House Republican Press Release

July 23, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

American Legion Honors State Rep. Mike Alberts

State Rep. Mike Alberts, R-50^th, Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret, Woodstock, has been honored by The American Legion for his support of veterans’ legislation adopted this year.

The American Legion Department of Connecticut presented Rep. Alberts with its Special Achievement Award at a recent ceremony in Waterbury.

In particular, the American Legion recognized Rep. Alberts for his support of much-needed enhancements to the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Marines’ Fund's bylaws to bring them in conformance with actual state operations.

The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund is an agency of the State of Connecticut established in 1919 to assist needy wartime veterans and their families. The agency is administered by The American Legion in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Rep. Alberts said, “It is gratifying to receive this recognition from the American Legion. It is important that we protect the interests of veterans and their families, who have given so much to us and our nation. It is especially important to respect those who have given their lives in the line of duty. I hope to continue to supporting veterans’ legislation for years to come.”

Rep. Alberts, who is ranking member of the legislature’s Select Committee on Veterans Affairs, was one of the sponsors of several new laws affecting veterans including HB 6060, an Act Concerning Disruption of a Funeral.

This bill prohibits protest activities from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral, which is defined as a ceremony or memorial service connected to burying or cremating an individual.

It subjects to punishment anyone who

• willfully makes or assists in making a noise or diversion that is not part of the funeral,  intends to disturb the peace or good order of the funeral and actually does so, and  is within the “boundary of the location” of the funeral or within 150 feet of the intersection of the boundary and a road, pathway, or other entrance or exit from the location; or
• is within 300 feet of the boundary and  intentionally, willfully, and without authorization impedes the entrance or exit from the location.

The “boundary of the location” is the property line of a cemetery, mortuary, or house of worship or the reasonable property line of another location used for the funeral.

The bill makes this conduct a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $ 2,000, or both.

Rep. Alberts also cosponsored a related bill making the first bill effective immediately, instead of October 1 as originally adopted.

Rep. Alberts serves the 50^th Assembly District of Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret and Woodstock in the state House of Representatives in Hartford.