Connecticut lawmakers expecting bills in response to death of Jacqueline Torres-Garcia

WTNH – Monday, October 20, 2025
By Caroline LeCour

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — In the wake of the death of Jacqueline Torres-Garcia, some Connecticut lawmakers have said they are expecting bills to be introduced in an effort to prevent another similar tragedy.

Torres-Garcia, also known as “Mimi,” was found dead at a home along Clark Street in New Britain in early October. State Representative Bobby Sanchez says he is still distraught.

“There’s a lot of talk amongst people that something has to get done,” Sanchez said, “With this tragedy now, there’s no choice, there’s got to be some sort of checks and balances in place.”

The frustration has since grown into a push towards accountability and legislative change, with over 13,000 people signing an online petition calling for the implementation of ‘Mimi’s Law.’

Petition organizers are demanding for stronger guidelines and guardrails within the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

With one of those demands being required in-person welfare checks for homeschooled children, State Senator Ceci Maher said the push reflects similar conversations lawmakers have had for children in open and active DCF cases learning at home.

“We had conversations in the legislature, and that is something that is an ongoing conversation in our communities,” Sen. Maher said. “It does not surprise me that people are concerned.”

State Senator Jason Perillo said that, while he also understands people’s frustration, increased transparency will be needed within DCF in order to better address shortfalls.

“That we are working with DCF, that they are working with us, to let us know what went wrong,” Sen. Perillo said. “Because as a legislature, we have a responsibility to work with them.”

Lawmakers say they have already discussed the possibility of legislative policy to propose in the upcoming session to prevent another tragedy.

“I’m hoping that all stakeholders are at the table and that we can come to a bill that everyone can live with,” Rep. Sanchez said.

News 8 reached out to a spokesperson for DCF for the agency’s thoughts on the petition’s demands and were referred to a previous statement shared by Interim Commissioner Susan Hamilton:

The Department continues to assess our involvement with the family of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres. While our review is ongoing, it is important to correct misinformation that is being publicly reported about our history with the family to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment of the system. This is critical when responding to any tragedy involving a child to responsibly inform the potential need for public policy or other reforms.

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