Representative Arthur J. O’Neill (R-Southbury) voted today in favor of legislation aimed at increasing penalties on child pornographers.
The bill, HB 5030, An Act Concerning the Forfeiture of Money and Property Related to Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Traficking and the Possession of Child Pornography, was proposed by Governor M. Jodi Rell. Provisions of the bill allow for law enforcement to seize the property and wealth obtained from disseminating and distributing child pornography from those found guilty of such charges. The property would be sold at public auction under the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services.
The measure passed unanimously out of the Judiciary Committee earlier this month on a motion by Rep. O’Neill who serves as the committee’s Ranking Member.
“Dealers in child pornography will be treated like dealers in illegal drugs under this bill,” said O’Neill. “Those found guilty will have their assets gained through dealing in child pornography seized by law enforcement and sold at auction. There are few crimes as heinous as child pornography. Unfortunately there [is a lot of illegal money in] ARE BIG PROFITS TO BE MADE FROM dealing in this kind of material. This bill will ensure that those found guilty of this crime will be unable to retain any benefit from their participation in such criminal acts.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for action there. This session of the Connecticut General Assembly concludes midnight on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010.
