SB 318 requires Connecticut's State Veterinarian to identify and maintain a 24/7 contact person for domestic violence victims needing temporary or permanent placement of companion animals. This contact person must provide real-time information about animal rescue organizations, dog pounds, and shelters to victims, with updates shared to domestic violence groups, police, and animal facilities. The bill also clarifies the State Veterinarian's authority to issue disease prevention orders for animals and establishes a working group by July 2026 to study funding for Connecticut's animal population control program. The working group includes representatives from animal welfare groups, veterinary associations, and animal control officers. This legislation directly affects domestic violence victims and animal care providers by improving access to pet placement resources during crises.
HB 5331 allows certain crematories that were approved and had an inspection certificate by January 1, 2020, to continue operating without an active air permit while they apply for or renew their air permits, or seek a permit to expand operations. The bill prevents these facilities from having to shut down during the administrative process for permit renewal or expansion. It applies only to crematories meeting the January 1, 2020, approval deadline, ensuring continuity of services for communities relying on these facilities.
HB 5323 requires school-based health centers in Connecticut to use evidence-based screening tools for disordered eating behaviors during annual health assessments for students in grades 9-12, starting January 1, 2028. The bill also creates two new groups: a task force to develop recommendations for identifying and treating disordered eating in children, and a Holistic Food Education Working Group to create a state-wide food education roadmap and nutrition curriculum. Both groups include representatives from education, health, advocacy, and school organizations. The screening is optional for students or their parents/guardians, and the task force must report by January 1, 2028. The bill directly affects schools, health centers, and students in grades 9-12 through these new requirements and planning efforts.
SB 125 requires nursing homes with private equity ownership to disclose detailed ownership and financial information annually to the Commissioner of Social Services, including ownership entity details, financial statements, and mortgage terms. It mandates that these facilities secure a performance bond covering 90 days of operating costs when applying for or renewing licenses. The bill also prohibits selling nursing home properties within five years of acquisition without written approval from the Commissioner of Public Health, which can only be granted if the sale benefits resident care or operational stability. These provisions directly affect nursing homes owned by private equity firms, real estate investment trusts, or other investment entities.
SB 367 establishes a working group to study roadside safety for wreckers and towing professionals. The group, including state safety committee leaders, emergency services and transportation commissioners, and a towing industry representative, will evaluate issues like vehicle lighting standards and worker protection methods. It must submit findings and recommendations to the relevant committee by January 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not create new laws but directs a study to inform future safety policies.
HB 5155 requires Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to create an online database tracking pesticide sales and use by December 2028, replacing older reporting methods. The database will make public access to historical pesticide data (from Chapter 441 of state law) and include pesticide-treated seed information collected with the Department of Agriculture. It allocates $100,000 for development in fiscal year 2027. This directly affects pesticide sellers and users (who must report through the new system) and provides the public with clearer access to where, what, and how much pesticides are used statewide.
SB 393 modifies procedures for filling vacancies in elected offices (Congress and state legislature) caused by an official's death. It requires the Governor to issue election writs within 7-17 days after a death-related vacancy occurs, instead of the previous default timeline. The bill also sets specific election timing rules: if a vacancy happens 125-63 days before a November election, the special election is held on that regular election day; if it occurs closer to the election (within 63 days before for state offices), no election is held unless it's a "member-elect" vacancy. For vacancies near the end of a term (last year of service), the Governor must nominate a replacement requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber. These changes directly affect governors, local election officials, and voters in districts with newly vacant seats.
HB 5295 is a ceremonial bill that names the Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam as the "Governor John Dempsey Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center." It honors John Dempsey, a former Putnam mayor, state representative, and Connecticut's 81st governor. The bill has no policy impact - it solely changes the facility's official name and takes effect October 1, 2026. This is a procedural resolution with no substantive legislative changes.
This bill updates how the state calculates reimbursement for ambulance services under Medicaid, specifically changing how out-of-district mileage is measured. Starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Social Services will base payments on the actual distance traveled with the patient onboard, rounded to the nearest tenth of a mile, rather than using fixed town-to-town rates. Ambulance providers can use GPS data, navigation systems, or mapping programs to document mileage and must keep trip reports with patient details and pickup and destination addresses in their records. The change aims to ensure reimbursement reflects actual service costs while maintaining flexibility for providers to choose verification methods.
This bill prohibits employers from using electronic surveillance devices like audio recorders or closed-circuit cameras in employee areas designed for comfort or safety, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and lounges. It creates a specific exception allowing third-party vendors to operate surveillance at self-service kiosks in these areas, provided the cameras do not record sound and only monitor the checkout area and product display zones. The bill also restricts employers from requesting access to this video footage except when a theft is reported by the vendor, and it establishes fines and potential jail time for violations of these rules.
This bill creates a new Office of Small Business Affairs within Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development to provide dedicated support to small businesses, with particular focus on those owned by minorities and economically disadvantaged individuals. The office will coordinate existing state programs, serve as a central contact point for business owners seeking financial and technical assistance, and maintain an updated online resource directory. A designated employee will offer concierge services to help small businesses navigate available economic development projects and programs. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and requires an annual budget of approximately $109,500 in the first year.
This bill directs the Commissioner of Social Services, working with the Commissioner of Public Health, to study the need for palliative and hospice care services in Litchfield County. The study must consider existing findings from the state's Palliative Care Advisory Council and must be completed by October 1, 2026. If the study finds a need, the commissioner may create a pilot program using available funds, federal resources, and Medicaid options to provide these services. The bill requires a final report to be submitted to the relevant legislative committees.
