Senator Anwar Joins Senate Passage of Legislation Prohibiting Foreclosure and Enforcement for Unpaid Sewer Assessments, Related Fees when Under Certain Totals
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate in its passage of legislation that will protect individuals facing foreclosure in the face of delinquent sewer benefit assessments or use and connection charges. The bill would limit actions such as foreclosure for unpaid sewer charges totaling under $4,000.
“We all know too well the extreme financial hardships imposed on so many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long road to recovery some face in coming years,” said Sen. Anwar. “With that in mind, we owe it to our community members to ensure they will not be foreclosed, and this legislation establishes a minimum amount owed before they experience further financial strain.”
Senate Bill 968, “An Act Concerning Foreclosure, Assignment and Other Enforcement Actions For Unpaid Sewer Assessments and Other Fees and Charges,” would restrict liens on owner-occupied property for municipal or regional sewer or water pollution control authority assessments until the principal exceeds $4,000. Under the bill, the threshold is calculated separately for use and connection charges and benefit assessments. Under current law, there is no minimum below which a water pollution control authority, or WPCA, lien cannot be assigned. Municipal WPCA benefit assessments, municipal WPCA use and connection charges and regional WPCA assessments and charges cannot be foreclosed until their separate combined principals exceed $4,000.
Senator Haskell Joins Senate Vote to Expand Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Health Care Providers, Including EMS Personnel, Department of Corrections Employees, Emergency Dispatchers and Health Care Providers Related to COVID-19
Senator Haskell Joins Senate Vote to Expand Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Health Care Providers, Including EMS Personnel, Department of Corrections Employees, Emergency Dispatchers and Health Care Providers Related to COVID-19
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) joined the Senate in its approval of a bill that would expand eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries to include emergency medical services personnel, Department of Correction employees, telecommunicators such as 911 emergency dispatchers and, under certain COVID-19-related circumstances, health care providers.
“Two years ago, the Senate expanded post-traumatic stress coverage to first responders like police and firefighters,” said Sen. Haskell. “In our debates, we recognized we could and should do more to support the many other local first responders who work to keep us safe. Today, we made good on that. I’d like to thank Senator Julie Kushner, Chair of the Labor Committee, for putting forth this legislation to provide EMS responders, prison guards, emergency dispatchers and certain health care providers increased access to post-traumatic stress services and benefits. Especially in this last year, these individuals have made sacrifices and experienced incredible challenges in service to others. They deserve our full support.”
Senate Bill 660, “An Act Expanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Certain Mental Or Emotional Impairments Suffered By Health Care Providers In Connection With COVID-19,” seeks to expand workers’ compensation for post-traumatic stress injuries to cover emergency medical services personnel, all Department of Correction employees, telecommunicators such as 911 emergency dispatchers and health care providers who experienced certain circumstances related to COVID-19. The bill also changes “post-traumatic stress disorder” to “post-traumatic stress injury” in current law.
PTSI events compensable with workers’ compensation benefits for emergency health workers and Department of Corrections employees include incidents where an individual views a deceased minor, witnesses a person’s death or incident causing a person’s death, witnesses injury to someone who dies before or upon admission to a hospital, witnesses a traumatic physical injury leading to permanent disfigurement or amputation, or has physical contact with/treating injured persons who die before or upon admission. Emergency dispatchers can receive aid if they hear such incidents by radio or telephone.
Health care providers who witnessed death due to COVID-19, witnessed injury to someone who died from COVID-19, cared for someone who died of COVID-19 or witnessed traumatic physical injury leading to loss of vital body function due to COVID-19 would be eligible for PTSI workers’ compensation benefits. “Health care provider” specifically refers to people employed at doctor’s offices, hospitals, health care centers, clinics, medical schools, health departments, nursing facilities, retirement facilities, nursing homes, group homes, home health providers, laboratory and medical testing, pharmacies and personal care providers regularly employed for at least 26 hours per week.
Under the bill, PTSI benefits would be capped at 52 weeks; would be prohibited from being awarded beyond four years after a qualifying event, which must happen after July 1, 2019 under current law; and requires employers contest such a claim through a process similar to other workers’ compensation claims.
The Labor and Public Employees Committee unanimously approved the legislation in March. It now proceeds to the House for further debate and potential approval.
Sen. Haskell Leads Senate Passage of Legislation Strongly Benefitting Pedestrian and Road Safety
Sen. Haskell Leads Senate Passage of Legislation Strongly Benefitting Pedestrian and Road Safety
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, led the Senate passage of legislation that makes significant quality-of-life improvements for road safety statewide. The bill seeks to improve safety requirements in a variety of contexts, including granting pedestrians with increased right-of-way, increasing the fine for texting while driving and implements a fine for “dooring,” where a motor vehicle door opening into the path of a pedestrian or cyclist can put that person at risk.
“In 2020, dozens of pedestrians and at least six cyclists died in traffic collisions in Connecticut. That alone makes this legislation worthwhile,” said Sen. Haskell. “But its advantages are even more widespread. The legislation also lets us learn how to better address traffic hazards in the future and makes dangerous activity more expensive for those violating traffic laws. This bill will make Connecticut a safer place to walk, bike and drive. That’s an excellent thing.”
House Bill 5429, “An Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety, Vision Zero Council, Speed Limits in Municipalities, Fines and Charges for Certain Violations, The Greenways Commemorative Account and Maintenance Work Zone and School Zone Safety Enforcement,” provides eight significant changes to current transportation law in a variety of different areas. It:
- Will require motorists to grant right-of-way to pedestrians affirmatively indicating their intention to cross the road in a crosswalk. A pedestrian would need to be within a portion of the crosswalk, step to the curb at its entrance and indicate intent to cross the roadway by raising a hand or arm toward oncoming traffic or moving any part of their body or an extension of their body, including but not limited to a wheelchair, cane, walking stick, bicycle or crutch. The fine for failing to yield will remain $500.
- Establishes a “Vision Zero Council” tasked with developing policies aimed at eliminating all fatalities and severe injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, drivers and passengers, recommending annual statewide policy and interagency approaches by February 2022.
- Prohibits the act of “dooring,” where one causes physical contact between a vehicle door and either moving vehicles like motor vehicles, bicycles and electric scooters or pedestrians or cyclists and other riders by opening a vehicle door or leaving it open longer than necessary to load/unload passengers, where moving traffic is traveling at reasonable speed
Increases the surcharge paid on certain moving violations including speeding from $20 to $25 and adds dooring to the list of such violations. - Allows municipalities to establish speed limits on local roads with approval from local legislative bodies. Pedestrian safety zones with speed limits below general speed limits will be implementable in downtown districts and community centers.
- Fines for distracted driving will be increased from $150 to $200 for a first violation, with second violations rising from $300 to $375 and third and subsequent violations rising from $500 to $625. These laws generally prohibit using mobile phones and other electronic devices in ways interfering with safe driving.
- Greenway commemorative plate fees will be deposited into a dedicated account used to fund grant programs for greenways and other bicycle and pedestrian trails.
The legislation passed the Transportation Committee in March by a vote of 30-4 and passed the House by a unanimous 144-0 vote earlier this month. It now proceeds to the Governor’s desk for signing into law.
Sen. Slap Votes for Significant Step Forward in Connecticut Voting Rules
Sen. Slap Votes for Significant Step Forward in Connecticut Voting Rules
HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) this evening joined his colleagues in the state Senate to approve a modernization of Connecticut voting laws that will immediately improve voting access for many state residents by allowing different state agencies to automatically enroll new voters, restore voting rights for all inmates when they are released from custody, and allow people with developmental disabilities to have a legal representative assist them with registering to vote and with voting.
Senate Bill 5, “An Act Concerning Increased Opportunities For Absentee Voting, Safe and Secure In-Person Voting, Voter Registration And Certain Other Changes Regarding Election Administration,” passed the Senate on a 25-10 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“We have some of the most restrictive voting laws in the Northeast, even in America, right here in Connecticut,” Sen. Slap said. “This bill is a good step forward in correcting that and in expanding voting access to more Connecticut citizens. Combined with some other bills that we are supporting in the legislature – bills that seek to update our state constitution – we are on track to making significant, long-lasting changes to Connecticut’s antiquated voting laws.”
Some of the new voting provisions in SB 5 include:
- Requires the DMV, various state agencies, and public higher education institutions to use a secretary of the state-approved electronic system to automatically transmit voter registration applications for qualified applicants to the registrars of voters. Under existing law, the DMV must include a voter registration application as part of each motor vehicle driver’s license application or renewal, or each identity card application. Under SB 5, state agencies like public assistance agencies, libraries, and any state-funded program that provides services to people with disabilities must include a voter registration application with each service or with each assistance application, recertification, renewal, or change of address. Public higher education institutions must also distribute mail voter registration application forms.
- Restores, as of July 1, voting privileges to convicted felons who are on parole or special parole or who are confined in a community residence. Right now that automatic restoration of voting privileges is only granted to people who are on probation or who have completed their sentences and are released from physical incarceration.
- Eliminates the prohibition on so-called ‘mentally incompetent people’ being admitted as voters; it allows people with developmental disabilities to have a legal representative assist them with registering to vote and voting
- Requires the implementation of e-signature systems for most elections-related forms and applications
- Requires registrars of voters to annually distribute voter registration information at public high schools
- Requires town clerks to post notices for state, municipal elections on the town website
- Adds “sibling” to the list of immediate family members and adds designees allowed to return absentee ballots on behalf of voters
- Electors suffering from long-term illnesses will be made eligible for permanent absentee ballot status
After Years of Determined Fighting, State Senate Passes Adult Adoption Birth Record Bill, State Senator Marilyn Moore Supports Legislation
After Years of Determined Fighting, State Senate Passes Adult Adoption Birth Record Bill, State Senator Marilyn Moore Supports Legislation
After years of fighting to allow adult adopted persons in Connecticut access to their birth records, the State Senate passed the legislation. State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) voted in favor of this bill and now it heads to Governor Ned Lamont’s desk for signing into law. House Bill 6105, “An Act Concerning Access To Original Birth Certificates By Adult Adopted Persons,” previously passed the House by a vote of 115-28 on May 4.
HB 6105 was originally introduced in 2008 by Former State Senator Bill Finch who was adopted himself. He championed hard for the bill to pass hoping it would allow others who were adopted, like himself, to retrieve their birth records.
“Not allowing access to birth records to those who are adopted deprives them from obtaining certain parts of their biological history,” said Sen. Moore. “This legislation provides transparency to a person’s identity and allows them to access crucial information to family medical history.”
This legislation aims to end decades of their denial of important, sometimes life-impacting access to their own information. It would amend state statutes to allow all adopted individuals, and their children and grandchildren, to obtain their original birth certificates. Upon request, an individual would be able to write a request to their town or city’s registrar of birth records and receive birth records within 30 days of that request’s receipt.
Current state law says only individuals born or adopted after Oct. 1, 1983 can access their original birth certificates. Individuals born or adopted before that date are barred from accessing those records. There are more than 38,000 Connecticut residents who were adopted and were born before 1983.
Several organizations testified in support of this legislation during a public hearing held in February. The North American Council on Adoptable Children endorsed the legislation under the belief that every adopted person has the right to receive personal information about their birth, foster and adoption history, including medical information, educational and social history. The Connecticut State Medical Society gave its support, believing the legislation will lead to improved patient care and medical health, while the Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families supported the “equity of rights for all adopted adults.” Adopted adults cited their desires to know their histories; at least one mother who gave her daughter up for adoption in the 1960s said “closed adoptions hurt everyone” and passing the legislation “gives my daughter the document that is her right to have.”
This issue was previously raised in the General Assembly in 2017, 2018 and 2019 but was not enacted, despite wide bipartisan appeal; its discussion dates back to at least 1998, when similar legislation was first proposed in the Legislature. At least seven other states have passed similar legislation, including Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire. Court orders are still required to obtain these records in 25 additional states.
Senate President Martin Looney Removes Senator Bradley from All Committee Assignments Pending Resolution of Federal Criminal Charges
Senate President Martin Looney Removes Senator Bradley from All Committee Assignments Pending Resolution of Federal Criminal Charges
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) took action following federal criminal charges announced today regarding Senator Dennis Bradley of the 23rd Senate District.
Senate President Looney removed Senator Bradley as Senate Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee and named Senator Cathy Osten of the 19th Senate District as acting Chair of the committee, pending disposition of the charges.
Additionally, Senate President Looney removed Senator Bradley from his remaining committee assignments. Senator Bradley will no longer serve as Senate Vice Chair of the Committee on Children or as a member of the Banking, General Law, Internship, and Judiciary committees.
Senate President Looney also rescinded Senator Bradley’s appointment as Deputy Majority Leader.
“Based on the current available information regarding Senator Bradley, I have taken a first step to protect the integrity of the State Senate,” said Senator Looney.
Senate Approves Bill Modernizing Connecticut Voting Rules
Senate Approves Bill Modernizing Connecticut Voting Rules
Democrats in the state Senate today approved an important modernization of Connecticut voting laws that will improve voting access for everyone by allowing different state agencies to automatically enroll new voters, restore voting rights for all inmates when they are released from custody, and allow people with developmental disabilities to have a legal representative assist them with registering to vote and with voting.
State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted in favor of Senate Bill 5, “An Act Concerning Increased Opportunities For Absentee Voting, Safe and Secure In-Person Voting, Voter Registration And Certain Other Changes Regarding Election Administration.” It passed the Senate on a 25 to 10 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“As Connecticut works to return to normalcy following the coronavirus pandemic, certain procedures are being worked on to improve the standards of voting in the state,” said Sen. Maroney. “Instituting an automatic electronic way for voters to register increases the odds for residents to access their voting rights. This creates a more effective way to utilize applications online and allows for more voter participation.”
Some of the new voting provisions in SB 5 include:
- Requires the DMV, various state agencies, and public higher education institutions to use a secretary of the state-approved electronic system to automatically transmit voter registration applications for qualified applicants to the registrars of voters. Under existing law, the DMV must include a voter registration application as part of each motor vehicle driver’s license application or renewal, or each identity card application. Under SB 5, state agencies like public assistance agencies, libraries, and any state-funded program that provides services to people with disabilities must include a voter registration application with each service or with each assistance application, recertification, renewal, or change of address. Public higher education institutions must also distribute mail voter registration application forms.
- Restores, as of July 1, voting privileges to convicted felons who are on parole or special parole or who are confined in a community residence. Right now that automatic restoration of voting privileges is only granted to people who are on probation or who have completed their sentences and are released from physical incarceration.
- Eliminates the prohibition on so-called ‘mentally incompetent people’ being admitted as voters; it allows people with developmental disabilities to have a legal representative assist them with registering to vote and voting
- Requires the implementation of e-signature systems for most elections-related forms and applications
- Requires registrars of voters to annually distribute voter registration information at public high schools
- Requires town clerks to post notices for state, municipal elections on the town website
- Adds “sibling” to the list of immediate family members and adds designees allowed to return absentee ballots on behalf of voters
- Electors suffering from long-term illnesses will be made eligible for permanent absentee ballot status
After Years of Determined Fighting, State Senate Passes Adult Adoption Birth Record Bill, State Senator James Maroney Supports Legislation
After Years of Determined Fighting, State Senate Passes Adult Adoption Birth Record Bill, State Senator James Maroney Supports Legislation
After years of fighting to allow adult adopted persons in Connecticut access to their birth records, the State Senate passed the legislation. State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted in favor of this bill and now it heads to Governor Ned Lamont’s desk for signing into law. House Bill 6105, “An Act Concerning Access To Original Birth Certificates By Adult Adopted Persons,” previously passed the House by a vote of 115-28 on May 4.
HB 6105 was originally introduced in 2008 by Former State Senator Bill Finch who was adopted himself. He championed hard for the bill to pass hoping it would allow others who were adopted, like himself, to retrieve their birth records.
Senator Maroney spoke passionately on the Senate floor this evening about a constituent of his who has endured years of not knowing the truth behind her identity. She says she lives on lies. Growing up she was unable to uncover the truth behind her birth parents.
“I am proud to join my colleagues in voting for the passage of this bill so the lives of those who are adopted aren’t living with the lies on their birth certificate,” said Sen. Maroney. “I hope with this legislation adoptees are able to rediscover their true identity.”
This legislation aims to end decades of their denial of important, sometimes life-impacting access to their own information. It would amend state statutes to allow all adopted individuals, and their children and grandchildren, to obtain their original birth certificates. Upon request, an individual would be able to write a request to their town or city’s registrar of birth records and receive birth records within 30 days of that request’s receipt.
Current state law says only individuals born or adopted after Oct. 1, 1983 can access their original birth certificates. Individuals born or adopted before that date are barred from accessing those records. There are more than 38,000 Connecticut residents who were adopted and were born before 1983.
Several organizations testified in support of this legislation during a public hearing held in February. The North American Council on Adoptable Children endorsed the legislation under the belief that every adopted person has the right to receive personal information about their birth, foster and adoption history, including medical information, educational and social history. The Connecticut State Medical Society gave its support, believing the legislation will lead to improved patient care and medical health, while the Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families supported the “equity of rights for all adopted adults.” Adopted adults cited their desires to know their histories; at least one mother who gave her daughter up for adoption in the 1960s said “closed adoptions hurt everyone” and passing the legislation “gives my daughter the document that is her right to have.”
This issue was previously raised in the General Assembly in 2017, 2018 and 2019 but was not enacted, despite wide bipartisan appeal; its discussion dates back to at least 1998, when similar legislation was first proposed in the Legislature. At least seven other states have passed similar legislation, including Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire. Court orders are still required to obtain these records in 25 additional states.
Senator Anwar to Join ‘A Concert India’ Event at Bushnell Park to Raise Money for COVID-19 Recovery June 4
Senator Anwar to Join ‘A Concert India’ Event at Bushnell Park to Raise Money for COVID-19 Recovery June 4
State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) will join volunteers in fundraising efforts June 4 at Bushnell Park from 5 to 7 p.m. for “A Concert for India,” with proceeds to support the South Asian community and help rebuild communities in India following the COVID-19 crisis. Tejal Vallam of Rocky Hill and Ritu Goel of South Windsor will host the event.
The impacts of the COVID-19 crisis have devastated India in recent months, with many communities seeking staggering spread of illness and loss of life. Hundreds of thousands of victims have left behind children and spouses who are struggling to survive.
Goel is working with Give India and United Way Delhi to provide direct aid to India, with funds used to provide vaccines and medical supplies and to support families and workers who continue to struggle. The event will include musical performances from local band Bombay Central and the artist Kashyap Jani. Local families will speak on how the pandemic is impacting their families.
Attendees are asked to bring chairs and blankets as no seating will be provided. Social distancing and mask-wearing are recommended.
A direct link for fundraising support is available here.
“Right to Counsel” Bill Providing Low-Income Tenants with No-Cost, Legal Representation in Eviction Proceedings Approved by the Senate
“Right to Counsel” Bill Providing Low-Income Tenants with No-Cost, Legal Representation in Eviction Proceedings Approved by the Senate
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate in approving the transformative “Right to Counsel” bill to create a right to counsel program in Connecticut for low-income tenants and occupants. The program will provide them with no-cost, legal representation for eviction proceedings or an administrative proceeding needed to maintain a housing subsidy or prevent the end of a lease.
As part of the right to counsel program, a one-page clearly-worded notice will be created to inform tenants of their rights under the program. The bill’s approval comes at a time when an anticipated substantial amount of evictions is expected due to the lifting of eviction moratoriums and financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill now goes to the state House of Representatives.
“We know that homelessness, and housing insecurity, have directly negative outcomes on individuals’ lives and their health,” said Sen. Anwar. “We also know that many instances where low-income tenants are at risk of eviction can be prevented. By adding the right to counsel to our state’s programs, we can protect individuals already at a disadvantage from the outset to gain a fairer defense and work to protect themselves. I’m grateful to my colleagues in supporting it.”
House Bill 6531, referred to as the “Right to Counsel” bill, will create a right to counsel program that is open to income eligible tenants, lessees, or occupants who are a party in an eviction proceeding or administrative proceeding meant to hold on to a federal or state housing subsidy or stop the proposed termination of a lease. A person is eligible for the right to counsel program if they meet one of the two criteria:
- Have a household income at or lower than 80 percent of the Connecticut median income adjusted for family size, at the time the person is seeking legal representation. The median income is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Receives an eligible type of public assistance including: SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, state rental assistance, or federal Housing Choice Voucher Program assistance
As part of their testimony in support of House Bill 6531, the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund said less than seven percent of tenants in Connecticut have legal representation in eviction proceedings. In comparison, over 80 percent of landlords have legal representation. This wide-gap in legal counsel leaves tenants and other renters at a disadvantage in proceedings from the onset.
Additionally, this program would provide access to legal representation for households who would otherwise struggle to afford legal counsel. 31 percent of renter households in Connecticut are extremely low income, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. A sizeable portion of these households include seniors and individuals who are disabled.
One-Page Notice of Tenants’ Rights
The Judicial Branch with input from the Connecticut Bar Foundation, a working group established by House Bill 6531, and the not-for-profit legal services organizations providing the no-cost representation would develop a one-page clearly-worded notice that would educate tenants of their rights through the right to counsel program. Landlords, housing authorities, and housing subsidy program administrators would be required to attach the notice on several forms.
The forms the notice must be included with are: notice to quit delivered to a covered individual pursuant to an eviction proceeding, summons and complaint for a summary process eviction action, lease termination notice for a public or subsidized housing unit, and notice to terminate a state or federal housing subsidy. Also, a court would have to include similar wording of information in a mediation or hearing scheduling notice that is being sent to an individual that is representing themselves in an eviction proceeding.
Further, the notice would have to be available on the judicial branch’s website and through a phone number to seek information and apply for representation.
Establishing Right to Counsel Program
Federal funds will be provided to the Connecticut Bar Foundation to administer and oversee the program, which will then allocate the funds to various non-profit legal services organizations across the state to provide the direct representation.
The participating legal services organizations would have to meet several criteria including: extensive experience in housing and landlord tenant law and providing free, legal assistance to eligible recipients; a demonstrated history of assisting low-income individuals; and have an outreach plan to offer legal representation to individuals with limited English-fluency that are eligible for the program. The organizations can subcontract with a non-profit or community organization for purposes of providing legal representation and program outreach.
The Connecticut Bar Foundation, in collaboration with the working group, and organizations providing legal services through the right to counsel program, would plot out the implementation of the program based on factors including but not limited to: prioritizing certain income-level groups or zip codes, available program funds, and availability of trained attorneys.
The 11-person working group created by the bill would serve in an advisory role on policies and matters impacting the right to counsel program. The group would include appointments by the Senate majority and minority leaders, representatives for the administering entity and state judicial branch, and the commissioner for the state Department of Housing or their designee.