Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 5206: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS WHO MEET CERTAIN SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.

HB 5206 establishes a tax credit of up to $2,500 against personal income tax for volunteer firefighters who meet specific service requirements. The credit directly affects volunteer firefighters certified by their fire chief as having completed the required service hours. Key provisions require fire chiefs to verify qualifying service, with the credit applying against the individual's state income tax liability. This policy change provides direct financial relief to eligible volunteer firefighters without altering tax rates or creating new obligations for the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 5321: AN ACT CONCERNING WORKFORCE SHORTAGES, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE TRAINING.

HB 5321 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to study workforce shortages, workforce development programs, and training availability across the state. The study must analyze how these factors impact commercial activity and submit a report to the General Assembly's Commerce committee by January 1, 2027. This bill does not create new programs or policies - it solely mandates a fact-finding study to inform future decisions.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 364: AN ACT CONCERNING EXTREME WEATHER PROTOCOLS.

SB 364 requires Connecticut's Division of Emergency Management to create standardized protocols for extreme heat and cold weather by January 1, 2027. The protocols must define specific weather thresholds (like temperatures, heat index, and wind chill) that trigger the opening of public cooling and warming centers, along with transportation access and public communication methods. These protocols will be posted online and shared through Connecticut's 2-1-1 Infoline service. The bill directly affects the state agency, local municipalities, and residents who may use these centers during extreme weather events.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 18, 2026

HJ 31: RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND BOARD AND PROGRAM.

This House Joint Resolution reauthorizes the Community Investment Fund 2030 Board and its program under Connecticut General Statute §32-285a. It enables the State Bond Commission to issue bonds for eligible projects during fiscal years 2028-2032, as required by law before bond issuance. The resolution does not change program details but formally continues the existing board's authority to review project applications and recommend funding to the Governor.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 382: AN ACT CONCERNING EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY.

SB 382 requires supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesalers (retail food establishments) to donate surplus edible food - like unsold items nearing expiration or with minor packaging damage - to food banks and similar organizations. It mandates the state to develop donation guidelines by January 2027 and requires retailers to report annual donation data starting in 2028. The bill directly affects food retailers, food distribution organizations, and state agencies by creating a structured system for food recovery while ensuring donated food meets safety standards.

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 5479: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT'S PLAN TO BECOME A MEMBER OF AN ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES.

This bill authorizes the University of Connecticut to join the Association of Research Universities by mandating the hiring of at least ten top-tier research faculty members by June 2029. The legislation requires the university to submit annual progress reports to the state legislature and allocates $35 million in state funding for faculty salaries and benefits. Additionally, it grants the State Bond Commission authority to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to finance infrastructure improvements like laboratory space and equipment needed to support the new faculty. These provisions aim to enhance the university's research capabilities and competitive standing while establishing accountability through regular reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SB 135: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND CAREER SYSTEM.

SB 135 requires the Technical Education and Career System to submit annual reports to state legislative committees by November 15, detailing curriculum updates for future workforce needs, graduate employment data (including demographics, wages, and program completion), resource assessments, and staffing needs. It mandates the development of a long-term strategic plan (starting January 1, 2030) for the system, updated every five years, to coordinate with other education providers and address capital improvements. The bill also establishes a process for evaluating existing vocational programs every five years based on job demand, technological changes, and instructor availability, and for adding new programs considering workforce needs, cost, and underrepresented populations. This directly affects technical education schools, state legislators, and workforce development planning.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 5152: AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN AUTHORITIES RELATED TO THE PREVENTION OF WILDFIRES.

HB 5152 modifies rules for open burning to prevent wildfires. It allows residential brush burning on private property with a local permit, but prohibits it during high fire danger, poor air quality, or near forests within 100 feet. Municipal landfills, transfer stations, and recycling centers can burn brush up to six times yearly with fire marshal approval and commissioner review, but must ban burning leaves, demolition waste, or other solid waste. The bill also adds new permitted uses like agricultural cleanup after disasters and wildlife habitat management, while requiring local officials to be certified and setting fees for permits. These changes directly affect homeowners, municipalities, and fire officials managing burn permits.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SB 93: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE ACCESS.

SB 93 implements Connecticut's Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in rural areas. The bill updates nurse aide regulations (effective 2027), clarifying definitions and strengthening complaint procedures for misconduct in nursing facilities. It also establishes an interstate compact (effective 2026) to streamline emergency medical services (EMS) personnel licensure across state lines, facilitating quicker deployment during emergencies. The program directly affects rural healthcare facilities, nurse aides, EMS personnel, and tribal health programs receiving federal funds under 42 USC 1397ee(h).

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 5169: AN ACT REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ALERT IN THE STATE-WIDE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE REGARDING PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE OR COMBATIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARD A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

HB 5169 requires Connecticut's Department of Public Health to create a system that alerts healthcare providers about patients with a documented history of violence or combative behavior toward medical staff. It affects all healthcare providers using the state's electronic health records system (capable of connecting to the State-wide Health Information Exchange) by mandating they report such incidents and receive alerts when scheduling new or existing patients with these histories. Key provisions include developing the alert system by January 1, 2027, and requiring providers to document incidents in their digital records. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, aiming to improve provider safety through shared patient history data.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 5277: AN ACT CONCERNING THE POSTING OF VETERANS' INFORMATION AND SERVICES FOR DISPLAY IN THE WORKPLACE.

HB 5277 requires Connecticut's Labor Department and Office of Manufacturing to post downloadable information about veterans' benefits and services on their websites by October 1, 2026. This information, defined under Connecticut law for veterans, is intended for employers to display in their workplaces. The bill does not mandate that employers display the information but makes it readily available for those who choose to do so. It directly affects employers seeking to showcase resources for veteran employees or veterans in their community. The provision is effective October 1, 2026, and is administered by the Labor Commissioner and Chief Manufacturing Officer with input from the Veterans Affairs Commissioner.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SB 344: AN ACT PROTECTING CHILDREN'S SAFETY BY REQUIRING AFFIRMATIVE CONSENT BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN FOR THE USE OF A CHILD'S LIKENESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

SB 344 requires written parental or guardian consent before using a child's photo, video, or likeness for marketing or advertising on social media. It directly affects parents/guardians (who must provide consent), social media users (who must obtain consent), and schools (which cannot deny school activities if consent is not given). The bill prohibits using a child's image for promotion without written permission and bans denying school participation due to lack of consent. It takes effect for general social media use on October 1, 2026, and for schools on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Technology

Bill results