Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5480: AN ACT CONCERNING PEER SUPPORT SERVICES UNDER THE MEDICAID PROGRAM.

This bill requires the state Medicaid program to pay for peer support services, which are recovery-focused behavioral health services provided by individuals with lived experience in mental illness or substance use recovery. Starting July 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Social Services must update Medicaid rules to include these services in care teams and begin reimbursing certified peer support specialists for their work. The law also mandates a report by August 1, 2027, detailing how many specialists receive payment, how many Medicaid enrollees they serve, and any treatment outcome data collected from their services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Savet Constantine (D) Eleni DeGraw (D) Lucy Dathan (D) Nick Gauthier (D) Julie Kushner (D)

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5496: AN ACT CONCERNING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTIONS FOR UTILITY AND PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES.

This bill requires municipal utility and public works employers to assess workplace violence risks for employees who interact directly with customers, such as those working in customer homes or during late hours. Employers must complete these risk assessments by January 2027 and implement prevention training by July 2027, covering topics like conflict resolution, minimizing cash on hand, and reporting aggressive behavior. The law also mandates that employers keep records of any workplace violence incidents and submit annual reports to the state Labor Department detailing the number and locations of such events. These requirements apply to electric, gas, and water utilities, regional water and sewer authorities, public service companies, and municipal public works departments.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5469: AN ACT CONCERNING COLOCATED ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS AND LARGE ELECTRIC LOAD CUSTOMERS.

This bill updates definitions for utility companies and related terms within Connecticut's energy and environmental protection laws. It clarifies which entities are considered public service companies, gas companies, water companies, and other utility providers while explicitly excluding municipalities, private power producers, and certain government-owned systems from these definitions. The changes affect how the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection classify and regulate various utility services across the state. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and primarily impacts regulatory oversight rather than creating new operational requirements for customers or suppliers.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5520: AN ACT CONCERNING FISH PASSAGES.

This bill updates Connecticut's laws to require fish passage facilities at dams and artificial obstructions, affecting dam owners, municipalities, and property owners upstream of these structures. It establishes a process where ten or more property owners can petition the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to require a fishway, while also allowing any person to petition for safe and effective fish passage at hydroelectric dams not regulated by federal agencies. The commissioner must hold public hearings, publish draft orders, and consider public comments before issuing final decisions, with requirements to maintain water flows and remove harmful obstructions if necessary.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 421: AN ACT CONCERNING REPORTING OF DOUBLE UTILITY POLES.

This bill creates a public reporting system for double utility poles, which are two poles located within six feet of each other due to incomplete replacement work. It requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to launch an online reporting platform by July 1, 2026, where any person can submit reports with location details and photographs. The commissioner will compile quarterly lists of these reports and share them with electric distribution companies, telephone companies, and municipal electric utilities starting October 31, 2027. The legislation defines specific utility pole types and establishes clear timelines for implementing the reporting infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 501: AN ACT CONCERNING THE COMPLEX REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY AND WHEELCHAIR REPAIR ADVISORY COUNCIL.

This bill creates a new advisory council to oversee wheelchair repairs and establish stricter timelines for dealers to fix complex rehabilitation technology wheelchairs. The council will include representatives from Medicaid recipients, private insurance users, disability advocates, dealers, and state agencies to monitor repair times and make recommendations. Dealers must now respond to repair requests within one business day, order parts within three days, and offer home repairs upon request, while a new complaint system tracks repair delays. The bill also requires regular reporting on repair performance to state committees to ensure accountability.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5149: AN ACT CONCERNING PHONE-FREE SCHOOLS.

HB 5149, effective July 1, 2026, prohibits students in Connecticut public schools (grades K-12) from possessing or using personal mobile electronic devices (like cell phones, tablets, or laptops) during the regular school day, except for students requiring device use for an individualized education program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. School boards must create policies covering device storage, discipline for violations, and exceptions for special needs accommodations. The bill also prohibits school districts from using social media as the sole method to communicate with families about school matters. This directly affects all K-12 public school students and school districts across Connecticut.

Topics ✗ Technology

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5227: AN ACT CONCERNING COMMERCIAL MOLD REMEDIATION AND FIRE AND CATASTROPHIC RESTORATION BUSINESSES.

HB 5227 requires anyone performing paid mold remediation in Connecticut to hold a state-issued certification starting January 1, 2027. Certification must be obtained from approved organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) or the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORM), with existing licensed contractors exempt from this requirement. The law also mandates a public awareness campaign about mold health risks and annual reports from the Department of Consumer Protection on mold science, remediation standards, and recommended policy changes. These provisions directly affect mold remediation service providers, aiming to standardize practices and improve public safety information.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5261: AN ACT PERMITTING MUNICIPALITIES TO PROHIBIT RENT INCREASES IN THE EVENT OF MULTIPLE STATE BUILDING CODE VIOLATIONS.

HB 5261 allows municipalities to ban rent increases for residential rental units that have two or more outstanding violations of local health/safety ordinances or the State Building Code. The bill requires municipalities to pass a local ordinance through their legislative body to implement this restriction, which remains in effect until the building violations are fixed. It directly affects landlords of affected properties and provides tenants with protection from rent hikes during unsafe living conditions. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all residential units defined under state law.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 270: AN ACT CONCERNING THE LABOR DEPARTMENT.

SB 270 requires Connecticut's Labor Commissioner to study the state Labor Department's operations and report findings by January 1, 2027. The report must include the commissioner's recommendations for potential legislative changes to the department. This bill directly affects the Labor Department and the legislature's oversight process, as it mandates a formal review of departmental structure and functions. It does not enact new policies but sets a timeline for a comprehensive assessment to inform future decisions.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5154: AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN REVISIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION'S PERMITTING AUTHORITY.

HB 5154 allows Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to issue general permits for certain activities instead of individual permits, reducing administrative steps for businesses and projects. It automatically renews solid waste facility permits after 90 days if a complete renewal application is submitted and the agency takes no action. The bill also establishes a new process for approving solid waste management demonstration projects, requiring a $1,000 fee and ensuring projects meet environmental safety standards. These changes streamline permitting while maintaining environmental protections for affected entities.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 234: AN ACT CONCERNING PASSENGER RESTRICTIONS FOR YOUTH INSTRUCTION PERMIT HOLDERS.

SB 234 amends Connecticut law to allow 16- and 17-year-old drivers with a valid license to transport their siblings without restriction, removing a prior limitation that only permitted transporting parents/guardians or driving instructors. The bill specifically updates Section 14-36g of the general statutes (effective October 1, 2026) to explicitly include siblings as permitted passengers under the "no passenger" restriction for new teen drivers. This change directly affects young drivers aged 16-17 who previously faced limitations on who they could transport in their vehicle. The policy change is a concrete modification to existing licensing rules, with no additional requirements or exceptions beyond the stated allowance for siblings.

Bill results