Budget & Taxes

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 5504: AN ACT AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE CORNFIELD POINT ASSOCIATION.

This bill amends the governing charter of the Cornfield Point Association, a special district in Old Saybrook, to allow the association to increase property tax assessments on its properties. The key change permits the board of governors to recommend higher annual tax assessments, with a maximum limit of $1,000 per lot with a dwelling and $200 per vacant lot, while also giving the association the authority to decrease recommended rates. The association's tax collector would then collect these assessments, which would become liens on the properties and be recorded with the town. This legislation directly affects property owners within the Cornfield Point Association by potentially increasing their annual tax payments to the district.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill enables special district to increase property tax assessments, providing additional funding for local services and infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

Track

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 500: AN ACT CONCERNING A STATE-FUNDED CAREGIVER PROGRAM TO ASSIST PARENTS OF PERSONS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER ENROLLED IN A MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM.

This bill establishes a state-funded caregiver respite program to assist parents of children with autism spectrum disorder who are enrolled in Medicaid home and community-based services. The program would provide state-financed care for these children, giving parents temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. The Commissioner of Social Services is authorized to seek necessary Medicaid approvals or federal waivers to implement this initiative, with funding dependent on available state appropriations. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and specifically targets parents of children with autism who do not have intellectual disabilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes state-funded caregiver respite program, increasing public service funding for families with autism children, aligning with fiscal support for essential social services.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes state-funded caregiver respite program for parents of children with autism, expanding healthcare support services and funding for families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 5500: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ABATEMENT OR REFUND OF INTEREST ON DELINQUENT MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAXES OR SEWERAGE SYSTEM USE CHARGES OWED BY CERTAIN COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITIES.

This bill allows Connecticut municipalities to waive or refund interest on delinquent property taxes owed by large common interest communities that are in court-ordered receivership. To qualify for this relief, a community must have more than 500 units and be under a Superior Court order placing it in receivership, with the decision to grant the waiver or refund made by a local legislative vote. The provision applies to both unpaid interest on overdue taxes and interest that has already been paid by the community. If enacted, municipalities would lose potential revenue or incur costs depending on whether they choose to abate future interest or refund past payments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by waiving interest on delinquent property taxes for distressed municipalities, reducing financial burden on residents and promoting fiscal stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

Track

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 443: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF SURVIVOR'S BENEFITS AND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE TO FAMILY MEMBERS OF CORRECTION OFFICERS, COURT SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION INVESTIGATORS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION INVESTIGATORS AND OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATORS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

This bill establishes a new fund to provide a one-time $100,000 death benefit to the surviving families of correction officers and investigators from specific state agencies who are killed in the line of duty. The fund is financed through available appropriations and interest earnings, with payments distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible survivors including spouses, dependent children, and other family members listed on beneficiary forms. The bill also defines key terms such as "killed in the line of duty" and "dependent child," and requires the Comptroller to submit annual reports on fund expenditures and balances to relevant legislative committees. Additionally, the legislation repeals an existing tax provision related to income derived from the death benefit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new fund to provide death benefits to families of law enforcement, indicating increased funding for essential public safety programs and victim support services.75% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides financial benefits to families of law enforcement officers killed in duty, supporting criminal justice personnel and their families.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes death benefits and health insurance coverage for families of law enforcement workers killed in line of duty, expanding worker benefits and protecting families of correction officers and investigators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Courts

Track

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 425: AN ACT REQUIRING ANNUAL STATE AGENCY PERFORMANCE PLANS.

This bill requires all state executive branch agencies to create and follow annual performance plans that outline their strategic and operational goals. Starting in July 2027, each agency must submit a report on its progress toward these goals to the Office of Policy and Management and the relevant legislative committee. The Office of Policy and Management will provide guidelines and technical assistance for developing these plans and will conduct regular performance evaluations of most agencies at least every two years. Some independent regulatory bodies are exempt from these reporting and evaluation requirements. The legislation aims to improve transparency and accountability by establishing a standardized process for tracking agency performance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by requiring agencies to create performance plans and submit progress reports, enhancing government accountability and efficient use of taxpayer funds.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Tags Government Transparency

Track

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5537: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY WAYS TO FUND A UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM.

This bill imposes a 2-cent-per-ounce tax on distributors of sweetened beverages, syrups, and powders sold to retailers within the state, with the revenue dedicated to funding a universal free school meals program. The tax applies to products containing added sugar or nonnutritive sweeteners but excludes milk-based beverages, 100% fruit or vegetable juices, water, infant formula, and medical beverages. Distributors must file monthly tax returns electronically and make payments by electronic funds transfer, while sales to government entities and certain resellers are exempt from the tax. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and establishes specific definitions for covered products to clarify which items are subject to taxation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes tax on sweetened beverages and dedicates revenue to fund universal free school meals, directly increasing funding for public services and essential programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directly funds universal free school meals program through dedicated tax revenue, expanding educational access and student support services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

Track

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 5571: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED OPERATORS AND A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE MARKET-BASED SOURCING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENT ASSETS INCOME AND CONCERNING THE ANGEL INVESTOR TAX CREDIT AND THE DEFINITIONS FOR CERTAIN TAX CREDITS.

This bill creates a tax credit for the operator of PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, providing up to $5 million annually for income years starting in 2026 if the operator signs a long-term agreement to host at least 15 state-sponsored events each year. It also establishes a working group to study how Connecticut taxes investment income for financial institutions and updates definitions for the Angel Investor Tax Credit to clarify who qualifies as an angel investor and what types of businesses are eligible. The working group will include state officials and legislative committee chairs, and it must submit its findings by January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credit funding for state-sponsored events and clarifies tax credit definitions, advancing fiscal management and investment incentives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

Track

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 5569: AN ACT CONCERNING A SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED LOCAL MEDIA ADVERTISING EXPENSES.

This bill creates a five-year tax credit for small businesses in Connecticut that spend money on advertising with local newspapers, radio stations, or television stations. The program is designed to help small businesses with 50 or fewer employees support local news organizations by allowing them to receive a percentage of their advertising expenses as a tax credit. Small businesses can claim 80% of qualifying expenses in the first year, with the credit amounting to up to $5,000, and 50% of expenses in subsequent years, capped at $2,500 per year. The legislation defines eligible local media outlets as publications that primarily serve local communities, employ local journalists, and meet specific size and ownership restrictions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credits to small businesses, reducing their tax burden and promoting local economic activity through fiscal incentives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Tags Small Business

Track

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 499: AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID RATE INCREASES.

This bill requires the Department of Social Services to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for healthcare providers starting July 1, 2026, with the goal of reaching at least 75% of Medicare rates by June 30, 2029. The law establishes a five-state benchmark using average rates from Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon to determine increases for services without corresponding Medicare rates. Additionally, the bill mandates annual rate adjustments after 2029 based on Medicare rate comparisons, the five-state benchmark, or changes in the Medicare Economic Index to account for inflation. A separate oversight council must review provider reimbursement rates annually and report to the legislature with recommendations on necessary funding to maintain adequate compensation for healthcare providers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates, strengthening funding for essential healthcare services and protecting provider compensation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for healthcare providers, strengthening funding and access to care.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

Track

passed · Connecticut · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 469: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STATE CONTRACTING STANDARDS BOARD.

This bill implements recommendations from the State Contracting Standards Board by establishing new funding procedures and staffing requirements for the board. It mandates that the board receive its budget estimates directly from its executive director and prevents the Governor from reducing existing allotments for the board. The legislation also requires state agencies to create more detailed business cases when proposing privatization contracts, including risk assessments, transition plans for employees, and analyses of potential impacts on workers. Additionally, the bill strengthens procurement oversight by requiring agencies to ensure bidders are informed of their rights, screen contractors properly, and submit performance evaluations to a central data repository.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes new funding procedures and prevents Governor from reducing board allotments, indicating support for state budget management and fiscal oversight.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement

Track