Legislation

Ending mass incarceration requires us to continue making progress toward reducing the number of people who enter the criminal legal system and reducing the amount of time that people who do not enter the system serve.

People involved in our criminal legal system who finish their sentences have paid their debt to society. But rather than support people with criminal records to thrive in their communities, CT barricades them from education opportunities, employment, and essential social services.

Access to places of leisure like public beaches and swimming pools have long been sites of discrimination. Fair beach access is an issue that has haunted Connecticut for too long, with restrictive policies that are grounded in politics and discrimination.

The ACLU-CT believes in equality for all people, no matter where they are from or what they have been subjected to in their past. Medical care is a human right, so immigration status should have no impact on someone’s ability to access healthcare.

Red light cameras result in increasing police surveillance, while ignoring real solutions and people’s actual safety needs. The ACLU-CT is opposed to the use of speed and red light cameras because of the significant due process, privacy, and racial justice threats these cameras pose.

Exponentially increasing the maximum fine that municipalities can charge for ordinance violations is likely to further entrench people, especially families of color, into cycles of poverty. What results is a two-tiered criminal legal system, where income level determines the outcome.

The ACLU-CT fights to protect access to fair and equal justice for all Connecticut residents. When children are in the care of DCF, they receive legal representation through the Public Defender Services. But, once these children turn 18, in most cases they lose access to their counsel.

Protecting residents in long term care facilities is important, but mandatory background and sex offender registry checks will limit the ability of people living with criminal records to get the end-of-life residential care they need.

The ACLU-CT believes that all members of the public have a right to exist and enjoy public space, including people who are experiencing homelessness.