Bills & Legislation

AN ACT FUNDING JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIPS FOR GRADUATES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

To require the Office of Higher Education to establish a journalism fellowship program to fund not fewer than twelve journalism fellowship positions at local news organizations.

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

AN ACT DISREGARDING INCOME FROM PILOT CASH ASSISTANCE AND JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS FROM TEMPORARY FAMILY ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS.

To encourage participation among public assistance beneficiaries in job training and pilot cash assistance programs by mitigating the effects of such programs on eligibility for public assistance.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING WHEELCHAIR REPAIR REQUIREMENTS.

To implement the recommendations of an advisory council on wheelchair repair concerning timely repair of wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING IMPLEMENTING CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRANSFORMING CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING COMMITTEE AND ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING BEHAVIORAL ANALYSTS.

To expand coverage under the state medical assistance program for applied behavior analysis services and implement certain recommendations of the Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR HOUSING TO STATE-RECOGNIZED TRIBES, REQUIRING EACH TRIBE TO CONDUCT A STUDY AND CREATE A REPORT AND CONCERNING THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF RESERVATION LANDS AND TRIBAL FUNDS.

To (1) provide funds for housing to state-recognized Native American tribes, (2) require that such tribes conduct studies and create a report, and (3) provide that reservation lands and tribal funds be under the care and management of such tribes with the advice of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and Indian Affairs Council.

Housing Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS AND THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

To (1) establish a sewer system infrastructure support program, (2) prohibit requiring a lot size greater than one acre for construction of a residence, (3) prohibit a municipality from installing or constructing hostile architecture, (4) require the collection of data regarding LGBTQ youth and young adults, (5) modify the rental assistance program, (6) authorize bonding for municipalities administering a housing choice voucher home ownership program, (7) modify the Community Investment Fund to provide automatic bonding for affordable housing projects, (8) establish a middle housing grant pilot program, (9) establish a pilot program to provide portable showers and laundry facilities to persons experiencing homelessness, (10) establish a direct rental assistance pilot program, and (11) require the majority leaders' roundtable to study (A) establishing an Affordable Housing Real Estate Trust, (B) providing funding to individuals renovating properties in areas with low appraisal values, (C) establishing rental savings accounts and rental tax credits, and (D) establishing extreme temperature protocols to protect persons experiencing homelessness.

Housing Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE FIRE PREVENTION CODE, THE STATE FIRE SAFETY CODE, THE REPORTING OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION, THE STATE BUILDING CODE, ORDERS OF BUILDING INSPECTORS AND LOCAL FIRE MARSHALS AND ELEVATOR INSPECTIONS.

To make various revisions to the public safety statutes relating to the State Fire Prevention Code, State Fire Safety Code, State Building Code and elevator inspections.

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT EXCLUDING VETERANS' FEDERAL SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM A PUBLIC DEFENDER.

To exclude all service-connected disability benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs from consideration when determining eligibility for assistance from a public defender based on indigency.

Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee

AN ACT EXCLUDING VETERANS' DISABILITY PAYMENTS FROM QUALIFYING INCOME WHEN DETERMINING CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.

To exclude veterans' disability payments from qualifying income when determining certain property tax relief.

Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING PAROLE ELIGIBILITY.

To permit the Board of Pardons and Paroles to consider parole for a person who (1) committed a crime or crimes while such person was under twenty-one years of age, (2) received a lengthy sentence, and (3) has served a specified minimum portion of that sentence, regardless of when such crime or crimes were committed.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING A CONVICTION IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION AS A DISQUALIFIER FOR A CARRY PERMIT OR FIREARMS ELIGIBILITY OR AMMUNITION CERTIFICATE.

To (1) provide that certain convictions in other jurisdictions are disqualifying in this state for a carry permit or firearms eligibility or ammunition certificate, if an offense for which a person is convicted of in another jurisdiction is substantially similar to a Connecticut disqualifying offense, and (2) require that the merchant category code for firearms or ammunition retailers be assigned to each firearms or ammunition retailer in this state.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING A PROPERTY OWNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE EXPENSES OF REMOVING A FALLEN TREE OR TREE LIMB.

To impose liability on certain owners of real property for the expenses of removing a tree or tree limb that falls on an adjoining owner's private real property.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING COMPENSATION PAID TO INJURED EMPLOYEES AND THE PARENTS OF A DECEASED EMPLOYEE UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT.

To: (1) Provide supplemental payments and benefits to individuals with partial permanent disabilities, and (2) permit compensation awards to be distributed to the next of kin of a deceased employee who was unmarried and without dependent children at the time of the employee's death.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESSORY COMMERCIAL UNITS.

To allow the as-of-right development of a residential development or a mixed-use development on any lot that allows for commercial use.

Planning and Development Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION OF MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS' LICENSES FOR FAILURE TO PAY FINES OR FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR A SCHEDULED COURT APPEARANCE AND PAYMENT INSTALLMENT PLANS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE INFRACTIONS AND VIOLATIONS.

To (1) limit the authority to suspend a motor vehicle operator license for failing to pay fines, fees or other charges or failing to appear for any scheduled court appearance for certain violations, (2) allow persons charged with motor vehicle infractions and violations to enter into installment payment plans, and (3) require a public awareness campaign concerning the importance of responding to motor vehicle infractions and violations.

Transportation Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REVISIONS TO THE COMMERCE STATUTES.

To implement the Department of Economic and Community Development's recommendations for revisions to the commerce statutes, including (1) the intellectual and developmental disabilities workforce development program, (2) the sale, exchange or lease of real property under the custody and control of such department, (3) a program concerning Connecticut brand merchandise, (4) permitting the state to support AdvanceCT, (5) conditions concerning the relocation of certain businesses that receive state financial aid from such department or Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, and (6) construction projects funded by such department.

Commerce Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.

To establish a (1) tuition assistance program for students in teacher preparation programs at a public institution of higher education, and (2) scholarship program for teachers who completed an alternative route to certification program and are pursuing a master's degree, and to appropriate fifty million dollars from the Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund for the tuition assistance program.

Education Committee

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FARM INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT AND INCREASING THE FARM MACHINERY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION AMOUNT.

To establish a farm investment property tax credit and increase the property tax exemption amount of the assessed value of farm machinery.

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ENTERTAINMENT EVENT TICKETS.

To (1) define various terms concerning tickets to entertainment events, (2) prohibit entertainment venue operators from entering into exclusivity agreements with ticket resellers, (3) modify various provisions concerning ticket price and service charge disclosures, (4) require ticket resellers to provide refunds for cancelled live entertainment events, (5) establish a maximum ticket resale price, and (6) provide that certain conduct concerning tickets to entertainment events shall constitute an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE, REPORTS CONCERNING SUCH INSURANCE AND A LIMITED PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE CONNECTICUT PARTNERSHIP FOR LONG-TERM CARE.

To: (1) Require the Insurance Department to conduct a study concerning an alternative pool for long-term care policyholders; (2) require a public hearing concerning long-term care premium rate increase requests in excess of ten per cent; (3) require notice to individuals of the risk of long-term care premium rate increases prior to the purchase of any long-term care policy; (4) limit premium rate increases for certain long-term care policies renewed in this state; and (5) require the Office of Health Strategy to report concerning the regulation and rate filing processes of long-term care insurance in the state.

Government Oversight Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES.

To eliminate the statutorily prescribed amount for payment to part-time board members.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR PARAEDUCATORS.

To require the Labor Department to consider specific circumstances when determining whether an individual who performs services as a paraeducator is eligible to receive unemployment compensation.

Labor and Public Employees Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OF NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS.

To prohibit the use of noncompete agreements and exclusivity agreements unless they meet certain requirements.

Labor and Public Employees Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.

To enhance firefighter recruitment and retention.

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING LIGHTS ON VEHICLES, PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CERTAIN STATUTES, STOPS AND SEARCHES, A PHLEBOTOMY PROGRAM STUDY, INSPECTIONS OF CERTAIN VEHICLES, TRAFFIC SAFETY CORRIDORS AND A PILOT PROGRAM TO EQUIP POLICE VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN DEVICES.

To (1) permit certain first responders to use steady blue or red lights and wreckers to use steady blue lights when stationary, (2) modify penalties for violations of certain statutes relating to motor vehicles, (3) eliminate certain statutory provisions relating to cannabis and stops and searches, (4) study the feasibility of a permanent law enforcement phlebotomy program, (5) require safety inspections of vehicles used by law enforcement units, (6) establish a traffic safety corridor program, (7) establish a program to equip police vehicles with a device that is capable of launching a global positioning system onto another vehicle, and (8) modify statutory provisions concerning police officer review of certain recordings by substituting references to "use of force" with "incident".

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE TRUST ACT AND PROHIBITED STATE CONTRACTS.

To limit the type of information disclosed to a federal immigration authority and to expand such limitation to all public agencies.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING PROBLEM GAMING.

To require the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a program for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals and families affected by Internet gaming disorder.

Public Health Committee

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND CAREER SYSTEM.

To (1) require the Office of Policy and Management to approve the filling of vacancies for instructional staff not later than thirty days from the receipt of such request, and (2) expand the debt-free community college program to include the Technical Education and Career System adult education programs.

Education Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE EDUCATION STATUTES.

To make various revisions to the education statutes, including, but not limited to, statutes concerning board of education budgets, accounts, meetings and employment negotiations, health assessments and related forms, school resource officers, open choice, out-of-school suspensions and expulsions.

Education Committee

AN ACT PROTECTING 504 PLAN ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS IN CONNECTICUT.

To codify the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and those relevant accompanying regulations.

Education Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE COSTS TO OBTAIN TRANSCRIPTS FOR PROCEEDINGS CONDUCTED BEFORE AGENCIES.

To set parameters for the costs of obtaining transcripts of public agency proceedings.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE FILINGS WITH THE STATE ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION.

To require that all municipal campaign registration and financial disclosure statements be filed with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, instead of with town clerks, and make several conforming changes.

Government Administration and Elections Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORMS.

To (1) provide clarification to the term "solicit" by defining the term "collector", (2) redefine "organization expenditure" to include campaign events at which a candidate or candidates are present, (3) impose liability upon certain campaign-related vendors who do not provide to qualified candidate committee treasurers the information necessary for such treasurers to perform their duties under campaign finance laws, (4) move the timing of the consumer price index adjustments for individual contribution amounts and the aggregate contribution amounts candidates are required to raise, from January of the election year to (A) not later than July 3, 2025, for elections held in 2026, and (B) January of the prior year for elections held in subsequent cycles, (5) beginning with the 2030 election, allow major party candidates for Governor to apply for convention campaign grants beginning the January of the year preceding the election, (6) provide that candidates who change their party status after filing their grant applications are ineligible to receive additional grant funds, and (7) address approvals of grant applications in relation to the timing of such consumer price index adjustments.

Government Administration and Elections Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE AND ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE CONTRACTS.

To: (1) Require a public hearing concerning long-term care premium rate increase requests in excess of ten per cent and insurers to notify policyholders of such hearing; (2) require notice to individuals of the risk of long-term care premium rate increases prior to the purchase of any long-term care policy; (3) require insurers to certify material risk of insolvency during the premium rate filing process; and (4) prohibit any insurer that violates the provisions of this act from entering into state contracts.

Government Administration and Elections Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE CONTRACTING AND FEES CHARGED FOR HEALTH RECORDS.

To limit the fees charged a patient's attorney or authorized representative to obtain health records and to make any entity that opts not to comply with such fee limitation ineligible to obtain a state contract.

Government Administration and Elections Committee

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX FOR OWNERS OF FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES.

To establish a credit against the personal income tax for owners of family child care homes.

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ABSENTEE VOTING FOR ALL.

To remove the statutory restrictions on eligibility for absentee voting.

Government Administration and Elections Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING MODIFICATIONS TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS AND STATE ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION AUTHORITY.

To make several changes concerning campaign finance laws and the State Elections Enforcement Commission, including redefining "organization expenditure", "solicit", "contribution" and "expenditure", modifying the contents of certain political advertising disclaimers, reducing the number of audits required to be conducted by said commission, restricting the timing of declaratory rulings by said commission, requiring legislative approval of commission guidance documents, amending procedures for contributions rejected as qualifying contributions for purposes of Citizens' Election Program grant applications, subjecting the commission executive director to nomination and legislative confirmation and providing that court-ordered restitution of funds to a committee are to be spent by such committee over a period of time equal to the time it took to raise such funds instead of all at once.

Government Administration and Elections Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING EXCESSIVE RECKLESS DRIVING.

To establish specific penalties for operating a motor vehicle in excess of one hundred miles per hour.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A UNIFORM SOLAR CAPACITY TAX.

To establish a uniform solar capacity tax on solar photovoltaic systems.

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE OPTIONAL HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION.

To authorize municipalities to include, for purposes of the optional property tax exemption under section 12-81oo of the general statutes, a residency requirement or an assessed value maximum, or both, in addition to the existing assessed value percentage range for the exemption.

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF CIGARETTES, ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND VAPOR PRODUCTS.

To (1) revise the definition of "cigarette", (2) extend the restrictions on shipping or transporting cigarettes to tobacco products and establish an additional penalty for violating such restrictions, (3) establish restrictions on the shipping or transport of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products, and (4) require a seller or seller's agent to request age verification for the purchase of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products.

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND GROUP LIFE INSURANCE FOR RETIRED STATE EMPLOYEES.

To (1) establish a new municipal employees retirement plan tier and an alternative cash balance option, (2) require the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement Commission to create a defined contribution retirement plan, and (3) specify member contributions for such defined contribution retirement plan.

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION IN CONNECTICUT.

To address issues relating to the provision of special education in Connecticut.

Select Committee on Special Education

AN ACT AMENDING A PRIOR CONVEYANCE OF A PARCEL OF STATE LAND TO THE TOWN OF SOUTHBURY TO CHANGE THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE, OWNERSHIP AND LEASING OF SAID PARCEL.

To permit the previously conveyed parcel of land to the town of Southbury to be sold, transferred or leased to a third party for housing purposes.

Government Oversight Committee

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE CLAIMS COMMISSIONER'S COMPENSATION AWARD TO MARQUIS JACKSON WITH RESPECT TO HIS CLAIM AGAINST THE STATE FOR WRONGFUL INCARCERATION.

Judiciary Committee

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CLAIMS COMMISSIONER TO GRANT AN AWARD TO HEATHER ROBILLARD ON HER CLAIM AGAINST THE STATE.

Judiciary Committee

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE CLAIMS COMMISSIONER'S COMPENSATION AWARD TO ANDRE DAWSON WITH RESPECT TO HIS CLAIM AGAINST THE STATE FOR WRONGFUL INCARCERATION.

Judiciary Committee