We Strengthened and Modernized Our Elections

March 2, 2026

On Thursday, my colleagues and I passed legislation that now heads to the governor's desk for his approval. These measures represent meaningful progress, especially because they fell short of final passage last year. Moving them across the finish line this session reflects our commitment to getting important work done for Connecticut residents. 

Strengthening and Modernizing Our Elections

As House Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, I played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen and modernize Connecticut’s election laws. These reforms take important steps to protect the integrity, security, and transparency of our democratic process by:

  • Safeguarding private voter data
  • Requiring that ballots cast during early voting be securely stored in a voting tabulator
  • Preventing individuals convicted of election-related crimes from serving as elections moderators

These updates reflect a balanced approach: expanding access to the ballot while maintaining strong safeguards to protect public trust.

Addressing Antisemitism in Our Schools

We also passed education reform legislation responding to rising antisemitism in schools. The bill establishes a working group that will equip educators with tools and guidance to combat anti-Jewish hate and foster inclusive, respectful learning environments for all students.

Cracking Down on Bottle Redemption Fraud

In addition, we approved legislation targeting bottle redemption fraud, an issue that has grown since Connecticut increased its bottle deposit from five cents to ten cents. Some out-of-state actors have exploited the higher refund value by transporting large quantities of containers into Connecticut, leading to reported losses in the millions for beverage distributors.

The new law addresses this abuse by:

  • Increasing fines for violations of the state’s bottle bill

  • Requiring redemption centers to record identifying information for anyone redeeming more than 1,000 bottles and cans in a single day

  • Granting law enforcement clear authority to pursue out-of-state violators

These changes protect legitimate consumers and small businesses while preserving the integrity of Connecticut’s recycling system.