Connecticut Bills

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 1228: AN ACT DESIGNATING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY AS A LEGAL HOLIDAY.

SB 1228 designates "Indigenous Peoples' Day" as a new legal state holiday, adding it to the list of recognized holidays in Connecticut law. The bill does not specify a date for observance, so the holiday will be celebrated on an unspecified day each year. This change affects state employees (who receive paid time off for legal holidays), banks/credit unions (which close on legal holidays), and public schools (which may choose to close or hold educational programs on the day, following existing rules). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and has no fiscal impact because the date remains unspecified.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 24: AN ACT PREVENTING OVERTIME PAYMENTS FROM BEING USED TO CALCULATE THE RETIREMENT INCOME OF STATE EMPLOYEES.

SB 24 prevents state employees' overtime pay from being included in retirement income calculations. The bill amends state law to exclude overtime payments when determining the base salary used for pension calculations. This directly affects all state employees who earn overtime, as their retirement benefits will now be based solely on regular pay. The policy change alters how retirement benefits are calculated for these workers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✗ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 6989: AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY REGARDING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

HB 6989 requires the Department of Banking to study financial institutions in the state and submit a report to the legislature by January 15, 2026. This procedural bill directly affects the Department of Banking, mandating a study with no expected cost to state or local government (as confirmed in the Fiscal Impact Statement). The study will examine financial institutions' operations, but the bill itself does not change any laws or regulations.

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 7099: AN ACT FUNDING JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIPS FOR GRADUATES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

HB 7099 creates a state-funded fellowship program for journalism graduates from public colleges and universities. It requires the Office of Higher Education to fund at least 12 annual fellowships at local news organizations, mandating mentorship, hands-on work experience, and professional networking for participants. To qualify, applicants must graduate from a journalism program at a public in-state institution and receive approval from the hosting news outlet. The program begins July 1, 2025, with funding details and application materials posted online by September 1, 2025. This directly supports journalism graduates seeking entry-level roles while helping local news organizations retain talent.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 5017: AN ACT CONCERNING PARTICIPATION IN THE TIRE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM BY TIRE RETAILERS.

HB 5017 requires tire retailers in Connecticut to join a state-approved tire recycling program by January 1, 2026. Retailers who fail to participate will be prohibited from selling tires in the state after that date. The law builds on a 2023 law requiring tire producers to join such programs by 2025, mandating that retailers participate in the same statewide system. The program must establish free public tire drop-off, ensure discarded tires are recycled or resold, and provide public education - financed solely by tire producers. This directly affects all tire retailers operating in Connecticut, making participation mandatory for continued sales.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 7110: AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR HOUSING TO STATE-RECOGNIZED TRIBES, REQUIRING EACH TRIBE TO CONDUCT A STUDY AND CREATE A REPORT AND CONCERNING THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF RESERVATION LANDS AND TRIBAL FUNDS.

HB 7110 provides $1 million to each of five state-recognized tribes for housing planning. It requires tribes to conduct studies of current and future housing needs through 2040, survey reservation lands for development suitability, and produce detailed reports analyzing infrastructure, environmental factors, and sustainable housing plans. The reports must include site layouts, affordable housing configurations, community center locations, and energy-efficient building strategies. Tribes must submit these reports by July 1, 2027, to state housing authorities and officials. The bill focuses on planning and assessment, not direct construction or fund allocation for building.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 1263: AN ACT CONCERNING TAX CREDITS FOR THE CONVERSION OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES.

SB 1263 creates a tax credit program for property owners converting commercial buildings (like offices or retail spaces) into residential developments in Connecticut. Owners who spend at least $15,000 on eligible construction costs - such as structural changes - can claim a credit equal to 10% of those costs against state income or business taxes. The credit requires conversions to create or preserve affordable housing units, as determined by the Commissioner of Housing, and mandates that owners submit detailed conversion plans for approval before starting work. This policy directly affects commercial property owners and nonprofit housing developers seeking to repurpose underutilized buildings.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SJ 35: RESOLUTION PROPOSING A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CONCERNING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX UNDER THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE.

Senate Joint Resolution 35 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the state's equal protection clause by explicitly prohibiting sex discrimination that includes pregnancy (including decisions about pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and related health care. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this amendment would require all state laws and government actions to comply with these expanded protections. The resolution must secure a three-quarters majority vote in both legislative chambers to appear on the 2026 general election ballot for voter approval.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 6267: AN ACT CONCERNING CAT DECLAWING.

HB 6267 prohibits declawing or tendonectomy procedures on cats for non-medical reasons, defining "declawing" as surgical removal of claws or modification to impair claw function. The law allows exceptions only for medically necessary procedures addressing infections, injuries, or health issues (not cosmetic or convenience reasons). Violations carry civil penalties: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,500 for third or subsequent violations. The law, effective October 1, 2025, applies to veterinarians and pet owners performing or facilitating non-therapeutic claw removal.

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 6226: AN ACT LIMITING THE LENGTH OF TIME SEIZED ANIMALS MAY BE HELD IN AN ANIMAL SHELTER OR MUNICIPAL POUND.

HB 6226 limits how long municipal shelters and pounds can hold animals seized under court order to 90 days. After 90 days, shelters must partner with an approved animal rescue organization to provide temporary foster care in a safe home. Shelters must accept assistance from these approved groups, including allowing their representatives to inspect facilities and help care for the animals. The bill aims to ensure seized animals receive reasonable care and a temporary foster placement while awaiting legal resolution.

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 6218: AN ACT CONCERNING QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT AS AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.

HB 6218 prohibits individuals convicted of animal abuse or neglect (or who plead guilty/nolo contendere to such charges) from serving as animal control officers or regional animal control officers in Connecticut. The law, effective October 1, 2025, directly affects current and future officers under existing statutes (sections 22-331 and 22-331a). If convicted, officers must be placed on unpaid administrative leave until all appeals are resolved. This policy change ensures only individuals with no history of animal cruelty can hold these roles, aiming to uphold standards for animal care.

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 17: AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR MUNICIPALITIES FOR EARLY VOTING COSTS.

SB 17 provides funding to reimburse Connecticut municipalities for increased election administration costs resulting from early voting. It appropriates money from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to cover expenses municipalities incur when implementing early voting. The bill directly affects all municipalities that administer elections and must pay for early voting infrastructure, staffing, or other related costs. This is a reimbursement mechanism, not a new voting requirement, designed to offset existing cost increases.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results