Obama Sheds Dry Tears
Fate of Newtown death certificate bills in doubt
May 14, 2013 6:14 PM
By The Associated Press SUSAN HAIGH (Associated Press)
HARTFORD, Conn. – (AP) — The fate of legislation being pursued by the Newtown town clerk to restrict the public’s access to death certificates appears to be in doubt as the General Assembly inches toward adjournment.
Newtown Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia has refused to release death certificates requested for the 26 victims of the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School and argues that information on death certificates can be misused, such as by identity thieves. Two bills on the topic are before the Legislature. But time is running out and many bills still await approval, said Rep. Ed Jutila, D-East Lyme, co-chairman of the General Assembly’s Government Administration and Elections Committee, who said he’s unsure whether the legislation will be brought up for a vote. The legislative session ends June 5.