With the legislative session wrapping up on Wednesday, I want to highlight several important bills that passed both the House and Senate and are expected to be signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont.
First among them is the energy affordability bill, SB 4, which I was proud to support. This bipartisan energy reform bill will deliver over $780 million in savings to Connecticut ratepayers between 2026 and 2028. As a member of the moderate caucus, I’ve spent the past year working with legislators on both sides of the aisle—evaluating proposals, co-sponsoring legislation, and negotiating real solutions to address our state’s electricity crisis. SB 4 is the product of that work.
The bill shifts the cost of public benefit programs—such as EV charging, solar subsidies, and hardship protections—off electric bills, delivering both immediate and long-term relief for consumers. It reduces subsidies, securitizes storm costs, lowers arrearage-related charges, and demands oversight of utility spending. It also modernizes the grid, supports clean energy innovation—including advanced nuclear and geothermal—and expands protections for low-income and medically vulnerable residents.
I promised to find ways to lower electricity bills, and I’m proud to help deliver a thoughtful, bipartisan solution that’s now on its way to the Governor’s desk. SB 4 is a first step toward building an energy system that is more affordable, reliable, and sustainable for all Connecticut families. I look forward to continuing this important work with my colleagues in the months ahead. |
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| Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Congratulations to Southington STEPS! |
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This legislative session, the General Assembly passed HB 6855, which places important restrictions on the sale of Kratom and its derivatives by designating them as scheduled substances.
I want to thank the students and advisors of Southington STEPS for their passionate advocacy. In January, they invited me to a presentation on the dangers of Kratom—an unregulated, addictive, and potentially harmful substance. In response, I introduced a bill to prohibit the sale of Kratom to individuals under 21.
Thanks to their continued efforts, including a visit to the Capitol to share their concerns, their proposal was incorporated into HB 6855, a broader consumer protection bill. In the final weeks of the session, both the House and Senate passed the measure, and it is now on its way to becoming law.
I'm grateful for Southington STEPS and the critical role they played in advancing legislation that protects the health and safety of Connecticut residents. |
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| More Support For Veterans |
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The House of Representatives passed the final portion of the CT Hero Act via House Bill 6438, a crucial step toward strengthening and expanding the services veterans rely on.
The bipartisan legislation represents our commitment to ensuring services for those who’ve served our country.
This measure reaffirms Connecticut’s commitment to honoring our veterans and standing with those who have served.
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In the final hours of the session, the legislature passed HB 6932, an important reform to how Connecticut regulates and delivers interpreting services for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing communities.
The bill creates a new Interpreting Standards Board within the Bureau of Services for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing. Appointed by the bureau’s director, the nine-member board will set statewide standards for interpreter education, training, and certification. It will also oversee service protocols, review complaints, and recommend disciplinary action when needed.
Last session, I was proud to lead the effort to establish the Bureau itself, and this bill reflects the meaningful progress the Bureau is making on behalf of Connecticut’s Deaf community. Once signed into law, this legislation will take a crucial step forward in improving service quality and protecting the rights of those who rely on interpreters every day. |
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| In between votes at the Capitol this week, it was a nice treat to visit with members of the CT Restaurant Association. Many CT restaurants showcased samples from their menus which fortified us through the long night of voting. |
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| Investing in Safer, Smarter Transportation |
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| This session, the legislature passed two important transportation bills that reflect Connecticut’s commitment to safer streets, smarter infrastructure, and more inclusive public services. These new laws will help improve everything from pedestrian safety to public transit access while honoring the memory of local heroes. |
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Key highlights include:
🔹 Boosting Local Transit – Increased state funding for local transit districts and new support to help towns and cities apply for competitive federal infrastructure grants.
🔹 Stronger Safety Laws – Tougher penalties for driving or boating under the influence (DUI/BUI), and updated helmet requirements for children and young adults on bikes and motorcycles.
🔹 Pedestrian Protections – Improved safety standards for newly constructed crosswalks.
🔹 Expanded Fare Discounts – A new 50% fare reduction on state-owned buses for seniors, veterans, minors, and individuals with disabilities.
🔹 “Yellow Envelope” Program – A new initiative to help people with disabilities communicate more effectively with law enforcement during traffic stops.
🔹 Honoring Local Heroes – The Jude Lane overpass in Southington will be designated the State Trooper First Class Aaron M. Pelletier Memorial Bridge. This tribute was first suggested to me by the wife of a police officer who wanted to honor our fallen hero. With the support of the State Police, the Department of Transportation, and the House Transportation Committee Chair, we were able to make it happen. Additionally, Special Service Road 495 in Meriden will now be named the Andrew DiDomenico Memorial Highway.
Together, these reforms are about more than roads and buses—they’re about building a safer, more accessible Connecticut for everyone. |
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| We passed legislation that will foster a more inclusive and responsive system that better meets the needs of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. |
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The bill:
- Tracks delays & gaps in critical services
- Requires public reporting on abuse & neglect cases
- Reviews DDS investigation policies every 5 years
- Launches statewide autism needs assessment
- Studies future of Southbury Training School
- Proposes urgent help for complex autism cases
Such policies recognize the inherent dignity and potential of every person as we move closer to a future where everyone can participate fully and equally.
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| In our final week we passed legislation that includes an increase on the Farm Investment Tax Credit from $100,000 to $250,000 for farm operation, machinery, equipment, land, and increases protections for agritourism businesses with destinations like corn mazes, pick-your-own offerings; invests 10 million in bonding for a crop-loss reimbursement grant, increases investment in land trusts, open space grants, and increases funding for our State Veterinarian and other resources to invest in our farm communities. |
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| Reminder: Join the South Central Health District on June 11 from 6-8 p.m. for an exciting and interactive classroom experience designed for students in grades 5–8! Participants will learn the lifesaving skill of hands-only CPR, how to use an AED, and basic first aid—all in a supportive, age-appropriate environment. Early CPR training builds confidence, encourages a culture of preparedness, and helps reduce anxiety in emergency situations. This is a great opportunity for young people to gain valuable skills that could save lives. Don’t miss this chance to empower the next generation of lifesavers! Register by clicking HERE. |
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| Rabies Vaccination Clinic |
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There will a rabies clinic hosted by Southington Veterinary Associates on June 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St.
Dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier. People are asked to remain in the vehicle with their pets until prompted for their turn.
Those wishing to get the 3-year rabies vaccine must bring old vaccination records $20 cash only Town Clerk staff will be on site to issue dog licenses Cash or check (No credit cards) made out to Town of Southington will be accepted for licensing.
Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old. |
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| Town Pool Facilities Schedules |
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The weather is heating up (finally), just in time for the opening of the pool and splash pad at Memorial Park (Woodruff St., Southington), on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m.
The pools at Recreation Park (Maxwell Noble Dr., Plantsville) are scheduled to open on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m..
All Town pool facilities are open to Southington residents ONLY; however, each resident with proper ID may bring one non-resident guest.
Click Here to View Admission Requirements, Pool Rules, and Hours of Operation
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| Southington Drive-In Reminder |
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| Reminder: The Original Southington Drive-In Committee announced its movie lineup for the Summer 2025 Season. Join friends and neighbors on Saturday nights for "reel" entertainment under the stars. Please keep in mind that the Drive-In is an all-volunteer venue with all proceeds going to the host organizations. Gates open at 6 p.m. and movies start at dark -- approximately 30 minutes after sunset. $20 a carload / walk-ins $5 each (lawn chairs welcome!). Cash only. |
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🏞️ 110 state parks
🌲 32 state forests
🏕️ 29 state campgrounds
🛥️ 117 state boat launches
🏖️ 4 coastal state beaches
Connecticut has all this and more! Nationally-ranked restaurants, the Connecticut Oyster Trail, and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. Later this year the state will also officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.
The best way to explore tourism destinations and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website: ctvisit.com. |
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As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Chris.Poulos@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates!
Chris Poulos
State Representative |
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