Legislative Update 5.23

May 23, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

It's Memorial Day Weekend!

First and foremost, let's this opportunity to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Let's honor their service. May their memory be a blessing. Secondly, please be safe. I've included some safety tips that may be helpful. I've also added information about the big statewide job fair coming to New Britain in June. 

In Hartford, my colleagues and I have been busy with multiple session days and late nights. We're debating, amending, and passing bills to benefit and protect all Connecticut residents. We still have a lot of work to do before the session ends on June 4th. Make no mistake, the budget looms large. 

I am proud of a lot of what we've done and I've highlighted some of it below.

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Manny.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Manny Sanchez
State Representative


 
Supporting Workers on Strike at Pratt & Whitney

I was proud to stand with Pratt & Whitney Machinists who are on strike. As House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, I have to stand with them, and any worker simply looking for fairness and the ability to take care of their families.
 
Extending the Trust Act

In the wake of unprecedented federal immigration crackdowns, including targeting properly documented immigrants, and the denying of due process and Habeus Corpus, with my colleagues, I stand by our Connecticut values in protecting our friends and neighbors.

Connecticut has one of the strongest TRUST Acts in the country. It was approved unanimously in 2013 after some neighborhoods in Connecticut were subjected to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that left a significant impact on their communities.

On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in the House to strengthen the Trust Act by:

  • Ensuring that officials like juvenile probation officers and employees of the Division of Criminal Justice and the Board of Pardons and Paroles are included in existing TRUST Act protections.
  • That the TRUST Act allows cooperation with federal immigration authorities when someone has been convicted of serious crimes.

Added a slew of Class C and Class D felonies including those related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and possession of child sexual abuse material to the list of post-conviction offenses where law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
 
Medical Debt Relief 

Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents!
 
I’m proud to share that the second round of medical debt relief is on the way  — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.
 
What to expect:
Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Debt. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.
 
Who qualifies?
Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income
 
This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents. You can view a sample of what this letter looks like HERE.
 
Workers' Compensation 

House Democrats passed legislation on Monday that saves money for EVERY EMPLOYER in the state since all of them faced skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims costs after a CT Supreme Court ruling.

This legislation was a top priority of businesses and municipalities and saved them millions of dollars. Business advocates estimate workers’ compensation costs would have increased 265% absent any action.
 
Towing Law Overhauled

The House overwhelmingly approved a bill to overhaul the state’s towing law, making it harder to tow vehicles from private property and easier for drivers to retrieve their vehicles after a tow.

HB 7162 overhauls the state’s 100-year-old towing statutes creating massive reforms to towing procedures from private property and rate increases for highway tows that typically follow car accidents.

Tow companies are now required to accept credit cards and they are not allowed to tow vehicles quickly just because of an expired parking permit or registration. Vehicles can’t be towed from private property without notice unless they’re blocking traffic, fire hydrants or parked in an accessible space.

The bill takes several steps to make it easier for people to get their towed vehicles back and requires towing companies to take more time and increase documentation during the sale process.
 
Recent Legislation Passed in the House 

For a complete listing of bills passed in the House through today, please click HERE.
 
Prioritizing Mental Health

Please click on the image below to watch a short video featuring Rep. Belton and other lawmakers and their legislative focus on addressing mental health as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
 
Memorial Day Safety Tips

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend! Stay safe and diligent on the road, on the grill, and the water.
 
Statewide Job Fair @ Central on June 12th 

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