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The path to this legislation was not straightforward.
Initial conversations focused on strengthening Connecticut's criminal justice response to domestic violence homicides, including proposals related to homicide sentencing. While those discussions highlighted important issues, it became clear that there was no consensus yet around pursuing changes to Connecticut's sentencing statutes.
Rather than allowing the effort to end there, I requested that the Connecticut Sentencing Commission establish a Domestic Violence Homicide Subcommittee to examine the broader systemic issues raised by Emily's case. Serving as a member of the subcommittee, I worked alongside judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim advocates, law enforcement, Judicial Branch officials, and other criminal justice stakeholders to evaluate Connecticut's response to domestic violence homicides.
Through that work, the subcommittee identified a critical gap: Connecticut had no uniform way to identify and track domestic violence cases as they moved through the criminal justice system. Without consistent data, it was difficult to evaluate outcomes, identify trends, measure the effectiveness of policies, or identify opportunities for reform.
Those findings became the foundation for House Bill 5313, legislation I introduced that passed unanimously in both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont as Special Act 26-8.
While this law is only the beginning, it marks the next chapter in Connecticut's commitment to domestic violence accountability. It begins the work of creating a statewide system to better identify and track domestic violence cases, laying the foundation for stronger oversight, better policy decisions, and ultimately, a safer Connecticut.
This achievement belongs to everyone who refused to let Emily's story be forgotten, especially Jenn Lawlor, Michele Voight, survivors, advocates, members of the judiciary, law enforcement, and the many partners who worked together to turn years of perseverance into meaningful action.
We owe it to Emily. We owe it to her family. And we owe it to every victim and survivor of domestic violence to continue building a system that learns, improves, and better protects those who need it most.
I am honored to co-host this event with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, who will join us in recognizing the people whose dedication helped make this legislation possible.
The program will feature remarks from Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Emily's family, Michele Voight of Violent Crime Survivors, and special artistic tributes celebrating Emily's life and legacy.
I hope you'll join us as we honor Emily, celebrate this important milestone, and recommit ourselves to the work still ahead.
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