The expected budget savings from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s Second Chance Society proposal means the bill could become part of the discussion during a special session expected this month.
Midnight’s finale to the legislative session didn’t including Malloy’s proposed criminal justice changes, but Senate Majority Leader Robert Duff, D-Norwalk, said it likely will be included in legislation to implement the budget.
Malloy’s proposal, which includes changes to the state’s current use of bail and raising the juvenile justice age, is expected to save the state $14 million next year.
The bill cleared the Judiciary Committee, but never got a vote before either chamber this session.
Sen. Eric D. Coleman, D-Bloomfield, said he would have preferred to pass the bill during the session, but “I’m fully in support of Plan B.” This marks the second consecutive year that criminal justice changes failed to garner approval during the legislative session, but were included in special sessions to consider budget-related legislation.
Last year, bills to reduce penalties for simple drug possession and to address use of force by police both also required additional time before becoming law.
Coleman, though, said it can be difficult to change people’s minds about the criminal justice system, and he’s not disappointed that efforts require additional time.
“I place it in context — change is not easy, and especially when you’re talking about criminal justice reform,” he said, adding he “enjoy(s) Connecticut’s status as a trend-setter” on the issue.
Malloy’s proposal, dubbed Second Chance 2.0, would gradually raise the age of the juvenile justice system for most offenders to 20, allowing young adults to have their criminal records erased from public viewing if they can avoid re-arrest.
Malloy has pointed to studies indicating the human brain doesn’t fully mature until the age of 25 as a need to provide more forgiveness to younger adults. Malloy’s bill also would greatly reduce the rules on judges setting bond for defendants during pending prosecution. Defendants charged with only misdemeanors would be released without a cash bond unless a judge determines they pose a risk to themselves, other individuals, or the general public. Additionally, judges would be required to offer a 10 percent cash option for those charged with felonies, except for when a judge determines there is a safety threat.
Malloy has said the changes are necessary because too many people are held in pretrial detention solely because they can’t afford to pay bond premiums.
Opponents, though, warn the changes could affect the bail bond industry, saying bondsmen help ensure that people released from prison attend court proceedings.
Beth Chapman, wife of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman, attended the final days of the session to oppose the bill, saying the bail system also ensures the public’s safety.
The Chapmans say they took a break from their show, “Dog and Beth: On The Hunt,” to campaign against efforts to overhaul the bail system around the country.
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