HB 5166 updates Connecticut's social work licensure rules, effective July 1, 2026. It requires master social workers to hold a master's degree from an accredited or candidate-status social work program (with specific timeline limits) and pass a national exam, while clinical social workers must have a master's or doctorate from an accredited program, 3,000 hours of post-master's experience (including 100 supervised hours), and pass a clinical exam. The bill also creates pathways for out-of-state license holders to practice via endorsement if their state's requirements match Connecticut's standards, and mandates exam accommodations for applicants with disabilities. These changes directly affect social workers seeking initial licensure or moving to Connecticut from other states.
HB 5399 redefines supervision requirements for dental assistants and establishes new standards for expanded function dental assistants in Connecticut. It requires expanded function dental assistants to pass national exams, complete accredited programs, maintain certification, display credentials, and carry $500,000 professional liability insurance. The bill allows dental assistants to take x-rays, impressions, and apply fluoride varnish under direct supervision, while expanded function assistants may place temporary restorations, apply sealants, and perform coronal polishing under direct or indirect supervision. These changes directly affect dental assistants, expanded function dental assistants, and dentists who supervise them, effective October 1, 2026.
HB 5314 updates Connecticut's "Homes for CT" loan program to set a clear interest rate cap: loans from participating financial institutions must charge a rate not exceeding The Wall Street Journal's published prime rate (replacing a previous Federal Home Loan Bank reference). It also expands the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's role, allowing it to provide additional loans or forgivable grants-in-aid to eligible borrowers beyond those from banks, with these new loans being subordinate to bank loans. The changes directly affect Connecticut homebuyers (particularly first-time buyers) who qualify for the program through participating lenders. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to streamline program administration while maintaining affordability.
HB 5157 delays the requirement for retailers to join Connecticut's tire stewardship program until July 1, 2027. The bill amends Section 22a-905i of the general statutes to add a new subsection (s) that postpones the participation deadline. This directly affects tire retailers who would otherwise need to join the program sooner. The change provides a one-year extension from the original requirement date, giving retailers additional time to comply. The bill does not alter the program's structure or requirements, only the implementation timeline.
This bill updates the definition of "retired police officer" to clarify who can be hired for armed security work in Connecticut public schools. It specifically disqualifies individuals who are prohibited from being hired by law enforcement units due to past misconduct, such as dismissal for malfeasance or resignation during an investigation. To qualify, retired officers must have served with local, state, federal, or out-of-state police agencies, retired in good standing, and meet federal standards for qualified retired law enforcement officers. The law also requires these officers to complete annual firearms training and exempts them from certain licensing requirements.
This resolution confirms the governor's nomination of Dr. Ryan G. Flanagan to serve as a member of the Psychiatric Security Review Board. The board oversees psychiatric care for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, and Dr. Flanagan brings experience in that field to the role. He will serve until June 30, 2029, or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever happens first. This action is a procedural confirmation that allows Dr. Flanagan to officially join the board and begin his duties.
This Senate resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Joseph D. Marino from Westbrook to serve on the Psychiatric Security Review Board as a general public member. The appointment replaces Wakana Hirota and is set to last until June 30, 2029, or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever occurs later. This procedural measure formally approves Marino's selection to join the board that reviews cases involving patients in psychiatric facilities.
This Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Wakana Hirota to serve as a member of the Psychiatric Security Review Board. Hirota, a resident of Berlin with substantial experience in victim advocacy, will join the board as a member of the general public to replace Ranesha L. Nichols. The confirmation grants Hirota a term ending June 30, 2028, or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever occurs later. This procedural measure formalizes Hirota's appointment to the board that reviews cases involving psychiatric patients in state custody.
This Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Joshua Hershman from Guilford to serve as Insurance Commissioner. The measure approves his appointment, which will last at the Governor's discretion but cannot extend beyond March 1, 2027. This procedural action directly affects the state's insurance regulatory leadership by formalizing Hershman's role in overseeing the insurance industry. The resolution is a standard confirmation step required before the nominee can officially assume the position.
This Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Joshua Wojcik of Brooklyn to serve as Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. The resolution approves Wojcik's appointment for a term that ends on March 1, 2027, or sooner if the Governor decides to end it. This action formalizes his role in the executive branch without changing any existing laws or policies. The measure is a procedural step required to officially recognize the appointment rather than a substantive policy change.
This bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Susan Hamilton of West Hartford to serve as Commissioner of Children and Families. The resolution approves her appointment to lead the state agency responsible for child welfare and family services, with a term ending on March 1, 2027. This is a procedural measure that allows the legislative body to formally accept the executive branch's selection for this administrative position.
This bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Patricia M. Feeney of Plainfield to join the Technical Education and Career System Board. The resolution approves her appointment as a board member with experience in manufacturing or trades related to the system, succeeding Christine Benz. Feeney will serve at the Governor's pleasure for a term matching the Governor's term or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever is longer. This action formalizes her appointment to the board without changing any existing laws or policies.
