Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 505: AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF THE LAWS OF THIS STATE CONCERNING ISSUES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

This bill establishes a working group to review state laws related to criminal justice, specifically examining titles 18, 53, 53a, and 54 of the general statutes. The group will be composed of six members appointed by various legislative leaders, including the Speaker, Senate president pro tempore, and both majority and minority leaders from each chamber. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the judiciary committee by January 1, 2027, after which it will dissolve. This measure creates a temporary committee tasked with analyzing existing criminal justice laws and proposing potential legislative changes, without specifying what those changes should be.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 5490: AN ACT CONCERNING REQUIREMENTS FOR SOBER LIVING HOMES OPERATING IN THE STATE.

This bill establishes new requirements for sober living homes operating in the state, which are defined as alcohol-free and drug-free residences for unrelated adults recovering from substance use disorders without formal treatment services. The law mandates that certified homes report their status and operational details to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, maintain opioid antagonists on-site, provide annual opioid antagonist training to residents when needed, and submit annual reports on staffing, capacity, and compliance history. Additionally, operators are prohibited from advertising their homes as treatment facilities or making specific outcome claims, and must clearly state on their websites that they provide supportive housing rather than licensed treatment services. These provisions aim to increase transparency and standardize operations while clarifying the distinction between sober living homes and formal substance use disorder treatment facilities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 5166: AN ACT CONCERNING SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE.

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 236: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT AIRPORT AUTHORITY REGARDING THE LICENSURE AND REGISTRATION OF AIRPORTS AND OTHER AIR NAVIGATION FACILITIES.

SB 236 establishes a new licensing and registration system for airports and air navigation facilities in Connecticut. It requires facilities expecting more than 36 annual landings/takeoffs to obtain a license (costing $300, renewable every 3 years) and those with 36 or fewer to register (costing $100, renewable every 3 years), both requiring certification of compliance with laws. Municipalities operating their own airports are exempt from these fees. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and includes penalties for operating without proper licensing/registration (class C misdemeanor). This directly affects airport operators, particularly small facilities with lower traffic volumes.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 5306: AN ACT CONCERNING SENTENCE REDUCTION OR RELIEF FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

HB 5306 allows courts to reduce sentences for individuals convicted of felonies who were survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, provided the abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. Defendants must submit documented proof (such as court records, protective orders, or counselor affidavits) demonstrating their survivor status and the abuse's role in the crime. Courts must then determine if the abuse was a contributing factor before applying sentence reductions. This applies to all felony convictions where the abuse contributed to the offense, without requiring it to be the sole cause, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 355: AN ACT CONCERNING LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OF NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS.

This bill replaces Connecticut's existing anti-discrimination statute with new provisions specifically addressing pregnancy-related discrimination. It directly affects pregnant employees and employers by requiring reasonable accommodations (like modified schedules, breaks, or light duty) and prohibiting termination or denial of leave due to pregnancy. Key mechanisms include defining "pregnancy" broadly to cover childbirth and lactation, clarifying "reasonable accommodation," and establishing standards for "undue hardship" based on employer resources. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and explicitly prohibits employment discrimination based on pregnancy in hiring, promotion, or terms of employment. (Note: The bill title mentions "nondisclosure agreements," but the text focuses solely on pregnancy protections; the title appears inaccurate based on the provided content.)

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 263: AN ACT CONCERNING WATER SAFETY AND SWIM INSTRUCTION.

SB 263 creates a program to provide free swimming lessons to children and teens under 17 who live in designated low-income census tracts or qualify for SNAP (food assistance) or WIC (nutrition program for mothers and infants). Starting in 2027, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will administer the program during summer months, partnering with nonprofit organizations to deliver lessons. The program will be funded through state appropriations and may accept private donations. This directly affects eligible youth by improving access to water safety education in underserved communities.

failed · Connecticut · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 5378: AN ACT CONCERNING SELF-FUNDED MULTIPLE EMPLOYER WELFARE ARRANGEMENTS AND REQUIRING A STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTICUT OPTION PROGRAM.

HB 5378 requires a study to determine if Connecticut can establish a state-run health insurance program (the "Connecticut Option Program") that would allow multiple employers to pool health coverage. The bill also updates definitions related to self-funded health plans shared by multiple employers (known as multiple employer welfare arrangements, or MEWAs) and other insurance terms. It does not create new programs but mandates a feasibility study by the state's insurance department. The study will examine whether such a program could provide affordable coverage options for employers and employees. This bill directly affects employers using self-funded health plans and future participants in the Connecticut Option Program, if established.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 5428: AN ACT CONCERNING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

HB 5428 expands the Office of the Inspector General's authority to investigate police-related deaths and use-of-force incidents. It requires investigations when a peace officer uses physical force causing death (Section 1(a)(1)), when a person dies in police or correctional custody (1(a)(2)), or when next-of-kin report failures to notify about a death (1(a)(3)). The Inspector General must file public reports within 48 hours detailing circumstances, justifiability of force under state law, and recommended actions (Section 1(b)). This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, peace officers, and families of deceased individuals, mandating standardized investigations and transparency for specific incidents.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 5399: AN ACT CONCERNING DENTISTRY.

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 5405: AN ACT CONCERNING OWNERS, OPERATORS AND LESSEES OF CRANES AND HOISTING EQUIPMENT.

HB 5405 establishes new safety regulations for crane and hoisting equipment operations in Connecticut. It creates a seven-member Examining Board to oversee licensing, grants inspectors authority to issue stop-work orders for violations like unsafe operation or incompetence (effective October 1, 2026), and imposes fines up to $5,000 for violations - including $5,000 for ignoring a stop-work order. The bill directly affects crane owners, operators, and hoisting equipment operators by requiring valid licenses, mandating compliance with safety standards, and enabling enforcement actions. Key provisions include mandatory administrative hearings for contested stop-work orders and civil penalties for operating without proper certification.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 257: AN ACT CONCERNING EVICTIONS FOR CAUSE.

SB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Housing

Bill results