Judiciary Committee Raises Bill Proposed By Callahan

Hartford— The legislature’s Judiciary Committee raised a bill this week based on a bipartisan proposal state Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108) introduced with Representative Mary Welander (D-114). The goal of H.B. 6737, An Act Establishing the Crime of Harmful Communication With a Minor, is to ensure that the predators who are purposely targeting children with harmful intent can be brought to justice with the creation of a new Class A misdemeanor.

Last year, the pair were part of a bipartisan group of legislators to craft a bill protecting Connecticut kids from online abuse and exploitation. While the bill passed the House with unanimous support, it did not receive a vote in the Senate. Callahan is hopeful that it will garner the same support in the House this year, gets a vote in the Senate and signed by the Governor before the end of Session.

“During the pandemic kids increased screen time and spending time online, opening them up harmful communications. I have proposed a bill with a goal of preventing adults from having harmful communication with online, and engaging them in risky communication,” said Callahan.

The proposal also seeks to protect students who may fall victim to having personal photos disseminated to third parties.

More information on resources to protect children from online abuse can be found by visiting the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The legislative committee meeting and hearing schedules are posted on the General Assembly website. Residents can also find information there about submitting testimony and how to participate in the public hearing process.