Judiciary Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HJ-140
RESOLUTION GRANTING THE CLAIMS COMMISSIONER AN EXTENSION OF
TIME TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN CLAIMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
Title: PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 53 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES.
Vote Date: 4/8/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/26/2021
File No.: 602
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Judiciary Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
The bill grants the Claims Commissioner an extension of one year from the final adoption of
this resolution by the General Assembly to dispose of the 34 claims against the state listed in
this bill.
SUBSTITUE LANGUAGE:
The substitute language consolidated claims of 32 claimants (34 claims) into one resolution
for efficiency and simplicity due to the volume of extensions.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None stated.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
None stated.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Jacobs & Dow, LLC, Attorney, Rosemarie Paine, Esq. opposes HJ 146 (Section 6 of the
substitute language) on behalf of our client, the Estate of Edward Torres, Jr., stating that the
procedural history of the case which involves the drowning our eight-year-old client at
Squantz State Park in New Fairfield. It is stated that the client drowned in a designated roped
off swimming area, with no lifeguard, no warnings and no signage regarding the depth of the
water. Providing a release will allow the family and State to gain closure in this matter. It was
also stated that this incident took place over eleven years ago, and this is the third time the
legislature has been called upon to address this issue. We ask that the Commissioners
request for an extension be denied and that the Estate be given permission to proceed
against the Superior Court.
Reported by: Richard E. ONeil Date: April 21, 2021
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