Education Bill Passes in the House, and more

May 16, 2025



 

View this email in your browser

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

The House met three times this week, and I'm so proud that the chamber passed the Education Committee's omnibus bill, HB 7009: An Act Concerning the Establishment of the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement. I'll tell you more about this great bill's contents below.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about a bill the House passed that will support our public libraries, a bill that strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children 

After three years of attempts and work, this week in the House we passed a meaningful set of reforms to improve the state’s practice of crisis response drills to improve students’ physical safety and properly balance their psychological wellbeing.

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

We also passed legislation to create a state seal of civics education and engagement to be earned on high school diplomas for students who demonstrate civics mastery in the classroom and community engagement.

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. 

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 it was an honor to speak in support!

The bill must now pass the Senate and be signed into law by the governor.

You can watch a video I did on the bill here!
 

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.
 

Cardiac Screening Program 

A reminder that that the "In a Heartbeat" Cardiac Screening Program is will be available soon for our younger residents! The program is designed to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest by helping detect potential heart disease in children, teens, and young adults, and they will soon be hosting programs in Fairfield! Please see below for upcoming testing dates:
  • Tuesday, May 20, 2:30-6:30pm, Fairfield Warde High School
  • Wednesday, May 21, 2:30-6:30pm, Fairfield Ludlowe High School
  • Tuesday, May 27, 3-6pm, Staples High School
The "In a Heartbeat" program is an amazing and free event that could save a life, so I hope you'll check it out if you can!
 

Local Farmers Markets 
Greenfield Hill Commons Farmers Market
75 Hillside Rd., Fairfield
May 17-Oct.25, 10am-1pm
Read more here





Fairfield Farmers Market
Sherman Green
June 8-Oct. 12, 10am-2pm
Read more here
 

Cultural Experiences 
Shopping on Post Rd. Walking Tour
370 Beach Rd., Fairfield
May 17, 10:30am-noon
Read more here
Public Library's Literary Luncheon
1118 Cross Hwy., Fairfield
May 22, noon-2pm
Read more here
 

Community Events 
Fairfield Public Library Big Spring Book Sale
Fairfield Public Library (1080 Old Post Rd., Fairfield), Rotary Room
May 16, 9:00am-4:30pm
May 17, noon-4:30pm
Read more here
On-Field Movie Night
Haydon Field (210 Old Dam Rd., Fairfield)
POSTPONED TO May 16, 7:15pm
Read more here
 

I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative

Website
Website

Email
Email

Facebook
Facebook

Instagram
Instagram

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