Mae Flexer

Senator Flexer Praises Senate Passage of Bill That Protects Victims of Family Violence or Sexual Assault

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that adds housing protections for victims of family violence or sexual assault by a 36-0 vote. The bill would allow a landlord to change the locks to a housing unit of a person who has a valid order of protection. Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) is a member of the Judiciary Committee which introduced the bill.

“A protective or restraining order is often the only thing that stands between a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and their perpetrator, yet it isn’t always enough to ensure their safety,” said Senator Flexer. “This bill clarifies the law so that individuals protected by an order can change their housing locks to protect against intrusion. No one should have to live in fear and this simple step will help to make victims of violence feel safer and more secure in their own homes at what is one of the most dangerous moments of their lives.”

Senate Bill 693, “An Act Concerning Additional Housing Protections for a Victim of Family Violence or Sexual Assault,” would allow that upon the request of a tenant, a landlord would change the locks to a tenant’s housing unit when that tenant is named as a protected person in an issued protective or restraining order. The landlord would be required to do so no later than two business days after the initial request. If the landlord fails to change the locks, the tenant may change the locks without the landlord’s permission.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.