Legislation introduced: 2021

February 8, 2021

We have some catching up to do thanks to the pandemic putting an abrupt end to out in-person legislative session last year. Although we met just a handful of times we did pass meaningful and forward-thinking legislation. I want to continue that progress in 2021. Below are some of the bills I have introduced.

 

HB 6267 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY RACIAL INEQUITY AND INEQUALITY.  To study the history of racial inequity and inequality in Connecticut and the U.S. and make recommendations to reverse these inequities legislatively, including reparations for descendants of slaves.

HB 6338 AN ACT CONCERNING STATE LIENS AGAINST THE PROCEEDS OF CAUSES OF ACTION OF PERSONS WHO WERE INCARCERATED.  For people who complete a prison term, any lien imposed by the state will be cut in half and the time period reduced from 20 years to 7 years, thereby allowing individuals to return to society and become productive citizens. Under current law, the state may impose a crushing lien that prevents ex-inmates from economic advancement.

HB 5917 AN ACT PROHIBITING INSURANCE COMPANIES FROM USING CREDIT HISTORY AS A FACTOR IN UNDERWRITING OR RATING PRIVATE PASSENGER NONFLEET AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICIES.  Ends a discriminatory practice based on a person's credit history. The bill prohibits insurance companies from using an applicant's or insured's credit history as a factor in underwriting or rating private passenger nonfleet automobile insurance policies.

HB 5876 AN ACT CONCERNING JUNETEENTH EMANCIPATION DAY AND THE ISSUANCE OF JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE PLATES.  To establish Juneteenth Emancipation Day as a state holiday and to create a specialty Juneteenth license plate and to celebrate the 1865 emancipation of slaves in Texas.

HB 6057 AN ACT CONCERNING REPRESENTATION ON THE CONNECTICUT PORT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  The legislation gives the City of New London's chief elected official a seat on the Connecticut Port Authority board of directors as a voting member, affording the region a true voice in the development of State Pier.

 

Last year's events with the Black Lives Matter movement, the death of George Floyd, nationwide protests against racism, and more recently with the attack on the U.S. Capitol, demonstrate the need for action. I have introduced legislation to; fight racism and inequality; to make right the past injustices against people of color; and to establish Juneteenth Emancipation Day as an official state holiday.

I will work hard to pass the bill giving New London's highest elected official a seat on the Connecticut Port Authority (CPA) board of directors. The City must have prominent representation on the CPA to ensure that the development of State Pier will benefit New London residents and not just corporate shareholders.

I have also proposed legislation to ensure the safety of people and animals in motor vehicles, and for broadening the scope of administering oxygen to sleep technicians.

During these difficult times it is more important than ever to come together and work for the good of all citizens and I will reach across the aisle for bipartisan support of my bills, for COVID-19 relief and for a fair, equitable and balanced two-year state budget.

For bills to become law they must first be brought up in a public hearing and approved by a legislative committee before coming up in the House and Senate for a vote. You can follow the progress of legislation at cga.ct.gov.