Legislative Updates

May 26, 2023

The House of Representatives was in session six times during the past two weeks, and we debated and voted on a number of noteworthy bills during that time.

"Thursday, I supported, and the House passed with bipartisan support, HB 6667, which is the most comprehensive update to Connecticut's gun violence statutes since the historic reforms we passed after the Sandy Hook tragedy.
 
While Connecticut remains one of the safest states in the nation because of our previous legislative action, it does not make us immune to the continuing epidemic of gun violence. HB 6667 is a step toward making Connecticut even safer.
 
This legislation targets mass shootings by tightening restrictions on assault weapons and large capacity magazines and expands the ban on the sale of semi-automatic guns to those under the age of 21. HB 6667 additionally requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to update its mass shooting response plan.
 
The bill also directly deals with the issue of gun violence by requiring the registration of any ghost gun manufactured prior to 2019. HB 6667 cracks down on repeat firearm offenders by giving judges more tools to set higher bail and prosecutors more tools to seek revocation of probation, plus increases the penalty for failure to report a stolen firearm.

HB 6667 also:
  • Strengthens safe storage to address home invasions, and if a firearm is stolen and reported within 72 hours, the owner will not be held liable for crimes committed by the offender
  • Increases the number of family violence crimes as disqualifiers for purchasing a firearm
  • Tightens the definition of open carry, which is prohibited unless a person is on their own property or their own business
  • Increases accountability for gun dealers, giving DESPP more accountability tools
  • Updates permit requirements
  • Prohibits the sale of more than three guns per 30-day period to prevent straw purchases and to provide more flexibility for those who purchase guns lawfully
  • Increases the penalty for not reporting stolen firearms which is one of the leading causes of firearm deaths

We have seen states around the nation recklessly retreat from sensible gun regulations, but Connecticut continues to lead and stand strong in the push to make our communities safer. I want to thank Gov. Ned Lamont for his leadership on this bill in addition to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Judiciary Committee for their work on it.

The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

 

 

Below are some of the additional bills of note that I supported and that passed the House during the last two weeks, including:

May 16 Session:
✅ HB 6892: Putting teeth in municipal blight laws to increase the tools towns have to deal with abandoned, blighted and unsafe properties.
✅ HB 6918: Chambers of Commerce and business leaders cheered when we passed groundbreaking clean slate legislation, and this bill we passed mainly addressed technical issues to get this policy moving forward.
✅ HB 6775: Expands protections for seniors by increasing the number of mandated reporters for suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or when a senior needs protective services.
✅ HB 6872: Will ensure election officials and presidential electors do their duty as prescribed by law.

May 17 Session:
✅ HB 5314: Attention consumers! Businesses will no longer be able to charge your credit card, debit card, or third-party payment account without your consent for automatic renewal or continuous services.
✅ HB 6746: Sadly, wrong-way crashes and deaths have been on the rise in our state. We took action to help reduce incidents and minimize fatalities.
✅ HB 5902: Food allergies can be life-threatening. This bill establishes standards that restaurants must follow to ensure customers alert staff about their allergies. It also requires informational posters to be displayed in restaurants to ensure increased safety and awareness.
✅ HB 6561: Protecting our children is the most important part of youth athletic competition, and this bill creates a task force that will study safety measures for all sports.
✅ HB 6077: Connecticut has a rich history of remarkable stories, and this bill establishes a process to add additional statues outside the Capitol that reflect the diversity, character, and accomplishments of the state.

May 18 Session:
✅ HB 6677: Families who are tasked with taking care of loved ones need a lifeline. This bill will require the Department of Social Services to develop a plan that will increase the number of residents eligible to receive adult day services.
✅ HB 6898: This bill requires the Attorney General’s Office to submit a report on the settlement agreement with Juul Labs. In April, Juul Labs agreed to a $462 million settlement between six states, including Connecticut, for their role in marketing addictive nicotine products to teens.     
✅ HB 6820: Health care providers shouldn’t face out-of-state repercussions for doing what’s legal in Connecticut. This bill protects Connecticut providers performing safe and legal reproductive health care services to those who need it.

May 23 Session:
✅ HB 5917: Connecticut has recently seen an increase in roadway fatalities. Implementing the recommendations of the Vision Zero Council will make the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.
✅ HB 6755: Advanced manufacturing is our future, and this bill establishes a working group to develop a plan for an advanced manufacturing technology center in the state, and to maximize the economic, educational and workforce benefits provided to the state.
✅ HB 5441: A bipartisan effort that improves the state’s workforce pipeline, including the extension of the existing teacher loan subsidy program for teachers in Alliance Districts, to paraeducators and school counselors.
✅ HB 6880: Education is a top priority for us. This bill makes vital revisions to our education laws that support parents, teachers, families and most importantly, our students.

May 24 Session:
✅ HB 6486: The House took another step toward sustainability. This bill establishes a statewide stewardship program for discarded tires and ensures access to tire collection while promoting recycling efforts and holding producers accountable.
✅ HB 5628: Hydropower is a clean and renewable energy alternative that our state could potentially utilize. That’s why we passed this bill to study it.
✅ HB 6768: We’re taking another step to protect reproductive rights in our state by ensuring access to emergency contraceptives at pharmacies. This bill will give pharmacists the ability to prescribe medications and medical devices to patients. It also protects pharmacies from prosecution from states whose laws do not allow such activity.

May 25 Session:
✅ HB 6813: We are committed to protecting our marine ecosystems. This legislation ensures the safety of seabirds and shorebirds by establishing a protection program, including designated protection areas.

 

 

The legislative session adjourns on June 7 and we still have to debate and pass a new two-year state budget. I will keep you updated on our progress.