House Republican Press Release

April 29, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hamzy: Senate Unanimously Approves Legislation to Protect Family Violence Victims

‘Jen’s Law’ Sent to Governor Rell to be Signed into Law

A measure originated by state Representative William A. Hamzy that would allow family violence victims who fear for their safety to offer court testimony via teleconference rather than being forced to appear in person received final legislative approval today by the state Senate.

The measure (House Bill 5875), which was approved unanimously by the state Senate, was sent to Governor Rell to be signed into law. Representative Hamzy initiated the legislation in response to the August 2007 murder of Jennifer Magnano of Terryville, who had fled the town on April 14, 2007 with her son and two daughters to escape an abusive relationship with her husband, Scott Magnano.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the Senate gave Jen’s Law its unanimous approval today,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78^th District. “This legislation has received extraordinarily strong support by the state legislature – receiving unanimous approval at all stages of the legislative process - from the Public Safety and Judiciary committees to the state House last week and by the Senate today.”

“I’d like to thank my colleagues in both the Senate and the House for their bipartisan support for this legislation – and for the compassion they have shown for women and children in abusive relationships everywhere,” Representative Hamzy said. “I’m sure they were as affected as I and other members of the Judiciary Committee were when we heard the compelling testimony offered by Jennifer Magnano’s family members, friends and in-laws, who spoke in support of this legislation at our March 10^th public hearing.”

“I’m sure Governor Rell will sign this legislation into law soon on behalf of people like Jennifer Magnano, who fear being assaulted or killed when they appear in court to testify in family violence cases,” Representative Hamzy said. “We all look forward to Jen’s Law taking effect as soon as possible. It will give women across Connecticut in abusive relationships with their husbands or ex-boyfriends the protection they need to testify without fear of being assaulted or killed when they testify in divorce and child custody or support cases,” said Representative Hamzy, who also cosponsored the bill.

Mrs. Magnano had been forced by a court order to return to Connecticut to testify in person in her divorce and child custody battle with her husband. She was slain by Mr. Magnano in the front yard of their Terryville home at about 11 p.m. on August 23, 2007. He took his own life shortly after the murder.