House OKs 'Joshua's Law'
State representatives voted 140-0 Wednesday night in favor of a bill that prohibits first responders from photographing victims at accident and crime scenes or forwarding such photos to others.
Dubbed "Joshua's Law," the legislation is a response to a 2009 incident in which a New London police officer used a cell phone to photograph a young man who had died of a heroin overdose at the Red Roof Inn. The officer, Jeffrey Nichols, also forwarded the photos.
The bill sets penalties of up to a year in prison or a fine of up to $2,000. The Senate voted 29-5 this month to pass the legislation, which now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to sign.
"We're protecting the privacy and the dignity of victims," said Rep. Steve Mikutel, D-Griswold.
Nichols was fired from the department on July 13, 2009, and later reinstated after the state Board of Mediation and Arbitration ruled that termination was too severe a punishment.
The 21-year-old overdose victim was Joshua Rogers, a Connecticut National Guard member who was scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan. His Waterford parents have been outspoken supporters of the measure.
The Rogers family sued Nichols and the city of New London on claims of invasion of privacy and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The family has said their lawsuit is "on hold" for passage of the bill.
Stories that may interest you

Bear cub rescued after getting head stuck in plastic jug
Wildlife biologists in Connecticut had to rescue a bear cub that got its head stuck in a plastic container
Baby’s father charged in slaying of stroller-pushing NYC mom
The ex-boyfriend of a New York City woman shot dead Wednesday as she pushed their infant daughter in a stroller has been arrested and charged with killing her
Gov. Lamont taps abortion rights as business recruiting tool for Connecticut
Just days after Supreme Court decision, Connecticut calls on businesses to “relocate to a state that supports the rights of women.”
Lamont signs order creating 250th anniversary commission
Gov. Ned Lamont has signed an executive order creating a new commission that's charged with planning the state’s multi-year celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing
READER COMMENTS