Home Invasion Crime Among New Laws

HARTFORD (AP) — Almost a year after a deadly break-in that ended with the deaths of three members of a Cheshire family, a new crime of “home invasion” becomes law on Tuesday.

The bill was supported by both of Newtown’s state representatives, and touted in a mailing which circulated in their respective district’s. Both Republicans, Julia Wasserman, whose 106th District encompasses most of Newtown, and DebraLee Hovey, who represents the 112th which includes one voting district in the Botsford area, refer to this new legislation in the flyer.

“For the safety of children and families, I supported life sentences for repeat violent offenders who commit three major crimes such as murder, rape, robbery and arson...,” the statement reads. The piece goes on to say that while the legislation, “falls short of a Three Strikes law to impose life in prison for persons convicted of three violent offenses,” the new law in part doubles and triples sentences for dangerous felons.

The legislation was passed during a special session of the General Assembly in January that was convened as a result of the deaths of 48-year-old Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11.

Under the new law, a Class A felony, a person commits “home invasion” by entering or remaining unlawfully in an occupied home, with the intent to commit a crime. It is punishable by ten to 25 years in prison, with a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence.

Another new law sets aside nearly $10 million to boost staffing at criminal justice agencies. It will add correction and parole officers, more probation officers to monitor sex offenders, and more staff for the state police major crime squads.

Funding also is available to expand a global positioning system (GPS) that monitors offenders on parole. And more alternative housing is provided for offenders.

“We cannot put a price on public safety, but these resources will go a long way to help ensure the security and peace of mind of the citizens of Connecticut,” Governor M. Jodi Rell, a Republican, said in a statement.

Two parolees are charged with capital felony and multiple murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, and arson charges in connection with the July 23 killings of the Petit mother and daughters. Dr William Petit was severely beaten, but survived.

Joshua Komisarjevsky, 27, of Cheshire, and Steven Hayes, 44, of Winsted, have both pleaded not guilty. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 18.

Among other new laws that take effect on Tuesday:

*Extending eligibility for admission to the state’s Veterans Home in Rocky Hill to veterans and current members of the armed forces who are entitled to retirement pay under federal law. They and their spouses also will be eligible for burial in the state veterans’ cemeteries.

*Requiring the Department of Environmental Protection come up with regulations for a new recycling program for electronics equipment such as computers and TVs, which is scheduled to begin in 2009.

*Prohibiting public schools from issuing out-of-school suspensions. The new law also extends the maximum length of in-school suspensions from five to ten days.

*Allowing local school boards to provide credit for a world-language course provided by a nonprofit organization if the student passes a proficiency test. The new law stems from a popular program in New Britain where students learn Polish after school.

*Requiring most cigarettes sold or offered for sale to consumers in Connecticut be fire-safe. They must be designed to be self-extinguishing.

*Allowing some parents who pursue higher education or employment to receive child care subsidies under the Department of Social Services’ Care 4 Kids program. To be eligible, they must have incomes below 50 percent of the state’s median income.

(Newtown Bee Associate Editor John Voket contributed to this story.)