HARTFORD, CT—Today, Senate Democrats announced “A Just Connecticut,” the first of four legislative agendas for the 2019 legislative session. The series of bills outline the policy proposals from Senate Democrats to reform the state’s criminal justice system, strengthen gun safety protections, and expand voting rights.
“Although Connecticut has made great strides in the fight for criminal justice reform, there is more we need to do to move our state toward a more just and equitable society,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Together we can provide a second chance for those with minor transgressions, protections to those filing restraining orders, legal representation for the children of immigrants, and defendants with additional materials to prove their innocence. Our aspiration as a nation is to be both just and compassionate, and this legislative agenda will help move Connecticut toward that goal.”
“Connecticut is a leader in the nation at protecting our families from gun violence,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “No background check or registration is required with ghost guns which opens the door for criminals to more easily obtain deadly weapons. By banning ghost guns we are taking another important step to close a dangerous loophole in our laws.”
“Our justice system has failed many people of color in our society,” said Sen. Bradley (D-Bridgeport). “We have the opportunity to right some of the wrongs with how our justice system works and focus on reform. We also have the opportunity to keep our residents safe from the epidemic of gun violence gripping our nation and expand voting rights so everyone’s voice can be heard. I’m excited to get to work on this important legislation.”
“In case anyone has any doubt about what a ghost gun is, I invite you to Google it. The very first site that comes up, ghostguns.com, says it specializes in selling unregistered weapons that are ‘combat-tested’ and ‘mission ready.’ Any reasonable person should be shaking their head and asking, who’s buying untraceable, unregistered ‘mission-ready’ guns, and why? What is their ‘mission’?” said state Senator Alex Bergstein (D-Greenwich), who is vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee where this bill will be heard. “If these questions cause deep concern for you as they do for me and my fellow Democrats, we need to do something about it. Whether we own guns or not, whether we have children or not, whether we are Democrats or Republicans or subscribe to any political identity, combat weapons in the hands of civilians who are not responsible gun owners is a major threat to our public safety – which is why we’re taking action.”
“Too many residents of our state still cannot exercise their right to vote,” said Sen. Flexer (D-Killingly). “With limited voting hours and absentee voting only available to a select group of residents we need to reform our voting laws to make it easier to vote. Dozens of other states already have expansive early voting and it is long past time Connecticut does the same.”
The legislative proposals in the “A Just Connecticut” agenda include:
Senate Bill 654: An Act Concerning A Right to Counsel for Immigrant Children
To ensure children of immigrants are represented in issues regarding their well-being.
Senate Bill 689: An Act Concerning Tolling Temporary Restraining Orders (SB 689)
To continue a temporary restraining order after the person alleged to be a threat is released from jail or custody.
Senate Bill 653: An Act Concerning Open File Disclosure in Criminal Cases
To require prosecuting officials to automatically disclose certain pieces of evidence in criminal cases.
Senate Bill 691: An Act Concerning Expungement of Criminal Records
To create a system of expungement of criminal records for offenders that have remained crime-free for a significant period following the end of his or her sentence.
Senate Joint Resolution 14: A Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the State Constitution to Allow for Early Voting
To amend the Constitution of the State of Connecticut to allow for in person voting for a period prior to election day.
Senate Bill 266: An Act Concerning Ballot Access for Students on College and University Campuses
To provide polling locations on college and university campuses for students to make it easier for students to vote.
Senate Bill 655: An Act Concerning Ghost Guns
To ensure the sale of firearms adhere to serial number requirements and to close loopholes contributing to the illegal possession of firearms.
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