Connecticut House Bill HB07301

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/17
• Refer: 3/17/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Exposure Of Children To Domestic Violence.

Impact

If enacted, HB 07301 would amend existing statutes related to the sentencing of family violence crimes. Particularly, it stipulates that a person convicted of a second or subsequent family violence offense in the presence of a child would face a sentence that is between 25% and 50% greater than the standard penalty for such violations. This change aims to place greater emphasis on the seriousness of the act when minors are involved, thus potentially leading to longer periods of incarceration for offenders and promoting accountability.

Summary

House Bill 07301 addresses the issue of domestic violence, specifically focusing on the protection of children present during such incidents. The primary aim of the bill is to introduce enhanced penalties for individuals who commit family violence crimes in the presence of minors. This legislation is designed to acknowledge the increased harm and psychological impact that such exposure can have on young witnesses, and as a result, seeks to impose harsher sentences for repeat offenders. The bill underscores the importance of safeguarding children from domestic violence and recognizing their vulnerability in these situations.

Contention

The introduction of HB 07301 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and advocacy groups regarding its implications for the judicial system. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in addressing the cycle of violence and protecting children, while critics express concerns about the potential for disproportionate sentencing or the impact of increased penalties on the already overwhelmed court systems. Some believe the bill may inadvertently exacerbate challenges within the domestic violence response system, such as insufficient resources for rehabilitation and support services.