Governor Rell Signs Three Domestic Violence Prevention Bills Into Law

Governor M. Jodi Rell today signed three bills into law that create broader protections for victims of domestic violence, electronic monitoring of violent offenders and greater awareness of teen dating violence, sweeping reforms the Governor said will help prevent abuse and provide support and safety for victims in the “darkest moments.”

“Domestic violence is an issue that touches all walks of life. There is so much pain, so many damaged souls and so much loss. These news laws will strengthen what I believe are already some of the toughest domestic violence laws in the nation,” the Governor said during a bill signing at the Connecticut Coalition on Domestic Violence in East Hartford. “With these reforms we are providing the support and safety victims need in their darkest moments and harsh penalties for the offenders.”

The centerpiece of the reforms is House Bill 5497, An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Speaker of the House of Representatives’ Task Force on Domestic Violence, which addresses numerous programs in criminal justice, social services and education.  The legislation resulted from a bipartisan task force formed by Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan.

"We're taking steps to reduce domestic violence, protect families and prosecute violators," said Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). "We need to put a stop to this terrible crime. Today we're beginning to do just that."

The law includes:

·        A pilot program in which the high-risk offenders are electronically monitored and requires the Judicial Branch to apply for federal grants to fund the program;

·        Expands information and disclosure requirements for family intervention units, courts and the Department of Children and Families;

·        Allows the Chief Court Administrator to establish domestic violence dockets in three geographical areas

·        Expands the persistent offender law for crimes involving assault, trespass, threatening, harassment and violation of restraining or protective order.

·        Allows courts to consider the convictions for essentially the same crimes in other states. (All provisions take effect October 1, 2010 with the exception of the electronic monitoring funding, which is effective upon passage.)

The Governor also signed:

House Bill 5246, An Act Concerning the Protection of and Services for Victims of Domestic Violence. The law makes it easier for tenants who are victims of family violence to terminate their rental agreement without penalty, creates a public service awareness campaign to prevent teen dating violence and mandates the state Department of Social Services to make payments from marriage license surcharges to domestic violence shelters. (Effective date is October 1, 2010 except for marriage license surcharge funds and public service campaign, which are effective July 1, 2010).

House Bill 5315, An Act Concerning Education and the Reduction of Domestic Violence. The law requires school boards to offer training on preventing teen dating violence to employees as part of the health education information they must provide. (Effective date is July 1, 2010)

The Governor said the state has already dedicated more than $2 million in federal stimulus funds over the last year for a variety of domestic violence programs. Most recently, the state awarded $140,000 in stimulus funds to the Judicial Branch to start a GPS monitoring program for domestic violence offenders in Bridgeport, Danielson and Hartford.  The funds will be used to purchase the monitoring service plus some equipment for a minimum of 21 high risk offenders.  The offenders will be identified by the Courts.