Connecticut Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Connecticut · House May 26, 2026

HB 5431: AN ACT CONCERNING COOPERATIVE CORPORATIONS.

HB 5431 updates Connecticut's laws for cooperative corporations, directly affecting new businesses forming as cooperatives under this framework. It replaces outdated terms like "association" with "corporation" and reduces the required board size from seven to at least three directors, who must be elected annually by members. The bill also clarifies that each member gets one vote, sets membership requirements (including holding at least one share), and allows corporations to adopt staggered director terms for stability. These changes take effect October 1, 2026, modernizing governance for cooperative businesses.

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 294: AN ACT CONCERNING TRADE NAMES, FRAUDULENT FILINGS, IMPERMISSIBLE BUSINESS SOLICITATIONS, DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATIONS, THE ISSUANCE OF AN APOSTILLE AND FEES CHARGED BY A NOTARY.

SB 294 requires businesses operating under a name different from their legal name to register a "trade name" with Connecticut's Secretary of State. It affects all individuals and business entities (like corporations or LLCs) using such names, mandating they submit specific details including business address, contact information, and, for organizations, proof of good standing. The bill establishes a 5-year registration period for new trade names, sets renewal procedures (with applications filed through town clerks), and requires existing registrations to expire by December 31, 2029, unless renewed. It also clarifies that business organizations must be active to register and that trade name certificates cancel upon dissolution or revocation.

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 1: AN ACT MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, MAKING DEFICIENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, AUTHORIZING AND ADJUSTING BONDS OF THE STATE AND CONCERNING PROVISIONS RELATING TO REVENUE, SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER ITEMS TO IMPLEMENT THE STATE BUDGET.

This bill removes sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies, and appliances, and eliminates a 1% tax on meals sold by grocery stores. It creates new tax credits for homeowners (increasing the existing credit), caregivers of elderly or disabled family members, and renters earning $75,000 or less for primary residence costs. These changes directly lower tax burdens for Connecticut residents, particularly lower- and middle-income households. The bill modifies sales tax rules and expands income tax credits to improve affordability.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Housing

signed · Connecticut · House May 26, 2026

HB 5291: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS STATUTES RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

HB 5291 requires municipal fire departments to notify the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESP) within 10 business days of appointing a new or interim fire chief, providing specific contact details like name, address, and phone numbers on a form prescribed by DESP. The bill also updates evidence rules for chemical tests in DUI and related criminal cases, mandating that test results be admissible only if the defendant had a chance to contact a lawyer before testing, results were delivered within 24 hours, approved equipment was used, and a second test was performed within 10 minutes. These changes directly affect fire departments that must report appointments and law enforcement/courts handling such prosecutions. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Connecticut · House May 26, 2026

HB 5401: AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE, STATE FIRE PREVENTION CODE AND FIRE SAFETY CODE.

HB 5401 updates how Connecticut adopts and revises its State Building Code. It requires the State Building Inspector and Codes Committee to base the code on a nationally recognized model, limits revisions to once every six years (or per two model cycles), and mandates provisions for energy conservation and EV charging circuits in new residential garages. The bill also imposes a temporary pause on new building standards from October 2026 to October 2032, except for safety, federal funding, or accessibility needs, and prohibits local municipalities from enforcing stricter rules than the state code during this period. Additionally, it requires mandatory training for building code officials and professionals like architects and contractors on the State Building Code and Fire Safety Code.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 296: AN ACT CONCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION WITH RESPECT TO THE CONNECTICUT UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT AND SPORTS WAGERING.

SB 296 updates Connecticut’s consumer protection laws by strengthening the Commissioner of Consumer Protection’s authority to investigate alleged violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act. It creates new "investigative demands" requiring businesses to submit written reports under oath about potential unlawful practices (including in sports wagering), with responses withheld from public disclosure during investigations. The bill also expands the Commissioner’s powers to conduct on-site inspections, subpoena records, and enforce compliance through civil penalties or restitution orders. These changes directly affect businesses operating in Connecticut, particularly those in regulated sectors like sports wagering, by clarifying enforcement procedures under the Unfair Trade Practices Act.

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 369: AN ACT ESTABLISHING VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ELEVATORS.

SB 369 requires owners of residential buildings with elevators used by people with disabilities to maintain elevator safety and accessibility. It mandates 24-hour written maintenance notices, adherence to manufacturer standards, installation of approved emergency key safes (Knox boxes), and prompt repairs if elevators are inoperable for more than 48 hours or exceed two outages in 30 days. Owners must post bilingual emergency signage inside/outside elevators and provide annual written tenant notifications about their rights. Violations incur daily fines up to $250, enforced by the Department of Administrative Services, which can order repairs, issue citations, or relocate tenants if safety is compromised. This directly affects residential building owners with qualifying elevators, excluding municipal/state properties and renovation sites.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 427: AN ACT CONCERNING DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS.

This bill requires Connecticut schools to create flexible eligibility policies for advanced courses like dual enrollment, allowing multiple pathways beyond just academic grades to determine student participation. It also establishes a new coordinator role to track dual enrollment courses and outcomes across the state while developing a model agreement between high schools and colleges for these programs. Additionally, the bill expands a fee-waiver grant program to help high-need students access advanced courses without charging their parents, with funding potentially shifting from local school districts to higher education institutions.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Connecticut · House May 20, 2026

HB 5525: AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.

This bill establishes a rapid response program to quickly address new or spreading aquatic invasive plant species in Connecticut waterbodies, primarily affecting state agencies and property owners near affected lakes and ponds. It requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to expedite permits for containment efforts, especially for hydrilla, and allows the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species to coordinate immediate treatment without requiring separate notices to waterfront property owners. The legislation creates an interagency task force to develop response protocols and a statewide management plan, while also mandating that public health officials review permits for treatments near drinking water sources.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Connecticut · House May 20, 2026

HB 5215: AN ACT CONCERNING THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONERS' RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD STATUTES.

HB 5215 makes technical updates to existing education and early childhood statutes. It clarifies that school boards must conduct annual indoor air quality inspections using EPA guidelines (effective 2024), requiring evaluations of HVAC systems, radon, mold, chemicals, pest control, and building maintenance. The bill also revises rules for the Early Childhood Education Endowment, changing annual fund transfers from the General Fund and adjusting release percentages (12% for 2026-2027, 10% thereafter) based on budget calculations. These changes primarily affect school districts, state education administrators, and the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board through updated administrative procedures.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Connecticut · House May 20, 2026

HB 5246: AN ACT CONCERNING THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONERS' RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO STATUTES CONCERNING ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY.

HB 5246 makes minor technical updates to Connecticut's energy and technology statutes. It adjusts deadlines for electric distribution companies to share regulatory evaluations with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, ensures certain financing orders and transition assessments cannot be altered, and mandates annual reports on energy efficiency metrics. These changes directly affect electric distribution companies, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Office of Consumer Counsel. The bill updates legal language without altering substantive policy and takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 157: AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL CAMP SAFETY.

SB 157 requires paid youth camp directors, assistant directors, and staff members (age 21 or older) at municipal youth camps to report suspected child abuse as mandated reporters. It also mandates the Office of Early Childhood to submit a report by January 1, 2027, listing all municipal youth camps, detailing their operations, the number and age range of children served, and whether they accept child care subsidies. The bill directly affects municipal youth camp staff (21+ in leadership roles) and the Office of Early Childhood, which must compile and submit the data. This focuses on improving child safety through clearer reporting requirements and better oversight of camp operations.