Climate Bill, Session Updates, and more

May 2, 2025



 

View this email in your browser

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!
 

In this week's eblast, you can read about climate legislation in Connecticut, drug take back day, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill

This week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability. 

Key provisions of the bill include:
  • Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
  • Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
  • Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
  • Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
  • Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
  • Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals
The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

The bill must now pass the Senate and be signed into law by the governor.
 
Gun Safety and Accountability Bill

I am pleased we passed House Bill 7042, a critical firearm industry responsibility measure. This legislation provides a civil remedy for individuals harmed by the irresponsible actions of gun manufacturers, dealers, and sellers. It also closes a significant loophole in our background check laws and clarifies key language in our statutes related to the unlawful discharge of firearms.

This bill extends firearm permit ineligibility in Connecticut to individuals who have committed disqualifying crimes outside of the state. Specifically, individuals who move to Connecticut and have been convicted of offenses that would otherwise preclude them from obtaining a firearm permit—had the offenses occurred within Connecticut—will also be deemed ineligible. This applies to out-of-state convictions within the past eight years.

Finally, this bill clarifies a section of our unlawful discharge of a firearm statute—a Class C misdemeanor—by explicitly stating that a person cannot be convicted under this law if the firearm was discharged in lawful self-defense or in defense of another person.

Connecticut’s strong laws have helped make our state one of the safest in the nation, and this bill represents a meaningful step forward in promoting accountability and enhancing public safety.
 
Connecticut HERO Act

This week, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed (146-0-5) what we call the “HERO Act.”

The HERO Act (HB 6442) is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country.

Among the bill’s components:

  • Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
  • Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
  • Create two new commemorative plates - one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers - providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions
  • Free license renewals for veterans
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
  • Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
  • Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.
 
Additional Bills Passed in the House

The House was in session three times this week - read below to learn about some of the other bills we passed:

  • House Bill 7081 AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
  • House Bill 7102 AN ACT CONCERNING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health
 
e-Apprenticeship Program

The Connecticut Department of Labor officially launched its new e-Apprenticeship Program, proving a streamlined, digital solution to the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program, which is already utilized by many Connecticut state agencies. The system can be used by employers for managing, registering, and updating existing apprentice records. Registered apprentices will be able to track their training progress, both on the job and in the classroom, all within the system. By connecting employers and apprentices more efficiently, this system supports the “earn while you learn” model—helping individuals master a skilled trade while receiving paid, hands-on training.

Read the full announcement here.
 
Real ID Deadline: May 7

Time is running out to get your REAL ID!

Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

How do I get a REAL ID? 
You must visit a DMV site in-person to get a REAL ID.  Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. Customers with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license. Check the CT information portal for more information.

In Connecticut, you'll need:

  • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
  • a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
  • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

For more information, visit the following:

Department of Homeland Security
CT Department of Motor Vehicles
 

Sincerely,

Juan Candelaria
State Representative

Facebook Facebook

Website Website

Email Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences