Bills & Legislation

AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR MAINTENANCE OF HELICOPTERS USED IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.

To provide critical funding for helicopter search and rescue.

Bill BuckbeeRepublican

AN ACT REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE FROM CONSUMER ELECTRIC BILLS.

To remove the combined public benefits charge from electric customer bills and pay the costs of such charge from the General Fund.

Dave W. YaccarinoRepublican

AN ACT CONCERNING ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY PERSONAL INCOME TAX PAYMENTS.

To allow a taxpayer to pay more than the amount owed on the taxpayer's personal income tax return filing.

Devin R. CarneyRepublican

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALES PRICE THRESHOLD OF MOTOR VEHICLES SUBJECT TO A HIGHER SALES AND USE TAXES RATE.

To increase to more than seventy-five thousand dollars the sales price threshold for a motor vehicle subject to the seven and three-fourths per cent sales and use taxes rate.

Devin R. CarneyRepublican

AN ACT CONCERNING THE QUALITY AND DELIVERY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES IN CONNECTICUT.

To improve the quality and delivery of special education services.

Education Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION.

To make use of the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund to fund early care and education programs and initiatives in the state.

Committee on Children

AN ACT ESTABLISHING EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSUMER BATTERIES.

To establish an extended producer responsibility program for consumer batteries sold and distributed in the state.

Environment Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT.

To remove obsolete language from the Workers' Compensation Act.

Labor and Public Employees Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE TAKING OF EASTERN OYSTERS AND INVASIVE AQUATIC SPECIES.

To support and expand aquaculture in the state.

Environment Committee

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, EXPANDING DUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES AND CONCERNING COLLEGE READINESS AND REMEDIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS AT THE CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND INFORMATION REPORTED TO THE CREDENTIAL DATABASE.

To (1) define when an institution of higher education is in-state or out-of-state, (2) prohibit reauthorization of any private career school that does not enroll students during the previous two years, (3) allow an extension for private career school authorization of ninety days, instead of sixty days, and (4) require approval for change of ownership of an institution of higher education.

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONERS' RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MINOR AND TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND ELECTIONS STATUTES.

To make minor and technical revisions to the government administration and elections statutes.

Government Administration and Elections Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONNECTICUT UNIFORM SECURITIES ACT.

To: (1) Exempt merger and acquisition broker-dealers and certain individuals representing such broker-dealers from certain registration requirements; (2) provide that the Banking Commissioner may censure or impose a bar upon any registrant, any partner, officer or director of any registrant or any other person directly or indirectly controlling any registrant; and (3) establish various requirements for "Tier 2" offerings.

Banking Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATE INTERPRETING STANDARDS BOARD.

To establish a state board to set standards for interpreting services for persons who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE.

To implement the recommendations of the Uniform Law Commission concerning the adoption of amendments to the Uniform Commercial Code.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRONIC POSTING OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY INSURERS, NONRENEWAL OR CANCELLATION OF PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE POLICIES, FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS AND THE INSURERS REHABILITATION AND LIQUIDATION ACT, HYPOTHECATION OF ASSETS AND SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE.

To: (1) Allow insurers to post certain insurance policies and endorsements on such insurers' Internet web sites; (2) allow property and casualty insurers to provide policy nonrenewal or cancellation notices by United States Postal Service intelligent mail barcode tracking; (3) extend certain protections to a Federal Home Loan Bank for any pledge, security, credit, collateral, loan, advance, reimbursement or guarantee agreement or arrangement or any similar agreement or arrangement or other credit enhancement to which such bank is a party with an insurance company that is under conservation, rehabilitation, liquidation or administrative supervision by the Insurance Department; (4) allow any domestic insurer, health care center or fraternal benefit society to pledge, hypothecate or encumber such insurer's, center's or society's assets in connection with participation in the Federal Home Loan Bank System; and (5) exempt insurance policies that are procured through unaffiliated wholesale surplus lines insurance brokers from the requirement that insurers and surplus lines insurers sign a statement that diligent efforts were made to obtain insurance from a licensed insurer.

Insurance and Real Estate Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE CHARTER OF THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT OF HARTFORD COUNTY.

To make changes to certain reporting requirements pertaining to the Metropolitan District of Hartford County and authorize any town, subject to certain conditions, to be incorporated into said district.

Planning and Development Committee

AN ACT MAKING REVISIONS TO THE SECOND INJURY FUND.

To clarify that self-insured employers and insured employers can deduct third-party recoveries only from a tortfeasor.

Labor and Public Employees Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING A REVIEW OF AND A TRANSITION TO THE RELEASE-BASED CLEANUP PROGRAM AND RELATED REGULATIONS.

To review the transition to a release-based cleanup program.

Commerce Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING NON-SAFETY-RELATED TRAFFIC STOPS, DRIVING WHILE CONSUMING CANNABIS AND EXCESSIVE RECKLESS DRIVING.

To clarify and amend certain statutes for traffic stops concerning properly displaying a number plate, lamps and illuminating devices, windshields and registration.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGARDING AQUACULTURE AND MINOR REVISIONS TO PROGRAMS AND STATUTES RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

To make certain revisions to the regulation of aquaculture, such as the oyster harvest season, to support the aquaculture industry.

Environment Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE RESOLUTION OF CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL INCARCERATION BY THE CLAIMS COMMISSIONER.

To permit the Attorney General and a claimant to stipulate to facts and a compensation award that may, in certain instances, be approved by the Claims Commissioner without the need for the General Assembly to approve such agreement or stipulation.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO VARIOUS STATUTES CONCERNING CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

To revise provisions concerning (1) the DNA data bank, (2) sexual assault evidence collection kits, (3) juror compensation, (4) failure to appear, (5) acquittee applications for discharge, (6) credit for presentence confinement, (7) use of an electronic defense weapon by a peace officer, (8) pretrial diversionary programs for persons with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder, (9) penalties for a violation of chapter 545 of the general statutes, (10) underage Internet gambling, (11) accelerated pretrial rehabilitation for gambling addiction related violations, and (12) failure to stop for or eluding a police officer.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.

To implement the Governor's budget recommendations.

REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR PURSUANT TO JOINT RULE 9

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATION AND RECEIVERSHIP OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

To: (1) Increase the fee for investigating and processing an application for the organization of a Connecticut bank; (2) eliminate a factor considered in determining whether the public will be served to advantage by the establishment of a proposed Connecticut bank; (3) increase the amount of assets on deposit that trust banks and innovation banks are required to keep; (4) eliminate a factor considered in determining whether to approve the relocation of a Connecticut bank's main office; (5) reduce the period of time during which written objections may be made to an application made by a bank or association for permission to change its name; and (6) modify the duty of a receiver for a Connecticut bank or Connecticut credit union.

Banking Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ILLEGAL USE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES AND STREET TAKEOVERS.

To (1) revise provisions regarding forfeiture of certain illegally used vehicles, (2) authorize municipalities to adopt an ordinance related to street takeovers, and (3) revise the time period for suspension of an operator's license and to allow for revocation of a license due to violations related to a street takeover.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

To (1) require criminal history searches and records checks for relative and fictive kin caregivers upon emergency placement of children with such caregivers by the Department of Children and Families, (2) permit certain youths previously committed to the care and custody of the Commissioner of Children and Families to reenter care, (3) require disclosure of Department of Children and Families records to the Department of Developmental Services and the Office of Policy and Management for certain purposes, (4) expand the definition of "child care facility" for purposes of licensure by the Department of Children and Families to include certain congregate care settings for individuals who require special education, until the end of the school year in which such individuals turn twenty-two years of age, (5) require the Department of Children and Families to develop a Foster Parent Bill of Rights and incorporate such bill of rights into department policy, and (6) revise the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

Committee on Children

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REGARDING ACTING BUILDING OFFICIALS, CERTAIN PARKING SPACES AND ELEVATOR CERTIFICATES OF OPERATION.

To implement the recommendations of the Department of Administrative Services regarding (1) the appointment of acting building officials, (2) width and cross hatch requirements for parking spaces designated for persons who are blind and persons with disabilities, and (3) the renewal of elevator certificates of operation.

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING INFLATIONARY RATE INCREASES FOR STATE-CONTRACTED NONPROFIT HUMAN SERVICES PROVIDERS.

To provide equitable compensation for state-contracted nonprofit human services providers.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING CONFORMING ADJUSTMENTS TO SUPPORT THE TRANSITION TO A RELEASED-BASED CLEANUP PROGRAM.

To establish a transition period from the Transfer Act to regulations that provide for release-based cleanup remediation standards.

Commerce Committee

AN ACT MODIFYING CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS AND THE POWERS OF THE STATE ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION.

To make several changes concerning campaign finance laws and the State Elections Enforcement Commission, including redefining organization expenditure, solicit, contribution and expenditure, modifying what disclaimers are required to contain, reducing the number of required commission audits, restricting the timing of commission declaratory rulings, requiring legislative approval of guidance documents, amending provisions concerning the timing of contribution limits and procedures for rejected contributions and requiring legislative confirmation of the executive director of the commission.

Government Oversight Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF COMMERCIAL REAL PROPERTY FOR RESIDENTIAL USE.

To allow the conversion or partial conversion of any commercial building into a residential development as of right.

Planning and Development Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OF BATTERY-POWERED SMOKE DETECTORS IN THE STATE.

To prohibit the sale of smoke detection and warning equipment that is powered solely by a battery unless the equipment has a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery capable of powering the equipment for a minimum of ten years.

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATE COURT OPERATIONS.

To: (1) Make various statutory changes relating to Probate Court procedures and the Council on Probate Judicial Conduct, and (2) require the Probate Court Administrator to convene a working group to study issues relating to the use of conservators in the Probate Court system.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF THE CORRECTION OMBUDS, DISCLOSURE OF DISCIPLINARY MATTERS OR ALLEGED MISCONDUCT BY A DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION EMPLOYEE, USE OF FORCE AND BODY CAMERAS IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS.

To (1) lengthen the term of the Correction Ombuds, (2) modify the duties and powers of the Office of the Correction Ombuds, (3) amend the budget process for the Office of the Correction Ombuds, (4) modify provisions concerning use of force in correctional facilities, (5) require the development of a plan for use of body cameras by correctional officers, and (6) permit claimants to be granted permission to sue the state in the case of certain claims by persons who are incarcerated.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING HOUSING AND THE NEEDS OF HOMELESS PERSONS.

To lower housing costs, increase housing options and better support homeless persons.

Housing Committee

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF SHARK FINNING.

To prohibit the practice of shark finning.

Environment Committee

AN ACT ADDING CERTAIN PLANTS TO THE INVASIVE PLANTS LIST.

To prohibit the sale, use and distribution of certain invasive plants in the state.

Environment Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING A MOTOR VEHICLE NUMBER PLATE COMMEMORATING CONNECTICUT WOMEN VETERANS.

To establish a motor vehicle number plate commemorating Connecticut women veterans.

Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING MOBILE MANUFACTURED HOMES AND MOBILE MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS.

To (1) define "ancillary fee", (2) require each park owner to prepare and publish a comprehensive and itemized list of all ancillary fees payable by residents, (3) require that information concerning ancillary fees be included in the disclosure statement, (4) require the Department of Consumer Protection to establish a resident complaint process, (5) require that each park owner provide at least ninety days' advance written notice of a proposed rent increase, and (6) prohibit certain rental agreement provisions concerning ancillary fees.

General Law Committee

AN ACT PROHIBITING PET STORES FROM PURCHASING OR PROCURING DOGS, CATS AND RABBITS.

To provide that no pet shop licensee shall purchase or otherwise procure any dog, cat or rabbit for the purpose of auctioning, bartering, selling, leasing or transferring, or offering to auction, barter, sell, lease or transfer, such dog, cat or rabbit.

General Law Committee

AN ACT REQUIRING THE PLACEMENT OF TRAFFIC CONES AROUND CERTAIN LANDSCAPING VEHICLES WHEN PARKED ON A PUBLIC HIGHWAY.

To require the placement of traffic cones around certain landscaping vehicles when parked on a public highway.

Transportation Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING FISHING AND HUNTING RIGHTS OF CERTAIN NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES.

To affirm and expand fishing, hunting and aquaculture rights of federal and state-recognized Native American tribes.

Environment Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING MOBILE MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS.

To (1) cap rent increases and ancillary fees imposed by mobile manufactured home park owners, (2) establish additional enforcement measures and penalties concerning mobile manufactured home park owners, (3) subject certain files to the Freedom of Information Act, (4) modify the method by which mobile manufactured homes are appraised, (5) modify the amount of relocation expenses paid to mobile manufactured home park residents, and (6) require mobile manufactured home park owners to submit reports to the Department of Consumer protection concerning fire hydrant water capacity and flow.

General Law Committee

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MAXIMUM RESTOCKING FEE FOR RETURNED CONSUMER GOODS.

To establish a maximum restocking fee for returned consumer goods.

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING REAL ESTATE WHOLESALERS AND REAL ESTATE WHOLESALE CONTRACTS.

To provide for (1) the licensing and regulation of real estate wholesalers, and (2) the regulation of real estate wholesale contracts.

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR DIABETES PREVENTION, EDUCATION, SELF-MANAGEMENT AND MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY PROGRAMS AND ESTABLISHING AN ADVISORY COUNCIL.

To provide Medicaid coverage consistent with federal law for diabetes prevention, education, self-management and medical nutrition therapy programs and establish an advisory council.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS.

To prohibit employers from reducing retirement benefits due to an employee receiving workers' compensation benefits.

Labor and Public Employees Committee