Reps. McCarty and France Vote to Strengthen Laws on Domestic Violence

HARTFORD – Local lawmakers State Representatives Kathleen McCarty (R-38) and Mike France (R-42) co-sponsored a bill concerning domestic violence that was voted on last week by the General Assembly’s House of Representatives. The bill, H.B. 7299, expands the definition of threatening conduct that can cause victims emotional distress. After passing the House unanimously, it is now filed for a vote in the Senate.

This legislation makes the following necessary changes to increase public safety:

1. Expands the conduct that constitutes stalking to include conduct that causes a person to suffer “emotional distress;”
2. Specifies that electronic or social media are among the methods, devices, or means by which conduct that constitutes 1st or 2nd degree stalking may occur;
3. Broadens the strangulation statutes to include suffocation when a person obstructs another’s nose or mouth;
4. Increases the penalty for violations of release conditions when the violation involves certain conduct; and
5. Requires a presentence investigation for anyone convicted of a family violence felony for which a prison sentence may be imposed and prohibits such a defendant from waiving the investigation.

“As a member of the Womens’ Caucus, a caucus that is raising awareness and funds this session for women who are victims of domestic violence,” said Rep. McCarty, also a member of the legislative Public Health Committee, “I am particularly pleased that this bill passed unanimously in the House. No one should be exposed in any fashion to domestic violence. This bill strengthens domestic violence laws by increasing penalties and broadening definitions of violent acts that cause physical, emotional and mental harm. It further protects privacy and safety in a manner that will save many lives.”

Rep. France, who toured Safe Future’s New London home for domestic violence victims late last year, said, “Any additional protection we can provide our citizens in the form of increased penalties for improper personal behavior, which will hopefully also act as a deterrent, is an important measure I am proud to support. I hope that this legislation gives Connecticut residents greater peace of mind and increases the level of security in their lives.”

For more information, please visit the Connecticut General Assembly’s website.