Weekly Legislative Update 05/02

May 2, 2025



 

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the warm spring weather and brighter days.
 
These past few week has been a clear reminder of why I believe in practical progressivism—the idea that government can be both bold and responsible, compassionate and strategic. It is the belief that we can meet the ethical demands of justice, fairness, and care for one another while building fiscally sound, lasting solutions.
 
Whether it has been standing up for our veterans with the bipartisan HERO Act, passing gun safety legislation to protect communities, or advancing policies that support maternal health, mental health, and clean energy—we are proving that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of responsibility or compassion.
 
As a lawmaker, a soldier, and a public servant, I have seen firsthand how good governance must always strike a balance between empathy and efficiency. Government can—and should—do big, meaningful things. But it has to work for the people, be grounded in shared values, and never lose sight of the everyday lives behind every bill, every budget line, and every vote.
 
I’m proud of the work we’ve done this week in the People’s House—and further in this newsletter, you’ll find highlights of the legislation we’ve passed, the investments we’re delivering to Stamford, and resources that I hope will be useful to you and your family.
 
As always, thank you for giving me the honor of serving you.
 

Progress in the People’s House: Week in Review 

This week, my colleagues and I returned to the House chamber to cast votes on legislation that will directly improve the lives of families across Connecticut. A few of which I will go into detail for further in this newsletter.

From protecting our veterans to strengthening public health, we moved several major bills forward—each rooted in common sense, compassion, and progress.

Here are a few key highlights:

✅ Passed House Bill 7042 to create greater gun safety by allowing victims of violence who are harmed by irresponsible actions by gun manufacturers, gun dealers and gun sellers to sue
✅ Passed House Bill 6442 the HERO Act to better serve our veterans.
✅ 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
✅ Passed 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
✅ Passed House Bill 5004 takes climate action by creating more aggressive emission reduction goals, incentivizing businesses and municipalities to engage in environmentally friendly practices, preparing workers for clean energy jobs, and preserving more marshlands and forests.
✅ Passed House Bill 7213 to support reproductive health care by allowing minors to access birth control, prenatal care, or pain management during pregnancy without parental consent.
 

Veterans Corner: CT HERO Act

This week, I was proud to help lead the passage of House Bill 6442, known as the CT HERO Act, through the House chamber with unanimous support.
 
The HERO Act is more than a bill—it's a promise kept. It’s the product of months of bipartisan collaboration, thoughtful listening, and an unwavering commitment to honoring those who served. This act is part one of a legislative package for our veterans and service members, and from the earliest drafting stages, my colleagues and I have been determined to create legislation that reflects what our veterans have asked for: real recognition, real support, and real action.

Here’s part of what the HERO Act will do:
 
✅ Designate November as Veterans’ Month — giving us the time and space to reflect on the sacrifice and service of our veterans.
✅ Waive fees for Purple Heart license plates — making them more accessible to those who earned one of our nation’s highest honors.
✅ Create commemorative plates to recognize women veterans and the Borinqueneers, honoring their contributions in a visible and lasting way.
✅ Provide free license renewals for veterans, helping reduce barriers to everyday mobility and access.
✅ Evaluate and improve dental services available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
✅ Accelerate nursing home placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
✅ Improve school transitions for military families with children who require special education services.

We call it the HERO Act, but it’s really about our obligation to see, hear, and serve the people who were willing to give everything for this country. Our veterans deserve policies that reflect more than gratitude—they deserve progress.
📄 Click here to read more about the bill

Let’s keep working until every veteran in Connecticut feels that their service is not only remembered—but honored in the laws we pass and the lives we protect. 
 

Firearm Industry Responsibility Act

I am pleased we passed HB 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. 
 

Appropriations and Judicial Committee Work

Last month, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I joined my colleagues in one of our most important responsibilities: working to pass a balanced state budget that meets the needs of our residents. It has been a trying time with the projected cuts from the current federal administration which threaten to destabilize our operation of government. However, I’m proud of the hard work we’ve done, and I am even prouder of the values this budget reflects—investing in public education, supporting working families, and expanding opportunity for every Connecticut community.
 
The budget we advanced out of committee is also laying out the foundation for final negotiations with the Governor’s office. There is a lot more work for us to do. It will take collaboration, good-faith debate, and real focus to ensure we get this right before the General Assembly adjourns on June 4. But make no mistake—my priorities are clear.
 
At a time when working people are facing higher costs and uncertainty about the future, it’s our job to make government work for them. That means investing in classrooms and teachers. It means standing up for seniors, veterans, and caregivers. It means taking a hard look at how we fund core programs so that no community is left behind.
 
Alongside this fiscal work, the Judiciary Committee has been moving forward with a powerful slate of legislation. I have highlighted a few of the bills bellow:
 
✅ HB 7212, which strengthens the TRUST Act by expanding limitations on the types of information local agencies can share with federal immigration authorities.
✅ SB 1380, which protects patients from discrimination by healthcare providers.
✅ HB 7135, which ensures legal protections for providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care.
✅ HB 7132, which helps modernize and refocus law enforcement traffic stop procedures to prioritize public safety.
 
We’ve accomplished a great deal this session, but we’re not done yet. In the weeks ahead, I’ll continue to fight for a budget—and a body of laws—that brings fairness, accountability, and opportunity to every part of our state. Stay tuned.
 

Supporting House Bill 5004

I am proud to support HB 5004, which passed out of the House during our session this week!

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 get signed into law by the governor.
 

Funding for Stamford

One of my top priorities at the Capitol this year is ensuring that Stamford families have access to safe, affordable housing, and that our young people have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. I am proud to share some major wins from the April State Bond Commission meeting that help us do just that.

✅ $2 million for the Oak Park Phase II Redevelopment

This funding will support the ongoing renovation of 166 affordable housing units on Stamford’s East Side. The project will replace aging buildings with a modern, accessible layout designed to address long-standing issues with chronic flooding. This is a critical investment in making sure that our housing is safe, resilient, and built for the future.
 
✅ $25,000 for the Stamford Police Activity League (PAL)

This funding will provide new equipment and educational programming to support youth engagement and development. PAL is a vital part of our community, helping to build trust between officers and families while giving kids a safe, structured environment to learn and grow.
📄 Click here to read the official press release

Whether it’s housing or youth services, these investments reflect the kind of community-driven priorities I’ll continue fighting for—right here at home.
 

Pride in Politics

This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the Pride and Politics event in Norwalk hosted by Stamford Constable Tiffany Pippins. It was an inspiring event that brought together advocates, leaders, and community members to share our commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in government. 

During the event, we had thoughtful conversations about on how we can continue to make our state a place where everyone feels seen, safe, and supported. Events like this remind us why representation matters, not only in who serves as leaders but also in the policies we support. I am grateful to be apart of this ongoing work and stay dedicated to creating an equitable Connecticut for all.

I want to thank Stamford Constable Tiffany Pippins, Treasurer Eric Russell, Corey Frayte, and all of the leaders who helped organizing this event and helping lead this important conversation.
 

Meeting with Students for a Dream

I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the remarkable student leaders from CT Students for a Dream to discuss critical issues impacting immigrant communities across our state, including expanding access to healthcare through HUSKY and the ongoing need to protect and strengthen the Trust Act.

These students are not only advocating for their own futures, they are amplifying the voices of thousands of immigrant families across Connecticut who deserve to live with dignity, safety, and stability. Their courage, clarity, and leadership are truly inspiring, and a powerful reminder of what is possible when those most directly impacted by policy are leading the conversation.

I remain committed to working in partnership with these students to ensure that equity, compassion, and access are central to the decisions we make. Every person, regardless of immigration status, deserves comprehensive healthcare, protection under the law, and the opportunity to thrive in our state. 
 

The Connecticut Department of Labor Launches
New e-Apprenticeship System 

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. 
 

Veteran Suit Drive

Later this month, on May 29th, the Veterans' and Military Affairs committee is hosting their Veteran Suit Drive outside the State Capitol from 9am - 4pm in partnership with Max Cares Foundation and Save a Suit Organization. Please stop by at any point during the day to drop off business clothing for those in need. 
 

If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me directly or contact my office at (860) 240-8585. 

Sincerely,

Hubert Delany

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