This bill updates Connecticut's trespass laws to specifically include school grounds, parking lots, athletic fields, and school buildings as protected areas. It creates three levels of criminal trespass offenses for unauthorized entry onto school property, ranging from first-degree criminal trespass for those who ignore direct orders to leave to third-degree for entering posted or fenced school areas. Additionally, it establishes simple trespass as a minor infraction for unauthorized entry onto school premises without intent to harm property. The changes apply to all individuals who enter or remain on school property without permission and take effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 179 authorizes the state to issue bonds (up to a specified amount) to fund capital improvements at Middlesex Community College in Middletown. The funds, managed by the Board of Regents for Higher Education, will be provided as a grant-in-aid directly to the college for projects like building repairs or new construction. This bill specifically affects Middlesex Community College by providing dedicated state funding for physical infrastructure upgrades. It does not alter tuition, academic programs, or college governance. The bill's mechanism is purely financial, enabling bond issuance to support campus capital needs.
HB 5427 expands Connecticut's debt-free community college program to cover workforce development and continuing education programs, in addition to traditional degree/certificate programs. It directly affects Connecticut residents enrolled at community colleges who meet income and academic requirements, including part-time students and those in noncredit workforce training. The bill establishes a "Mary Ann Handley Award" covering tuition and required fees for up to 72 credit hours or six semesters, provided students complete the FAFSA and accept all available financial aid (excluding loans). Awards cannot replace existing state or institutional aid, and the program requires annual reporting on participation and completion rates. This change takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 5150 authorizes the state to commit $220 million in grants for six specific school building projects in Milford, Norwich, Seymour, Stamford, Waterbury, and Westport, based on a priority list approved by a legislative committee. The bill also revises school construction statutes to increase reimbursement percentages for districts with enrollment growing 20% or more over 10 years, capping the increase at 100% of project costs. These changes affect eligible school districts by providing direct funding for building projects and adjusting reimbursement rules based on enrollment trends. The grants are effective from passage, while the enrollment-based reimbursement change takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 55 dedicates revenue from an additional 1% sales tax on meals to three specific purposes: 50% to the Tourism Fund, 25% to the municipalities where meals were purchased, and 25% to fund free school lunches. The bill directly affects local governments (through municipal payments), tourism agencies (via the Tourism Fund), and public schools (through school lunch funding). It creates a new, mandatory allocation of this tax revenue stream without changing the tax rate or creating new taxes. The bill focuses on directing existing revenue from a current tax to defined public services.
HB 5035 requires all public K-12 school districts in the state to ban students from using wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day, except for instructional purposes or specific exceptions. The law mandates devices be powered off and stored securely, with exceptions for students needing them under individualized education plans (IEPs) or for medical reasons approved by healthcare providers. It also prohibits access to social media during school hours unless for classroom instruction. School districts must create and share policies with parents about these rules, including emergency communication procedures and disciplinary steps for violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.
HB 5081 would create a new 4% personal income tax rate on earnings above $1 million annually for high-income earners. The revenue generated from this tax would be dedicated exclusively to funding education, higher education, child care services, and repairs for roads, bridges, and public transportation. This bill directly affects individuals with taxable income exceeding $1 million, as it imposes an additional tax rate on that portion of their income. The policy change shifts how state revenue from this specific tax bracket is allocated, requiring it to support these designated public services rather than general state funds.
HB 5216 creates a state program called STIPEND that provides $1,000 weekly stipends to student teachers during their public school teaching experience in Connecticut. Teacher preparation programs must report enrollment and completion data to the Department of Education, which disburses funds directly to student teachers. If a student teacher doesn't work as a certified public school teacher for two years after graduation, they must repay 50% of the stipend received. The bill requires annual reports on employment rates of program participants to the legislature.
HB 5327 requires schools to verify if job applicants are under investigation for abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct before hiring staff with direct student contact. It applies to all public and charter schools, as well as nonpublic school operators. The bill mandates applicants to provide written authorization allowing schools to contact prior employers about pending investigations and requires employers to respond within 5 business days. Schools must also check with the state education department about any open cases involving applicants.
SB 311 modifies Connecticut school suspension policies to better support vulnerable students. It requires schools to consider homelessness when determining suspensions (per McKinney-Vento Act definitions) and limits suspensions to 45 days per school year without a formal hearing. The bill also allows first-time suspensions to be waived if students complete free school-specified programs, and mandates that suspension records be removed from student files upon graduation or program completion. These changes directly affect students in Connecticut public schools, particularly those experiencing homelessness or facing disciplinary action. The bill does not address "disconnected youth" as implied by its title, focusing instead on school discipline procedures.
