Klarides-Ditria: Hearing slated on motor vehicle theft crisis

HARTFORD - Connecticut's news media has dedicated considerable time to sharing the concerns of residents frustrated not just by escalating motor vehicle break-ins, but also brazen car thefts committed by juveniles who act without fear of significant legal repercussion. There's a Judiciary Committee public hearing Wednesday [Details below] on H.B. 6667 and H. B. 6669 where you can share your thoughts about the motor vehicle theft crisis. Early this session, House Republicans submitted legislation to impose actual consequences for teenagers (15-18) who are repeatedly charged with stealing or attempting to steal a vehicle. Our proposal includes: Facing charges on the regular criminal docket; Expanded ability for judges to order detainment or GPS monitoring; Categorize as "serious juvenile repeat offender" upon second theft conviction; Require DCF intervention to provide services to offender; Modify state pursuit policy, allow police to intercept thieves as the crime occurs HOW TO SPEAK OUT ON THIS TOPIC Judiciary Committee public hearing Wednesday, March 31, @ 10 a.m. Register to testify virtually Deadline to register: Tuesday March 30 @ 3 p.m. TESTIFY BY EMAIL Email written testimony to judtestimony@cga.ct.gov and state your name and bills (H.B. 6667 & 6669.) Copy me: nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov TESTIFY BY TELEPHONE Call the Phone Registrant Line at (860) 240-5255 to leave your contact information. Watch the hearing on YouTube

Klarides, Klarides-Ditria back bill to protect public safety officers

State Rep. Nicole Klarides, R-Seymour, and House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby. /File photo

HARTFORD - State Representatives Themis Klarides and Nicole Klarides-Ditria submitted testimony Thursday in support of legislation to make it a hate crime to intimidate or harass law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and Department of Correction employees based on their occupation. 

The bill, House Bill 7146, would also allow prosecutors to pursue additional charges and enhanced penalties against criminals who intentionally target these individuals. 

In their joint testimony, Klarides and Klarides-Ditria said, "We have heard the disturbing accounts in which public safety employees are targeted for no apparent reasons other than their profession. Every day first responders selflessly put their own lives at risk to help maintain order and safety. Let's show our heroes we stand proudly behind them by passing this legislation."

H.B. 7146 is similar to legislation raised and passed out of committee last year with bipartisan support. The bill is being supported by the Police Officer's Association of CT,  an association of 20 Police Unions with over 2,000 members state-wide. 

POACT stated in written testimony, "this legislation is important for the protection of our police officers from this growing problem. It will help discourage people from targeting police officers; and will strongly punish people who do target police officers."

The bill now awaits actions in the Public Safety and Security Committee. 

This is a release from press secretary Spencer Rubin.