Sandy Hook commission holds first meeting

(CNN) -- A special advisory commission tasked by Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy with reviewing state laws after last month's Newtown massacre left 27 people dead, including 20 children, held its first meeting Thursday.

"We live in a society that has destigmatized violence, but has refused to destigmatize (mental health) treatment," Malloy said.

The first-term Democrat set up the 16-member panel of experts last month and appointed Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson to head up the commission, which is expected to offer insights into the December 14 shooting.

"We are here because of a tragedy," said Jackson, who is assigned with devising a series of recommendations to address gun control, school safety and the state's mental health policies.

The panel must meet a March 15 deadline for its initial report, which Malloy is expected to use in drafting a series of initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence. The group includes experts who reviewed policies after mass shootings in both Colorado and Virginia Tech.

Last month, 20-year-old Adam Lanza broke into the Sandy Hook Elementary School and began firing with an AR-15 assault rifle before taking his own life.

Authorities say an investigation into the incident is still under way.