Still Passing Important Legislation on Last Day of Session

June 5, 2019

It may be the last day of session, but we are still passing important legislation.

  • AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MILITARY TO MACHINISTS PROGRAM FOR VETERANS

The bill establish a Military to Machinists job training program within the Labor Department for veterans. While all members of the armed forces acquire valuable skills during their service, some have a harder time than others transitioning back into civilian life. S.B. No. 968 establishes, within existing resources of the Labor Department, a program to provide assistance to veterans hoping to earn an advanced manufacturing certificate from public institutions of higher learning. The program will also help graduates of such certificate programs secure employment in the field of advanced manufacturing. It is the goal of SB 968 to increase the viability of advanced manufacturing as a career for veterans, thereby strengthening Connecticut’s industries and providing veterans with a career path that utilizes the skills they acquired while in service.

  • AN ACT CONCERNING NURSING HOME STAFFING LEVELS

The legislation would ensure adequate reporting of the numbers of nursing home staff.

To ensure the well being of nursing home residents. SB 375 requires nursing homes to calculate and post in a conspicuous, on-site place, the total number of nurses and nurse aides who will have direct patient contact for each shift. Additional posted information must include the minimal number of required staff for each shift, the total number of nursing home residents, a phone number or website to report suspected violations, and other pertinent information. All posted information must be retained by the nursing home for at least 18 months. If a nursing home is found to have violated direct patient care or nursing staff levels, the Department of Public Health may take disciplinary action against the home and issue a citation which must be posted on-site. Additionally, the legislation prohibits discrimination and retaliation against any employee or resident who reports suspected violations or cooperates in investigative proceedings. If a home is found to have violated this regulation, it is required to reinstate any employee or restore living situations for any resident affected by the violation. The nursing home is also liable for treble damages to any such employee or resident.

  • AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COUNCIL ON PROTECTING WOMEN'S HEALTH

To ensure quality health care for women.

This legislation creates a Council on Protecting Women’s Health, tasked with advising the Public Health and Insurance committees on necessary actions to safeguard the state from negative federal legislative changes. The Council would be comprised of six public officials and fourteen members of the public, appointed by the legislative leaders. Women who have experienced difficulty accessing healthcare must be represented on the panel. Beginning on January 1, 2020 the council must report to the committees.