Connecticut Bills

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 1240: AN ACT CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CODES AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE.

SB 1240 reduces the membership of Connecticut's Codes and Standards Committee from 23 to 20 members by removing specific roles: one licensed architect, one structural/mechanical/electrical engineer (replacing the option for a mechanical engineer with fire protection experience), a public health official, and two public members. It adds two new contractor roles: one licensed for commercial fire sprinkler systems and another for commercial fire alarm systems. The bill also clarifies that local building and fire officials on the committee must be actively engaged in their duties. This procedural change, effective October 1, 2025, has no fiscal impact on state or municipal budgets.

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 1356: AN ACT CONCERNING DATA PRIVACY, ONLINE MONITORING, SOCIAL MEDIA, DATA BROKERS AND CONNECTED VEHICLE SERVICES.

This bill establishes definitions for a comprehensive data privacy law but does not outline specific policy requirements in the provided text. It defines key terms like "consumer," "biometric data," "dark patterns," and "gender-affirming health data" to govern how personal information is handled. The definitions would apply to businesses processing data of Connecticut residents, particularly regarding health data and online tracking. The bill's full provisions (including requirements for businesses) would take effect October 1, 2025, but the current text only contains foundational terminology.

Topics ✓ Technology

passed · Connecticut · House May 16, 2025

HB 6477: AN ACT REQUIRING A PLAN FOR THE TRANSLATION AND REVIEW OF FORMS AND APPLICATIONS REQUIRED TO ACCESS STATE AGENCY SERVICES OR BENEFITS BY LIMITED-ENGLISH PROFICIENT INDIVIDUALS.

HB 6477 requires the Governor's office to create a plan by January 1, 2026, for translating state forms and applications - such as those for vital records and identification - into the 12 most common non-English languages in the state, based on the latest U.S. Census data. This directly affects limited-English proficient residents who need to access state agency services or benefits. The bill mandates the plan's development but does not require immediate translation, focusing instead on a structured review process. It has no fiscal impact on state or local governments, as noted in official analyses.

Topics ✓ Immigration

passed · Connecticut · House May 16, 2025

HB 7182: AN ACT CONCERNING ENTERTAINMENT EVENT TICKETS.

HB 7182, effective October 1, 2025, regulates ticket resellers for entertainment events (excluding movies). It requires resellers to either have the ticket in hand or provide clear written disclosure if they cannot guarantee supply at the contracted price. The bill also bans websites from using venue names, event names, or similar terms in their domain names for ticket sales, except for venue-operated sites. This directly affects ticket resellers and online ticket platforms, aiming to prevent deceptive practices by mandating transparency in transactions.

passed · Connecticut · House May 16, 2025

HB 7248: AN ACT CONCERNING WELL WATER QUALITY.

HB 7248 modifies well water reporting requirements and allows temporary policy implementation. It requires private well test results to be reported to local health authorities and the Department of Public Health (DPH), maintaining confidentiality except for specific disclosures. The bill adds a new exception permitting DPH or local health authorities to share test results with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) when approved by the commissioner. It also establishes a process for DPH to implement temporary policies on water supply connections while final regulations are drafted, requiring public posting of these policies and a 20-day notice before final adoption. The bill directly affects private well owners, health authorities, and state environmental agencies.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 5: AN ACT CONCERNING HIGHER EDUCATION AFFORDABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

SB 5 establishes the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program to provide need-based and merit-based financial aid for Connecticut residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor's degree at public or independent colleges in the state. The program allocates funds across three grant types: a need/merit grant (20-30% of funds or $10 million, whichever is greater), a need-based grant (up to 80% of funds), and a minimum $100,000 Charter Oak grant. Eligibility is determined using the student aid index (replacing family contribution calculations) and academic achievement, with awards distributed via a sliding scale based on financial need and available funding. Recipients of the need/merit grant cannot also receive a need-based grant, ensuring distinct funding pathways for students with varying financial and academic profiles.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 2: AN ACT CONCERNING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

SB 2 regulates artificial intelligence systems used in major life decisions like hiring, loans, housing, and healthcare access. It defines "high-risk AI" as systems making "consequential decisions" (such as employment, credit, or housing) and requires developers and deployers to prevent algorithmic discrimination. The law specifically excludes video games, internal business tools, research activities, and non-discriminatory pattern analysis from regulation. It applies to companies operating within the state using such AI systems for covered decisions.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

passed · Connecticut · House May 15, 2025

HB 6852: AN ACT CONCERNING THE WAIVER OF CERTAIN CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECK FEES FOR AN INDIGENT PERSON SEEKING A PARDON.

HB 6852 waives the $75 fee for criminal history record checks required when applying for a pardon, specifically for low-income individuals. It directly affects people seeking pardons who cannot afford the fee, requiring them to submit an indigency form to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The bill modifies existing law to allow fee waivers for this specific purpose, without changing the pardon process itself. The waiver applies only to the criminal history record search fee, not other related costs. This change takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Connecticut · House May 15, 2025

HB 5012: AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF SHARK FINNING.

HB 5012 prohibits the possession, sale, or distribution of shark fins in the state, effective October 1, 2025. It directly affects businesses selling shark fin products and consumers purchasing them, while exempting licensed fishermen who separate fins from lawfully landed sharks during food preparation (requiring immediate destruction of fins unless used for personal consumption or taxidermy). The bill also allows permits for scientific or educational use of shark fins through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. This law excludes rays and smooth-hound sharks from its definition of "shark," aligning with existing regulations.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 1360: AN ACT REQUIRING LEGISLATIVE CONFIRMATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES' MEDICAID DIRECTOR.

SB 1360 requires the Commissioner of Social Services to nominate a Medicaid Director for the Governor's appointment, with the position now subject to legislative confirmation under state law. This changes the current process where the Commissioner appoints the Medicaid Director without legislative review. The bill directly affects the Department of Social Services' leadership structure and the appointment of its Medicaid Director. It has no fiscal impact on state or municipal budgets, as confirmed in the bill's analysis. The change applies immediately upon the bill's passage.

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 6: AN ACT CONCERNING RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS AND DISCONNECTED YOUTHS.

SB 6 requires Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood to lead administration of federal child care food programs, encouraging child care centers, group homes, and family homes to participate through annual outreach and data sharing. It also creates a new child nutrition outreach program under the Department of Education to boost participation in school breakfast, summer food, and child care food programs, including innovative methods like classroom breakfasts. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports on "disconnected youth" (youth not in school or work) using shared data from early childhood, health, and education agencies. These provisions directly affect child care providers, schools, and youth service agencies by expanding access to nutrition support and improving data-driven policy decisions.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 1373: AN ACT REQUIRING THE LICENSURE OF LACTATION CONSULTANTS.

SB 1373 requires all paid lactation consultants to obtain a state license starting July 1, 2026. To qualify, applicants must hold an active International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification and pay a $200 application fee. Licensed consultants must renew every two years ($100 fee) and maintain current IBCLC certification with required continuing education. The law exempts certain professionals (like those with existing healthcare licenses or working in WIC programs) who don’t use the title "lactation consultant." It directly affects individuals providing paid breastfeeding support services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results