Connecticut Bills

passed · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SJ 5: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE CHRISTINE PERRA RAPILLO OF CHESHIRE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL REVIEW COUNCIL.

This Senate Joint Resolution confirms Governor's nomination of Christine Perra Rapillo of Cheshire to serve as an alternate member of the Judicial Review Council. The resolution specifically states she will replace Karen A. Goodrow as a Superior Court judge (not a Supreme Court judge) and serve until November 30, 2028. The resolution does not create new policy or affect broader legislation - it solely approves this specific appointment to the Council.

passed · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SJ 4: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF HARRY RILLING OF NORWALK TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CONNECTICUT PORT AUTHORITY.

This Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 4) confirms the appointment of Harry Rilling of Norwalk to the Connecticut Port Authority Board of Directors. The resolution formally approves Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff's nomination for a term ending June 30, 2029. It does not create new policies or affect any specific regulations, as it is a routine procedural confirmation of an existing nomination. The Connecticut Port Authority oversees port operations and economic development in Connecticut.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 5168: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SECURE TRANSMISSION OF SAFETY PLANS OF MINOR PATIENTS TO SCHOOLS BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

HB 5168 requires health care providers to securely share mental health safety plans with schools for minors who received inpatient behavioral health treatment for at least 12 consecutive days, **after obtaining written permission** from the minor’s parent/guardian or the minor (if 16+). It mandates transmission via secure digital platforms or HIPAA-compliant methods, with schools setting up designated secure accounts for school nurses, counselors, or psychologists to access these plans. The bill explicitly protects confidentiality for sensitive issues like pregnancy, mental health, or STI care, ensuring providers cannot share information without consent or in violation of existing privacy laws. This directly affects minors receiving inpatient mental health care, health care providers, and schools that must establish secure access for designated staff.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

passed · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SJ 10: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF DR. ANDREW CARLSON OF MILFORD TO BE A MEMBER OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

This Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 10) confirms Governor's nomination of Dr. Andrew Carlson of Milford to serve on the State Board of Education, replacing Juan C. Salazar. It directly affects Dr. Carlson, who will serve until February 28, 2028, or until a successor is appointed. The resolution is purely procedural, approving the governor's nomination without altering any education policies or creating new requirements. It does not change existing laws or affect other stakeholders beyond confirming this specific appointment.

passed · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SJ 9: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF WILLIAM D. LOGUE OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE REAPPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ARBITRATION PANEL.

SJ 9 is a procedural resolution confirming Governor's nomination of William D. Logue of West Hartford for reappointment to the State Department of Education Arbitration Panel. The resolution approves his continued service as a neutral arbitrator through June 30, 2029, or until a successor is appointed. This is a routine confirmation of an existing nomination with no new policy or funding changes. The bill directly affects the panel's membership but does not alter education law or procedures.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 85: AN ACT AUTHORIZING AND ADJUSTING BONDS OF THE STATE, CONCERNING THE UCONN 2000 PROGRAM AND ESTABLISHING GRANT PROGRAMS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS, WAR OR VETERANS' MEMORIALS OR MONUMENTS AND AGING-IN-PLACE.

SB 85 authorizes the state to issue up to $31.5 million in bonds for specific infrastructure projects, effective July 2026. The funds will finance: a $20 million fleet garage replacement in Wethersfield (Department of Administrative Services), a $1.5 million mesonet system for emergency services (Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection), and $10 million in security upgrades for correction facilities (Department of Correction). The bill also includes a provision to establish a supplemental graduate student loan program, though the text provided does not detail this program’s mechanics. All bond proceeds must be used for the specified projects, with excess funds directed to the General Fund or other eligible projects per the State Bond Commission’s oversight. The bill does not describe the loan program’s structure or eligibility, as that section is not included in the provided text.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 5308: AN ACT CONCERNING POST-CONVICTION DNA TESTING.

HB 5308 allows individuals convicted of crimes and currently incarcerated or under supervision (probation/parole) to petition courts for DNA testing of evidence held by law enforcement, the Division of Criminal Justice, or courts. The bill requires petitioners to prove the testing could show they didn’t commit the crime, the evidence still exists and wasn’t previously tested, and the request isn’t for delay. Courts must order testing if these conditions are met, and the state covers costs for indigent petitioners while ensuring they have legal representation. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and makes denials of such petitions final for appeal.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SJ 36: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF DONALD E. WILLIAMS, JR. OF BROOKLYN TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.

This Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 36) confirms Governor's nomination of Donald E. Williams, Jr. of Brooklyn to serve on the Board of Regents for Higher Education, replacing Joann M. Ryan. The resolution approves his appointment to a term ending June 30, 2030, or until a successor is appointed. As a procedural confirmation resolution, it does not change policy but formally approves a gubernatorial nomination for a state higher education governance position.

passed · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SJ 35: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF ALEX HARRIS OF RIDGEFIELD TO BE REAPPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES.

This resolution confirms the reappointment of Alex Harris of Ridgefield to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities for a term ending July 13, 2028. It directly affects Harris, who will continue serving on the Commission, and the Commission itself, which gains a member for the specified term. The resolution is a procedural action approving a nomination by the Senate President Pro Tempore, with no new policy provisions or changes to existing laws.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 223: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PARAEDUCATOR HEALTH CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM.

SB 223 creates a healthcare subsidy program for paraeducators in Connecticut public schools. It provides two key subsidies: (1) direct financial assistance to paraeducators who enroll in high deductible health plans or open health savings accounts (covering a portion of their deductible costs, minus employer contributions), and (2) subsidies to school districts that help offset employee payroll deductions for health coverage (capped at 10% of total premium costs). The bill directly affects paraeducators (school support staff like teaching assistants) and public school districts, including charter schools. The program becomes effective July 1, 2026, with funding drawn from available appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 357: AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT DEPENDENCY ALLOWANCE.

SB 357 increases unemployment dependency allowances for qualifying individuals. It provides an additional $45 per week for each nonworking spouse living in the same household and for each child or disabled dependent under 18 (or under 21 in school) who was primarily supported by the claimant at the start of their benefit year. The allowance is paid on top of regular unemployment benefits, capped at 100% of the benefit rate, and limited to five dependents per claimant. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2028, directly affecting unemployed workers with dependent family members.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 354: AN ACT CONCERNING STAFFING IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS DIVISION IN THE LABOR DEPARTMENT.

SB 354 requires the Labor Commissioner to employ a minimum number of staff at the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Division starting in fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects unemployment claimants by aiming to improve processing of benefit claims through increased staffing. Its key provision mandates a specified minimum workforce level for the division, without changing benefit eligibility or amounts. This procedural bill focuses solely on staffing levels within the Labor Department's unemployment division.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results