Connecticut Senate Bill SB00746

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Refer: 1/25/11

Caption

An Act Requiring An Investigation By The Department Of Children And Families When A Person Is Arrested For Drunken Driving With A Child In The Vehicle.

Impact

If passed, the bill expands the responsibilities of law enforcement and social services, mandating that upon arrest for DUI involving a minor, an immediate report is made to the DCF. This will compel the department to investigate the living conditions and safety of any children in the custody of the arrested individual. This move is positioned as a safeguard to prevent neglect or additional harm to children in precarious situations, promoting child welfare as a priority in DUI incidents.

Summary

SB00746 seeks to amend the existing statutes related to driving under the influence (DUI) by requiring an automatic investigation by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when a person is arrested for DUI with a child under the age of sixteen present in the vehicle. The intention of this bill is to ensure the safety and well-being of children who may be at risk when their guardian is apprehended for such offenses. The essence of this legislation is to provide a systematic approach for not only addressing the DUI itself but also the potential impact it has on minors involved.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the implications of such mandatory reporting. Proponents argue this requirement will protect vulnerable children by ensuring that there is an immediate assessment of their living conditions in the wake of a parent or guardian's arrest. However, critics may express concerns about the potential overreach of state involvement into family matters and the stigmatization of families who might not be at risk for abuse or neglect. Balancing the need for child safety with the rights of parents will likely be a focal point of debate during discussions surrounding this bill.