Civic Engagement, Supporting Our Libraries, and more

May 16, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!
 

In this week's eblast, you can read about a bill the House passed that will foster civic engagement in our children, a bill that supports our public libraries, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children

This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, and much more.

HB 7009 establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.

This seal is for students who demonstrate civic engagement in school, through the completion of classes and assessments, and outside of the classroom by participating in community service, student government, and more.

At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.

This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community. 

Another key portion of the bill reforms school crisis response drills.

The tragic reality is that children need to be prepared in case of emergencies. Research has shown that some crisis response drills are ineffective and leave children with lasting anxiety.

HB 7009 establishes new standards for school crisis response drills to continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs.

While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

Other key aspects of HB 7009 include:
 

  • Limiting the use of smart devices in school
  • Addressing antisemitism in schools
  • Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
  • Allowing districts to decide whether to allow children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early
  • Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
  • Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.

HB 7009 is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health, and I am proud to cast my vote in support.
 
Strengthening Protections for Survivors

The House took action Tuesday to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by guarding the physical addresses of shelters and group homes from public access and public discussion during agency meetings. Safeguarding these locations is a testament to our unwavering support for survivors.
 
Social Media Protection for Children

Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader by passing legislation on Wednesday to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors. We are proud to join a nationwide movement that prioritizes youth mental health over tech profits.
 
Supporting Our Public Libraries

Good news for CT libraries! We passed a landmark bill on Thursday that positions the state as a national leader in supporting public libraries facing skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks. This legislation stands up for libraries by prohibiting them from entering into or renewing prohibitively expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers of digital materials.

This legislation also aims to curb libraries’ unsustainable financial burden while ensuring the public continues to have equitable access to digital content. It does so by barring a number of onerous contract terms that publishers have used to price-gouge libraries on e-books and audiobooks.

Our libraries are the beating heart of our communities. They shouldn’t have to choose between providing the books their patrons want and accepting terms that interfere with their operations or waste taxpayer dollars.
 
Transparent Ticket Resale Bill

We also passed a bill on Wednesday to crack down on the legalized scalping of online ticket sales and resales by requiring the disclosure of hidden fees and markups while banning lookalike companies that profit off speculation and jacking up the price.

These new rules put CT fans first! It's all about transparency and protecting your wallet.
 
Additional Bills Passed this Week

The House passed a number of other great bills this week, including one that establishes an interagency council on homelessness, one banning shark finning, and more.

To read the full list of bills that have passed the House, please visit: cga.ct.gov/2025/lbp/lobp.pdf  
 

Sincerely,

Juan Candelaria
State Representative

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