Politics & Government
Rep. McCarty Applauds Bills that Safeguard Against Sexual Assault
McCarty co-sponsored two of the three bills that were passed unanimously by the House.
HARTFORD –Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford) applauded the unanimous passage of three bills on the house floor last week that safeguarded victims, evidence and future generations from offenses of sexual assault.
McCarty co-sponsored two of the bills that strive for greater protection and care for victims.
H.B. 6498 establishes deadlines to ensure the timely transfer and processing of evidence in sexual assault investigations between law enforcement officials and health care facilities. Police must notify the Division of Scientific Services of a victim within five days. It protects victims, however, who wish to remain anonymous for at least 5 years, instead of 60 days, and requires confidentiality of related documents and evidence.
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The bill is now awaiting action in the Senate.
S.B. 966, which has been signed into law by the governor, allows Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) to provide immediate care and treatment of victims of sexual assault at health care facilities operated by an institution of higher education. The facility must be a licensed outpatient clinic by the Department of Public Health, and participate in the SAFE program.
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“Victims of this crime often find it difficult to take a stand for the care and justice they deserve,” said Rep. McCarty. “I have thus been dedicated to creating a safe atmosphere for those affected to reassure them that our state respects their needs and privacy, and is taking the necessary steps towards preventing these crimes in the future.”
Rep. McCarty also voted in favor of S.B. 1087, which will amend Connecticut’s sex offender registry laws to ensure Connecticut law is compliant with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. It will also require that convicted sexual offenders reside at least one thousand feet away from a school or child care center and that this information will be provided to potential host communities.
“The bill is currently in concurrence,” said Rep. McCarty. “I hope that the governor will recognize the level of security this legislation would provide, and that so many Connecticut residents are searching for.”
