Legislative Updates for the 50th

March 19, 2024

We're getting deeper and deeper into session, which means there are plenty of bills moving along through the process which can benefit millions of CT residents. The members of the Public Safety and Security Committee are continuing to do their part in making sure the right bills get through the process, like retaining and recruiting first responders, regulating fireworks sales, protecting our service dogs, and much more that will be debated throughout the session.

Below are some updates not only on some of the issues in Hartford, but some of the latest news from around our district.

Mansfield Middle School Roundtable on Student Well-Being
It was an informative morning with Students and Administrators at the Mansfield Middle School, who hosted a roundtable about student well-being. The event highlighted successful student-centered programs at MMS. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz led the discussion, which featured DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly, Deputy Education Commissioner Sinthia Sone-Moyano, and MMS Students and Teachers.
Celebrating St. Patty's Day
It was an honor to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day as the guest speaker at the 51st Annual Dinner of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Greater Norwich Area. A great tradition. Thank you to Michael Dougherty and the Board of Stewards for the invitation. Sláinte.
A Day at the Maple Sugar Festival
It was great to spend the day outdoors at the Maple Sugar Festival in Ashford at the Scout Camp!
Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast
It was great to spend the morning at the Annual Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast at EASTCONN in Hampton today. Thank you to all of the business, non-profit, and community leaders who attended and asked thoughtful questions.
Supporting "Broko's Bill"
"Broko's Bill" will impose costs on those who intentionally hurt or kill K-9s. Dogs are man's best friend, and K-9s are police officers best friends. They deserve our protection. The bill, named after a K-9 killed in the line of duty, would ensure just that.
 
I did an interview on the bill with Mike Cerulli on WTNH News 8.
Photo From News12
Fish Stocking Report 2023 from DEEP
The Fisheries Division of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) has published the Annual Fish Stocking Report, which contains the number of fish stocked during 2023. This report covers all of the stocking, transplants, and relocations conducted or overseen by the Fisheries Division. The full report can be found HERE.
Vowing to Crack Down on Reckless Drivers
As the chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, I hear too many stories of those hurt or killed needlessly because of reckless driving. Because of this, we have decided in bipartisan fashion that an important issue for this session should be cracking down on more reckless drivers and ensuring greater enforcement.
 
You can read more at the CT Mirror.