Round-up of Bills Passed as of May 19
We are at the stage of the legislative session where the House and the Senate are taking up legislation that has already been approved by the other chamber. Here is the latest in a round-up of bills passed in the House so far this week. Many of these bills were passed on a bipartisan basis; I voted “yes” on all of them.
Bills we voted on in the House this week include:
H.B. 6580, AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
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 students' opportunities to learn more about food and agriculture through education programs.
CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.
H.B. 5307, AN ACT CONCERNING PRICE GOUGING.
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 patients. Connecticut consumers deserve adequate protection everyday, and especially during a public health emergency.
CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.
H.B. 6495, AN ACT CONCERNING EQUITY AND FAIR LENDING.
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 steps to ensure residential loan products are available in traditionally underserved communities.
CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.
H.B. 6548, AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JURY SELECTION TASK FORCE.
A truly fair trial cannot happen without a jury that accurately represents the community. Just passed by the House, HB 6548 makes data-driven changes to Connecticut's jury selection methods to ensure all defendants can access their right to a fair trial by their peers.
CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.
H.B. 6113, AN ACT REQUIRING THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION CONCERNING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.
Understanding the signs of abuse is a critical component to keeping our kids safe. Just passed by the House, HB 6113 will raise awareness and educate parents, guardians, coaches, and youth sports volunteers to effectively combat child sexual abuse.
CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.
H.B. 6466, AN ACT CONCERNING PROPERTY THAT IS EXEMPT FROM A JUDGMENT CREDITOR.
Sometimes, through no fault of their own, and 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 the 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.
CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.
S.B. 1003, AN ACT PROHIBITING CERTAIN HEALTH CARRIERS AND PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS FROM EMPLOYING COPAY ACCUMULATOR PROGRAMS.
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 practice makes necessary and potentially life-saving medications unaffordable. Therefore, SB 1003 takes steps to protect customers at the point of sale and helps manage out-of-pocket costs.
CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.