“I believe passage of this legislation is a step to protect Connecticut residents in their homes. If this law had been in existence prior to the tragedy in Cheshire, it probably would not have prevented that horrific day for the Petit family, but we now have a definition of a new crime, home invasion. It is always difficult to be prepared for what the criminal mind will come up with next, but I do believe that by defining home invasion, Connecticut citizens may rest a little more comfortably. No matter what we do we cannot always anticipate what will happen, but we try,” said Senator Freedman.

Among other things, the criminal justice reform legislation passed by the Senate today creates the new crime of home invasion and increases the penalty for burglary of a dwelling at night; makes those convicted of second degree burglary or home invasion ineligible for parole until serving at least 85 percent of the sentence imposed; makes several changes to the parole process; updates the crime victim notification law; requires GPS monitoring of 300 more parolees, and creates a diversionary program for people with psychiatric disorders who have been accused of less serious crimes.