Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy’s proposed legislation meant to give nonviolent offenders more opportunity to reintegrate into society was not passed by the General Assembly before it adjourned its session Wednesday.One of his major initiatives during this legislative session, Malloy’s so-called Second Chance Society would reclassify the use and possession of illegal drugs from a felony to a misdemeanor unless there is evidence of an attempt to sell. The Senate approved the bill. But despite bipartisan support, the Democratic-controlled General Assembly decided there wasn’t enough time to debate and pass it, focusing instead on the state budget. Senate President Martin Looney is hopeful the legislation will be revisited in an upcoming special legislative session.
“Refining penalties and changes in the probation and parole system…those were important initiatives that we want to find a way to retrieve in this process,” said Looney.
A date has not been set for the special session.