This bill prohibits landlords from denying rental applications based solely on credit history when the applicant is a victim of domestic violence, as defined by state law. Landlords may charge a capped fee (up to $50 plus annual inflation adjustment) for tenant screening reports but must provide applicants with a copy of the report or instructions to obtain it, along with a receipt. To qualify for the protection, applicants can submit a counselor letter, police report, or valid court order related to domestic violence. Violating this rule requires landlords to reimburse applicants for fees paid and cover attorney costs.
HB 5365 modifies Connecticut's affordable housing moratorium rules by increasing the required "housing unit-equivalent points" municipalities must achieve to qualify for a moratorium on new affordable housing applications. It sets new thresholds: municipalities must create points equal to 2% of their total housing units (or 75 points) for most areas, or 1.75% (or 65 points) for larger municipalities with housing growth plans. The bill directly affects local governments developing affordable housing, exempting projects with 95% low-income units, under 40 dwelling units, or pre-existing applications from the moratorium. It establishes a certification process where municipalities must document completed housing developments meeting these point requirements to extend moratorium periods.
This bill defines "mortgage loan" as a loan secured by a first mortgage on one-to-four-family residential property in the state, used to purchase that property. It directly affects mortgage lenders and homebuyers by requiring lenders to provide specific written notices at least 10 days before closing. The notice must explain that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, floods can occur anywhere (even outside designated zones), and buyers should consider flood insurance. Lenders must use plain language, have buyers sign for receipt, and keep copies in records. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill requires Connecticut banks seeking branch approvals or acquisitions to demonstrate strong community reinvestment performance. Before granting such approvals, the Banking Commissioner must confirm banks have met federal community reinvestment standards and submit a public plan detailing how they'll serve low-income neighborhoods. The plan must include specific strategies for credit access, nondiscriminatory services, and branch distribution in underserved areas, and be reviewed by the public for 30 days. This applies to branch applications under sections 36a-125 and 36a-145 of Connecticut law.
SB 303 requires Connecticut banks and credit unions to offer secured credit cards to all their customers or members. A secured credit card is one where the customer provides funds as security for the credit extended. The bill also mandates that institutions must provide account information for these cards to the account holder and any third party authorized by the holder to report to credit rating agencies. This law takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects financial institutions operating in Connecticut by changing their product offerings. The policy change ensures consumers have access to a credit-building tool and simplifies reporting to credit agencies.
HB 5326 increases reimbursement rates paid to providers delivering early intervention services under Connecticut's Birth-to-Three Program. The bill replaces existing rate-setting language with a requirement to establish state-wide rates based on phase two of a 2023 rate study (Public Act 23-186), effective July 1, 2026. This directly affects service providers (such as therapists and clinics) who work with infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays. The key change is raising payment rates to better align with the study's findings, without altering eligibility for families. The bill does not change program eligibility or service requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
