Connecticut Bills

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 323: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF STATE ETHICS FOR REVISIONS TO THE STATE CODES OF ETHICS.

SB 323 requires state officials - including elected leaders, legislators, department heads, and certain agency members - to file annual electronic financial disclosures by May 1st each year. These disclosures must detail business associations, income sources over $1,000, securities over $5,000, real property, major debts, and state contracts held by the official or their household. The bill exempts retirement accounts (like 401(k)s) from listing individual securities, requiring only the plan name. It aims to enhance transparency by standardizing ethics reporting across state agencies, effective October 1, 2026.

passed · Connecticut · House May 4, 2026

HR 11: RESOLUTION PROPOSING APPROVAL OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE GRADUATE EMPLOYEE UNION LOCAL 6950 - INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA.

This bill proposes the approval of a collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees and the Graduate Employee Union, which represents graduate student employees at the university. The agreement covers a four-year period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030, and includes provisions for wage increases, adjustments to health insurance premiums, and changes to university fee credits. By ratifying this contract, the Connecticut General Assembly formally authorizes the university to implement these terms, which are expected to result in net costs to the university's operating fund totaling approximately $29.6 million over the agreement's duration.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Connecticut · House May 4, 2026

HB 5453: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY REGARDING STATE-WIDE ESSENTIAL WORKER AND FIRST RESPONDER JOB CLASSIFICATIONS.

This bill requires state officials to conduct a study on whether to create official state-wide classifications for essential workers and first responders. The study will examine how such classifications would affect employee benefits and job requirements, develop clear definitions for these roles, and determine if specific groups like telecommunicators and public works employees should be included. The Department of Administrative Services will lead this research in consultation with emergency services and labor officials, with findings due by January 1, 2027. The bill does not change any current laws or create new benefits, but instead initiates a review process to inform potential future policy decisions.

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 150: AN ACT CONCERNING THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONERS' RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION STATUTES.

SB 150 makes technical revisions to existing higher education statutes in Connecticut, updating specific sections without changing policies or creating new requirements. It modifies wording in four statutes: extending transitional college program offerings through 2026 (10a-157a), clarifying community service program definitions (10a-80), refining governance responsibilities for community colleges (10a-72), and updating emergency teacher training program language (10-155). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is solely for administrative clarity to align statutes with current practices. It directly affects Connecticut State Community College operations and the Board of Regents for Higher Education, but does not alter program access, funding, or student eligibility.

signed · Connecticut · House May 4, 2026

HB 5044: AN ACT ESTABLISHING CONNECTICUT VACCINE STANDARDS.

HB 5044 establishes Connecticut's official vaccine standards for children and infants, requiring the Commissioner of Public Health to create and maintain a standard of care based on CDC and medical association guidelines. This standard, posted online, will guide vaccination schedules and safety protocols, and must be updated as needed. The bill also mandates a state immunization program that provides free vaccines to healthcare providers for children, distributes vaccination schedules to parents at hospital discharge, and develops outreach to help children who fall behind on immunizations. It directly affects children (especially infants), healthcare providers, hospitals, and public health departments. The program must use available state and federal funds to support these services without creating new state regulations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 300: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A DEBT COLLECTION EXEMPTION RELATING TO JOINT ACCOUNTS.

SB 300 creates a new exemption from debt collection for funds in joint bank accounts where a person has no legal ownership interest (equitable interest). Specifically, it adds a provision protecting "any part of the balance of an account deemed a joint account" if the debtor lacks equitable interest in it. This directly affects individuals who co-own accounts with others (e.g., a spouse or family member) but did not incur the debt. The exemption applies to funds in such accounts, preventing creditors from seizing those specific amounts during collection efforts. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

passed · Connecticut · House May 4, 2026

HB 5371: AN ACT CONCERNING INSURANCE REGULATION IN THE STATE.

HB 5371 requires the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study on state insurance regulation and submit a report to the General Assembly's insurance committee by January 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not change existing regulations or directly affect specific groups; it only mandates a study and reporting process. The key mechanism is the commissioner's obligation to analyze current insurance regulation and provide findings to lawmakers. The bill's sole purpose is to gather information for potential future policy decisions.