(Watch) Senate GOP Thwarted in Attempt to Hike Criminal Penalties for Child Sex Predators Who Are Youth Camp Workers(Watch) Senate GOP Thwarted in Attempt to Hike Criminal Penalties for Child Sex Predators Who Are Youth Camp Workers

The CT Senate Republican caucus today voted in favor of an amendment to increase criminal penalties for any municipal employee or volunteer at a youth day camp who is convicted of a sexual offense where the victim is under 13 years of age and attended the camp.

The measure failed after being voted down by majority Democrats, with the exception of one Democrat lawmaker.

The CT Senate Republican caucus today also voted in favor of an amendment to provide grants to municipalities to offset costs related to conducting criminal history background checks on municipal camp staff members.

The measure failed after being voted down by majority Democrats.

The failed Republican amendments were attempts to improve Senate Bill 6, which will reduce the affordability of municipal youth camps for working families and force closures of these essential programs.

The legislation was opposed by Parks and Recreation Directors and local elected officials from Avon, Rocky Hill, Groton, Preston, Stonington and across Connecticut. It mandates that local youth camps comply with licensure requirements administered through state government, imposing conditions on municipal park and recreation departments that cannot be met.

Senate Bill 6 passed the Senate after Senate Republicans and one Senate Democrat voted against it. It now awaits a vote in the House of Representatives.

Watch the Senate Republicans’ press conference here: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=24824