Bills & Legislation

AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE AND PATIENT PROTECTION.

To: (1) Establish (A) certain reporting requirements and enforcement provisions concerning compliance with mental health and substance use disorder benefit laws, and (B) the parity advancement account; (2) require health carriers to bear the burden of proving that certain health care services under adverse determination or utilization review are not medically necessary; (3) establish certain prohibitions on the use of step therapy for prescription drugs; (4) require health carriers to include certain provisions in contracts with health care providers regarding reimbursement for certain covered health benefits; (5) establish certain requirements concerning stop loss insurance policies for health care or medical benefits under any self-funded employee health benefit plan; (6) establish certain health insurance rate filing requirements and require that the Insurance Commissioner adopt regulations concerning affordability in rate filing; (7) prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to make an adverse determination based on medical necessity; and (8) prohibit any individual or group health insurance policy from imposing (A) arbitrary time limits on reimbursement for general anesthesia services, or (B) unilateral arbitrary limitations on reimbursement for medically necessary ancillary services.

Insurance and Real Estate Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING CONSUMER PROTECTION AND SAFETY.

To (1) require fee disclosures for consumer goods and services, (2) impose various requirements concerning connected devices, (3) impose various requirements concerning repairs of electronic or appliance products, (4) require each municipality to establish and maintain a ".gov" Internet top-level domain, (5) provide that no supplier shall downsize, or reduce the quantity, amount, weight or size of, any eligible food unless such supplier (A) reduces the price charged for such eligible food by a commensurate amount, or (B) discloses that such supplier has made such downsizing or reduction, (6) authorize the Attorney General to declare and respond to abnormal economic disruptions, (7) prohibit persons from charging unconscionably excessive prices following precipitating events, and (8) modify the procedures applicable to persons who fail to adhere to provisions concerning precipitating events.

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS.

To amend the membership of the trafficking in persons council, add victims of sexual assault and victims of trafficking in persons as protected classes for purposes of certain anti-discrimination statutes, create an affirmative defense for misdemeanor offenses for young victims of trafficking in persons and eliminate the requirement that training in identification and reporting of trafficking in persons be presented in a video format.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BIPARTISAN DRUG TASK FORCE.

To implement recommendations of the bipartisan drug task force.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING BLEEDING CONTROL TRAINING AND KITS.

To require (1) the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to administer a bleeding control training program, (2) police officers and probationary candidates who receive certification through such program be given credit toward basic or review training, (3) firefighters who receive certification through such program be given credit toward fire service training and education program standards, (4) bleeding control kits be installed in each building owned by the state or any political subdivision thereof, and (5) amendments to the State Building Code concerning the installation of bleeding control kits.

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE.

To protect patients' access to reproductive health care.

Public Health Committee

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND CONCERNING PENALTIES FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE AND VESSEL WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR OR ANY DRUG, TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE STATUTES, VIDEO PRESENTATION UPON LICENSE RENEWAL, THE HIGHWAY WORK ZONE AND ROADSIDE VEHICLE SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM, YELLOW AND BLUE ENVELOPES, ELECTRIC SCOOTERS, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES, INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLANS, LOW-SPEED VEHICLE DEALERS AND FINES FOR VIOLATIONS OF "MOVE OVER" LAW AND AGGRAVATED ENDANGERMENT OF A HIGHWAY WORKER.

To (1) implement the recommendations of the Department of Motor Vehicles, (2) revise the penalties for operating a motor vehicle and vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, (3) require notice of casual car sales to the department, (4) charge a registration fee for a pontoon boat based on its overall length, and (5) make technical revisions to the motor vehicle statutes.

Transportation Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PORT EASTSIDE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN THE TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD AND THE PARK CITY LANDING INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT.

To allow for the establishment of the Port Eastside Infrastructure Improvement District.

Planning and Development Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF TOBACCO, CANNABIS, HEMP AND RELATED PRODUCTS, CONDUCT AND ESTABLISHMENTS.

To (1) establish a state-wide cannabis and hemp enforcement task force, (2) require a municipality to submit a copy of an application for a court order to the Attorney General, (3) authorize seizures of additional merchandise, (4) redirect funds derived from certain civil penalties to municipalities, (5) prohibit conduct concerning the shipment and transportation of tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products, (6) establish penalties concerning the unlawful shipment and transportation of cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products, and (7) provide that a cannabis establishment licensee, or any servant or agent thereof, shall be guilty of a class E felony if such person sells or delivers (A) any cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia to any person younger than twenty-one years of age, or (B) any synthetic cannabinoid to any person.

General Law Committee

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

To (1) expand the definition of taxpayer as provided in section 12-217n, (2) clarify that administrative fees under sections 12-217jj and 12-217kk are nonrefundable, (3) make the adoption of regulations under sections 12-217jj and 12-217kk permissive, (4) modify the time frame for applying for the Film Production Tax Credit voucher, and (5) modify the definition of Interactive web site as provided in section 12-217jj.

Commerce Committee

AN ACT REFORMING THE MOTOR VEHICLE TOWING STATUTES.

To reform motor vehicle towing statutes, provide protections for motor vehicle owners whose vehicles are towed and establish a consumer bill of rights regarding towing.

Transportation Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DUTIES OF STATE MARSHALS AND THE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE STATE MARSHAL COMMISSION AND THE STATE MARSHALS ADVISORY BOARD.

To make various revisions to statutes (1) prescribing the manner in which state marshals carry out their duties, including, but not limited to, permitting state marshals receive electronically transmitted documents for service, and (2) setting forth the responsibilities of the State Marshal Commission and the State Marshals Advisory Board.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING INTERACTIONS BETWEEN SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES, THE PURCHASE AND OPERATION OF CERTAIN DRONES, GRANTS TO CERTAIN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, AND STUDENT ATHLETE COMPENSATION THROUGH ENDORSEMENT CONTRACTS AND REVENUE SHARING AGREEMENTS.

Matthew RitterDemocrat

AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH STATUTES.

To make various revisions to the public health statutes.

Public Health Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE KATIE BECKETT WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS.

To increase access to the Katie Beckett Medicaid waiver program for children with complex, severe illnesses or conditions.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE REVISOR'S TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE GENERAL STATUTES.

To make various technical changes concerning grammar, clarity, accuracy of internal references and consistency in the general statutes.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING AN EMERGENCY CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPLICATION PROCESS FOR TRANSFERS OF OWNERSHIP OF HOSPITALS THAT HAVE FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION, THE ASSESSMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FOR PROPERTY TAXATION, A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS WHO ARE PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED AND FUNDING OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION EXCESS COST GRANT.

Matthew RitterDemocrat

AN ACT CONCERNING PHARMACEUTICAL MARKETING AND PHARMACEUTICALS.

To establish a task force to study the operations of the Department of Consumer Protection.

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING FIREARM PERMITS AND TRANSFERS.

To (1) modify statutory provisions concerning permits to carry a pistol or revolver by replacing references to the chief executive officer of the municipality with references to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and (2) establish that no authorization number for sale at retail of a pistol or revolver shall count toward the limits for any firearm transferred to a defense contractor, manufacturer of nuclear-powered submarines, aerospace company or nuclear power generating facility pursuant to an agreement with a federal agency or applicable federal regulations for the purpose of training armed security force personnel or providing or maintaining an armed security force.

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY EXPANDING GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, UPDATES TO ABLE ACCOUNT STATUTES AND OVERSIGHT OF DRIVING PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

To update statutes concerning a janitorial work program for persons with disabilities or disadvantages and establish a task force to study ways to expand governmental employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Human Services Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE MONEY TRANSMISSION STATUTES, STATE PAYMENTS AND INVESTMENTS IN VIRTUAL CURRENCY AND MINORS' MONEY SHARING APPLICATION ACCOUNTS.

To (1) define "virtual currency control services vendor", (2) establish requirements for virtual currency money transmission licensees concerning (A) disclosures, (B) receipts, (C) the use of virtual currency under the control of such licensees, and (D) the engagement of other persons to store or hold custody or control of virtual currency for or on behalf of a customer, (3) establish that certain virtual currency held by such licensees shall be deemed to be property interests of any claimants against such licensees, and (4) prohibit the state, and political subdivisions of the state, from (A) accepting or requiring payment in the form of virtual currency, or (B) purchasing, holding, investing in or establishing a reserve of virtual currency.

Banking Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH STATUTES.

To implement the Department of Public Health's recommendations regarding various revisions to the public health statutes.

Public Health Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE TIMING AND SCOPE OF AUDITS BY THE AUDITORS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS.

To require the Auditors of Public Accounts to provide a proposed schedule of audits to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government oversight, and to authorize such committee to request the auditors to conduct more frequent audits or performance audits of state agencies.

Government Oversight Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES STATUTES.

To implement various revisions to developmental services statutes.

Public Health Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIREARM INDUSTRY RESPONSIBILITY ACT, FIREARMS PERMITS AND ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATES AND SELF-DEFENSE.

To permit the filing of a civil action against a firearm industry member who fails to exercise reasonable control over firearm industry products.

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE OF VIRTUAL CURRENCY AND VIRTUAL CURRENCY WALLETS.

To specify that digital wallets and virtual currency are included in the term "property" as such term is used in various statutes concerning the seizure and forfeiture of property.

Banking Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING TUITION REFUNDS FOR FORMER STONE ACADEMY STUDENTS.

To refund the tuition paid by a former practical nurse education program student enrolled at Stone Academy during the period commencing November 1, 2021, and ending February 28, 2023, but did not graduate.

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF CONDOMINIUM DEPOSITS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTING OF RENTAL CHARGES AND A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A UNIFORM STATUTORY DEFINITION OF "AFFORDABLE HOUSING".

To permit the use of condominium deposits for construction and development.

Housing Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.

To modify (1) the education and experience requirements imposed for certification as a certified public accountant in this state, and (2) the requirements imposed for an individual licensed as a certified public accountant in another state to exercise the privilege to practice as a certified public accountant in this state.

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ENFORCEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY CERTAIN MUNICIPAL APPROVALS AND THE NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GUARANTY FUND.

To (1) modify the dates upon which the approval of certain land use applications will expire, (2) increase the maximum payments from the New Home Construction Guaranty Fund from thirty thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars, (3) allow the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to seek restitution from individual owners of new home construction contractors against whom judgments have been issued, and (4) appropriate funds for the administration of the fund.

Planning and Development Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS IN PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS.

To require the Office of Workforce Strategy to identify and publicize sources of financial aid for students in paramedic certificate programs.

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS.

To allow the Department of Public Health to grant licensure without examination to any person who is currently licensed or certified as a marital or marriage and family therapist or a marital and family therapist associate in another state, territory or commonwealth of the United States.

Public Health Committee

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND CAREER SYSTEM AND CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE AND GLUCAGON.

To implement the recommendations of the Office of Early Childhood.

Education Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING DRUG CONTROL AND CANNABIS AND HEMP REGULATION.

To (1) establish additional requirements concerning manufacturer hemp products and hemp flower, (2) require certain sterile compounding pharmacies to submit inspection reports, (3) require the Department of Consumer Protection to adopt regulations, policies and procedures designating additional substances as controlled substances, (4) modify the duration of written certifications for the palliative use of marijuana and authorize certain pharmacists to (A) temporarily extend such certifications, and (B) issue temporary written certifications, (5) modify certain requirements concerning a quarterly report submitted by the department, (6) redefine "backer", (7) establish a temporary cannabis operator license, (8) expand the variety of establishments to which certain cannabis establishments may sell, transport or transfer cannabis, (9) eliminate minimum separation requirements concerning certain equity joint ventures, (10) require additional persons to obtain a key employee license, and (11) redefine "container" for purposes of infused beverages.

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING ASSORTED PROPOSALS TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MILITARY SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS IN CONNECTICUT.

To make minor and technical changes in a statute related to veteran's affairs.

Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR REGULATION.

To (1) redefine "container" for purposes of infused beverages, (2) establish a daily in-state transporter's liquor permit, a restaurant permit for a catering establishment or a qualified managed residential community and a mobile bar permit, (3) redefine "grocery store" for purposes of the grocery store beer permit and related provisions, (4) redefine "meal" for purposes of the caterer liquor permit, (5) specify that the Department of Consumer Protection shall not review an initial application for a liquor permit in the absence of certain required documents, (6) eliminate the newspaper publication requirement for liquor permit applications, (7) provide for a liquor education program, (8) authorize the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to enter into certain settlement agreements, (9) clarify the investigation and enforcement exception regarding purchases by minors, (10) specify that the default penalty for violation of the Liquor Control Act is a class A misdemeanor, and (11) eliminate the municipal recording requirement for liquor permits.

General Law Committee

AN ACT ALLOWING A TOWN TO DESIGNATE ITSELF A CITY, ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE REGULATION OF CORPORATE HOUSING ACQUISITIONS AND CONCERNING TRAINING FOR INLAND WETLANDS AGENCIES, CERTIFICATES OF CORRECTION FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY ASSESSED IN ERROR, THE SUBMISSION OF CERTAIN STUDIES AND EVALUATIONS, INCLUSIONARY ZONING, SOLAR INSTALLATIONS IN CERTAIN COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES, THE CAPITAL REGION AND THE MILLSTONE RIDGE TAX DISTRICT.

To allow a town to designate itself as a city.

Planning and Development Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING FIREARM INFORMATION, SECURITY OFFICERS, FIREARM TRANSFERS AND SCHOOL SECURITY GRANTS AND THE FIRE MARSHAL TRAINING COUNCIL, THE COMMISSION ON FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL AND THE CODES AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE.

To implement various recommendations of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection concerning sexual assault evidence, records of cases of juvenile matters involving delinquency proceedings, information identifying seized or recovered firearms, security guards, firearm transfers and school security grants.

Public Safety and Security Committee

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA TASK FORCE, REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BIOMARKER TESTING AND CONCERNING TRANSFERS AND DISCHARGES IN RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES, TUITION WAIVERS FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WHO TAKE COURSES AT REGIONAL COMMUNITY-TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES AND NURSING HOMES.

To require health insurance coverage for biomarker testing.

Aging Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING DEFICIENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025, AND COMPENSATION PAID TO INJURED EMPLOYEES AND THE PARENTS OF A DECEASED EMPLOYEE UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT.

To implement the Governor's budget recommendations.

REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR PURSUANT TO JOINT RULE 9

AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS MEASURES RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE MILITARY SERVICE OF VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES IN CONNECTICUT.

To make minor and technical changes in a statute related to military affairs.

Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SOCIAL EQUITY COUNCIL'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING SOCIAL EQUITY PLANS, STRATEGIC PLANNING, ETHICS, LICENSE RENEWAL FEES, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

To provide that (1) each cannabis establishment shall maintain an active social equity plan and submit an annual report regarding such plan, (2) the Social Equity Council shall (A) review social equity plans, (B) develop a strategic plan, and (C) adopt a code of ethics, (3) council members and staff shall complete an annual ethics training course, (4) a cannabis establishment licensee shall not be entitled to pay a reduced license renewal fee if (A) the license is sold, or there is a change in the ownership or control of the licensee, during the three-year period following issuance of a final license, and (B) such sale or change in ownership or control is made to anyone other than a social equity applicant, and (5) the Department of Economic and Community Development and the council shall approve or deny an application for financial assistance within one hundred twenty days.

General Law Committee

AN ACT ENHANCING ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING PREDICTABILITY.

To implement the Governor's budget recommendations.

REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR PURSUANT TO JOINT RULE 9

AN ACT CONCERNING THE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT'S AUTOMOBILE PHYSICAL AND PROPERTY DAMAGE ARBITRATION PROCESS.

To require that any insurance company involved in any automobile physical or property damage arbitration hearing reimburse the cost of such hearing if the arbitration award is in the claimant's favor, unless such claimant rejected such insurance company's prearbitration offer of compromise of equal or greater value than the arbitration award.

Insurance and Real Estate Committee

AN ACT EXTENDING THE SUNSET DATE FOR PERSONAL RISK INSURANCE RATE FILINGS.

To extend the sunset date for personal risk insurance rate filings.

Insurance and Real Estate Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND ASSOCIATED JOB SECTORS.

To protect the state's environment while providing for the development of renewable energy sources and related job sectors in a manner that reduces costs connected with such protections and development.

Environment Committee

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTICUT-PUERTO RICO TRADE COMMISSION.

To establish a Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission.

Commerce Committee