Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HJ 34: RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONNECTICUT-TAIWAN SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP.

This House Joint Resolution (HJ 34) is a ceremonial statement commemorating the 27th anniversary of Connecticut's sister-state relationship with Taiwan (the Republic of China). It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it expresses legislative support for the existing economic, educational, and cultural ties between Connecticut and Taiwan, citing 2024 trade figures ($294 million exported to Taiwan) and shared democratic values. The resolution formally recognizes the anniversary and reiterates support for strengthening U.S.-Taiwan partnerships, but has no binding effect or direct impact on residents or businesses. It concludes by directing the resolution be sent to Taiwan's New York office.

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HJ 33: RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING NATIVE AMERICAN STEWARDSHIP.

This House Joint Resolution (HJ 33) is a symbolic acknowledgment by the Connecticut General Assembly that the land they occupy was originally stewarded by Native American nations. It formally recognizes the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, and Lenape peoples as the original caretakers of Connecticut land, thanking them for their resilience. The resolution specifically states that the University of Connecticut exists on Native American land and urges the Assembly to reflect on this history. Crucially, it clarifies this is purely ceremonial, with no legal or administrative effect.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 288: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING EXCEPTIONS TO THE NURSING HOME BED MORATORIUM, NURSING HOME RESIDENT DATA AND NURSING HOME REIMBURSEMENT RATE CAPS FOR RELATED PARTY EMPLOYEES.

SB 288 modifies rules for adding nursing home beds in Connecticut by creating specific exceptions to the existing bed moratorium. It allows new beds only for: (1) patients with AIDS or neurological rehabilitation needs, (2) continuing care facilities not using Medicaid, (3) relocating Medicaid beds per a strategic plan, (4) replacing facilities while closing existing ones, or (5) building small "nontraditional" facilities that reduce total beds. Nursing home operators seeking new beds must align with the Department of Social Services' strategic plan, prioritize person-centered care, and ensure no adverse impact on local bed availability. The bill directly affects nursing home providers applying for expansions or relocations under these new criteria.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 337: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE CONCERNING THE REMOVAL AND STORAGE OF PROPERTY OF EVICTED TENANTS.

SB 337 modifies how landlords handle tenants' belongings after an eviction judgment. It requires landlords to store possessions for at least 15 days, provide clear written notice about reclaiming items (including costs), and make reasonable efforts to notify tenants before selling unclaimed property. If tenants don’t claim belongings within 15 days, landlords must sell them at public auction after posting notices, with proceeds covering storage costs and returning any excess to the tenant. The bill directly affects tenants facing eviction and landlords managing abandoned property, ensuring transparency in handling personal effects.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 5156: AN ACT CONCERNING A CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERFUND.

HB 5156 establishes a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to fund climate adaptation projects by holding fossil fuel entities accountable for historical emissions. It targets fossil fuel companies (defined as entities extracting or refining fossil fuels during 1995-2024 that caused over 1 billion metric tons of emissions) to pay into a fund, rather than using taxpayer money. The fund finances specific climate adaptation projects, including coastal wetland restoration, stormwater system upgrades, urban heat mitigation, and protecting food systems from climate impacts, with priority for environmental justice communities. Projects must align with "nature-based solutions" like green infrastructure and energy-efficient retrofits for public buildings. The program is administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, starting October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 428: AN ACT CONCERNING RESEARCH FUNDING AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE.

This bill creates a new Academic Research Funding Commission within the Executive Department to distribute research grants to faculty at Connecticut colleges and universities. The commission will include 13 members appointed by various state officials, including university leaders, legislative leaders, and industry representatives, with co-chairs from the vice presidents of research at UConn and Yale. Its primary function is to award grants that help offset research funding reductions caused by cuts from federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. The commission will operate without compensation for its members, who will receive expense reimbursements, and will establish its own procedures through bylaws.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 5475: AN ACT CONCERNING OVERSIGHT OF PERMITTING PROCESSES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

This bill directs the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to evaluate ways to improve the state's permitting process by January 1, 2027. The commissioner must assess using artificial intelligence for preliminary reviews, explore automated tools for businesses and municipalities, and consider creating expedited review options with higher fees for certain permits. The report will also examine whether permit renewals without changes could be automated and have reduced fees. All findings and recommendations for new laws must be submitted to the General Assembly's relevant committees.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 5162: AN ACT AMENDING AN AUTHORIZATION OF BONDS OF THE STATE FOR A GRANT-IN-AID TO THE CONNECTICUT HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY.

HB 5162 amends Connecticut's bond authorization for the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), expanding the use of $38 million in funds to cover both emergency mortgage assistance and down payment assistance under the state's homeownership loan program. This change directly affects CHFA and Connecticut homeowners participating in the homeownership loan program (sections 8-283 to 8-289 of state statutes). The bill modifies existing funding rules to permit the same $38 million to capitalize down payment assistance, which was previously ineligible under this specific bond authorization. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 149: AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO THE FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.

SB 149 updates definitions for Connecticut's Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (CFM/WIC), clarifying terms like "certified farmer" (replacing "vendor") and "Connecticut-grown" produce. It specifies that benefits (replacing "vouchers") can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, and processed farm products like baked goods made with local ingredients. The bill directly affects certified farmers selling at authorized markets, WIC participants using benefits, and the Department of Agriculture administering the program. These revisions aim to align state operations with federal guidelines while streamlining program rules.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 146: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF CROPS AND LIVESTOCK FROM CERTAIN WILDLIFE.

SB 146 allows livestock owners to seek state permits to take wildlife (like bears) that injure or kill their animals or damage crops, after proving they tried nonlethal protections first. The bill requires owners to document using methods like fencing or guard animals, and a state agency must verify the need before issuing permits. Permits specify how, when, and where wildlife can be taken, and only apply to property owners, their agents, or tenants with written permission. It explicitly excludes federally protected species and does not permit using deadly force against wildlife except in immediate danger to people or pets.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 133: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTICUT-INDIA TRADE COMMISSION.

SB 133 establishes the Connecticut-India Trade Commission to facilitate bilateral trade and investment between Connecticut and India. The commission, composed of 12 appointed members (including legislative leaders, commerce committee representatives, higher education and business advocates, and Indian-American community representatives), will advance trade relations through joint policy initiatives, business/academic exchanges, and infrastructure investment promotion. It must submit annual reports starting in 2028 to the Governor and relevant legislative committees. This procedural bill creates a formal body to coordinate trade efforts but does not enact new laws or directly affect specific businesses or residents.

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 5275: AN ACT CONCERNING A CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNPAID WAGES ON A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.

HB 5275 requires construction contractors to be jointly responsible for paying unpaid wages owed to workers by their subcontractors on covered projects. It directly affects construction workers, contractors, and subcontractors working on most private construction, renovation, or rehabilitation projects (excluding public works and small residential homes). The key provision makes contractors liable for subcontractors' unpaid wages, effective October 1, 2026, while allowing contractors to include wage payment clauses in contracts - provided these don’t limit workers’ legal rights. The bill also updates wage recovery procedures under existing law, ensuring workers can seek double wages plus fees for unpaid compensation.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results