State Senator Marilyn Moore Releases Statement on Bill that Eliminates the Nonmedical Exemption to the Immunization Requirement Voted Out of Public Health Committee
State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport), member of the Public Health Committee, is releasing a statement on a bill voted out of the committee today. Senate Bill 568, An Act Eliminating The Nonmedical Exemption To The Immunization Requirement, would eliminate the religious exemption from immunization requirements in K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, and child care facilities.
“The bill is a working document,” said Sen. Moore. “My decision to vote in favor of this bill is based on facts and the common good of children in Connecticut. Vaccine’s prevent and protect not only ourselves, but those around us.”
Currently under SB 568, these immunization requirements would not apply to any child in a K-12 or child care setting who previously claimed a religious exemption and who are enrolled in seventh grade or above. For children enrolled in sixth grade or below who previously claimed a religious exemption to vaccination requirements, the bill allows the parents or guardians to present and adhere to an acknowledged declaration from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse that specifies which immunizations are recommended and that the child is in process of receiving such immunizations. For any child who is in sixth grade or below but did not present a written declaration stating such immunizations are in process, the bills require such child to comply with the immunization requirements on or before September 1, 2022 or within 14 days after transferring to a school.
According to the CDC, on-time vaccination helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are safe and effective. Immunity is the body’s way of preventing disease. When a baby is born, his/her immune system is not fully developed, which can put him/her at greater risk for infections. Vaccines reduce a child’s risk of infection by working with his/her body’s natural defenses to help safely develop immunity to disease. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it after it occurs.
Senator Needleman Gives Support to Legislation Removing Race from Marriage, Land Records
Senator Needleman Gives Support to Legislation Removing Race from Marriage, Land Records
As the Judiciary Committee today discussed it in public hearing, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) gave his support to legislation that seeks to prohibit restrictive covenants based on race, specifically removing race-based restrictions and covenants from land records and marriage licenses in Connecticut. As recent developments have shown, there are still structural problems in the statutes and regulations of Connecticut, making this legislation even more necessary to pass.
“Connecticut is one of just a handful of remaining states that require couples to identify their race before they can receive marriage licenses, and as we recently learned, some towns have properties with race-related restrictions barring purchase by non-white couples, in documents dating back decades, if not further,” said Sen. Needleman. “These rules and standards are outdated by decades, if not centuries, and we need to take this opportunity to realign them with the modern day. I look forward to supporting this legislation on the Senate floor.”
House Bill 6665, “An Act Concerning The Removal Of Restrictive Covenants Based On Race And Elimination Of The Race Designation On Marriage Licenses,” would create a process at the town level to assist citizens who have identified racist covenants within deeds to have the language removed. It would additionally remove race from the information a couple must provide to a registrar in seeking a marriage license.
According to an article in the Middletown Press written in March 2020, some property records in the state still have restrictions in place preventing their conveyance or lease “to any other than the Caucasian Race,” to quote one property’s restrictions. In the 1900s and before, race-based restrictions were commonly found in housing and property records, even after the Supreme Court struck down such rules in 1948, and as some went unnoticed or unchanged since that time, they still exist today.
Removing the race requirement on marriage licenses would end a practice first put into place in 1848. The state Department of Public Health says it does not use the collected information, only collecting it due to a currently existing statutory requirement.
Senator Haskell Joins Environment Committee in Passing Transportation and Climate Initiative
Senator Haskell Joins Environment Committee in Passing Transportation and Climate Initiative
Today, the Environment Committee voted to pass the Transportation and Climate Initiative, sending it to the House and Senate for further consideration. State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) supported the bill, knowing that Connecticut has an opportunity to invest in clean energy and fight environmental pollution. The legislation would cap and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reducing pollution from the transportation sector by 26 percent between 2022 to 2032. The initiative would raise tens of millions of dollars annually for state reinvestment in clean transportation options and infrastructure improvements.
“Due to the pandemic, carbon emissions are now at a historic low in Connecticut. Let’s not go back to the old normal and instead build back greener,” said Sen. Haskell. “Let’s stop pumping diesel exhaust into the lungs of young people as they ride the bus to and from school. Let’s recognize that our constituents won’t feel comfortable buying Electric Vehicles until we’ve got charging stations across the state. Let’s stop accepting that urban communities near busy highways will suffer from higher asthma rates. We can and will do better.”
Governor’s Bill 884, “An Act Reducing Transportation-Related Carbon Emissions,” would implement a program to cap and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation through setting a cap on emissions that would decline over a period of ten years. Revenue would be invested in green infrastructure including public transit improvements, new charging stations, electric school buses and other critical projects. A significant portion of this revenue would be dedicated to assisting the communities most impacted by pollution.
The proceeds and investments from the program would be published each year online and the public would be allowed to review and comment each year. Under the legislation, the proceeds raised would be subject to the Transportation lockbox and therefor dedicated to the Special Transportation Fund.
Senator Cabrera Votes to Extend Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants Into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Senator Cabrera Votes to Extend Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants Into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
HARTFORD – Today, the state Senate approved legislation that will extend outdoor dining activity at restaurants through to March 31, 2022. The legislation, which has no fiscal impact, establishes a process by which local zoning officials can allow or expand outdoor dining at restaurants. It also specifies that any outdoor dining activity previously authorized by executive order will be approved though March 31, 2022. State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D- Hamden) today voted to approve; the bill now heads to the Governor’s office to be signed into law.
“I strongly support this legislation and I’m happy to see it pass the state Senate,” said Sen. Cabrera. “We are slowly beginning to emerge from this pandemic, but we need to remain vigilant in our efforts to mitigate the spread and keep ourselves, our loved ones, our community and our state safe.”
The legislation, amended last week during its passage in the House, substitutes House Bill 6610, “An Act Concerning The Provision of Outdoor Food and Beverage Service By Restaurants.” Under its language, if adopted, zoning or planning officials would have the power to expand or permit outdoor activities for restaurants to respond to or provide economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Any permit for outdoor eating would not require significant paperwork such as site surveys or traffic studies to expedite the approval process outside of information that could impact public health, safety or the environment. Any applications filed would be responded to within ten days of receipt, and any appeals process after a potential rejection would need to be filed within a week.
Notably, municipalities wishing to permanently expand the availability of outdoor dining and retail activity would be allowed to expedite permanent changes to their zoning rules. In the future, the legislation could be expanded to enable permanent expanded outdoor dining in its current state.
Otherwise, the legislation holds preexisting standards for outdoor activities, such as specific spacing and zoning for outdoor dining that does not interfere with local pathways and are subject to reasonable standards, such as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck in spring 2020, restaurants struggled under limitations imposed on their businesses by public safety standards. Expansion of outdoor dining led to increased safety and comfort for diners, leading to benefits for the businesses adopting them. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control found patients who reported dining inside a restaurant were 2.4 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic.
Senate Extends Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Senate Extends Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Today, the State Senate the State Senate voted 34-0 to approve legislation that will extend outdoor dining activity at restaurants through March 31, 2022. The legislation, which has no fiscal impact, establishes a process by which local zoning officials can allow or expand outdoor dining at restaurants. It also specifies that any outdoor dining activity previously authorized by executive order will be approved though March 31, 2022. State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted in favor of the outdoor dining extension. The bill now heads to the Governor’s office to be signed into law.
“Outdoor dining has proven to be very popular with both diners and restaurant owners,” said Sen. Maroney. “Further expansion of outdoor food service will allow for the continuation of customers to go to a restaurant and feel safe during their dining experience. It helps restaurants regain business and helps make up for profits lost during the pandemic.”
The legislation, amended last week during its passage in the House, substitutes House Bill 6610, “An Act Concerning The Provision of Outdoor Food and Beverage Service By Restaurants.” Under its language, if adopted, zoning or planning officials would have the power to expand or permit outdoor activities for restaurants to respond to or provide economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Any permit for outdoor eating would not require significant paperwork such as site surveys or traffic studies to expedite the approval process outside of information that could impact public health, safety or the environment. Any applications filed would be responded to within ten days of receipt, and any appeals process after a potential rejection would need to be filed within a week.
Notably, municipalities wishing to permanently expand the availability of outdoor dining and retail activity would be allowed to expedite permanent changes to their zoning rules. In the future, the legislation could be expanded to enable permanent expanded outdoor dining in its current state.
Otherwise, the legislation holds preexisting standards for outdoor activities, such as specific spacing and zoning for outdoor dining that does not interfere with local pathways and are subject to reasonable standards, such as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck in spring 2020, restaurants struggled under limitations imposed on their businesses by public safety standards. Expansion of outdoor dining led to increased safety and comfort for diners, leading to benefits for the businesses adopting them. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control found patients who reported dining inside a restaurant were 2.4 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic.
Backed by Science and the Courts, Sen. Daugherty Abrams Votes to Continue Protecting Public Health and Safety
Backed by Science and the Courts, Sen. Daugherty Abrams Votes to Continue Protecting Public Health and Safety
HARTFORD, CT – Buoyed by new data showing continuing coronavirus infections and deaths in Connecticut and a dangerous resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the country, and backed by a new Connecticut Supreme Court decision, state Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) joined her Democratic colleagues in voting for a bill that extends Governor Ned Lamont’s pandemic emergency powers for another seven weeks, until May 20.
“I support the passage of this bill to extend the governor’s pandemic emergency powers until May 20,” said Sen. Daugherty Abrams, Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee. “We are vaccinating residents at one of the fastest rates in the nation and beginning to see some light at the end of this long and painful tunnel caused by the global pandemic. Still, COVID-19 is far from done with us, our nation or the world. Therefore, it is imperative that we do all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and harmful, more dangerous variants in order to put us in the best possible position to return to normalcy.”
Today’s vote by Senate Democrats to continue protecting the public health and safety comes as COVID-19 infections and deaths continue to hammer Connecticut, the region, and the country.
Just yesterday, Connecticut reported more than 3,200 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend – more than 1,000 new infections every day – resulting in another 18 deaths and 42 hospitalizations. Nearly 8,000 Connecticut residents have died of COVID-19 over the past year, with nearly 310,000 infected – about one out of every 11 state residents.
Also yesterday, after new variants of the coronavirus sent the national seven-day average for new COVID-19 infections to levels not seen since October, President Biden called for governors and mayors to reinstate mask mandates.
And Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned Monday of “impending doom” from a potential fourth surge of the coronavirus pandemic, even as the number of U.S. citizens being vaccinated increases.
On Monday the Connecticut Supreme Court also issued a unanimous opinion confirming the constitutionality of Governor Lamont’s use of emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noting that the Republicans’ own president, Donald Trump, had invoked the 1988 federal Stafford Act in declaring the COVID-19 pandemic to be a “major disaster,” the state Supreme Court ruled that the coronavirus pandemic in Connecticut also meets both the legal and plain-language definitions of “catastrophe” and “major disaster” in existing state law.
“It would be absurd for the statutory scheme to be interpreted such that the governor could declare a civil preparedness emergency for an event such as a snowstorm but not for the worst pandemic that has impacted the state in more than one century,” the court wrote in part.
Monday’s unanimous state Supreme Court decision undercuts an attempt by Connecticut Republicans to re-write today’s bill so that, under state law, viral pandemics are not considered a “serious disaster.” Connecticut Democrats defeated that Republican amendment on a party-line vote.
Senate Extends Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Senate Extends Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
HARTFORD – Today, the state Senate approved legislation that will extend outdoor dining activity at restaurants through to March 31, 2022. The legislation, which has no fiscal impact, establishes a process by which local zoning officials can allow or expand outdoor dining at restaurants. It also specifies that any outdoor dining activity previously authorized by executive order will be approved though March 31, 2022. State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) today voted to approve; the bill now heads to the Governor’s office to be signed into law.
“As Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, I am in favor of this legislation to extend outdoor dining activity and pleased got this done to help our restaurants and keep residents safe,” Sen. Daugherty Abrams. “The damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been well-documented, and as we begin to see signs of recovery it is imperative that we continue to be cognizant of how deadly this virus truly is. Enabling businesses and restaurants to continue serving customers outdoors as the weather improves prioritizes the health and safety of their customers and employees of the business as well and allows businesses to operate safely.”
If adopted, zoning or planning officials would have the power to expand or permit outdoor activities for restaurants to respond to or provide economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Any permit for outdoor eating would not require significant paperwork such as site surveys or traffic studies to expedite the approval process outside of information that could impact public health, safety or the environment. Any applications filed would be responded to within ten days of receipt, and any appeals process after a potential rejection would need to be filed within a week.
Notably, municipalities wishing to permanently expand the availability of outdoor dining and retail activity would be allowed to expedite permanent changes to their zoning rules. In the future, the legislation could be expanded to enable permanent expanded outdoor dining in its current state.
Otherwise, the legislation holds preexisting standards for outdoor activities, such as specific spacing and zoning for outdoor dining that does not interfere with local pathways and are subject to reasonable standards, such as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck in spring 2020, restaurants struggled under limitations imposed on their businesses by public safety standards. Expansion of outdoor dining led to increased safety and comfort for diners, leading to benefits for the businesses adopting them. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control found patients who reported dining inside a restaurant were 2.4 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic.
Sen. Hartley, Senate Votes to Extend Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Sen. Hartley, Senate Votes to Extend Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Today, the State Senate approved legislation that will extend outdoor dining activity at restaurants through to March 31, 2022. The legislation, which has no fiscal impact, establishes a process by which local zoning officials can allow or expand outdoor dining at restaurants. It also specifies that any outdoor dining activity previously authorized by executive order will be approved though March 31, 2022. State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) today voted in support of the bill and it now heads to the Governor’s office to be signed into law.
“The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been widespread, especially on restaurants. Outdoor dining was a vital lifeline in helping restaurants here in our area and throughout the state stay in operation and keep workers employed. Additionally, it has given residents new options for dining at local restaurants and continue to support small businesses,” said Sen. Hartley. “This bill supports Connecticut’s restaurants and food service industry in their recovery from the pandemic and gives certainty they will be able to continue to have the flexibility to provide outdoor dining.”
This legislation codifies the Governor’s Executive Order, grandfathering in restaurants which had been authorized to offer outdoor dining during the past year and maintains the preexisting standards such as specific spacing which does not interfere with local pathways and is subject to reasonable standards, such as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck in spring 2020, restaurants struggled under limitations imposed on their businesses by public safety standards. Expansion of outdoor dining led to increased safety and comfort for diners, leading to benefits for the businesses adopting them. During the early months of the pandemic statistics from the Centers for Disease Control found patients who reported dining inside a restaurant were 2.4 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 .
Senate Extends Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Senate Extends Outdoor Food, Beverage Service by Restaurants into 2022, Preserving Popular Restaurant Pandemic Operations
Today, the State Senate voted 34-0 to approve legislation that will extend outdoor dining activity at restaurants through March 31, 2022. The legislation, which has no fiscal impact, establishes a process by which local zoning officials can allow or expand outdoor dining at restaurants. It also specifies that any outdoor dining activity previously authorized by executive order will be approved though March 31, 2022. State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today introduced the bill on the Senate floor and voted in support; the bill now heads to the Governor’s office to be signed into law.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year, outdoor dining was a lifeline for many restaurants around the state, enabling them to stay afloat and even driving business on some Main Streets and downtown areas, desperately needed amid the economic downturn of the time,” said Sen. Needleman. “We need to continue to extend this lifeline to our restaurants and allow them to continue to benefit from this legislation, now and in the future, and I look forward to seeing the Governor sign this bill into law.”
House Bill 6610, “An Act Concerning The Provision of Outdoor Food and Beverage Service By Restaurants,” was amended last week during its passage in the House. Under its language, if adopted, zoning or planning officials would have the power to expand or permit outdoor activities for restaurants to respond to or provide economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Any permit for outdoor eating would not require significant paperwork such as site surveys or traffic studies to expedite the approval process outside of information that could impact public health, safety or the environment. Any applications filed would be responded to within ten days of receipt, and any appeals process after a potential rejection would need to be filed within a week.
Notably, municipalities wishing to permanently expand the availability of outdoor dining and retail activity would be allowed to expedite permanent changes to their zoning rules. In the future, the legislation could be expanded to enable permanent expanded outdoor dining in its current state.
Otherwise, the legislation holds preexisting standards for outdoor activities, such as specific spacing and zoning for outdoor dining that does not interfere with local pathways and are subject to reasonable standards, such as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck in spring 2020, restaurants struggled under limitations imposed on their businesses by public safety standards. Expansion of outdoor dining led to increased safety and comfort for diners, leading to benefits for the businesses adopting them. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control found patients who reported dining inside a restaurant were 2.4 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic.
West Hartford Teen Testifies on Bill to Help Sister with Epilepsy
West Hartford Teen Testifies on Bill to Help Sister with Epilepsy
With Sen. Slap’s assistance, a new focus on sudden, unexpected deaths
HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and West Hartford teen Sophie Kudler offered testimony today before the legislature’s Public Health Committee on a bill that would require the state medical examiner to track and collect information on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP, which affects about one out of every 1,000 people with epilepsy.
Kudler, 16, testified in favor of the bill on behalf of her sister who is now 13 and who has had epilepsy — and daily seizures — since she was 3. There are 36,000 people with epilepsy in Connecticut.
A section of Senate Bill 1083 that would be known as “Halyn’s Law” received its public hearing today before the Public Health Committee. A portion of the bill is named after Wethersfield resident Halyn Murtha, who died in May 2019 at age 9 of SUDEP. The bill would require the state’s chief medical examiner to have at least one hour of training in SUDEP, which is the unexpected death of someone with epilepsy who was otherwise healthy.
Advocates are hoping that by collecting and studying such information, the number of deaths attributed to SUDEP will drop, much like the number of infants dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) declined considerably from 130 deaths per 100,000 in 1990 to 38 deaths per 100,000 in 2016 following the release of the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations.
“Even with the best medical care, regular doctor appointments, regular in-patient monitoring of seizure activity, and multiple medications that have led to excellent seizure control, my sister still could die of SUDEP,” said Kudler, who is a junior at Hall High School and who is now also serving as the legislative intern for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. “Epilepsy is chronic, sinister, and unpredictable. That is why Halyn’s Law is so important.”
“Sophie called me back in November to begin talking about the need for this bill, and we have been in touch ever since about the bill language and when she would have a chance to testify and speak in support of her sister and thousands of other Connecticut residents,” Sen. Slap said. “It has been a wonderful and enriching experience working with Sophie and the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut to bring this legislation to light and to see our young people advocating for a better world for their peers. Sophie is really making a difference with her heart and her intellect and her commitment to others.”
The bill received support today from a number of Connecticut citizens and organizations.
“This legislation before us, Senate Bill 1083, which emphasizes education amongst the medical examiner’s office, will lead to more accurate and uniform reporting of potential SUDEP cases amongst the epilepsy community,” said Michael Finley, who is the government relations advocate for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. “This will result in the collection of a critical body of data to help identify the causes and potential risk factors associated with SUDEP. Our ultimate goal is to make this data readily available to research institutions like the North American SUDEP Registry to help significantly lower the instances of the SUDEP amongst the over 36,000 individuals living with epilepsy in Connecticut. ”
“Halyn was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just 1 year old. She endured thousands of seizures in her short life, multiple combinations of medications and many hospital visits where she was hooked up to EEG monitoring equipment for days trying to find a cure for her epilepsy. Along her journey, she was additionally challenged with learning delays and autism. Her life was challenging, but she was happy and had a way of spreading her unique spirit with the world,” said Halyn’s parents, Christopher and Victoria Murtha of Wethersfield.
“Like all parents, we want to see our children grow up to be healthy and happy, to protect them from harm, and to be a positive contributor to society. Halyn doesn’t have that chance to grow up and we couldn’t protect her from epilepsy. But she was happy, and this bill is one of the ways she can make a lasting contribution to society. Supporting the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office will help to provide appropriate training and support to their wonderful staff,” they said.
The committee has until April 7 to vote on the bill.