Connecticut Bills

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HJ 28: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE MICHAEL WU OF CANTON TO BE A STATE REFEREE.

This House Joint Resolution (HJ 28) confirms Governor's nomination of Michael Wu of Canton to serve as a State Referee for an eight-year term beginning May 3, 2026. The resolution formally approves his appointment without altering any existing laws or creating new obligations. It directly affects Michael Wu, who will assume the role of State Referee, and the judicial system that relies on such appointments. The resolution is purely procedural, with no substantive policy changes or mechanisms beyond confirming the Governor's nomination.

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HJ 11: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE RONALD E. KOWALSKI, II OF NORWALK TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

This resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Ronald E. Kowalski, II of Norwalk to serve as a Judge of the Superior Court for an eight-year term beginning May 3, 2026. It does not create new laws or policies but formally approves the judicial appointment through a procedural legislative step. The resolution directly affects Kowalski, who will assume the judicial role upon confirmation.

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HJ 30: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF DELWYN F. CUMMINGS OF MERIDEN TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.

This House Joint Resolution (HJ 30) confirms Governor’s nomination of Delwyn F. Cummings of Meriden to serve on the Board of Regents for Higher Education. It approves his appointment to replace James F. McCarthy Jr., with a term ending June 30, 2031. The resolution is procedural and does not create new policies or affect any legislation. It solely confirms an existing executive appointment to a state education governance board.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 290: AN ACT CLARIFYING THE MEANINGS OF "SEXUAL INTERCOURSE" AND "SEXUAL CONTACT".

SB 290 clarifies the legal definitions of "sexual intercourse" and "sexual contact" in the state's sexual assault laws. It specifies that prosecutions under sections 53a-70 to 53a-73a may be based on either a single act or multiple acts occurring as a continuous pattern of behavior. This change directly affects prosecutors, defendants, and courts handling sexual assault cases by providing a clear standard for what constitutes a single course of conduct. The bill does not alter criminal penalties but ensures consistent application of these definitions to all cases occurring before, on, or after its effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 5328: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS ANTI-MUSLIM AND ANTI-ARAB RACISM IN SCHOOLS.

HB 5328 establishes a working group to address Islamophobia in public schools. The group, composed of 10 appointed members including Muslim community representatives, educators, and civil rights advocates, will provide resources and recommendations to the Department of Education by January 1, 2027. Its key mechanisms include proposing policy amendments to improve school safety for Muslim students and staff, and offering training for educators on addressing religious bigotry. This procedural bill directly affects public schools statewide by creating a structured process to develop solutions, though it does not enact immediate policy changes.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 5325: AN ACT CONCERNING SPECIAL EDUCATION.

HB 5325 restricts school seclusion to emergency situations only (to prevent immediate injury), banning its use for discipline, convenience, or as a planned intervention in student plans. It requires constant monitoring, cameras, and clear visibility (via windows) in all seclusion rooms. The bill also mandates annual reports on special education spending and updates contract rules for private service providers. These changes directly affect students in special education, school staff, and private providers offering these services.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 5429: AN ACT CONCERNING ENTICEMENT OF A JUVENILE TO COMMIT A CRIMINAL ACT.

HB 5429 lowers the age threshold for criminal liability when an adult entices a minor to commit a crime. It changes the law so that individuals aged 21 or older - not just those 23 or older - can be charged with enticing a juvenile (under 18) to commit a criminal act. The bill maintains existing penalties: a first offense is a class A misdemeanor, and repeat offenses become class D felonies. This directly affects adults aged 21-22 who might have previously avoided prosecution under the old law, while keeping the same enforcement structure for the offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 5322: AN ACT CONCERNING A WORKING GROUP REGARDING ENDOMETRIOSIS.

HB 5322 establishes an endometriosis working group within Connecticut's Legislative Department to evaluate current methods for diagnosing, treating, and educating healthcare providers about endometriosis. The group, appointed by the House chairperson of the human services committee, will assess best practices and provide recommendations to improve care for patients. It must submit annual reports starting January 1, 2027, to relevant legislative committees on public health and human services. This bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on studying existing approaches to address endometriosis care gaps.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 122: AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS.

SB 122 requires the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services, to conduct a study of the state's long-term care needs. The study must be completed and reported to relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects state agencies responsible for aging and disability services, mandating a formal review of current long-term care requirements without implementing new policies or funding.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 5434: AN ACT CONCERNING STATE-WIDE RECOGNITION OF MINOR PARTIES FOR PURPOSES OF NOMINATING PETITIONS.

HB 5434 requires that political parties must have received at least 1% of the votes for a specific office in the last election to be recognized for including their designation on candidate nominating petitions. This bill defines a "minor party" as one that is not a major party and whose candidate received at least 1% of the votes for the relevant office in the previous election. It affects candidates and political parties seeking to run under a party label on petitions for state or local offices, ensuring only parties with demonstrated voter support can be listed. The law, effective January 1, 2027, updates the process for applying for nominating petitions to include this threshold requirement.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SJ 37: RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS.

This Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 37) proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Connecticut's state constitution, establishing enforceable environmental rights for all residents. It would guarantee every person the right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, and a stable climate, requiring the state to protect these rights equitably regardless of race, gender, income, or location. The amendment also mandates the state to conserve natural resources and prohibits avoidable environmental harm or diversion of funds meant for environmental protection. If approved by voters in November 2026, this would become a permanent part of Connecticut's constitution, directly affecting all residents and future generations.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 395: AN ACT STUDYING EFFORTS TO INCREASE VOTER PARTICIPATION AND AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL PILOT PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE SUCH EFFORTS.

SB 395 establishes a task force to study strategies for achieving 100% voter participation in the state by 2030, including examining policies requiring voting as a civic duty and assessing election administration needs. The task force, composed of legislative leaders, state officials, and gubernatorial appointees, must report findings and recommendations by February 2027, including potential funding for municipal efforts. The bill also authorizes local governments to create pilot programs - within existing resources - to boost voter engagement, such as outreach campaigns, without mandating new voting requirements. It focuses on research and local experimentation, not direct policy changes to election laws.

Bill results