Sen. Hwang: New Oct. 1 Law Cracks Down on School Threats

senator%20hwang%20zero%20tolerance%20sb%201108%20%281%20of%205%29
Sen. Tony Hwang is raising awareness about a new state law effective Oct. 1 which makes threatening a school a much more serious crime.

Right now, calling in a bomb threat, or any kind of threat, to a school is a mere misdemeanor.

The new Oct. 1 law will change that, making such threats felonies which would result in a prison sentence.

“In the more than three years since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, more than 40 threats of violence have been made against schools in Connecticut,” Sen. Hwang said. “Many of those threats have been perpetrated by adults. These threats have become an epidemic, not only in Connecticut, but across the country. This new law sends a message that Connecticut has zero tolerance for school threats.”

In recent months, threats of violence have forced lockdowns of schools in Stamford, Hartford, Fairfield, West Haven and Bristol. Sen. Hwang noted that school lockdowns and evacuations can have lasting consequences on the children and adults who endure them.

The new law received overwhelming bipartisan support and was backed by local school superintendents, law enforcement officials, and parents.

* Sen. Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov and at 800 842-1421. On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com

Attached photo: Sen. Hwang with Newtown Police Chief Michael Kehoe, St. Rose of Lima School parent Maureen Reidy, and Rep. Mitch Bolinsky at a 2015 press conference calling for increased penalties for threats of violence against schools. The new law takes effect Oct. 1.

Share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *