David Michel

The long days and late nights are back at the Capitol. It makes quite the difference being back with my colleagues, being able to talk about legislative proposals and try to help build more support where needed. Below is a list of some of the bills that we passed in the House this week: 

✅ HB 5146 makes it easier for supermarkets to provide surplus food to those in need – so that we may not only have plans in place that reduce food waste, but we find solutions that support the members of our communities.

✅HB 5420 ensures the necessary job protections for law enforcement officers to seek mental health treatment. Our men and women in uniform face increased stress, PTSD, depression, and higher rates of suicide. If an officer faces a mental health assessment and requires treatment, this bill ensures that they are able to focus on recovery and not have to worry about their job protection or potential retribution. 

✅ HB 5430, An Act Concerning Opioids, takes a critical next steps in our ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic by expanding treatment and increasing harm reduction. 

✅ HB 5414 provides legal protections for those seeking or providing abortion-related care in Connecticut and expands the types of providers eligible to provide abortion care to include advanced nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants. 

✅ HB 5386 works to cap out-of-pocket costs for EpiPens so that families aren't financially strained in accessing these life-saving devices.

✅ HB 5313 establishes maximum rates nursing pool agencies may charge a facility. Nursing homes have faced critical shortages in the last few years and as they work to replace staff, they have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified individuals – including increasingly relying on nursing pool agencies which often cause the cost of labor to skyrocket.

✅ HB 5278 will require physicians to receive explicit consent before a pelvic exam can be performed, in addition to ensuring providers are properly educated on conditions such as endometriosis to increase patients' dignity and bodily autonomy.

✅ HB 5234 ensures that both parties are able to work together to break down the barriers to obtaining housing. This bill establishes clear rules of the road for landlords and tenants.

✅ HB 5248 removes barriers for individuals with a criminal record trying to obtain a professional license. Gaining employment is a critical component to reentering your community following incarceration – but too often individuals face significant barriers, which limit opportunity and the ability to succeed in reintegrating.