With just hours before the session closes, lawmakers at the state Capitol in Hartford have passed several important bills, one of which restricts the release of certain information surrounding the Sandy Hook shooting in December.
The bill, crafted by Gov. Dannel Malloy and other lawmakers, allows authorities to prevent crime scene pictures and other documents from being released to the public.
It will not only apply to the Sandy Hook shooting, but documents from other homicides as well.
"This is a difficult issue, requiring all of us to balance deeply held beliefs and important public policy values. I commend the legislators on coming to an agreement that respects the privacy of grieving families," Malloy said in a statement.
The measure was passed by an overwhelming majority in both the state House of Representatives and Senate.
Families from Newtown were present for both votes.
"My goal with this legislation was to provide some measure of protection for the families affected by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School," Malloy said. "But the fact is, all families have a right to grieve in private. Those who lose loved ones to violence have a right to protect themselves against further anguish."
They have been vocal in their support for the bill, saying the release of crime scene information would harm grieving families.
Critics of the measure say it infringes on Freedom of Information laws.
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