Legislative Recap: May 19 through May 24, 2021

May 25, 2021
The House of Representatives continues passing meaningful legislation to move Connecticut forward. My colleagues and I are working hard as we fast approach our June 9 regular session adjournment.
 
I am pleased to provide you with a summary of the legislation we have addressed since my last update.
 
HB 6344
Unemployment services became a vital necessity during the pandemic as an unprecedented number of workers turned to the CT Department of Labor for support and guidance. This increased need also exposed areas for improvement. HB 6344 would create the Office of Unemployed Workers' Advocate to better assist unemployed individuals with processing claims and understanding available programs and benefits.
 
HB 6476
Social and economic disparities have existed in our policies and budgets for years and have been recently highlighted by the ongoing pandemic. HB 6476 creates a study to better understand the difficulties these disparities have caused and the opportunities for change to create more equity moving forward.
 
HB 6524
Fuel cells can offer a cleaner, more efficient, and affordable option to supplying and storing energy. HB 6524 will require electric companies to solicit proposals for new fuel cell electricity generation projects. Further expanding the benefits of fuel cell technology is an essential investment in our state's environment and future.
 
HB 6205
No one should have to choose between staying healthy and accessing their right to vote – but COVID-19 exposed the rigidity of Connecticut's voting system, which without the emergency legislative action we took last year left voters with only those choices. To avoid this issue in the future, the House passed HB 6205 to update the language in existing statutes to allow voters to more easily access absentee ballots.
 
HB 5312
We are rapidly transitioning to a digital world, but not only does this raise privacy concerns, it also can leave many behind. A cashless society disproportionately hurts low-income communities where individuals lack the funds and resources to obtain bank accounts or credits cards. HB 5312 would prohibit cashless transactions for in-person retail transactions to reduce harm to under-banked communities.
 
HB 6451
States across the country have been moving towards the future, making critically needed expansions to their gaming industry by investing in new online technology. With HB 6415, Connecticut has taken a significant step towards joining that future by modernizing Connecticut's gaming landscape.
 
HB 6107
Connecticut's zoning law is almost 100 years old. It's time to make an investment to grow infrastructure responsibly while advancing housing choices across the state and correcting decades of economic and racial segregation. HB 6107 reorganizes, simplifies, and clarifies existing law to empower our communities to accurately and efficiently plan for their futures while maintaining local control.
 
 
HB 5429
Reckless and distracted driving, especially in work zones and school zones, are unfortunately a problem on Connecticut's roads and highways. HB 5429 is a commonsense approach designed to enhance motor vehicle safety and keep people on the road safer.
 
HB 6634
During the public health emergency, nursing home residents experienced increased isolation as facilities worked to safely respond to the crisis. This can’t happen again. HB 6634 works to prioritize a resident's physical, emotional, and social needs while a long-term care facility is responding to a public health emergency.

SB 835
Patients trying to access their right to reproductive health services should not have to navigate deceptive advertising campaigns by limited service pregnancy centers. With the passage of SB 835 in the House, patients seeking care can be assured they are receiving accurate information.I will keep you updated on legislation we pass to make Connecticut an even better place to live, work and raise a family in the coming days.