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This week, the CT House of Representatives was called into a special session to discuss a number of important topics, including the housing crisis, establishing an emergency reserve fund, safeguarding immigrants within the confines of a courthouse, and more.
The House passed the bills on Wednesday, and the Senate took them up on Thursday.
Below, you'll find more information on a number of the bills we passed on Wednesday. With approval by the Senate on Thursday, the bills now head to the governor's desk for signing.
I've also included a special announcement regarding childcare in Connecticut within this e-newsletter.
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| Addressing Connecticut's Housing Crisis |
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From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
This week, during the special session, we took a historic step toward making that goal a reality. The House passed landmark legislation to expand Connecticut’s housing supply and ensure every community is part of the solution. The bill empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth, using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet today's and tomorrow's housing needs. |
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Partnerships are at the heart of this effort. Developed in collaboration with municipal leaders, regional councils, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Lamont, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth Plans. Together, we’re making it easier for communities to grow in ways that strengthen local economies, support schools, and keep Connecticut’s future bright.
Connecticut has already made major investments in new housing and rehabilitation projects, and this bill builds on that progress. It’s designed to ensure that everyone, no matter their age, income, or background, has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in the communities they love.
The legislation also encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation. By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.
There’s still more work ahead, but An Act Concerning Housing Growth marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find and afford a home in a community they’re proud to call their own. |
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| Approving an Emergency Response Reserve |
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The legislature also addressed several important matters, including the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and the appropriation of funds to offset reductions in federal programs such as SNAP, WIC, and others that directly impact Connecticut residents. We also took up several additional priorities aimed at supporting essential state programs and maintaining fiscal stability. HB-8003 is the state's $500 million funding response to cutbacks in federal funding.
The funding will cover gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. Connecticut will not sit by idly as the federal government attacks middle and low-income families. |
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| Comprehensive Bill Safeguards Immigrants; Addresses Children's Behavioral Health |
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House Bill 8004 safeguards immigrants within courthouses and promotes fair, transparent access to their data. The comprehensive bill includes the following provisions:
- Parameters for detaining, arresting, or taking a person into custody on courthouse grounds based on a civil offense;
- General prohibitions on people enforcing state or federal laws on state courthouse grounds from wearing a mask or facial coverings, unless medically necessary and approved by court personnel; and
- Restrictions on state and local government agencies from disclosing personal information to federal authorities, except as required by state or federal law, judicial warrant, or court order.
The protections were included as part of an expansive bill that also addressed children's mental health, and the creation of a funding mechanism for a firefighters' cancer relief fund.
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We passed legislation that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care.
Highlights include:
- Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
- New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
- Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
- Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)
Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
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| Expansion of Early Start CT Begins in January 2026 |
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Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.
Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation. The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history. We are thrilled about this program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state.
Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for childcare providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to childcare centers, group childcare homes, family childcare homes, and public-school preschool classrooms throughout the state.
Click HERE for more information on Early Start CT. |
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Please feel free to contact me at Joshua.Hall@cga.ct.gov or 860-240-8500 if you have questions or concerns. And be sure to “Like” my Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Joshua Hall
State Representative |
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