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Dear Neighbor,
The General Assembly has shifted into high gear. The House of Representatives was in four days this week, and we dealt with a number of big issues. Overall, we have been successful in protecting you from the chaos, cruelty, and corruption in Washington. Here’s a breakdown:
On Monday, I joined my colleagues in confirming a number of new judges’ nominations. HB 5350 makes various unrelated changes to laws on cannabis, hemp, and THC-infused beverages. This bill:
- Expands access to medical cannabis, including for out-of-state patients
- Lowers costs for businesses through reduced testing and streamlined regulations
- Aligns potency rules with neighboring states to stay competitive
- Increases the range of products made and sold in Connecticut, including coffee and tea
- Strengthenes consumer protections, including data privacy
Modernizing our laws, leveling the playing field, and supporting a growing industry—this is how Connecticut keeps jobs, investment, and innovation here at home.
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Tuesday was devoted to one bill, HB 5044, which establishes vaccination standards in Connecticut. This is one of many measures to protect you from the failure of the federal government to maintain scientific and medical basis for critical health care.
In the past, Connecticut's vaccine policies and standards have been tied to the expert recommendations developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC). Unfortunately, the CDC has recently abandoned its standing as the premier resource of medicine and science guidelines.
HB 5044 seeks to update Connecticut's vaccine policies so they are based on science, not political agendas. The bill will:
- Allow the Connecticut Department of Public Health to promote COVID and flu vaccines
- Require private insurance companies to cover the cost of your vaccinations
- Allow Connecticut to buy vaccines from suppliers other than the CDC
- Establish an adult vaccine program for uninsured and under-insured individuals
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Wednesday was a big day for gun responsibility. HB5047, which I co-sponsored, generally makes it a class D felony for anyone or any legal entity (firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, or other similar entity) to knowingly import into Connecticut or knowingly advertise, sell, offer, or expose for sale any convertible pistol manufactured on or after October 1, 2026. A class D felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. The bill does not apply this provision to retail sales or other lawful transfer of a convertible pistol by someone who is not a licensed gun dealer to another person who is not a licensed gun dealer.
This continues Connecticut’s history of reasonable gun responsibility laws. I spoke on this bill, and here’s a video of my remarks: |
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On Thursday, we passed HB 5001, which implements the constitutional amendment that was overwhelmingly approved by the voters.
It also:
- Modernize our absentee ballot laws and vote counting procedures
- Create more safeguards to ensure your vote counts
- Protect our elections from corrupt outside forces
Additionally, we’ll keep ICE and people with weapons away from our polls, increase penalties for tampering with vote counts and intimidating poll workers, and empower the Attorney General to prevent people from interfering with our elections, among other provisions.
People’s right to vote is under constant attack around the country, but here in Connecticut, we’re making sure elections are free and fair.
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Friday, while the House was not in session, the Judiciary Committee met to take up bills referred to us from the Senate, and deal with a case that the claims commissioner brought up. I also met with colleagues about Diabetes and about Reproductive Rights.
Finally, energy relief is coming soon to many Connecticut residents. Earlier this week, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved an interim decision to lower residential electricity rates across the state.
Under this change, rates will decrease by approximately 4.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, about $30 per month for the average Eversource customer, and 4.9 cents per kilowatt-hour, or roughly $34 per month, for the average United Illuminating customer.
This reduction is largely driven by a drop in the public benefits charge, which will now appear as a credit on customers’ bills rather than an added cost, at least through September. Much of this shift is tied to long-term energy contracts negotiated by Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. These agreements provide electricity at stable, fixed prices, helping shield ratepayers from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
The state’s continued investment in a diversified energy portfolio has helped cushion the impact of rising natural gas prices this winter, underscoring the value of a balanced and forward-looking energy strategy.
Customers should begin seeing these lower rates reflected in their bills starting May 1, with the reductions expected to remain in place through at least September for most households. |
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If you or someone you know requires assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-1902 or email me at Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Bob Godfrey |
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