Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 7184: AN ACT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT, INCLUDING A REVIEW OF STATE PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTS WITH NONPROFIT PROVIDERS, STATE AGENCY CONTRACTS FOR CONSULTING SERVICES, MUNICIPAL GRANTS AND CERTAIN NONRESIDENT BIDDER CONTRACT AWARDS.

HB 7184 requires the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to conduct two key reviews: (1) annually assess whether state payments to nonprofits providing health/human services (like disability or behavioral health care) adequately cover service costs, and (2) evaluate and reduce duplicate or burdensome reporting requirements these nonprofits face with state agencies. The bill mandates annual reviews of payment rates for nonprofits (starting January 2026) and triennial reviews of reporting requirements (starting January 2026), with reports to legislative committees by February 2027 and every 5/3 years thereafter. It directly affects nonprofits delivering state-funded health/human services and state agencies managing contracts and grants. The bill aims to ensure fair compensation for providers and streamline administrative burdens through systematic reviews and legislative recommendations.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 5422: AN ACT REESTABLISHING THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE.

HB 5422 reestablishes a permanent Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee to examine state agency programs and conduct investigations. The committee, composed of 12 members (6 from each chamber appointed by leadership), will review the effectiveness of state programs, investigate matters referred by the legislature or committee, and request information from state departments and agencies. It must issue annual reports to the legislature and can recommend policy changes based on its findings. This bill directly affects state departments (which must provide requested information) and the legislature (which receives committee recommendations for potential legislation). The committee’s work aims to improve government efficiency and accountability through structured program reviews and investigations.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 6062: AN ACT PROHIBITING DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADVERTISEMENTS.

HB 6062 prohibits businesses in Connecticut from directly advertising prescription drugs (drugs requiring a prescription under state or federal law) to individual consumers within the state. It affects pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, and other entities selling prescription drugs, but allows pharmaceutical manufacturers registered with the Department of Consumer Protection to promote these drugs directly to doctors and other prescribing practitioners. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Connecticut law, requiring the state to hire additional staff for enforcement (estimated cost: $165,000 in fiscal year 2026). The law takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 7205: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE PUBLIC FINANCING OF MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CAMPAIGNS IN CERTAIN DISTRESSED MUNICIPALITIES FOR THE 2027 MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

HB 7205 establishes a pilot program to provide public funding for campaigns of candidates running for mayor or equivalent municipal chief executive roles in designated distressed towns with populations under 25,000 for the 2027 elections. Candidates who join the program must agree to limit fundraising and campaign spending, while those who opt out remain subject to standard campaign finance rules. The State Elections Enforcement Commission will administer the program, requiring participating municipalities to establish oversight structures and fund grants for qualifying candidates. This pilot program, limited to 13 currently qualifying towns, aims to reduce reliance on private donations in local elections without classifying the funds as "public funds" under existing law.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 6044: AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF ACCESSIBLE SEATING FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS AT VENUES THAT RECEIVE STATE FUNDING.

HB 6044 requires the Commissioner of Administrative Services to study whether venues receiving state funding should be mandated to provide accessible seating for visually impaired patrons near performance areas. The study must examine which venues would be affected, potential costs, and compliance barriers, with a report due to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This is a procedural bill focused solely on gathering data, not implementing new requirements. The study will cost $750,000 in fiscal year 2026, funded by the General Fund, to hire outside consultants since the agency lacks expertise. It directly affects state-funded venues but does not change current accessibility standards.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 6968: AN ACT CONCERNING JUROR COMPENSATION.

This bill updates compensation for people serving on juries. Full-time workers receive pay from their employers for the first five days of service. Part-time workers and unemployed jurors get $50 per day (based on minimum wage) for the first five days, plus reimbursement for travel and family care costs. After five days, the state pays $50 per day plus these expenses. The changes take effect October 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 1309: AN ACT CONCERNING FINES FOR CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND THE DEPOSIT OF SUCH FINES INTO A FUND FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL PERSONS WHO ARE INCARCERATED.

SB 1309 allows correctional facility wardens to impose $15-$50 fines on incarcerated individuals for specific disciplinary violations, including assault, riots, or tampering with security devices. These fines, which must be paid in addition to other penalties, are deposited into the Correctional General Welfare Fund. The fund, managed by the Commissioner of Correction, provides benefits like hygiene products or recreational items to all incarcerated people. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and aims to use disciplinary fines to directly support inmate welfare.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 6954: AN ACT ADDING WITNESSING A SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY AS A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR PURPOSES OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURY WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE.

This bill expands workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSD) to include witnessing a serious physical injury that does not result in death or permanent disfigurement. It directly affects first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs), correction employees, telecommunicators, and healthcare workers - specifically broadening eligibility for PTSD claims beyond existing qualifying events like viewing a death or severe disfigurement. The key change adds "witnessing a serious physical injury" to the list of qualifying traumatic events under Section 31-294k, effective October 1, 2025. This allows eligible workers to file for PTSD-related compensation after observing such injuries during their duties, without requiring the injury to be fatal or cause permanent disfigurement.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 6229: AN ACT CONCERNING A REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND POLYSTYRENE WASTE.

HB 6229 bans polystyrene foodware (like foam containers) and most single-use plastic items (including straws, stirrers, and food accessories) for food vendors, government agencies, schools, and businesses starting July 1, 2027. Exceptions include biodegradable straws provided upon request (especially for people with disabilities) and specific packaging uses like pre-sealed food or meat storage. The bill also requires state/municipal buildings and schools to install reusable water bottle filling stations when replacing drinking fountains, effective January 2027. A task force will study sustainable alternatives and report by February 2026, but the law itself focuses on direct restrictions and infrastructure changes.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 7142: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CAUSE OF ACTION FOR TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE WITH THE RIGHT OF AN INHERITANCE.

HB 7142 creates a new legal right for people to sue if someone intentionally and wrongfully blocked their expected inheritance. To win such a case, a person must prove they had a reasonable expectation of inheriting property, the other person knew about this expectation, acted with intent to interfere, caused the inheritance to fail through wrongful conduct, and suffered actual financial loss. The law allows affected individuals to seek monetary damages, court costs, and attorney fees in Superior Court, but must file the lawsuit within three years of the interfering act. This bill codifies a common law claim previously recognized in some court rulings but not formally established in state statute.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 7022: AN ACT PROMOTING EQUITY IN MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR FERTILITY HEALTH CARE.

HB 7022 requires Medicaid to cover fertility diagnostic care, preservation services, and treatment for individuals with infertility, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and at least three cycles of medication treatment to achieve pregnancy. The bill specifically defines "infertility" and requires the state to report by July 2026 on potential costs and Medicaid waivers for including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage. This expansion directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries seeking fertility care, which is currently not covered under standard Medicaid benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 6937: AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY CHILDREN'S DIAPERS.

HB 6937 expands Medicaid coverage to include diapers deemed medically necessary for children under age three. It requires a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse to certify that diapers are needed to prevent or treat severe skin infections, urinary tract issues, or conditions like developmental delays that cause frequent soiling. The state must amend its Medicaid plan by July 2025 and report by September 2026 on the number of qualifying children, annual costs (estimated at $20 million+), and potential savings from preventing related health issues. This directly affects Medicaid-eligible children under three with qualifying medical conditions, not general diaper coverage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Bill results