El Representante estatal Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) originalmente presento la medida en el 2011. Sin embargo, fue este año que logró que el comité judicial de la legislatura la incluyera en la agenda que exitosamente se aprobó. Candelaria, quien habló a favor de la propuesta en el hemiciclo durante el debate explicó, “Nuestra comunidad ha sido victima de notarios públicos que han utilizado su sello para proveer consejo legal no correcto cobrando altas sumas de dinero por servicio no autorizado. En nuestros países, un notario público por lo general ejerce la profesión de abogado y algunos notarios públicos del estado tomaron ventaja de esto. Esta ley, cuidará a nuestra población latina de futuros abusos.”

El Rep. Andrés Ayala (D-Bridgeport) quien apoyo la ley que protegerá a las comunidades mas vulnerables a esta practica comentó, “Es lamentable que individuos sin escrúpulos ni ética profesional hayan victimizado a personas en nuestra comunidad. Un notario publico que no es abogado, no tiene la preparación académica o necesaria para representar a clientes en asuntos legales.”

El Rep. Hector Robles (D-Hartford) señaló, “Estoy muy complacido de haber respaldado esta propuesta. Recibí llamadas de personas que fueron victimas y hoy estamos mas cerca de resolver este asunto.”

“El abuso en contra de aquellos que no conocen la ley y que no se saben defender no se puede permitir. Esta ley envía un mensaje claro de que tomamos esto muy en serio,” manifestó la Rep. Minnie González (D-Hartford).

El Rep. Kelvin Roldan (D-Hartford) citó, “Estoy muy satisfecho de apoyar una ley que protege a la comunidad y a la vez protege a los abogados, notarios y abogados notarios legítimos.”

El Rep. Ezequiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport) dijo, “Ya era tiempo de detener el abuso en contra de una comunidad sensible y que confía en anuncios confusos que los convierten en victimas.”

“Estoy de acuerdo con mis colegas en definir claramente y sin lugar a duda los que son abogados-notarios legítimos y los que son solamente notarios públicos,” expresó el Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain).

El Rep. David Aldarondo (D-Waterbury) dijo, “Esta ley proveerá a los oficiales una herramienta útil para proteger a nuestra gente hispana.”

La ley, HB 5147 requiere que si un notario público no es abogado, tendrá que explícitamente incluirlo en cualquier anuncio que utilice para promover sus servicios. Esto evitara, que personas falsamente crean que el notario público es también abogado. Violadores de la ley serán sujetos a multas de $250.00 y/o dos meses de encarcelamiento.

“I am very thankful and honored by this distinction,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “I have worked with NHCSL for many years and I look forward to continuing to work in this new capacity.”

The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators was founded in 1989 as a non partisan, non profit organization, representing over 300 elected Hispanic state legislators throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Since its founding, the NHCSL's primary mission has been to organize Hispanic state legislators who advocate on behalf of Hispanic communities across the United States.

The organization provides a forum for information exchange and member networking, leadership training, serves as liaison with other U.S. Hispanic organizations, promotes public/private partnerships with business and labor, and partners with Hispanic legislators representing Central and South America.

In addition, the NHCSL assists legislators in proposing legislation that advances education, healthcare, housing, economic development, criminal justice, employment and job training for the Hispanic community as well as advocates appointment of Hispanics to positions of influence in all levels and branches of government.

Boricua liderará Caucus Hispano de Legisladores estatales

Minnie González fue la elegida

Por El Nuevo Día

La boricua Minnie González (Connecticut) fue elegida el sábado, en Fajardo, como nueva presidenta del Caucus Hispano del Concilio de Legisladores Estatales (NCHSL).

González superó, 58 votos a 21, a Richard Miranda, representante estatal en Arizona.

La representante González sustituye en la presidencia a otra boricua, Iris Martínez, senadora estatal de Illinois.Como vicepresidente fue elegido el senador estatal Richard Martínez (Nuevo México).

Juan Pichardo, senador estatal de Rhode Island y de origen dominicano,  es el nuevo vicepresidente para Política Pública.

El senador del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) Carmelo Ríos será el vicepresidente para Membresía. La secretaria del grupo será Ana Tovar (Arizona) y la tesorera Nora Espinoza (Nuevo México).

La convención de los legisladores estatales hispanos se celebró del jueves al sábado en el hotel El Conquistador de Fajardo.

The goal of the legislation is to jump-start job creation and foster long-term economic growth. Incentives for small business, cutting red tape, incentives for innovation, economic development tools and workforce development and training are all addressed in the bill.

One of the key components of the legislation is the Small Business Express Package which will make $50 million/year available to small businesses through incentives, grants and loans.

Another vital component is aligning programs at vo-tech schools, community colleges and universities with high demand job needs of employers, including the state’s manufacturing technology companies.

Other components of the jobs bill include:

• Consolidating and increasing the tax credit for new hires
• Incentivizing investments in emerging technology (Angel Investors)
• Building innovation centers in key cities and investing in innovative ventures
• A second “First Five” program
• Cutting the business entity tax
• Streamlining the business permitting process
• Remediating old industrial sites/brownfields
• Computer upgrades to foster seamless communication between business and the state
• Workforce development, education and training
• Allowing the Airport Authority to designate new Development Zones
• Investments in roads and bridges
• Replenishing the Manufacturing Assistance Act (MAA)
• Main Street commercial centers improvement initiative

In addition, the legislature signed off on Jackson Laboratory’s plan to build a $1.1 billion research facility at the UConn Health Center campus in Farmington. The State of Connecticut will invest $291 million and Jackson Laboratory will raise the balance of $860 million for the project.

According to the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the project is expected to create over 660 positions at Jackson Laboratory in Farmington within 20 years. DECD estimates more than 4,600 bioscience jobs would be generated through spin-off companies, and another 2,000 would be added to local service and area retail stores. The project would yield more than 840 construction jobs as well.

The NCSL Law and Criminal Justice Committee is one of 12 standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures that works on state-federal issues related to a broad range of matters including federalism and preemption issues, constitution and constitutional law, civil rights and liability issues.

“As a previous court marshal and with my experience on many issues related to the criminal justice system, I am eager to continue working on this important committee,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “I look forward to applying my experience to this NCSL committee and to be able to make a positive contribution.”

“Rep. Gonzalez has been a very active representative on criminal justice issues and has been a tireless and dedicated representative of the community,” said Speaker Donovan. “I am sure Rep. Gonzalez will continue to bring that same energy to this committee and will make many positive contributions.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and to advocate for the interests of states in the American federal system.

I eagerly await her confirmation by the Judiciary Committee and eventually the General Assembly. Judge Espinosa's admittance to the Appellate Court is a testament to the growing Latino presence and participation in the governmental process.

“I am honored by this report from the CTLCV. My constituents suffer from higher cases of asthma, allergies and other health problems than residents in the suburbs so environmental issues rank highly among the problems that affect our cities,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “I will continue to monitor legislation affecting the environment and doing my best to make sure we prioritize a healthy environment.”

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) is a bipartisan, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut's environment by advocating environmentally beneficial legislation. The group identifies and highlights important bills that affect air, water, wildlife, open space, and health. 

CTLCV’s Environmental Scorecard assesses both lawmakers’ votes on environmental legislation and their roles in championing specific issues. Environmental issues this year included energy reform, expansion of recycling, energy efficient products and integrated pest management.

"This bill, if it becomes law, is sure to lower electric rates. For the first time since deregulation, it directs state electric agencies to contract for lower rates, and sets a target of 15 percent reduction by mid 2012. On a typical bill of $130/month, that's $19.50. Even if we're pessimistic-say we only achieve a 5 percent reduction. That's still $6.50 per month," said Senator Fonfara.

Senator Fonfara continued, "The other provisions of this bill, which promote renewable energy generated in Connecticut and reduce our reliance on messy fossil fuels, will cost ratepayers a maximum of 97 cents a month. Do the math-under almost every scenario, ratepayers come out ahead, in their pocketbooks and in the quality of the air they breathe."

"The recession has shown us that true recovery will not come without innovation. Connecticut has a fledgling, but growing renewable energy industry. We need to support these green businesses, and others that manufacture or install highly efficient equipment and appliances, and weatherize homes. This bill will make Connecticut a leader in renewable energy-that's a smart investment in a tough economy," said Representative Nardello.

In summary, the energy reform legislation will:

Provide Benefits for Consumers

• Target a 15 percent electric rate reduction by July 1, 2012
• Savings achieved through changes in costly electricity contracting practices and the addition of new electric generation capacity
• Create and enhance loan and other incentive programs for renewable energy investments
• Make energy efficient technology affordable to help homeowners and businesses lower their bills
• Provide assistance for boiler replacements, solar power systems, natural gas and oil furnaces, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) projects, and other technologies
• Provide consumer protections for electric ratepayers
• Suppliers must provide customers with a written contract
• Salespersons must pass a background check, wear a photo ID
• Requires full explanation of all rates, fees, variable charges, terms and conditions

Promote Connecticut Clean Energy Businesses

• Encourage consumer demand for CT green energy products and services
• Provide job training and other assistance to minority-owned energy businesses
• Create renewable energy incentives for green energy investments in state recognized enterprise zones
• Consolidate the state's energy bureaucracy, reorganizing DPUC into the Connecticut Energy and Technology Authority (CETA)

Protect Our Environment

• Make Connecticut more independent from fossil fuels and foreign oil
• Reduce Connecticut's emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants
• Target generation of 300 megawatts (MW) of solar energy by 2021, 30MW of it by residential solar systems
• Require electric companies to contract for new wind, hydro-electric, and other renewable generation capacity
• Adopt California's stringent appliance efficiency standards for TVs and other consumer electronic products by 2013

"Our economy needs clean, responsible energy for growth. We need to save Connecticut ratepayers money. Workers need private sector green jobs, and this bill will generate them. Connecticut needs energy reform," said Speaker Donovan.

"Connecticut has the highest electric rates in the lower 48 states-it should be a top priority to change that, as quickly as possible-and in a renewable, efficient way. Legislation to do just that will land on Governor Rell's desk within days," said Senator Williams. "We have worked honestly to address many concerns in this final draft. There is a great deal in this bill we all can agree on-and we hope Governor Rell will agree with us that despite small differences of opinion, waiting for energy reform is the costliest option."

"This is compromise, comprehensive legislation drawing on input from the public testimony of many experts, professionals, and renewable energy advocates. It carefully selects the best ideas from both sides of the aisle and multiple pieces of earlier legislation, including HB 5508, HB 5217, SB 463, HB 5505, HB 5507, and SB 203-all of which had public hearings." said Rep. Nardello.

"I am especially pleased about the section of this bill that provides support for small businesses in underserved communities," said Representative Minnie Gonzalez (D-Hartford). "The backbone of any functioning community is small business, and it is very important to provide and continue this kind of support. This legislation will bring jobs to workers and job training for minority business enterprises-a key component to their success."

The legislators were joined in their support of the bill by representatives from AARP, CCAG, ConnPIRG, Environment Connecticut, CT Fund for the Environment, Solar Connecticut, Independent Connecticut Petroleum Marketers Association, SunEdison, Spanish Merchants Association, Minority Construction Council, Connecticut Association for Community Action, and others.

AARP State Director Brenda Kelley said, "This legislation will put Connecticut on a clear path to fix our broken electricity market and provide real rate relief to consumers. The time for excuses is over. We urge the Governor to take control of Connecticut's energy future by immediately signing this legislation into law."

"This energy bill moves Connecticut towards a cleaner, more efficient and more affordable energy future," said Environment Connecticut Program Director Christopher Phelps. "The bill will cut pollution and create jobs by building hundreds of megawatts of new Connecticut-based solar, wind, and other renewable power sources over the next decade. It will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and save money for families and businesses through new and innovative financing programs supporting energy efficiency retrofits and installation of renewable energy systems at homes and businesses. We urge Governor Rell to sign this bill to cut pollution, reduce energy costs, and strengthen Connecticut's economy."

"On behalf of 600 local heating oil dealers-who employ over 13,000 people-serving 682,000 Connecticut residents, we are here today in support of the vision and work it took to get S.B. 493 passed. Without raising taxes or charging new fees-this legislation can reduce home heating costs between 30 percent to 40 percent per year. That means a savings of more than $1,000 per year to heat your home. In addition to consumer savings-this bill will retain and grow local jobs. The potential demand for new heating equipment that this energy bill will create could mean the addition of dozens if not hundreds of new jobs for Connecticut. This energy bill epitomizes job stimulus, green jobs, reduced consumption of fuel, a cleaner environment and reduced costs for consumers. We urge Governor Rell to sign this bill into law so Connecticut can begin reap the benefits that this legislation offers" said Chris Herb of the Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association.

"This bill will provide assistance for Connecticut residents to make efficiency and renewable energy improvements to their own homes, to replace old boilers and other inefficient equipment," said Senator Fonfara. "The bill establishes a program to assist the neediest in our state with their electric bills-to reduce electric costs for low income seniors and families without increasing costs for all other ratepayers. It enhances consumer protections for electric ratepayers, facilitates the creation of green energy jobs, and provides incentives and job training assistance to promote growth of minority owned energy businesses."

"Any savings that can be realized by small business owners is certainly a plus. With the high cost of energy, small business owners are having a very difficult time keeping up with their bills. In addition, moving toward making businesses more energy efficient will produce savings for small business owners that could be invested in other areas of their businesses," said Frank Alverado of the Spanish Merchants Association.

The recent hearings held by the Judiciary Committee show that there is a great deal of work to be done to meet those goals. The process employed by the Judicial Selection Commission as well as its composition needs to dramatically change to better reflect and serve the people of Connecticut.

There are currently 187 judges of the Supreme, Appellate and Superior Court.¹ The table below displays their racial and ethnic breakdown.

Of these judges, 130 or 69.5% were male and 57 or 30.5% were female.

Members of the Caucus have expressed concern that the ethnic and racial composition of the bench is not reflective of our diverse state population. Our commitment is to seek remedy for, and support measures, which work to rectify this situation.

¹ This figure does not include senior judges or state referees.

Democrats and Republicans are locked in a clash over politics and money - and some lawmakers say the future judges have become political pawns who have become entangled in the swirling Capitol maelstrom.

The future of the nominees was thrown into doubt when the legislature's judiciary committee postponed any vote on their nominations. The postponement came at about 2:10 p.m., and the committee will not meet again until Tuesday.

The committee's lack of action came after a long debate about the qualifications of Laura Flynn Baldini, a Yale-educated Republican who at age 39 was the youngest person nominated this year for a judgeship by Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

Multiple Democratic legislators expressed concerns that Baldini has only 12 years as a lawyer and questioned whether she is qualified to be a judge. The members of the legislature's Black and Latino Caucus have also expressed concerns that all nine nominees are white, and that none of them are African-American or Latino. While Rell makes the final nominations, four of the nine nominees were selected by the Democratic leaders of the House and state Senate.

The lack of action boiled over into frustration as lawmakers said they wasted a crucial day as they speed toward a state-mandated adjournment May 5 for the regular session.

"I'm dumbfounded," said House Republican leader Lawrence Cafero of Norwalk. "I've never seen anything like it - lack of leadership. Chaotic."

Cafero said the legislature is clearly dysfunctional, but House Speaker Christopher Donovan of Meriden strongly rejected that characterization. Instead, he said he is not giving up on votes on the judges and the proposed $19 billion state budget before May 5.

"We'll meet Saturday and Sunday if we have to," Donovan told reporters. "We still have time left. Things can turn around here real quick."

Republicans said the judicial nominees have become political pawns of the state budget process after some Democrats said they might withhold support for the judges because of their concerns about the state's ongoing fiscal problems and looming budget deficits. Republicans have rejected the arguments about the fiscal situation in the courts, saying that Rell is seeking to fill only nine of an expected 20 vacancies for the Superior Court. If more judges retire, those numbers could increase.

"Using judicial appointments as a budget pawn, I have grave concerns about that," said Sen. Michael McLachlan, a Danbury Republican.

Rell's nominees ran into a major political buzz saw Monday in a public clash on budget and diversity issues. But Baldini clearly came under the most fire of any nominee.

A 1992 graduate of Yale University who later attended law school at Seton Hall University, Baldini was named as a "Super Lawyers Rising Star" for up-and-coming lawyers who are under the age of 40. A justice of the peace in West Hartford for the past five years, Baldini runs a law firm that bears her name in Farmington. Baldini also has ties to Rell, sitting at the same table with her at the Connecticut Convention Center on St. Patrick's Day this year for a fundraiser for Catholic schools. Baldini is a major fundraiser and chairs the group that runs the highly popular breakfast, which draws current and former governors, candidates running for governor, politicians, media personalities, and business executives.

Rep. Toni E. Walker, a New Haven Democrat who was among the first to speak on the judiciary committee Monday, said Baldini "may be ready in a couple of years, but she needs to get exposure" in the legal world.

Regarding diversity, Walker later said, "As a black woman, we are still falling very short in that regard. ... The message has to be that the process is flawed. ... With that, I have no apologies for anything that we are saying."

The questions swirling around Baldini's qualifications prompted Rep. Gary Holder Winfield of New Haven to ask what are the exact criteria for a person to become a state judge.

"It's a decision each legislator has to make for himself or herself," responded Sen. Andrew McDonald, the co-chairman of the judiciary commitee. "There's no criteria, per se. It's ultimately a political appointment and a political decision made by this body."

Winfield and others wondered how Baldini rose so quickly when others wait as long as 10 years between their application to the Judicial Selection Commission and then their nomination as a judge.

"I was disturbed by some of the things I heard her not answer," Winfield said. "When asked about habeas reform, the prospective nominee seemed not to know" what the legislators were talking about.

Several legislators said they had problems with Baldini's answers about being a Spanish translator in court when she did not seem to have a strong grasp of the Spanish language.

"It's like me forgetting to speak English," said Rep. Ernie Hewett, a New London Democrat. "She's only been on the list for six months. ... Just to run for attorney general, you need 10 years of experience. And she's got 12, and she's going to be a judge."

During the questioning of Baldini at a public hearing last week, Hewett had asked Baldini about her experiences dealing with the minority community. He then spoke in general about diversity.

"If you know how many black couples are living at the end of the street, you're not living in a diverse community," Hewett said.

He said later that the committee has members from every ethnic group and that the courts need more diversity on the bench.

"Something is wrong with the process. You just can't give me a bone every now and then," Hewett said.

Sen. Edwin Gomes of Bridgeport said he wondered "how a person moves up that quickly" when some candidates remain on the Judicial Selection Commission's list for a decade. "She knows nothing about habeas. She has no opinion on the death penalty."

Gomes said he did not see "proof that she was ready to be a judge."

At 39, Baldini has three sons with the oldest turning nine years old this week. A former member of Yale's varsity tennis team, she won the G. Gilbert Shepard Award for athletics and leadership during her undergraduate days and is currently an active member of the alumni association. Her current legal practice focuses on landlord-tenant disputes, residential real estate closings, commercial litigation and personal disputes, debt recovery, and personal injuries, among others.

"I think she is qualified," said Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, the committee's longtime co-chairman. "Judicial Selection said she is qualified. ... She's the youngest, by far, and she's the least experienced [of the nine nominees]. I don't read too much into that."

"There are a lot of people being held hostage. The black community and the Hispanic community are being held hostage as we try to get people on the bench," Gomes said, adding that the caucus had offered a minority candidate for a judgeship who was ignored. "The reason why I'm venting this way is because I've listened to a lot of stuff ... and have seen a particularly bad judge being voted on [in the past]. Let's not talk about putting these people's lives in suspension."

Rep. Minnie Gonzalez, a Hartford Democrat, was also concerned about Baldini's statements about being a Spanish translator in court.

"Most of the answers were 'I don't recall, I don't recall, I don't recall,' " Gonzalez said. "I was surprised [about asking Baldini a question in Spanish]. I thought she would answer me back in Spanish."

Rep. Bruce V. Morris, a Norwalk Democrat, said Baldini needs "more exposure" in the courts, particularly in the criminal area.

"Her answers were less than enlightening," Morris told his colleagues. He later said, "We don't have to rush this today."

Sen. Paul R. Doyle, a Wethersfield Democrat, said he did not have a problem with the qualifications of any of the nominees Monday. But he said that the judges should not be approved because the state is facing a projected deficit of $725 million in the 2011 fiscal year and more than $3 billion in the 2012 fiscal year.

"Today, I cannot support any of the nine new judges - primarily on fiscal grounds," Doyle said. "At this point in time, it's inappropriate to be creating new judges."

"I don't know that we need nine new judges," said Rep. T.R. Rowe, a Trumbull Republican who is known as one of the most conservative legislators. "I don't think there is a pressing need for new judges at this time. ... Attorney Baldini and eight others are qualified. ... Can we afford nine additional judges at the cost we know that they bring?"

Rep. Mary Fritz, a veteran Wallingford Democrat, said she was "very, very impressed" with the qualifications of Baldini and the other nominees. But she, too, said she has fiscal concerns and could vote later on the House floor against the judges.

Rep. Charles "Don" Clemons, a Bridgeport Democrat who serves as chairman of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, said the caucus had not had the chance to sit down with the Democratic leadership or the governor's office to help ensure that minority candidates are nominated to the bench.

"I would like to see more of an extended opportunity to sit down at the table in the future and help with the vetting process," Clemons said.

During the questions, Republican Rep. Debralee Hovey of Monroe questioned the behind-the-scenes deal to approve the judge-nominees in return for increased funding for the judicial branch that would prevent three courthouses from being closed.

"While there are deals made, I believe it is crass and beneath this committee," Hovey said.

"You have nine people's lives that are hanging in the balance," said Rep. Themis Klarides, an attorney and deputy House GOP leader.
Rep. Kevin Roldan, a Hartford Democrat, said that Baldini is qualified.

Some legislators said they were unsure when the House might convene Monday. Rep. Stephen Dargan, a veteran West Haven Democrat, predicted correctly early in the day that the House would not be in session at all Monday.

While many lawmakers questioned the racial diversity of the group, McDonald also questioned the lack of geographical diversity. Three of the nine nominees are from West Hartford, while two others are from East Hartford and Manchester. Only one is from Fairfield County.

Mr. Arce also called for legislation that would legally define hit-and-runs, distinguish related accidents from crimes, remove or increase the statute of limitations for prosecution of such crimes, and set appropriate legal penalties. Current law does not specifically address hit-and-run incidents.

"Hit-and-runs in Connecticut aren't considered crimes, they're considered accidents," said Mr. Arce. "Accidents happen, but when you hit someone with a car and then leave them there without telling anyone-that's not right. The man who hit my father could have been released in as little as six months. I don't want another family to have to go through that experience. I want the law to be there for them."

"Hit-and-run offenses involve not only gross negligence in operating a vehicle, but a complete lack of compassion and remorse for the victims left behind," said Senator Fonfara. "Angel Arce has suffered a great loss, and I hope the legislature will heed his words to close the gap in our laws and ensure that hit-and-run offenses are specifically codified and recognized."

"This accident conveyed the blatant disregard this individual had for public safety," Rep. Roldán said. "If this legislation could spare just one person the pain that Angel Arce and his family have gone through, it will be well worth the effort."

"Hartford has lost a well loved member of the community through this tragic and senseless act," Rep. Gonzalez said. "While it won't bring Mr. Arce's father back, I fully support this legislation increasing the penalties for hit-and-run offenses."

Mr. Arce's father, Angel Arce Torres, was crossing a Hartford street on May 30, 2008 when he was stuck by one of two vehicles that had crossed over the road's center line. Neither vehicle stopped to offer assistance, and the incident gained notoriety after a video showed witnesses also ignored Mr. Torres' plight. Paralyzed after the incident, Mr. Torres was hospitalized for nearly a year before dying of bronchial pneumonia due to his injuries.

No one was arrested in Mr. Torres' case until almost a year after the incident. Hartford resident Luis Negron, driver of one of the two cars, eventually plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter and evading responsibility. The driver of the other car remains at large.

The new legislation, SB 336, would increase the penalty for negligent homicide with a motor vehicle from an unclassified misdemeanor to an unclassified felony. In his testimony before the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Arce asked that language be added to the bill that would, amongst other things:

• Legally define 'hit-and-runs' and distinguish accidents from crimes
• Require drivers who strike any person with a motor vehicle to immediately stop, render assistance and provide their information to police
• Increase penalties for anyone who fails to report such an incident to police within 12-24 hours
• Increase penalties for hit-and-run drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Remove or increase the statute of limitations for prosecution of hit-and-run drivers

Mr. Arce's testimony and complete legislative proposal may be found online at: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2010/JUDdata/Tmy/2010SB-00336-R000324-Angel%20Arce-TMY.PDF. ]]>