Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 7017: AN ACT CONCERNING GRID-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES.

HB 7017 requires Connecticut's electric distribution companies and transmission owners to evaluate alternatives before constructing or significantly modifying major grid infrastructure. Specifically, they must propose at least one project using advanced conductors (which reduce resistance and increase capacity) and one using grid-enhancing technologies or nontraditional solutions like energy storage or software controls. The Connecticut Siting Council must prioritize cost-effective alternatives over traditional construction in its decisions. Companies must also annually report future projects and past infrastructure costs to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. This law directly affects electric utilities and aims to promote grid efficiency through technology-driven solutions rather than solely expanding physical infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2025

SB 1375: AN ACT CONCERNING HIGHWAY, PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST SAFETY.

SB 1375 amends traffic laws to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It requires distinctive markings for crosswalks near schools, mandates that drivers yield to pedestrians in all marked and unmarked crosswalks (including when pedestrians signal intent to cross), and prohibits drivers from passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians. The bill also restricts commercial vehicles and buses from driving in the extreme left lane on multi-lane highways (except during merging or emergencies) and sets an $88 fine for violations. These changes directly affect all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and school zones across the state.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2025

SB 1194: AN ACT CONCERNING POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND THE PROVISION OF STANDARD SERVICE TO ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS.

SB 1194 establishes rules for electric utilities to purchase zero-carbon energy (like nuclear, hydro, and renewable sources) through state-approved solicitations. It limits total annual energy purchases to 12 million megawatt hours and sets minimum/maximum contract terms (3-10 years for nuclear/hydro, up to 20 years for renewables). Utilities must get approval from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for these agreements, ensuring they provide reliable, cost-effective service at reasonable prices. The bill also allows utilities to use purchased energy for "standard service" (basic electricity for all customers) if approved by the authority, with specific requirements for pricing and usage. This directly affects electric utilities, ratepayers, and the regulatory authority.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2025

SB 1292: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DATA CENTERS.

SB 1292 requires Connecticut's energy agency to study energy efficiency standards for data centers that power artificial intelligence systems. The study will examine best practices for reducing energy use, renewable energy adoption, participation in grid management programs during peak demand, and restrictions on diesel backup generators. The agency must submit a report to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This bill does not impose new requirements on data centers but sets the stage for future policy decisions based on the findings.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2025

SB 1354: AN ACT PROHIBITING MERGERS OF CERTAIN UTILITY COMPANIES.

SB 1354 prohibits the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority from approving mergers where a company already controls a gas or electric distribution company in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2025. It directly affects utility companies seeking to acquire additional gas or electric distribution services within the state. Key mechanisms include blocking applications for new control of such utilities if the applicant already holds similar operations, and requiring holding companies to include Connecticut-based directors proportional to the state’s service area coverage. The bill also mandates public hearings and strict timelines for merger reviews but focuses on preventing further consolidation of utility control within Connecticut.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2025

SB 1168: AN ACT CONCERNING ONLINE POLITICAL FUNDRAISING PLATFORMS AND RESTRICTING AUTOMATICALLY RECURRING CONTRIBUTIONS.

SB 1168 clarifies which activities do not count as political contributions under state law, specifically targeting online fundraising. It exempts certain low-value interactions, such as volunteers providing unpaid services (including travel costs), small food/beverage donations (capped at $800 annually), and limited advertising purchases (up to $250 for businesses, $50 for individuals). The bill directly affects candidates, political committees, and party organizations by reducing reporting requirements for these specific fundraising activities. It does not restrict recurring donations but instead defines exemptions to streamline compliance for minor contributions. This change aims to simplify reporting without altering core campaign finance rules.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2025

HR 9: RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO AMEND THE JONES ACT TO EXEMPT THE TRANSPORTATION OF DOMESTIC LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

This resolution asks Congress to amend the Jones Act to exempt domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation between U.S. ports. It specifically targets the requirement that vessels moving cargo between U.S. ports must be built, owned, and crewed by Americans, which currently limits LNG tanker availability. The resolution argues this exemption would address high LNG costs (up to 30% higher) and supply shortages affecting Connecticut (65% of electricity from natural gas) and Puerto Rico (23% of electricity). As a memorial resolution, it does not change law but formally requests congressional action to modify the Jones Act for domestic LNG transport.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Transportation

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 7159: AN ACT CREATING YELLOW ENVELOPES TO PROMOTE ACCOMMODATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN FIRST RESPONDERS AND PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND INCREASING AWARENESS OF BLUE AND YELLOW ENVELOPES AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS.

HB 7159 creates "yellow envelopes" to help first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) better communicate with people who have cognitive impairments or physical disabilities. The bill requires the Motor Vehicle Commissioner to design these envelopes - holding ID documents and containing communication guidance - and develop awareness materials like wallet cards and stickers. People with disabilities (or their guardians) can request these free envelopes and materials from first responder offices, such as police stations or ambulance services. The law aims to improve interactions during emergencies by providing clear, accessible resources for both responders and individuals with disabilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 6905: AN ACT CONCERNING THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION SYSTEM.

HB 6905 requires Connecticut's Workers' Compensation Commission to study the state's workers' compensation system and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2026. The bill does not change existing workers' compensation laws or allocate new funding, as the Commission has the existing capacity to conduct the study. This procedural measure directly affects the Commission (which must complete the study) and the legislature (which will receive the report). The study aims to inform potential future legislative action, but the bill itself makes no policy changes.

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 6862: AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC SCOOTERS, ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES.

HB 6862 regulates electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Connecticut by setting safety standards and labeling requirements for manufacturers and sellers. It requires e-bikes to display clear labels showing speed, wattage, and class (with class 3 bikes needing speedometers), and prohibits modifications that alter their classification or speed capabilities. Sellers must disclose in advertisements that vehicles marketed as "e-bikes" may not qualify as such under state law and warn consumers about insurance coverage gaps and motor vehicle regulations. The bill also restricts riding class 3 e-bikes on bike trails and class 1/2 e-bikes on certain natural-surface paths, while imposing fines up to $300 for violations. These changes directly affect e-bike manufacturers, sellers, and riders using e-bikes on public roads or trails.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 6953: AN ACT REQUIRING MUNICIPALITIES TO PROVIDE A PENSION TO POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OR ANOTHER COMPARABLE PENSION SYSTEM.

HB 6953 requires all Connecticut municipalities to provide police officers and firefighters with a defined pension plan by June 30, 2027, either through the Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS) or a comparable alternative offering equal or better benefits. This affects approximately 87 municipalities that currently do not offer such pensions to these public safety workers, with an estimated annual cost of $98.6 million if all enroll in MERS. The bill mandates municipalities to transition employees from existing retirement systems into compliant plans, while directing the Comptroller to study transition requirements and submit a report by January 1, 2026. The legislation imposes a state-mandated cost on local governments without requiring new state funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 7, 2025

SB 830: AN ACT ESTABLISHING SAFETY STANDARDS TO PREVENT HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS IN WORKPLACES.

SB 830 requires employers in outdoor industries (like agriculture, construction, and landscaping) to provide shade, drinking water, and rest breaks when temperatures exceed 80°F. Specifically, it mandates shade areas large enough for all workers to sit comfortably without contact, 32 ounces of water per hour (80 ounces if wearing protective gear), and 5-minute breaks in shade to prevent overheating. At 90°F or higher, employers must add communication checks, monitor workers for heat symptoms, and have emergency plans for serious heat conditions. The law applies to outdoor workplaces and takes effect October 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results