Check out this recent article published in the Journal Inquirer, written by Max Bakke. Rep. Penny Bacchiochi joined Rep. David Labriola in pushing a bill that that would install a criminal pentalty for people who witness specific serious crimes upon witnesses who don’t report them. Bacchiochi, a member of the legislature’s Public Safety & Security Committee, submitted testimony on the bill for a Judiciary Committee hearing.

Republican lawmakers push for ‘Good Samaritan’ bill

HARTFORD — Two Republican lawmakers are proposing legislation that would make it a crime for witnesses of murders, sexual assaults, and child abuse not to report those acts to police.

State Reps. Penny Bacchiochi, R-Somers, and David K. Labriola, R-Oxford, says the bill — which would carry a possible one-year prison sentence or $2,000 fine for people who fail to report these crimes — is necessary to protect children and other victims of serious violent crimes.

Bacchiochi says her interest in the law grew out of her relationship with a Stafford family, whose daughter was one of five teenagers abused by convicted child rapist Scott D. Shefelbine of Tolland.

Shefelbine’s mother, Gail Shefelbine, is facing nine felony perjury charges after, police say, she lied under oath and gave false reports to police while her son was out on bail.

Police say Shefelbine, who was outfitted with an electronic monitoring device after his release, continued to pursue young girls and that his mother not only knew about her son’s actions, but also repeatedly lied to police about his whereabouts.

“I was really surprised to know that someone can witness a crime —a serious crime — and not be obligated to report it,” Bacchiochi said. “These crimes need to be reported.”

Shefelbine is serving 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree assault, risk of injury to a minor, fourth-degree sexual assault, serving alcohol to minors, third-degree assault, and second-degree unlawful restraint.

Shefelbine repeatedly pretended to be a teenager to meet girls, contacting them over the Internet through social networking Web sites such as MySpace.

Similarly, Gov. M. Jodi Rell is attempting to beef up state laws concerning Internet crimes against children, which would expand the legislation to include sexually explicit photos and messages of minors taken with Webcams and cell phones.

“The explosion of technology, from the Internet to cell phones and other mobile devices, has opened a new world for decent, ordinary people —but there are also predators using the same technology for despicable purposes,” the governor said in a statement. “I will do everything possible to ensure the safety of our state’s residents and prevent young people from being victimized by these individuals.”

Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, D-East Haven, co-chairman of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, said he’d support the legislation as long as it includes protections for passers-by and other witnesses who may feel uncomfortable or unsafe coming forward.

Existing laws regarding criminal accomplices and mandated reporters already cover many circumstances, which would be covered under the proposed bill.

“It’s a great idea, but the fine-tuning is the tough part,” Lawlor said.

Labriola, who also sits on the committee, said the bill would provide protection for those witnesses who fear for their safety, and mirrors similar Good Samaritan laws in Maine and Ohio.

“We need to send the message that to witness a horrific crime, and do nothing, is not OK,” he said.