SB 213 would require a $0.25 monthly fee on residents' telecommunication and cellular service bills to fund two specific programs. The revenue would be split: 50% deposited into the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Fund, and 50% used to administer Connecticut's 2-1-1 Infoline program operated by United Way. This creates a dedicated, ongoing funding source for these crisis support services instead of relying on annual state appropriations. The bill directly affects all Connecticut residents who pay for landline or mobile phone service.
This bill exempts the purchase of COVID-19 at-home test kits from state sales and use taxes. It directly affects consumers who buy these kits for personal use, removing the tax burden on these specific products. The key provision amends tax law to exclude these kits from taxable sales, meaning buyers pay no state tax when purchasing them. The exemption applies to both the sale and any subsequent use or consumption of the kits within the state.
SB 285 creates a tax credit for family caregivers who provide unpaid care to eligible relatives. It allows caregivers with incomes under $50,000 (individual) or $100,000 (couple) to claim a credit covering 50% of qualifying expenses - such as home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care - up to $2,000 annually. Expenses like general home repairs (e.g., painting, plumbing) are excluded, and the total credit pool is capped at $1.8 million per year. The credit is nonrefundable, meaning it only reduces tax liability but cannot result in a cash refund.
SB 71 establishes a state income tax credit for individuals or groups who pay premiums for long-term care insurance policies covering home health care services. It directly affects residents purchasing qualifying long-term care insurance that provides benefits for care received in their homes. The bill allows taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability by the amount paid in premiums for these specific policies. This policy change provides a financial incentive for securing home-based long-term care coverage.
SB 353 amends Connecticut law to require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing conditions related to menopause, directly affecting working women in the state. It expands existing anti-discrimination protections by adding menopause to the list of conditions requiring accommodations, such as allowing seated work, flexible breaks, modified schedules, or temporary light-duty assignments. The bill defines "reasonable accommodation" and clarifies that employers cannot claim "undue hardship" for minor, low-cost adjustments. This change takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all employers covered under Connecticut’s anti-discrimination law.
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People with Disabilities
HB 5413 establishes a state program to help eligible veterans access dental care by covering specific services (like cleanings, fillings, and dentures) up to $3,500 annually. It targets state-resident veterans with service-connected disabilities under 100% and household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, who aren’t receiving VA dental care. The program requires veterans to apply through the Department of Veterans Affairs, which refers them to participating dentists, reviews treatment plans, and pays providers directly after veterans’ insurance is exhausted. The program begins October 1, 2026, and includes annual performance reports to the legislature.
SB 341 limits when health insurance companies (contracting health organizations) can demand repayment from healthcare providers for administrative errors. It reduces the time frame for such demands from 18 to 12 months after a clean claim is submitted, with exceptions for fraud, incorrect billing, duplicate payments, or federal/state program overlap. The bill requires insurers to provide providers with 30 days' written notice detailing the demand, including the amount and basis, and establishes a 15-day deadline for insurers to rule on appeals - automatically favoring providers if they miss this deadline. Healthcare providers directly affected by payment disputes gain stronger protections against late demands and clearer appeal pathways. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
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.
HB 5067 creates a personal income tax deduction for taxpayers with unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. It directly affects individual taxpayers who pay out-of-pocket medical costs not covered by insurance, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, or hospital stays. The bill's key provision allows these taxpayers to subtract the amount of qualifying medical expenses above the 7.5% threshold from their taxable income. This change lowers the taxable income subject to state tax rates, potentially reducing the overall tax liability for eligible filers. The deduction applies only to expenses not reimbursed by insurance or other sources.
HB 5316 prohibits real estate investment trusts (REITs) from acquiring or increasing operational control over hospitals or health systems, and bans hospitals/health systems from entering into sale-leaseback transactions involving their main hospital campus property. "Operational control" is defined as influencing daily operations or appointing key leadership, while a "sale-leaseback" involves selling and leasing back the main campus. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, directly affecting REITs and hospitals/health systems that might engage in these transactions. It targets specific real estate financing practices without altering hospital ownership or care standards.
