Looney, Duff, Senate Democrats Announce “A Just Connecticut” Agenda

Bill proposals aim to reform our criminal justice system, protect consumers, and expand voting rights

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and other members of the Senate Democratic caucus announced “A Just Connecticut,” the second of four legislative agendas for the 2020 legislative session from Senate Democrats. The series of bills outlined the policy proposals from Senate Democrats aim to reform our criminal justice system, protect consumers, and expand voting rights.

The legislative proposals in the “A Just Connecticut” agenda discussed today included:

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

More Protections in Family Court

To expand the Civil Gideon pilot program, create a Benchbook for judges, and require proper training based on the Benchbook.

Protecting Victims and Changing Statute of Limitations

To provide an opportunity for victims to pursue justice in civil court for sexual assault through a change in the state’s statute of limitations.

Combating Hate Crimes & Violent Right-Wing Extremism

To finance and create a new department at the Connecticut State Police which will specialize in investigating far right extremist groups and individuals.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Protecting Net Neutrality

To provide state level protections for a free and open internet.

Stopping Deceptive Collections Practices

To expand the prohibitions on deceptive practices to include any unreasonable burden or requirement the creditor would place on the debtor in making payments.

Consumer Privacy Act

To allow for consumers to know what personal data and information is collected by companies and the ability to opt-out of the sale of personal information or to delete their information from the business.

Curbing Scam & Spam Robo Phone Calls

To cut spam and scam robo phone calls, emails and text messages and eliminate the ability for scammers to profit off of consumers.

VOTING RIGHTS

Increasing Access to Absentee Ballots

To streamline voting by allowing online applications for absentee ballots.

Read background information on the proposed legislation here.