Connecticut Local Politics

Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5th District) will be introducing legislation tomorrow that will reform some pieces of federal juvenile justice policies. Here’s what the law will do, according to a release from Murphy’s office:

In the coming months, Congress will consider the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevent Act (JJDPA). Working with advocacy groups to craft the bill, Murphy�s legislation will:

• Begin to remove youth from adult jails and support states in their efforts to keep kids out of adult prisons;
• Improve safety of juveniles in custody, by requiring states to develop procedures that eliminate dangerous practices, increase the use of effective behavior management systems, provide training for staff on effective techniques, and encourage state�s to develop safe staffing levels;
• Disallow locking up status offenders � youth who have not been charged with any offense � and provides supports for these youth in the community. The bill provides that when youth may need secure confinement, that they are placed in safe conditions and rehabilitative environments;
• Provide incentives for states to use �best practices� such as effective community-based alternatives to incarceration.

Murphy also worked on juvenile justice legislation while a state senator in Hartford.

Cheshire RTC Endorses Cappiello

State Sen. David Cappiello (R-Danbury) announced today that the Cheshire Republican Town Committee is endorsing him for the 5th District congressional nomination. From the release:

“Everywhere he goes, David’s love for family and community are apparent and
sincere,” said [Cheshire Republican Town Chairman Stephen] Carroll. “At a time when too many representatives in Washington have forgotten where they came from and who they’re supposed to be serving, we need to elect more people who will serve their constituents’ interests, not the special interests. David Cappiello will be a Congressman Cheshire can count on and be proud of.”

This could be significant as former State Rep. Tony Nania gauges support for a potential primary challenge to Cappiello.