Connecticut Bills

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

Jenn Leeper (D) Steven Winter (D) Raghib Allie-Brennan (D) Eleni DeGraw (D) Lucy Dathan (D)

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

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 5314: AN ACT CONCERNING THE "HOMES FOR CT" LOAN PROGRAM.

HB 5314 updates Connecticut's "Homes for CT" loan program to set a clear interest rate cap: loans from participating financial institutions must charge a rate not exceeding The Wall Street Journal's published prime rate (replacing a previous Federal Home Loan Bank reference). It also expands the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's role, allowing it to provide additional loans or forgivable grants-in-aid to eligible borrowers beyond those from banks, with these new loans being subordinate to bank loans. The changes directly affect Connecticut homebuyers (particularly first-time buyers) who qualify for the program through participating lenders. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to streamline program administration while maintaining affordability.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 5157: AN ACT CONCERNING THE TIRE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

HB 5157 delays the requirement for retailers to join Connecticut's tire stewardship program until July 1, 2027. The bill amends Section 22a-905i of the general statutes to add a new subsection (s) that postpones the participation deadline. This directly affects tire retailers who would otherwise need to join the program sooner. The change provides a one-year extension from the original requirement date, giving retailers additional time to comply. The bill does not alter the program's structure or requirements, only the implementation timeline.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 491: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING.

This bill updates Connecticut's absentee voting laws to allow any eligible voter to request an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason for not voting in person. It replaces the current requirement that voters must cite reasons such as military service, illness, or religious observance with a system where voters simply apply for an absentee ballot. The legislation also mandates that absentee ballot envelopes include standardized language stating the voter is eligible to vote, removes the requirement for voters to list their specific reason for absentee voting on the envelope, and requires the Secretary of the State to provide plain-language instructions to all municipal clerks. Additionally, the bill includes specific provisions for incarcerated voters and updates the labeling requirements on return envelopes to include unique identification numbers and scannable barcodes.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 5529: AN ACT CONCERNING POLL BOOKS FOR THE CHECKING OF ELECTORS AT ELECTIONS, PRIMARIES AND REFERENDA.

This bill requires voter registrars in Connecticut to notify political committees, candidate committees, and referendum committees at least 14 days before any election, primary, or referendum about whether poll books will be paper-based or electronic. The law directly affects these committees by informing them of the voting method used to check electors at polling places or early voting locations. Registrars who fail to provide this notice face a fine of at least $50. The changes take effect on January 1, 2027, and aim to increase transparency about how voter checklists will be processed during elections.

Bill results