the bipartisan and unanimous support of a 2023 Senate Democrats’ public policy priority to increase protections for domestic violence victims by expanding GPS monitoring of violent offenders, increasing funding for victim services, and preventing people convicted of certain domestic violence crimes from ever collecting any alimony from their former spouse.
Senate Bill 5, “AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PROTECTIONS AGAINST AND RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” passed the state Senate today on a 36-0 unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Previously, the bill had received a 37-0 unanimous vote in the Judiciary Committee and a 55-0 unanimous vote in the Appropriations Committee.
“Expanding protections allows domestic violence victims the ability to feel safe,” said Sen. Hochadel. “I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in the passage of this legislation that safeguards survivors and provides them with a sense of security.”
In 2010, the General Assembly passed Public Act 10-144, which established a GPS (Global Positioning System) monitoring pilot program to protect victims in extremely dangerous situations; the pilot program has operated in the Bridgeport, Danielson, and Hartford judicial districts. Senate Bill 5 now expands the GPS monitoring program to cover the entire state.
The GPS expansion is expected to cost $8 million over 2024 and 2025; Democrats have already included the funding in their proposed legislative budget.
Under the program, after a person violates a restraining order or a protective order, a judge will evaluate whether that offender is a high risk, and if so, the domestic violence survivor will have the option of having the offender monitored by GPS. Although Connecticut currently has GPS monitoring for certain domestic violence offenders, as well as for some on parole or on the sex offender registry, this program is different. It provides live monitoring and alert notification for domestic violence survivors.
At the survivor’s discretion, the survivor carries his or her own GPS device, and the offender’s location is constantly monitored to ensure a safe distance is kept from not only the survivor’s home and work, but wherever they go. If ever the offender encroaches near the survivor or a forbidden buffer zone, the monitoring service will notify the survivor and law enforcement.
Senate Bill 5 also provides more than $43 million for victim’s services in Connecticut. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund relies on fines and fees arising from federal prosecutions, and it is very volatile, peaking at $6.5 billion in 2017 but not rising above $822 million ever since. The VOCA Fund provides a number of services for crime victims, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse, and families impacted by homicide. In federal fiscal year 2021, VOCA helped 104,366 victims of crimes in Connecticut, and most of the services were provided by community-based nonprofits. To avoid a drop in funding, Senate Bill 5 provides $13.175 million for Fiscal Year 2023 (beginning July 1) and $20 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Finally, Senate Bill 5 prohibits any alimony by a domestic violence survivor to their spouse or former spouse who is convicted of an attempted murder, class A or B felony sexual assault, or a class A or B felony family violence crime. Current state law leaves it to the discretion of the court (a judge) to determine any alimony award; Senate Bill 5 removes this option from a judge to prevent those convicted of certain crimes from continuing to abuse their victim through the legal system.
SENATOR GASTON VOTES TO INCREASE PROTECTIONS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SENATOR GASTON VOTES TO INCREASE PROTECTIONS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) joined in the bipartisan and unanimous support of a 2023 Senate Democrats’ public policy priority to increase protections for domestic violence victims by expanding GPS monitoring of violent offenders, increasing funding for victim services, and preventing people convicted of certain domestic violence crimes from ever collecting any alimony from their former spouse.
Senate Bill 5, “AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PROTECTIONS AGAINST AND RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” passed the state Senate today on a 36-0 unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Previously, the bill had received a 37-0 unanimous vote in the Judiciary Committee and a 55-0 unanimous vote in the Appropriations Committee.
“I am proud to support legislation that will bring a sense of security and safety to survivors that may unfortunately live in fear,” said Sen. Gaston. “Strengthening protections for survivors won’t take away the pain they endured, but will help to ease their mind with the knowledge they won’t be met with their abuser again.”
In 2010, the General Assembly passed Public Act 10-144, which established a GPS (Global Positioning System) monitoring pilot program to protect victims in extremely dangerous situations; the pilot program has operated in the Bridgeport, Danielson, and Hartford judicial districts. Senate Bill 5 now expands the GPS monitoring program to cover the entire state.
The GPS expansion is expected to cost $8 million over 2024 and 2025; Democrats have already included the funding in their proposed legislative budget.
Under the program, after a person violates a restraining order or a protective order, a judge will evaluate whether that offender is a high risk, and if so, the domestic violence survivor will have the option of having the offender monitored by GPS. Although Connecticut currently has GPS monitoring for certain domestic violence offenders, as well as for some on parole or on the sex offender registry, this program is different. It provides live monitoring and alert notification for domestic violence survivors.
At the survivor’s discretion, the survivor carries his or her own GPS device, and the offender’s location is constantly monitored to ensure a safe distance is kept from not only the survivor’s home and work, but wherever they go. If ever the offender encroaches near the survivor or a forbidden buffer zone, the monitoring service will notify the survivor and law enforcement.
Senate Bill 5 also provides more than $43 million for victim’s services in Connecticut. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund relies on fines and fees arising from federal prosecutions, and it is very volatile, peaking at $6.5 billion in 2017 but not rising above $822 million ever since. The VOCA Fund provides a number of services for crime victims, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse, and families impacted by homicide. In federal fiscal year 2021, VOCA helped 104,366 victims of crimes in Connecticut, and most of the services were provided by community-based nonprofits. To avoid a drop in funding, Senate Bill 5 provides $13.175 million for Fiscal Year 2023 (beginning July 1) and $20 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Finally, Senate Bill 5 prohibits any alimony by a domestic violence survivor to their spouse or former spouse who is convicted of an attempted murder, class A or B felony sexual assault, or a class A or B felony family violence crime. Current state law leaves it to the discretion of the court (a judge) to determine any alimony award; Senate Bill 5 removes this option from a judge to prevent those convicted of certain crimes from continuing to abuse their victim through the legal system.
SENATOR MARX VOTES WITH SENATE TO CREATE ANNE PETRY DAY, HONORING OLD SAYBROOK HISTORICAL LEGEND
SENATOR MARX VOTES WITH SENATE TO CREATE ANNE PETRY DAY, HONORING OLD SAYBROOK HISTORICAL LEGEND
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation designating May 10 of each year to be recognized as Ann Petry Day, part of legislation approving new honorary days, weeks and months in the state. Petry, who hailed from Old Saybrook, was the first African-American female author to sell more than a million copies of a written novel.
“Ann Petry’s significance to the history of Old Saybrook and Connecticut cannot be overstated,” said Sen. Marx. “The historical importance of ‘The Street,’ as well as her incredible and extended history of written works, helped change minds and ideals nationwide. I am proud to help ensure her legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.”
Ann Petry, born in Old Saybrook in 1908, is most well-known for her debut novel, “The Street,” which centered around the injustices faced by a single Black mother in Harlem during the 1940s. “The Street” sold more than one million copies. Petry’s literature was published around the world, with many of her works drawing on her experiences living in Old Saybrook.
Senate Bill 1158, “An Act Designating Various Days, Weeks and Months,” designates 12 additional commemorative days, weeks and months in Connecticut including Ann Petry Day. It now moves to the House.
SENATOR ANWAR VOTES WITH SENATE TO CREATE DAY IN HONOR OF VICTIMS OF BOSNIAN GENOCIDE
SENATOR ANWAR VOTES WITH SENATE TO CREATE DAY IN HONOR OF VICTIMS OF BOSNIAN GENOCIDE
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation designating July 11 of each year to be recognized as Bosnian Genocide Remembrance Day, part of approving new honorary days, weeks and months in the state. The date recognizes the Bosnian genocide, which took place from July 11 to July 13, 1995. On July 11, more than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed, with as many as 100,000 lives taken between 1992 and 1995 preceding that date; the event also brought the forced exile of tens of thousands.
“We must recognize the horrors of our past to make sure they are not repeated,” said Sen. Anwar. “The Bosnian genocide took the lives of as many as 100,000 people and altered the lives of countless more. Each of those people have loved ones who carry their memory and the cruelty of their loss. By recognizing this day, we provide them with acknowledgement of these losses and allow them to honor the memory of those lost.”
Senate Bill 1158, “An Act Designating Various Days, Weeks and Months,” designates 11 additional commemorative days, weeks and months in Connecticut. It now moves to the House.
SEN. ANWAR LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVING HOSPICE SERVICES, INCLUDING IN-HOME HOSPICE CARE
SEN. ANWAR LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVING HOSPICE SERVICES, INCLUDING IN-HOME HOSPICE CARE
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, led the State Senate in passing legislation that will provide improvements to how hospice care services in Connecticut are administered. Most prominently, the bill will require the establishment of a pilot program to provide in-home hospice care to patients through in-person visits, among other changes.
“Hospice care is an emotional and challenging need for many at the end of their lives, and individuals deserve to have some control over the environment in which they spend their final days,” said Sen. Anwar. “By passing this bill and creating a program for such care to be available, we can provide peace of mind to those individuals and their families. I believe this bill will help ease some of the difficulties faced by many during an already distressing time.”
Senate Bill 1075, “An Act Concerning Hospice and Palliative Care,” would make changes related to the provision of hospice care services including: requiring the Department of Public Health to establish a hospice hospital at home pilot program, providing in-home hospice care through in-person and telehealth visits, by 2024; allowing the Department of Social Services commissioner to apply for a Medicaid Section 1115 waiver to provide Medicaid reimbursement for hospice services delivered under the pilot program to the same level hospital-based hospice services are reimbursed; allowing advanced practice registered nurses providing hospice care through licensed home care agencies to administer fluids or medications intravenously and for registered nurses to do so under physician supervision; requiring certain individual and group health insurance policies to cover in-home hospice services to the same extent of hospital in-patient hospice services.
The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. The bill passed the Public Health Committee by a unanimous vote in March.
SEN. ANWAR JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION EXPANDING ACCESS TO SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR OBESITY
SEN. ANWAR JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION EXPANDING ACCESS TO SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR OBESITY
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation requiring coverage of bariatric surgery and medical assistance and services related to treatment of obesity through Medicaid and HUSKY B under certain circumstances. Such services in addition to bariatric surgery, which makes changes to the digestive system to help patients with obesity lose weight, include FDA-approved prescription drugs for outpatient treatment of obesity and nutritional counseling from a registered dietitian-nutritionist.
The bill is intended to increase access to treatment for severe obesity, which can have significant negative impacts on an individual’s health over time. Sen. Anwar helped introduce the legislation in previous legislative sessions and is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
“The health and medical impacts of obesity can be negatively impactful to individual and public health. Any way we can make access to new and improved treatments easier for constituents will have strong benefits in reducing those impacts at large,” said Sen. Anwar. “Medical and societal circumstances can cause anyone to gain weight – and we should be cognizant of that in expanding access to treatment and care. I’m hopeful to see this bill pass this year and provide aid to those in need.”
Senate Bill 977, “An Act Concerning Medical Assistance For Surgery and Medical Services Related To Treatment of Obesity,” would require access to medical services to beneficiaries through Medicare and Medicaid with body mass indexes over 35 and bariatric surgery and related services for beneficiaries with severe obesity. The bill defines severe obesity as a person having a body-mass-index over 35 with a comorbid disease or condition or a body-mass-index over 40. Under current regulations, the Department of Social Services covers surgical services needed to treat morbid obesity causing or aggravating another medical illness.
The bill received strong support in public testimony from health professionals including Christine Finck, surgeon-in-chief at Connecticut Children’s, and Nathan Wood, instructor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Finck testified that in her work she has seen the consequences of obesity and its impacts on children that could be cured by surgical weight loss, citing Connecticut Children’s successful administration of bariatric surgery for young patients. Wood testified that his patients have experienced medical conditions related to obesity and could not lose weight, with surgery and medication being effective; he noted his patients with Medicaid are unable to get access to such needed care.
“Forty-two percent of Americans have obesity… [which] is a risk factor for numerous other health conditions,” Wood testified. “When you treat obesity, you prevent these conditions.”
The bill previously passed the Human Services Committee by a 20-2 tally in March and the Appropriations Committee in April by a 44-5 vote. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
SENATOR RAHMAN VOTES TO INCREASE PROTECTIONS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SENATOR RAHMAN VOTES TO INCREASE PROTECTIONS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
HARTFORD – Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) joined in the bipartisan and unanimous support of a 2023 Senate Democrats’ public policy priority to increase protections for domestic violence victims by expanding GPS monitoring of violent offenders, increasing funding for victim services, and preventing people convicted of certain domestic violence crimes from ever collecting any alimony from their former spouse.
Senate Bill 5, “AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PROTECTIONS AGAINST AND RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” passed the state Senate today on a 36-0 unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Previously, the bill had received a 37-0 unanimous vote in the Judiciary Committee and a 55-0 unanimous vote in the Appropriations Committee.
“Domestic violence is a serious problem, but this bill seeks to protect victims in a number of positive ways,” said Sen. Rahman. “It provides additional monitoring for those at increased risk of offense against victims, strongly funds victim’s services and prevents financial abuse against victims themselves. I’m glad to see we’re making these protections stronger to support recovery in our state.”
In 2010, the General Assembly passed Public Act 10-144, which established a GPS (Global Positioning System) monitoring pilot program to protect victims in extremely dangerous situations; the pilot program has operated in the Bridgeport, Danielson, and Hartford judicial districts. Senate Bill 5 now expands the GPS monitoring program to cover the entire state.
The GPS expansion is expected to cost $8 million over 2024 and 2025; Democrats have already included the funding in their proposed legislative budget.
Under the program, after a person violates a restraining order or a protective order, a judge will evaluate whether that offender is a high risk, and if so, the domestic violence survivor will have the option of having the offender monitored by GPS. Although Connecticut currently has GPS monitoring for certain domestic violence offenders, as well as for some on parole or on the sex offender registry, this program is different. It provides live monitoring and alert notification for domestic violence survivors.
At the survivor’s discretion, the survivor carries his or her own GPS device, and the offender’s location is constantly monitored to ensure a safe distance is kept from not only the survivor’s home and work, but wherever they go. If ever the offender encroaches near the survivor or a forbidden buffer zone, the monitoring service will notify the survivor and law enforcement.
Senate Bill 5 also provides more than $43 million for victim’s services in Connecticut. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund relies on fines and fees arising from federal prosecutions, and it is very volatile, peaking at $6.5 billion in 2017 but not rising above $822 million ever since. The VOCA Fund provides a number of services for crime victims, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse, and families impacted by homicide. In federal fiscal year 2021, VOCA helped 104,366 victims of crimes in Connecticut, and most of the services were provided by community-based nonprofits. To avoid a drop in funding, Senate Bill 5 provides $13.175 million for Fiscal Year 2023 (beginning July 1) and $20 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Finally, Senate Bill 5 prohibits any alimony by a domestic violence survivor to their spouse or former spouse who is convicted of an attempted murder, class A or B felony sexual assault, or a class A or B felony family violence crime. Current state law leaves it to the discretion of the court (a judge) to determine any alimony award; Senate Bill 5 removes this option from a judge to prevent those convicted of certain crimes from continuing to abuse their victim through the legal system.
SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO INCREASE PROTECTIONS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO INCREASE PROTECTIONS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined in the bipartisan and unanimous support of a 2023 Senate Democrats public policy priority to increase protections for domestic violence victims by expanding GPS monitoring of violent offenders, increasing funding for victim services, and preventing people convicted of certain domestic violence crimes from ever collecting any alimony from their former spouse.
Senate Bill 5, “AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PROTECTIONS AGAINST AND RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” passed the state Senate today on a 36-0 unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Previously, the bill had received a 37-0 unanimous vote in the Judiciary Committee and a 55-0 unanimous vote in the Appropriations Committee.
“We must do all we can to protect victims,” said Sen. Anwar. “This bill makes strong improvements to state laws to improve monitoring of those considered at risk of offense or reoffense, provides significant funding for victim’s services and protect against financial abuse. I’m proud to vote for this bill because it bolsters the protection and safety of domestic violence victims.”
In 2010, the General Assembly passed Public Act 10-144, which established a GPS (Global Positioning System) monitoring pilot program to protect victims in extremely dangerous situations; the pilot program has operated in the Bridgeport, Danielson, and Hartford judicial districts. Senate Bill 5 now expands the GPS monitoring program to cover the entire state.
The GPS expansion is expected to cost $8 million over 2024 and 2025; Democrats have already included the funding in their proposed legislative budget.
Under the program, after a person violates a restraining order or a protective order, a judge will evaluate whether that offender is a high risk, and if so, the domestic violence survivor will have the option of having the offender monitored by GPS. Although Connecticut currently has GPS monitoring for certain domestic violence offenders, as well as for some on parole or on the sex offender registry, this program is different. It provides live monitoring and alert notification for domestic violence survivors.
At the survivor’s discretion, the survivor carries his or her own GPS device, and the offender’s location is constantly monitored to ensure a safe distance is kept from not only the survivor’s home and work, but wherever they go. If ever the offender encroaches near the survivor or a forbidden buffer zone, the monitoring service will notify the survivor and law enforcement.
Senate Bill 5 also provides more than $43 million for victim’s services in Connecticut. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund relies on fines and fees arising from federal prosecutions, and it is very volatile, peaking at $6.5 billion in 2017 but not rising above $822 million ever since. The VOCA Fund provides a number of services for crime victims, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse, and families impacted by homicide. In federal fiscal year 2021, VOCA helped 104,366 victims of crimes in Connecticut, and most of the services were provided by community-based nonprofits. To avoid a drop in funding, Senate Bill 5 provides $13.175 million for Fiscal Year 2023 (beginning July 1) and $20 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Finally, Senate Bill 5 prohibits any alimony by a domestic violence survivor to their spouse or former spouse who is convicted of an attempted murder, class A or B felony sexual assault, or a class A or B felony family violence crime. Current state law leaves it to the discretion of the court (a judge) to determine any alimony award; Senate Bill 5 removes this option from a judge to prevent those convicted of certain crimes from continuing to abuse their victim through the legal system.