House Republican Press Release

January 23, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. HETHERINGTON HAILS PASSAGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

“Regrets Failure to Pass "Three Strikes" Law”

HARTFORD- Representative John W. Hetherington (R-125) praised action by the General Assembly, taken up in special session that creates a new crime of home intrusion, establishes a full-time parole board and assures the board of more complete information on prospective parolees. Calls for reform followed the brutal murders in Cheshire last July.

"The people have waited long enough and there was no reason to delay further," Hetherington said. "I am glad we were successful in gaining a special session and moved forward."

Representative Hetherington expressed disappointment that an amendment adding a "Three Strikes" provision was not adopted. "We could have added a provision that would have removed violent repeat felons for life. I am sorry we didn't take that opportunity, but we did make Connecticut safer."