Connecticut Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 477: AN ACT CONCERNING THE FAILURE TO FILE FOR CERTAIN GRAND LIST EXEMPTIONS, A MUNICIPAL OPTION TO ABATE DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES ON CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND, ALLOCATIONS OF CERTAIN STATE FUNDS AND ITEMS IMPLEMENTING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2027.

This bill allows property owners in the towns of Berlin, Lebanon, and West Hartford to request property tax exemptions for 2025 and 2021 even if they missed the original filing deadline. To qualify, eligible individuals must submit their exemption applications within 30 days of the bill's effective date on July 1, 2026, and pay the required late filing fee. Once the assessor verifies eligibility and receives payment, the exemption will be approved and any previously paid taxes, interest, or penalties will be reimbursed to the property owner. The legislation applies only to these three specific towns and does not change the general rules for property tax exemptions elsewhere in Connecticut.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Connecticut · House May 27, 2026

HB 5464: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND CONCERNING VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES, TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES AND RIDER SAFETY, TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODERNIZATION GRANT PROGRAM, ENCAMPMENTS, MARINE PILOT LICENSE FEES, MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, DISTRACTED DRIVING, A TASK FORCE TO STUDY ACCESS TO PARKING FOR HOME HEALTH AGENCIES AND A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN SCHOOL BUS FLEETS.

This bill implements recommendations from the Department of Transportation by requiring utility companies to maintain infrastructure within state highway rights-of-way and establishing new standards for electric vehicle charging at state facilities. The legislation mandates that utility companies install, repair, and replace service connections in state highway areas, with larger companies needing permits for work on public roads. Additionally, the bill sets a target for state bus fleets to include at least 30% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and requires new state facilities with public parking to have 8% of spaces designed for future electric vehicle charging. State agencies managing EV charging stations will be restricted from allowing non-charging vehicles to occupy those spaces, though exceptions exist for vehicles that can charge without being plugged in. These changes affect utility providers, state transportation infrastructure, and public parking policies across Connecticut.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 413: AN ACT REVISING VARIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE STATUTES, IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND CONCERNING YOUTH INSTRUCTION PERMITS, AUTOMOBILE DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS AND THE TOWING AND STORAGE OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

This bill updates motor vehicle and medical licensing laws to improve accessibility and professional training. It requires disability parking placards to display expiration dates prominently in boldface and establishes an advisory council to prevent fraud while protecting disabled individuals. The council will develop educational materials and review best practices for placard use and parking access. Additionally, the bill mandates that physicians include specific training topics like cultural competency and risk management in their continuing medical education requirements. These changes aim to enhance system integrity and improve healthcare standards without altering existing rights for qualified individuals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

signed · Connecticut · House May 27, 2026

HB 5515: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ACCESS TO OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL MEDICATION AND VARIOUS REVISIONS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION STATUTES.

This bill updates Connecticut school health regulations to allow trained school personnel to administer opioid overdose reversal medication to students experiencing an opioid-related overdose without prior written authorization. The legislation requires the State Board of Education to establish specific conditions and procedures for storing and administering these medications, similar to existing rules for epinephrine in allergic reaction emergencies. School staff must complete annual training to administer the medication, and the rules apply to both intramural and interscholastic athletics settings. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and aim to ensure students have access to life-saving treatment during opioid overdoses at school.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

signed · Connecticut · House May 27, 2026

HB 5476: AN ACT CONCERNING OVERSIGHT OF EFFORTS TO PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE USE OF CONFIDENTIAL CRISIS HOTLINES AT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

This bill establishes a Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee state efforts to prevent human trafficking. The coordinator will work with various state agencies and law enforcement to develop prevention strategies, create a confidential database for reporting trafficking incidents, and maintain a directory of victim service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the coordinator to develop training programs for state agencies, healthcare facilities, and other organizations on identifying and responding to trafficking cases. A Trafficking in Persons Council will also be updated to include the new coordinator and representatives from multiple state departments to coordinate statewide response activities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Connecticut · House May 27, 2026

HB 5558: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES' ABUSE AND NEGLECT INVESTIGATIONS.

This bill updates how the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services handles abuse and neglect investigations by changing who can access investigation reports and requiring more frequent public reporting. It restricts access to original abuse reports and investigator findings, allowing them to be shared with parents or legal representatives of victims unless they are suspected of being the perpetrator or living with one. The bill also mandates quarterly reports on investigation statistics, including complaint numbers, investigation outcomes, and response times, which must be posted online and submitted to state committees. Additionally, it requires the department to review and update its investigation policies every quarter and improve background check procedures for staff and service providers.

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 452: AN ACT CONCERNING THE RELEASE OF LIGHTER-THAN-AIR BALLOONS.

This bill prohibits the intentional release of helium or lighter-than-air balloons into the atmosphere in Connecticut and requires retailers to attach weights to balloons to prevent them from rising. It affects individuals, organizations, and businesses that release balloons, as well as stores that sell them, by making balloon releases into the air illegal infractions. The law also mandates that any balloon sold to consumers must have a weight attached to keep it from floating away. Violations of these rules would result in fines, with the specific penalty amounts determined by court judges. The changes would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 148: AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO AQUACULTURE-RELATED STATUTES AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN FARMING-RELATED PROGRAMS.

SB 148 clarifies the process for closing shellfish harvesting areas due to contamination or pollution. It requires the department to establish exact boundaries for closed areas and ensure closures take effect only after publishing notices in local newspapers, filing documents with town clerks and health directors, posting signs at the site, and updating the department’s website. The bill also specifies that during a health emergency, the Commissioner of Agriculture can immediately close affected areas by notifying health authorities and publishing a public notice. This directly affects shellfish harvesters, coastal communities, and health departments by standardizing how closure information is communicated. The bill repeals outdated language in existing statutes to modernize the notification system.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 134: AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT ZONE IN THE TOWN OF PLAINVILLE.

SB 134 establishes a new "Airport Development Zone" in the town of Plainville, specifically designating certain land parcels for airport-related development. The bill defines the zone using specific census blocks from the 2020 census, creating a legal framework for future projects near the airport. This zoning change directly affects property owners and businesses within the designated area by enabling development under new regulations. The zone becomes effective October 1, 2026, requiring the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to implement it. The bill focuses solely on defining the zone boundaries and legal authority, without specifying development types or financial details.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 132: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTICUT-GERMANY AND CONNECTICUT-INDIA TRADE COMMISSIONS.

SB 132 establishes the Connecticut-Germany Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Connecticut and Germany. The commission, composed of 22 members including legislative leaders, trade representatives, higher education officials, and German community advocates, will promote bilateral trade, business exchanges, and investment opportunities. It must submit annual reports to the Governor and legislature starting in 2028, detailing activities and recommending policy changes to support these goals. The commission directly affects Connecticut businesses and German entities seeking to expand economic partnerships.

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 116: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

SB 116 requires hotels, motels, and similar lodging operators to share tax payment records with consumer protection officials monthly and maintain guest transaction records for six months. It mandates employee training on recognizing human trafficking signs and conducting annual awareness campaigns, with certification required in personnel files. The bill also prohibits offering hourly discounts (12 hours or less) for rooms to prevent trafficking tactics. Violations carry $5,000 civil penalties per offense, enforced by the Consumer Protection Department through audits and inspections. The law directly affects lodging businesses and aims to strengthen trafficking prevention through transparency and staff education.

signed · Connecticut · House May 27, 2026

HB 5208: AN ACT CONCERNING DATA SECURITY, PAYROLL PROCESSING, CONSUMER FRAUD PROTECTION, MORTGAGE LOANS AND EMPLOYEE CREDIT RATES.

HB 5208 requires the Department of Banking to study financial transactions occurring within the state. The department must complete this study and submit a report to the General Assembly's Banking committee by January 15, 2027. This bill does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups; it only mandates a study to inform future legislative decisions. The report will be prepared in accordance with existing statutory procedures for such studies. This is a procedural measure focused solely on gathering information, with no immediate policy changes or implementation.