House Republican Press Release

January 23, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP VOTES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS, THOUGH WEAKENED BY MAJORITY DEMOCRATS

“Weston Legislator Disappointed that Majority Rejected Tough “Three Strikes” Provision against Repeat Violent Offenders”

HARTFORD– State Representative John Stripp of Weston, strongly supported legislation to increase penalties for home invasions, saying it closed some loopholes in state anti-crime laws but failed to impose tougher penalties on repeat violent offenders, including repeat burglars.

Rep. Stripp said “Persistent offenders should be kept off the streets and not be allowed parole after a third serious violent felony conviction.”

The state House and Senate, meeting in special session nearly six months to the day after a Cheshire home invasion and triple murder shocked the state, adopted many of the provision recommended by the governor’s task force and supported by most legislators, Tuesday night.

They include:

• Creating a new crime of home invasion

• Requiring someone convicted of second degree burglary or home invasion to serve at least 85 percent of his or her sentence

• Altering the makeup of the state Board of Pardons and Parole

• Limiting parole relief by administrative review

• Requires global positioning system (GPS) monitoring of 300 more parolees;

• Establishes a committee to study ways to create incentives for towns that allow community-based offender rehabilitation programs to be located in them;

• Limits the reasons that the Department of Correction (DOC) can grant an inmate a furlough;

However, the Democratic majority rejected Republican efforts to enact a “three strikes” law that would send repeat violent felony offenders to jail for life.

“We have passed a good bill. It is a first good step, hopefully in the upcoming regular session set to start February 6^th the legislature can pass additional reforms to keep the citizens of Connecticut safe,” said Rep. Stripp. “What is disappointing is that we still have not passed a bill that the people of the state wanted. The most fundamental obligation of government is to protect the safety of its citizens, particularly in their homes.”

“It astonishes me that attempts to put in place a real ‘three strikes and you’re out’ law will not be allowed,” said Rep. Stripp.

Rep. Stripp serves the 135^th Assembly District in the state House of Representatives.