Senate Democratic leaders in Connecticut have introduced their criminal justice priorities for the new legislative session.
State Senate President Martin Looney says these issues should be a top concern for all state lawmakers.
“We don’t see them as a partisan issue and hope that they will be supported by all four caucuses. And [we] look forward, with all of our colleagues in both chambers and both parties, to make these provisions of good public policy into law.”
The Democrats’ proposals include removing the civil statute of limitations for filing claims of sexual abuse and creating a training program for judges that the lawmakers say would create a standard, fair system to address domestic violence cases. They also want to address the rise of hate crimes in the state.
Looney says there’s been a sharp increase in religious-based crimes nationwide, especially against the Jewish community.
“There’s such broad-based concern about this, and there’s grave concern about security at religious facilities. One of the other issues I think we’ll be looking to pursue is try to provide some bonding funds for security and hardening of those facilities.”
Data from the FBI shows Connecticut police reported 110 hate crimes in 2017.
The new session begins in February.
