Dear Neighbor,
This week, the Select Committee on Special Education held both a press conference and a public hearing focused on HB 7277 and SB 1561.
These proposals have drawn significant public interest, and the committee was honored to hear directly from nearly 200 individuals — parents, students, educators, district administrators, and advocates — who shared their personal experiences, professional insights, and passionate perspectives. |
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The Select Committee is scheduled to reconvene next week. In the meantime, members are carefully reviewing all the testimony and written feedback we've received, as well as analyzing relevant research and data. This comprehensive review will guide our next steps as we work to addresses the needs of students, families, school districts and educators alike.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to engage in this process. Stay tuned for continued updates as the legislative process surrounding these two bills moves ahead. |
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| Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Concluding Distracted Driving Awareness Month with Action |
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| As Distracted Driving Awareness Month comes to a close, it's the perfect time to highlight important legislative efforts aimed at making our roads safer. I'm proud to cosponsor HB 7060, a comprehensive Transportation Committee bill that aims to promote roadway safety awareness and make Connecticut’s roads safer for everyone. |
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This legislation includes my proposal to name Southington’s Jude Lane overpass in honor of TFC Aaron Pelletier, a dedicated Connecticut State Trooper and member of our community who gave his life in the line of duty. HB 7060 also supports my broader efforts to protect drivers, passengers, and highway workers.
Key highlights of HB 7060 include:
- Makes distracted driving on limited access highways a reckless driving violation
- Increases penalties for endangering highway workers and violating the “Move Over” law
- Requires the installation of six-inch-wide edge lines on limited access highways to improve visibility and safety
- Establishes a work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program
- Enhances commercial driver education and promotes broader roadway safety awareness
You can track HB 7060’s progress throughout the legislative session by clicking HERE.
With this legislation, we’re not just raising awareness — we're saving lives.
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| Rising Auto Repair and Insurance Costs |
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| Recent news about tariffs on imported vehicles and parts has raised questions about how this might affect the cost of owning and insuring a car. The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) wants consumers to understand how changes like these could impact their wallets and what steps they can take to stay protected and save money. |
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As black bear activity increases with the warmer weather, CT DEEP and Audubon CT have launched the Be Bear Aware campaign to help keep both people and bears safe. One simple but important step: Take down your birdfeeders — this reduces the chances of bear encounters in your neighborhood.
Also just released: the 2025 State of the Bears Report, offering an in-depth look at bear activity, population growth, and human-bear conflicts across Connecticut. It highlights DEEP’s efforts in education, media outreach, conflict management, and research.
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| Work Zone Awareness Week isn’t just a reminder to slow down - it’s a call to recognize the real people behind every reflective vest. Let’s drive like their lives depend on it… because they do. |
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| Please join me in thanking those who put their lives on the line every day to keep our roads safe, and remembering those we’ve tragically lost in work zone accidents. Their dedication deserves our respect, and their safety requires our attention. Please, slow down, stay alert, and move over in work zones. |
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| Ion Bank and The Arc of Southington are hosting a Shred-It event on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at 201 W. Main St. in Plantsville. Make a donation of any amount to shred up to two boxes of old documents per vehicle. No plastic or binders. |
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Family Fun Day at the Southington Drive In is Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person, purchased in advance at the Little Red Store in Plantsville, Lewis Farms in Southington, South Side Meat Market in Bristol and Pat's Ice Cream in Southington.
The day will include face painting, glitter tattoos, balloonists, magicians and more. Check out the graphic below for more details.
Proceeds of the event go to CCMC Oncology Department and Bread for Life.
Rain date is May 10. |
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The Arc of Southington is hosting a Sunday Funday at the Jacob Pavilion at YMCA Camp Sloper, 1000 East St., from noon to 4 p.m. on May 4.
Enjoy family friendly activities including music, games, food trucks, a climbing tower, Tarot card readings and more.
The event is free. |
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⏰ Coming up at the Capitol! The House will be back in session next week. Stay tuned for key updates, votes, and what’s on the legislative agenda.
Here are some great ways to stay informed:
➡️ The Connecticut Network (CT-N) provides live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative sessions. You can watch sessions live on Roku, YouTube or their website: https://www.ct-n.com.
➡️ Connecticut General Assembly's official website offers a Schedule of Events: cga.ct.gov/calendarofevents.asp. |
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| Prescription Drug Take-Back Day |
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Saturday, April 26, is Prescription Drug Take Back Day - a national event that provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications … no questions asked.
It’s not just convenient — it keeps our community safe in so many ways:
💊 Prevents misuse of medications. Unused meds can be dangerous if taken by the wrong person.
🛡️ Protects kids and families by reducing accidental poisonings and drug exposure at home.
🌎 Keeps our water and environment clean. Flushing or tossing meds can harm ecosystems.
🚫 Reduces risk of addiction and overdose by limiting access to potentially addictive substances.
👮♂️ Offers safe and anonymous disposal. Handled by professionals — no judgment, no hassle.
Southington does not have a townwide event scheduled for Saturday, but it does serve as a reminder that the town has a prescription medication drop box in the lobby of the Police Department. People can safely dispose of their unused, expired or unwanted medications whenever the police department is open.
Do your part and spread the word! Find the nearest collection site here: dea.gov/takebackday#collection-locator |
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Let’s celebrate our trails and the freedom they bring!
Looking for a trail to explore?
Use this handy tool to find the perfect one near you: cttrailfinder.com
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| As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Chris.Poulos@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates! |
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Sincerely,
Chris Poulos
State Representative |
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