Senator Dan Debicella, R-21, is strongly urging the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee to support passage of the Senate Republican Leadership’s proposed “Jessica’s Law” legislation. The Judiciary Committee held a public hearing today on this initiative designed to both take convicted child sexual predators off the street and to appropriately punish these criminals.

“I believe that passing this bill would put everyone on notice - from potential criminals to potential victims - that Connecticut citizens do not tolerate the sexual assault and sexual abuse of children. We stand ready to take the strongest action possible against these criminals. Decent human beings know that there is no acceptable excuse for this type of criminal behavior against our most vulnerable members of society. Connecticut citizens want our law enforcement and judicial systems to have the necessary authority to act in a manner that reflects our belief that there is no excuse for sexually assaulting and sexually abusing children,” wrote Senator Debicella in testimony submitted to the Judiciary Committee.

The proposed legislation, SB 1458, An Act Concerning Jessica’s Law, creates a new crime, “aggravated assault of a minor”, that calls for imposing a 25-year prison sentence on anyone convicted for the first time of a sexual crime against a child younger than 13. A second offense carries a mandatory 50-year prison sentence.

Senator Debicella said the bill had three main benefits: it would protect Connecticut’s children by removing criminals who sexually prey on them off the streets; would impose a penalty that reflects the heinous nature of these crimes; and would be more effective than current plea bargaining.

“Law abiding, responsible citizens have little to no patience for a legal system that routinely enters into plea bargains with criminals who sexually assault and sexually abuse children. They are correct to be dissatisfied with prison sentences of only a few years, with time off for good behavior. Try explaining to the past and future victims of child sexual predators that a two year plea bargain is fair. Additionally, such plea bargains do little to protect children from pedophiles striking again if they are simply being rotated out of prison every few years. I believe that mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years for the first offense and 50 years for the second offense are more in line with justice for the victims and more likely to protect our children,” said Senator Debicella.

The legislation is now pending action by the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee before it can be acted upon by the full General Assembly.

Senator Debicella is an Assistant Minority Leader serving his first term representing the 21st District communities of Shelton, Stratford, Seymour, and Monroe. He urges everyone interested in this legislation and its progress through the legislative process to visit the Connecticut General Assembly website at www.cga.ct.gov and use the “quick search” function at the top of the webpage. Constituents can contact his legislative office toll free at 1-800-842-1421.