Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 86: AN ACT ADDRESSING INNOVATIONS IN AND THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

SB 86 establishes data governance structures for Connecticut's executive branch agencies to improve data management and transparency. It requires each agency to appoint an "agency data officer" and creates a state "Chief Data Officer" to develop a biennial data plan, standardize data practices, and create an online open data repository. The bill mandates agencies to inventory high-value public data and publish open data (after privacy safeguards), with a specific provision (section j) directing the Chief Data Officer to identify data suitable for AI systems by 2028, while ensuring policies prevent discrimination. The law focuses on data infrastructure and access - not regulating AI technology or developers - and takes effect July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 358: AN ACT CONCERNING THE RETENTION OF SERVICE CONTRACT WORKERS.

SB 358 requires contractors and awarding authorities (like airports, hospitals, schools, or large commercial buildings) to provide advance notice to employees and unions when service contracts end or aren't renewed. It mandates that terminated contractors share employee details (name, hire date, job title) with the new contractor within three days of receiving termination notice. The law applies to "service workers" performing maintenance, security, food services, or cleaning at covered locations (including airports, schools, hospitals, and facilities over 75,000 sq. ft.), excluding managerial staff or short-hour workers. This rule takes effect October 1, 2026, aiming to protect job continuity for affected workers during contract transitions.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 251: AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUDITORS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, AUDITS OF PRIVATE ENTITIES AND PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS FOR STATE AND QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES.

SB 251 expands the audit authority of the Auditors of Public Accounts, allowing them to set their own audit schedules and scope for state agencies, public bodies, and private contractors receiving $25,000+ annually in state funds for housing or human services. The bill requires annual audits of the Treasurer and Comptroller, biennial audits of state departments and agencies (with more frequent audits permitted if needed), and mandates that private contractors provide relevant information and allow office visits. Auditors must report findings to the Governor and legislative committees and submit an annual audit plan to the government oversight committee by July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects state government entities, public bodies, and qualifying private contractors.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 409: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE STATUTORY ROLES OF THE VARIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY POSITIONS IN THE STATE.

This bill establishes a working group to examine the statutory roles and responsibilities of various law enforcement and public safety positions in Connecticut. The group will identify different positions performing these functions, clarify their jurisdictions, assess training and certification requirements, and recommend any necessary statutory changes. The working group includes representatives from state agencies, the police chiefs association, and legislative committee members, and must submit its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2027.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 406: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DISPLAY OF LIGHTED LAMPS ON BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND ELECTRIC SCOOTERS.

This bill requires bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters to display a front light from half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunrise, expanding the current requirement which only applies after sunset. The law also mandates that these vehicles carry a rear reflector or tail light visible from 600 feet, reflective material on both sides, a braking device capable of stopping within 25 feet at 10 mph, and prohibits the use of sirens or whistles while riding. These safety equipment requirements apply to all such vehicles operated on public highways and are effective October 1, 2026. Violations of these provisions are classified as infractions that may result in fines.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 405: AN ACT CONCERNING THE IMPAIRED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT AND DRUG RECOGNITION TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM.

This bill establishes a new grant program to help municipalities and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection pay for training police officers in impaired driving enforcement and drug recognition. The program allows these entities to receive funding either to reimburse costs for training already completed on or after July 1, 2026, or to pay for future training sessions. Additionally, the bill changes how certain cannabis taxes are distributed, directing five percent of tax revenue from fiscal years 2027 and 2028 onward into a dedicated account that will fund this training program. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management will manage the grants and submit annual reports to the legislature starting in 2028.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 404: AN ACT CONCERNING FIREWORKS, FOUNTAINS AND NOVELTIES.

This bill updates Connecticut's fireworks laws by redefining key terms and adjusting regulations for who can legally purchase and use pyrotechnic products. It allows individuals aged 16 and older to buy and use sparklers, fountains, and novelties under specific weight and composition restrictions, while maintaining a ban on selling or using larger, explosive fireworks without permits. The legislation also establishes a permit system for supervised public displays and requires operators to obtain state-issued competency certificates, which must be renewed every three years. Additionally, the bill specifies which chemical formulas are permitted in aerial displays to enhance public safety.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 5451: AN ACT CONCERNING POSSESSION OF A FIREARM ON SCHOOL GROUNDS BY A CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER.

This bill allows certified police officers to carry firearms on school grounds at any time, regardless of whether they are performing official duties. It directly affects law enforcement officers certified under section 7-294d and modifies existing rules that previously restricted firearm possession on school property to only those actively performing official duties. The legislation creates an exception to the felony charge for unauthorized firearm possession on school grounds, which remains a class D felony for all other individuals. The change takes effect on October 1, 2026, and does not impose additional costs on state or municipal budgets.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 5456: AN ACT CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION.

This bill changes the staffing structure of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection by increasing the number of deputy commissioners the department head can appoint from two to three. The change takes effect on October 1, 2026, and allows the commissioner to appoint an additional deputy to assist with administering the department under their direction. The legislation does not alter the existing requirement that two deputy commissioners lead specific divisions, but simply adds the option for a third deputy position. Implementing this change will require state funding for salary and benefits costs in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 5458: AN ACT PROHIBITING THE DIVISION OF STATE POLICE AND MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS FROM ACCEPTING CERTAIN FEDERAL GRANTS RELATED TO CANNABIS GROWN ON PRIVATE LAND.

This bill prohibits the Division of State Police and municipal police departments from accepting federal grants to conduct programs related to the surveillance, search for, or destruction of cannabis grown on private land. The law directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies by restricting their ability to use federally funded resources for these specific activities. It does not prevent police from performing these duties using state or local funds, nor does it change existing laws regarding cannabis enforcement. The restriction takes effect on October 1, 2026, and applies only to grant-funded programs rather than general police operations.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 426: AN ACT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT OF ENERGY REGULATION IN THE STATE.

This bill requires the Department of Administrative Services to hire a national consultant to conduct an impartial study of the state's energy regulation structure. The study will examine whether the current Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority are meeting legislative goals and compare the state's approach with other states that have deregulated utilities. The consultant must submit findings and recommendations by January 1, 2028, to relevant legislative committees. The bill authorizes up to $1.6 million in funding for this one-time evaluation, which aims to identify potential improvements to the state's energy policy framework.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 5474: AN ACT CONCERNING OVERSIGHT OF MEDICAL CARE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE INCARCERATED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION.

This bill establishes new oversight requirements for medical care provided to incarcerated individuals at the Department of Correction, directly affecting prisoners and correctional facilities. It mandates that the Commissioner of Correction develop a health care plan by October 1, 2025, ensuring sufficient mental health therapists at each institution and requiring specific protocols for psychotropic medication prescriptions, including thorough medical history reviews and benefit-risk assessments. The legislation also requires annual physical examinations, initial health assessments within 14 days of intake, and appropriate placement in medical or mental health housing units when recommended by medical professionals.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Bill results