|
It was a busy and productive week at the Capitol, as the House passed a wide range of legislation addressing key issues facing our state. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen our communities, support families and businesses, and improve quality of life across Connecticut.
Below is a breakdown of the legislation that advanced this week. The Senate now has until May 6 to take action on these bills as they continue through the legislative process.
|
|
|
This week the House passed, House Bill 5850: An Act Concerning Cannabis, Hemp, and Infused Beverage Regulation takes a comprehensive approach to modernizing Connecticut’s cannabis industry by reducing unnecessary regulatory costs and expanding access to safe, affordable products for consumers.
The bill proposes lowering taxes on THC products (as part of the state budget), aligning potency regulations for both flower and hemp-derived beverages more closely with neighboring states, and expanding access to medical cannabis by allowing these products to be sold at dispensaries. It also allows out-of-state patients to purchase medical products in Connecticut, improves branding and packaging standards, and introduces important safeguards such as stronger consumer data protections and a check on overly burdensome state regulations. Additionally, the bill would permit product tastings at dispensaries and broaden the range of products that can be manufactured and sold in Connecticut, including items like coffee and tea.
|
|
HB 5850 also aims to reduce overhead costs for dispensaries and support business growth. It allows cannabis businesses to operate in closer proximity to one another, reduces the required number of pharmacist hours at medical dispensaries, and eases restrictions on delivery drivers while enabling them to carry larger inventories. The bill further lowers the cost of lab testing and expands in-state production opportunities, helping to strengthen Connecticut’s cannabis market while maintaining a focus on safety, accessibility, and innovation.
|
|
|
We also passed legislation to make sure our 2026 elections are free and fair with House Bill: 5001: An Act Concerning Absentee Voting For All And Various Other Reforms to the Administration of Elections.
We took steps to:
- Modernize our absentee ballot laws and vote counting procedures
- Create more safeguards to ensure your vote counts
- Protect our elections from corrupt outside forces
Additionally, we’ll empower the Attorney General to prevent people from interfering with our elections, among other provisions.
People’s right to vote is under constant attack around the country, but here in Connecticut, we’re making sure elections are free and fair.
|
|
This House also updated vaccine policies with the passage of House Bill 5044: An Act Establishing Connecticut Vaccine Standards.
In the past, Connecticut's vaccine policies and standards have been tied to the expert recommendations developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC). Unfortunately, the CDC has recently abandoned its standing as the premier resource of medicine and science guidelines.
HB 5044 seeks to update Connecticut's vaccine policies so they are based on science, not political agendas. The bill will:
- Allow the Connecticut Department of Public Health to promote COVID and flu vaccines
- Require private insurance companies to cover the cost of your vaccinations
- Allow Connecticut to buy vaccines from suppliers other than the CDC
- Establish an adult vaccine program for uninsured and under-insured individuals
- Tighten loopholes around unvaccinated children and public schools
This bill makes vaccines more accessible, more affordable, and it will keep our communities healthier.
|
|
We also voted on several other bills including:
House Bill 5127: An Act Concerning Credit Cards and Health and Veterinary Care Services
House Bill 5467: An Act Concerning the Designation of A Department of Economic and Community Development Employee for the Purpose of Providing Concierge Services to Small Businesses
House Bill 5374: An Act Concerning Health Coverage Mandates for Certain Health Conditions
House Bill 5377: An Act Concerning Return of Health Care Provider Payments and Site of Service Billing Requirements
House Bill 5468: An Act Concerning the Provision of Equivalent Instruction
For a full list of bills passed, please visit http://cgalites/2026/lbp/lobp.pdf.
|
|
| Possible Lower Electric Rates Through September |
|
|
|
Starting May 1, Connecticut residents can expect some welcome relief on their energy bills. Earlier this week, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved an interim decision to lower residential electricity rates across the state.
Under this change, rates will decrease by approximately 4.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, about $30 per month for the average Eversource customer, and 4.9 cents per kilowatt-hour, or roughly $34 per month, for the average United Illuminating customer.
This reduction is largely driven by a drop in the public benefits charge, which will now appear as a credit on customers’ bills rather than an added cost, at least through September. Much of this shift is tied to long-term energy contracts negotiated by Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. These agreements provide electricity at stable, fixed prices, helping shield ratepayers from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
The state’s continued investment in a diversified energy portfolio has helped cushion the impact of rising natural gas prices this winter, underscoring the value of a balanced and forward-looking energy strategy.
Customers should begin seeing these lower rates reflected in their bills starting May 1, with the reductions expected to remain in place through at least September for most households.
|
|
Join Save the Sound for Rock to Rock, a fun group ride or hike supporting local environmental causes on Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 a.m. Choose from bike routes of 5, 12, 20, 40, or 68 miles, a kids’ 1-mile loop, or a group hike at East or West Rock. Afterward, enjoy live music, food trucks, and a Green Fair with local environmental organizations. Fundraise with our Water Cycle team to help protect the Sound, its rivers, and local lands.
Click here for more information and to register. |
|
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, administered by the DEA, will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. This event provides residents with a free, convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications at local collection sites. The DEA partners with local law enforcement agencies across the United States to host this event in local communities like ours.
Host sites will collect pills and capsules, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The DEA cannot accept liquid, sharps, or needles. Trained volunteers will be present to handle collected materials and ensure safe disposal. Any medication you wish to dispose of should be presented in a clear, sealed bag. Loose pills or capsules will not be accepted.
Click here to locate a collection site. |
|
Click here for more information and to register.
|
|
|
|
|
