May 18, 2021 Legislative Recap

May 19, 2021

The House of Representatives met for nearly 10 hours Tuesday and passed a number of bills to move Connecticut forward.
 
I am pleased to provide you with a summary of the legislation we addressed yesterday.
 

HB 5011
Access to records created by public agencies allow for real transparency and accountability. HB 5011 eliminates barriers to accessing this information by reducing or completely removing the cost of fees associated with accessing these public records.
 
HB 6417
This legislation, HB 6417, requires that every prospective camp employee, 18 and older, complete a comprehensive background check before obtaining employment in roles that provide care or involve access to any child at the camp. Requiring background checks is a simple and effective way to keep our children safe.
 
HB 6606
Historic mixed-use building across Connecticut hold huge potential and with some renovation could offer a significant impact for their communities – however, investing in a mixed-use building can be complex and expensive. HB 6606 would initiate a task force featuring stakeholders from a variety of professions to examine these potential barriers and how to combat them.
 
HB 6580
Teaching our K-12 students to lead a healthy and sustainable lifestyle requires a comprehensive education covering the importance of locally grown and produced food and a better understanding of the agricultural industry. HB 6580 expands our student's opportunities to learn more about food and agriculture through education programs.
HB 5307
HB 5307 expands and clarifies existing statutes to protect the Connecticut consumer against the predatory practice of price gauging. During the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for personal protective equipment and other critically needed medical goods and services soared, ultimately threatening the health and safety of providers and patient. Connecticut consumers deserve adequate protection during a public health emergency.
 
HB 6038
Being a lottery winner and claiming your prize shouldn't come with a risk to your anonymity. That's why HB 6038 would protect player safety and privacy by requiring the lottery to obtain written consent to publish winner's photos and upon request, remove a winner's name from the published list.
 
HB 6112
For LGBTQ+ court-involved youths, Connecticut's criminal legal system can cause harm, resulting in a need for additional or enhanced services. HB 6112 will help to better understand the potential harm of Connecticut's criminal legal system on our LGBTQ+ youth and what services will be needed to mitigate this harm.
 
HB 6495
We all deserve fair and equitable access to financial products and services, however persistent discrimination in banking and home lending has had a detrimental effect on communities of color. HB 6495 prohibits certain discriminatory conduct, requires the implementation of fair lending examination procedures, and requires certain banks to take step to ensure residential loan products are available in traditionally under-served communities.
 
HB 6485
Hydrogen and electric cars are the way of the future but work still needs to be done to understand how to best ensure equitable distribution of grants for residents hoping to purchase these vehicles. To achieve that goal, the House passed HB 6485 which will require the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program (CHEAPR) Board to conduct that study.
 
HB 5420
Unfortunately, Connecticut can be home to severe weather which has been known to cause inoperative traffic signals and bring intersections to a halt as drivers try to figure out how to safely pass through or avoid other reckless drivers. HB 5420 helps to clarify this confusion and ensure safe intersections by requiring drivers to treat an intersection with an inoperative traffic control signal as though it is controlled by a stop sign.
 
HB 5610
With increasing costs of higher education, HB 5610 aims to increase student's access to financial aid options to further their education.
 
HB 6548
A truly fair trial cannot happen without a jury that accurately represents the diversity of a community. Passed by the House, HB 6548 makes data-driven changes to Connecticut's jury selection methods to ensure each defendant can access their right to a fair trial by their peers.
HB 6113
Understanding the signs of abuse is a critical component to keeping our kids safe. HB 6113 will raise awareness and educate parents, guardian, coaches, and youth sports volunteers to effectively combat child sexual abuse.
 
HB 6466
Through no fault of their own, especially over this past year, individuals can fall on hard times and face a growing list of debt obligations. While current law makes some protections for an individual's home and cars if bankruptcy becomes their only option, HB 6466 makes a fair increase to the homestead and motor vehicle exemption that more equitably matches the property values of our region.
 
SB 1003
Patient copay assistance plans are designed to help access critically need prescription medication at an affordable cost, but too often pharmacy benefits managers and health insurance companies have prevented patients from taking advantage of these coupons. This makes necessary and potentially life-saving medications unaffordable. SB 1003 takes steps to protect customers at the point of sale and helps manage out-of-pocket costs.
 
HB 6483
Armed service member's children can face many challenges as they relocate schools due to a change in a parent's duty station. With the passage of HB 6483, CT removes a hurdle by allowing military orders to be accepted as proof of residency for public school enrollment, and adopts the "Purple Star School Program," to ensure military-friendly schools. With this legislation, Connecticut is taking necessary steps to better support military families as they transition to our state.
 
HB 5737
From museums to memorials to historic sites, Connecticut is home to many landmarks that honor the contributions of our military and veterans. HB 5737 creates a state-wide military and veteran trail to help easily navigate and recognize each landmark and the story it tells about the history and pivotal role the military and veterans have played in our state.
We are in session again today and I will keep you updated on legislation we pass to make Connecticut an even better place to live, work and raise a family.