HARTFORD – State Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport) is planning to introduce a bill this upcoming legislative session that requires police in Connecticut to notify immediate family within 24 hours of a person dying.
This bill Sen. Bradley will be introducing honors Lauren Smith-Fields, a 23-year-old social media influencer, who died unexpectedly on December 12, 2021. Smith-Fields’ parents say they had been trying to get in touch with Smith-Fields and didn’t find out about her death until they discovered a note on her front door from her landlord two days later.
“Not only did a family have to endure a tragedy of losing their daughter, but they have come to learn they weren’t informed of her death properly,” said Sen. Bradley. “I am dedicated to implementing a proper solution as justice for Lauren Smith-Fields. No family should have to suffer improper ways of notification of such a devastating moment.”
Under the upcoming Lauren Smith-Fields’ bill, it will require police to notify immediate family within 24 hours of a person dying or to make a clear, present, and documented attempt to make such contact. Immediate family includes the deceased’s spouse, parents or guardian, siblings, and aunts or uncles, in that respective order.
The legislative session is expected to begin February 9.