Conn. lawmakers seek consensus on Newtown bills

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — State legislators face the task of sifting through more than 100 bills, reams of letters and emails, and hours of public testimony to come up with recommendations for policy and law changes following the deadly school shooting in Newtown.

Three subcommittees of a special legislative task force on gun violence and children's safety have until Feb. 15 to present their suggestions on changes affecting guns, mental health and school security, to the General Assembly's top leaders.

They hope to hold a vote on emergency certified legislation at the end of February.

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney says the subcommittee focusing on state gun laws is planning to hold a final informational meeting with police and public safety officials on Monday to get more information before it begins deliberations.