HB 5145 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT REQUIRING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY COMMISSION TO REPORT ON THE REVIEW PROCESS FOR CERTAIN WATER COMPANIES THAT REQUEST TO CEASE OPERATIONS.

HB 5145 requires the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to conduct a study on economic development issues in the state. The Commissioner must submit a report on the study's findings to the General Assembly's Commerce Committee by January 1, 2027. This bill does not create new programs, allocate funding, or change existing laws - it solely mandates a review and report. The study directly affects the Commissioner's office and the Commerce Committee, which will receive the findings for potential future legislative action.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

Signed into Law

Jun 2026

Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Signed Jun 2, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → CE Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised from a study request to a substitute version that establishes strict rules for water companies facing financial failure or regulatory violations. The new text mandates that these companies cannot stop service or dissolve without consent from both the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Department of Public Health. It also requires a public hearing to ensure a continuous water supply before any cessation of operations is allowed.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from a general economic study to specific regulatory oversight of water companies in distress, adding the Department of Public Health as a required partner in the decision-making process.

ELIGIBILITY

The bill now specifically targets water companies that have failed regulatory orders or lack economic viability, rather than applying to all economic development issues.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate that water companies must obtain consent from both the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Department of Public Health before ceasing operations or discontinuing service.

A mandatory public hearing process was added to determine actions ensuring a continuous supply of potable water before any company can shut down.

TIMELINE

The effective date for the new provisions was set to October 1, 2026, replacing the previous instruction to conduct a study by January 1, 2027.

Floor votes · Senate May 6, 2026 · House May 4, 2026

How they voted

36–0

Passed

Total votes 36

May 6, 2026

D Democratic25

25 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican11

11 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 2, 2026

Signed into law

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

lower

May 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

SEN. PASSED, HO. AMEND. SCH. A

upper

May 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

SEN. ADOPTED HO. AMEND. SCH. A

upper

May 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE PASSED, HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

lower

May 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE ADOPTED HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

lower

Apr 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable

lower

Apr 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Public Health

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 11, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Commerce

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors