Month: May 2021

State Senator Dennis Bradley Leads Senate Passage of Bill Allowing Police Officers to Wear Religious Headdresses as Part of Police Uniform and Requirement Social Media Policies Within Police Departments

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State Senator Dennis Bradley Leads Senate Passage of Bill Allowing Police Officers to Wear Religious Headdresses as Part of Police Uniform and Requirement Social Media Policies Within Police Departments

Today, State Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, lead discussion and senate passage of legislation that would allow police officers in Connecticut to wear traditional religious headdresses as part of a police uniform. Senate Bill 120, ‘An Act Allowing Police Officers to Wear Religious Head Coverings as Part of a Police Uniform,’ was also amended to add the requirement of social media policies for police departments in Connecticut. This bill provides equal opportunity for those who want to go into law enforcement regardless of their religious beliefs and it would better protect police departments in Connecticut.

“This does a lot of justice to the state,” said Sen. Bradley. “It touches upon what it is to be a citizen in this country. It gives anyone who desires to give back to the community and to serve the right to do so. As we move forward and in this age in the modern area we live in, it’s important to touch upon inclusivity. There should be uniformity when it comes to the use of social media both with the police department and with officers who are on and off duty.”

Under SB 120, any state or municipal police officer who follows the Sikh or another religion will be able to wear a traditional headdress associated with the religion. The officer will be able to wear a headdress, such as a hijab, as part of their uniform as long as it does not cover the face of the officer.

The hijab is a traditional head covering worn by people who practice the Muslim Religion; for women it’s a sign of modesty. It is an essential part of Sikh faith. The Sikh faith was founded in Punjab, India in 1469. For Sikhs, wearing a turban is a distinguished feature that represents honor, self-respect, courage, and a mark of respect for their Gurus. Allowing officers to wear a turban allows those who practice Muslim to be able to express their religious freedom while at their workplace.

Many police departments in the United States and the United States Military, already have policies in place to allow those who practice Sikh to wear a hijab as part of their uniform. In 2020 the United States Military Academy at West Point saw its first Sikh graduate. The New York Police Department has provided the opportunity for Sikhs to serve while wearing their religious headwear.

Connecticut is home to a Sikh community and they believe in service to their fellow citizens. A person who practices Muslim should not be discriminated against for wearing a traditional head covering. Wearing a headpiece does not mean they will be able to perform the duties and responsibilities of an officer any less.

This bill is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut (ACLU-CT). This organization strives to ensure Connecticut residents are fully able to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of religious expression. They want to ensure that everyone in Connecticut, including police employees, have the freedom to engage in religious expression by wearing religious garb at their workplaces.

Many law enforcement agencies across the country use social media to disseminate information and engage the communities they serve. To ensure that a department has a clear vision for its social media use and most effectively pursues that vision in practice, it is important to develop and regularly update social media policy and guidelines.

Under Senate Bill 120, a policy concerning social media use by law enforcement will have to be put in place. The policy will have to include guidelines regarding the use of a social media account used by a law enforcement unit and detailed responsibilities of any person employed by the law enforcement unit who will manage and approve content that is posted on the social media account. The policy will also include procedures when the unauthorized use the social media account is detected and guidelines to ensure compliance with any applicable state or federal law.

Law enforcement units will also have to display guidelines regarding content that is suitable and not suitable to post on social media pages and methods to limit indecent or obscene content on any such social media account. Officers on duty will not be allowed to use social media for personal use.

Social media can be used for a variety of purposes within a law enforcement agency. Agencies may use social media as an investigative tool, a way to increase community outreach, service development, and officer and volunteer recruitment. Because social media is a huge tool with the ability to reach a vast number of people instantly, agencies should have formal policies in place and dedicated staff to monitor accounts. For law enforcement, a social media presence usually entails having official agency accounts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram, and because it is such a flexible tool, it is important to develop a policy that identifies how it should and should not be used.

Senator Miller Leads Passage of Bill to Strengthen Rights for Long-Term Care Facility Residents

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Senator Miller Leads Passage of Bill to Strengthen Rights for Long-Term Care Facility Residents

State Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), Chair of the Aging Committee, led unanimous passage of a bill that would allow residents of long-term care facilities the right to treat their living spaces as their homes and have better access to virtual monitoring or virtual visitation.

The bill, Senate Bill 975, An Act Strengthening The Bill Of Rights For Long-Term Care Facility Residents now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

“Residents in Connecticut, no matter where they reside, should have the opportunity to use the technology of their choice to see their loved ones,” said Sen. Miller. “Numerous residents were isolated during the pandemic which placed a terrible mental and emotional strain on far too many of our elderly and disabled. This bill is an important reform to strengthen the rights of long-term care residents who deserve to feel at home and to have the same opportunities we all take for granted.”

This bill adds to the nursing home patients’ bill of rights which applies to patients in nursing homes, residential care homes, and chronic disease hospitals. For these patients, the bill adds the right to treat their living quarters as their own home. It also specifies that they have no fewer rights than other state residents, subject to rules designed to protect other patients’ privacy, health, and safety at the facility.

Under the bill, this includes the right to associate and communicate privately with people the patient chooses and purchase and use technology the patient chooses, including technology that facilitates virtual visitation with family and others.

The bill also extends these rights to residents of managed residential communities (e.g., assisted living facilities) under their bill of rights, which is generally similar to the nursing home patients’ bill of rights.

State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams Votes for the Passage of Legislation Which Calls for a Longer Six-foot Drawdown Period of Lake Beseck in Odd Numbered Years

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State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams Votes for the Passage of Legislation Which Calls for a Longer Six-foot Drawdown Period of Lake Beseck in Odd Numbered Years

HARTFORD, CT – Yesterday, state Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) voted for legislation which calls for a longer six-foot drawdown period of Lake Beseck in odd-numbered years. House Bill 6384 “An Act Concerning Aquatic Invasive Species Effects On Lakes And Related Funding, Certain Group Fishing Events and Eliminating the Season Limitation for the Taking of Trout” passed the state Senate 36-0.

“I’ve heard from many Middlefield residents over the years about the need to change the drawdown schedule at Lake Beseck,” said Sen. Daugherty Abrams. “These changes will benefit residents, aquatic plant life and will improve the long-term health of Lake Beseck. I’m grateful to Middlefield, especially the Lake Beseck community for their stewardship of the lake, and my colleague State Representative Mike Quinn for working collaboratively to get this bill to the governor’s desk.”

This bill previously passed the state House of Representatives unanimously and heads to the Governor for his signature. HB 6384 does the following:

  • Provides for a longer six-foot draw down period of Lake Beseck in odd-numbered years, extending the time its maintained from December 31 to January 31.
  • Requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to report to the Environment Committee on
    • (a) the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) fee revenue
    • (b) grants from the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account.
  • Increases the number of participants allowed under a group fishing license from 50 to 100 people.
  • Prohibits the state from having a closed trout fishing season. *House Amendment “A” adds the group fishing license and trout fishing provisions.

A popular and necessary bill in Middlefield, this legislation received the support of many during the public testimony phase of legislative session. Amy Poturnicki, the vice chair of the Lake Beseck Environment Committee said, “This change will be instrumental in allowing the lakebed sediments additional time to de-water, increasing the likelihood of root exposure for aquatic plants to the necessary temperatures that will assist with effective management of the Beseck Lake system.”

It is important to note, on or before November 1, 2021, the state of Connecticut shall enter into an agreement with the town of Middlefield and the Lake Beseck Association regarding a schedule for annual water level drawdowns of Lake Beseck.

Senator McCrory Supports Bill that Strengthens Rights for Long-Term Care Facility Residents

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Senator McCrory Supports Bill that Strengthens Rights for Long-Term Care Facility Residents

Today, state Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford, Windsor, and Bloomfield) voted for legislation that would allow residents of long-term care facilities the right to treat their living spaces as their homes and have the same rights as other state residents do. These rights include protections for privacy in communications, visitation, personal privacy and include guidance regarding a resident’s right to privacy with respect to the use of technology for virtual visitations and virtual monitoring.

“In the first months the pandemic, many of our elderly residents were isolated from their family and support network. This bill empowers our residents living in long-term care facilities to be able to stay connected with their loved ones and access the tools that will help them do so,” said Sen. McCrory.

Senate Bill 975, An Act Strengthening The Bill Of Rights For Long-Term Care Facility Residents, would be effective July 1, 2021. Under this bill, patients would be able to associate and communicate privately with anyone they choose. A patient would be able to purchase and use technology that would help facilitate virtual visitation with family members and others. A resident may use technology of their choice provided any recordings or images are not used to violate privacy rights of the state and federal law of any other individual. To use this technology, a resident or representative of a resident must obtain written consent of any roommate, file a notice with the long-term care facility a week in advance with a description of the technology that will be used, and sign a waiver of all liability for the long-term care facility related to the use of the technology. If a roommate withdraws consent, the resident must stop using the technology immediately. Residents must purchase, install, and maintain the technology at their own expense. Facilities must place notices on the entrances of the building and the doors about virtual technology may be in use.

The coronavirus pandemic put a strain on those who live in long-term care facilities and their relationships with their loved ones. Because the state had to shut down and implement restrictions, these facilities were not allowed visitors in order to maintain a safer and healthier environment. The use of electronics and remote visitation became something many depended on to check in with their loved ones.

This bill also establishes a process for residents to file grievances for violations of their rights. Taken together, this bill’s provisions are critical to improving the lives of residents of long-term care facilities as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, this bill is essential in order to prepare for the future should there be another health-related pandemic.

Sen. Anwar Joins Colleagues as Bill Creating State Police Hate Crime Task Force Passes Senate

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Sen. Anwar Joins Colleagues as Bill Creating State Police Hate Crime Task Force Passes Senate

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined his colleagues in the State Senate in passing legislation creating a hate crime task force in the state police, which he proposed. In recent years, reports of hate crimes have grown in Connecticut and nationally; having a unit specifically dedicated to investigating them in the state police will improve awareness of and response to crimes of hatred and bias.

“In recent years, hate crimes have been reported in increasing numbers, most regrettably in the post-COVID-19 rise of crimes perpetrated against Asian-Americans, and we cannot stand by,” said Sen. Anwar. “By providing state police with the resources necessary to investigate and respond to hate crimes and criminal activity by extremists or extremist groups, we supply Connecticut with a valuable tool in reversing the rise of hate crimes. I’m encouraged by my colleagues’ support for this important bill.”

Senate Bill 122, “An Act Establishing A Unit Within The Division Of State Police To Investigate Hate Crimes And Criminal Acts Committed By Extremist Groups,” would put a team in place among Connecticut State Police called the Hate Crimes and Extremist Group Investigative Unit. That unit will seek to prevent and detect any hate crimes, crimes motivated by bigotry or bias against another, and any criminal activity or suspected criminal activity by an extremist or extremist group. The unit may assist any law enforcement unit with such investigation, keep data on such investigations, share that information with any law enforcement unit to assist with further investigations and provide an annual report of hate crimes and crimes motivated by bias and bigotry.

According to FBI statistics, Connecticut saw 76 hate crimes reported in 2019, the most recent year in which data has been compiled. Of those hate crimes, 48 were directed against an individual’s race, ethnicity or ancestry, 16 involved an individual’s religion, 11 involved sexual orientation and one involved gender. A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League tracked 193 incidents of hate, extremism and anti-Semitism in Connecticut, additionally noting the year saw the highest level of white supremacist propaganda circulated in the United States as a whole.

Senator Anwar Co-Sponsors, Votes to Join Senate Passage of Bill that Strengthens Rights for Long-Term Care Facility Residents

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Senator Anwar Co-Sponsors, Votes to Join Senate Passage of Bill that Strengthens Rights for Long-Term Care Facility Residents

Early this morning, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), co-sponsored and voted to pass legislation on the Senate floor that would allow residents of long-term care facilities the right to treat their living spaces as their homes and have the same rights as other state residents do. These rights include protections for privacy in communications, visitation, personal privacy and include guidance regarding a resident’s right to privacy with respect to the use of technology and the right to exercise all rights as a citizen or resident of the United States as well as the nursing home.

“Isolation for our senior populations can be hard in normal times, and was amplified tragically during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sen. Anwar. “They have the same rights as any other resident of the state and this legislation ensures they can better exercise them. I’m proud to provide additional care and assistance to individuals in our state and look forward to this bill becoming law.”

Senate Bill 975, “An Act Strengthening The Bill Of Rights For Long-Term Care Facility Residents,” would be effective July 1, 2021. Under this bill, patients would be able to associate and communicate privately with anyone they choose. A patient would be able to purchase and use technology that would help facilitate virtual visitation with family members and others. A resident may use technology of their choice provided any recordings or images are not used to violate privacy rights of the state and federal law of any other individual. To use this technology, a resident or representative of a resident must obtain written consent of any roommate, file a notice with the long-term care facility a week in advance with a description of the technology that will be used, and sign a waiver of all liability for the long-term care facility related to the use of the technology. If a roommate withdraws consent, the resident must stop using the technology immediately. Residents must purchase, install, and maintain the technology at their own expense. Facilities must place notices on the entrances of the building and the doors about virtual technology may be in use.

The coronavirus pandemic put a strain on those who live in long-term care facilities and their relationships with their loved ones. Because the state had to shut down and implement restrictions, these facilities were not allowed visitors in order to maintain a safer and healthier environment. The use of electronics and remote visitation became something many depended on to check in with their loved ones.

This bill also establishes a process for residents to file grievances for violations of their rights. Taken together, this bill’s provisions are critical to improving the lives of residents of long-term care facilities as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, this bill is essential in order to prepare for the future should there be another health-related pandemic.

Senator Anwar Joins Senate in Restricting the Use of Potentially Pollutive Chemicals in Firefighting Foam, Packaging, Limiting Exposure to Potentially Harmful Chemical

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Senator Anwar Joins Senate in Restricting the Use of Potentially Pollutive Chemicals in Firefighting Foam, Packaging, Limiting Exposure to Potentially Harmful Chemical

Early this morning, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined his colleagues in the Senate in approving legislation restricting the use of perfluoroalkyl, or substances containing the chemical perfluoroalkyl, in firefighting foam and in packaging or packaging components. Senator Anwar also co-sponsored the bill.

This legislation was spurred as a result of several prominent events in recent years where the use of such foams led to the chemicals being released into grounds and bodies of water including the Connecticut River, and increasing research finding contact with such chemicals may be detrimental to human health. Such action will protect the residents of Connecticut and ensure clean water remains available to residents.

“We need to take steps to protect our beautiful state from harmful chemicals, and restricting the use of PFAS in firefighting foam, which has caused past pollutive events, does just that,” said Sen. Anwar. “This action moves to bring Connecticut to a safer future, protecting public health in the process while still making sure PFAS foam can be used when necessary to prevent further damage. It’s strong legislation that will help our state and I’m proud to support it.”

Senate Bill 837, “An Act Concerning The Use Of Perfluoroalkyl or Perfluoroalkyl Substances In Class B Firefighting Foam,” would prohibit a person, local government or state agency from using a class B firefighting foam with added perfluoroalkyl – a substance which has potential adverse effects in humans if they are exposed to it – in any amount for training purposes. The foam will not be allowed to be used for any firefighting purposes except for petroleum-based fires, and only if the commissioner of DEEP does not identify an alternative by July 1. By October 1, the commissioner of DEEP must develop or identify a take-back program for municipal PFAS sources applying best management for their disposal.

Perfluoroalkyl, more commonly known as PFAS, would also be phased out of food packaging as soon as feasible, with a required date of October 1, 2023. DEEP would also create a certificate of compliance stating a package or packaging component is in compliance with such standards.

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency has issued a lifetime health advisory for certain levels of perfluoroalkyl in drinking water, among others, due to high risks of negative health outcomes for humans encountering the chemical. In past firefighting incidents, homeowners of homes where PFAS chemicals were used were told not to use or drink their well-water; according to the Connecticut Health Investigative Team, in one such incident, an impacted family chose to dig an entirely new well after PFAS was used to extinguish a house fire. Removing its presence from materials that could meet humans including firefighting foam and food containers will reduce the risk of potential adverse health effects.

The legislation previously passed the Environment Committee by a unanimous vote. It will move to the House.

Sen. Cohen Welcomes Passage of State ‘Blue Plan,’ Larger Fishing Tournaments for Vets and Others

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Sen. Cohen Welcomes Passage of State ‘Blue Plan,’ Larger Fishing Tournaments for Vets and Others

HARTFORD – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) this morning lent her support to two bills designed to protect and enjoy Connecticut’s natural, ocean beauty.

The Senate gave final legislative approval to Connecticut’s “Blue Plan,” which compiles all of the marine resources in Long Island Sound to promote and balance both economic development and environmental conservation there.

“Those who live along Long Island Sound know that it is a balance of commercialism and environmentalism, of fishing and marinas and ferries and shipping but also of recreation and aquatic life and natural beauty and essential salt water. The way to balance these competing uses going forward is the intent of the Blue Plan,” Sen. Cohen said. “We shouldn’t be making development or conservation decisions in the Sound on a case-by-case basis, and then looking back at some point in the future and wondering why we didn’t do something differently to prevent exploitation or a missed opportunity there. We need a blue print, if you will, with resources and parameters to help make those decisions. That’s what the Blue Plan is.”

In 2015, the legislature requested that such a comprehensive plan for the Sound be developed, because there was no way to evaluate resource and use conflicts or to accommodate potential new uses of the Long Island Sound. State agencies such as DEEP must evaluate each project proposal on a case-by-case basis, without considering cumulative impacts of various proposals or what is best for the Sound as a whole.

Sen. Cohen also welcomed Senate passage of House Bill 6384, which increases the number of participants allowed under a group fishing license (which DEEP issues) from 50 to 100 people and expands trout fishing in Connecticut.

The change will be very beneficial to the Take A Vet Fishing event, which is the cornerstone program of the veterans’ outreach mission of the First Congregational Church of Branford. Each event is a complete package free of charge: veterans are provided transportation, equipment, food and beverages, easily accessible waterfront fishing and whatever level of assistance they might require.

“I am proud that we were able to pass this legislation out of both chambers so that all of our veterans who would like to participate can attend Take a Vet Fishing. Together with local advocates, we were able to implement a solution that would allow this flourishing program to continue,” Sen. Cohen said. 

Sen. Kushner Joins Senate in Restricting the Use of Potentially Pollutive Chemicals in Firefighting Foam, Packaging, Limiting Exposure to the Potentially Harmful Chemical

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Sen. Kushner Joins Senate in Restricting the Use of Potentially Pollutive Chemicals in Firefighting Foam, Packaging, Limiting Exposure to the Potentially Harmful Chemical

Today, State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) joined her colleagues in the Senate in approving legislation restricting the use of perfluoroalkyl, or substances containing the chemical perfluoroalkyl, in firefighting foam and in packaging or packaging components. Senator Kushner also co-sponsored the bill.

This legislation was spurred as a result of several prominent events in recent years where the use of such foams led to the chemicals being released into grounds and bodies of water including the Connecticut River, and increasing research finding contact with such chemicals may be detrimental to human health. Such action will protect the residents of Connecticut and ensure clean water remains available to residents.

“We need to preserve our natural waterways and prevent pollution of any kind where and when we can,” said Sen. Kushner. “With a number of past incidents involving PFAS used in firefighting foam leading to extensive pollution issues, including a 2019 incident where PFAS reached the Connecticut River, we owe it to our state to take action and phase out its use, better protecting our residents’ health. I’m proud to be a co-sponsor of this beneficial legislation.”

Senate Bill 837, “An Act Concerning The Use Of Perfluoroalkyl or Perfluoroalkyl Substances In Class B Firefighting Foam,” would prohibit a person, local government or state agency from using a class B firefighting foam with added perfluoroalkyl – a substance which has potential adverse effects in humans if they are exposed to it – in any amount for training purposes. The foam will not be allowed to be used for any firefighting purposes except for petroleum-based fires, and only if the commissioner of DEEP does not identify an alternative by July 1. By October 1, the commissioner of DEEP must develop or identify a take-back program for municipal PFAS sources applying best management for their disposal.

Perfluoroalkyl, more commonly known as PFAS, would also be phased out of food packaging as soon as feasible, with a required date of October 1, 2023. DEEP would also create a certificate of compliance stating a package or packaging component is in compliance with such standards.

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency has issued a lifetime health advisory for certain levels of perfluoroalkyl in drinking water, among others, due to high risks of negative health outcomes for humans coming in contact with the chemical. In past firefighting incidents in Connecticut, homeowners of homes where PFAS chemicals were used were told not to use or drink their well-water; according to the Connecticut Health Investigative Team, in one such incident, an impacted family chose to dig an entirely new well after PFAS was used to extinguish a house fire. Removing its presence from materials that could meet humans including firefighting foam and food containers will reduce the risk of potential adverse health effects.

The legislation previously passed the Environment Committee by a unanimous vote. It will move to the House.

Senator Haskell Applauds Senate for Approving Equal Access to Childcare Facilities in Public Buildings

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Senator Haskell Applauds Senate for Approving Equal Access to Childcare Facilities in Public Buildings

Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) applauded the State Senate for passing legislation that will provide equitable access to diaper changing stations in public buildings. Under the legislation, newly constructed or substantially renovated public buildings that include a diaper changing table in the women’s room must also do so in the men’s room. This will provide more parents with equitable access to these important facilities.

“This bill is a reflection of the fact that parenting in the 21st century is becoming equitable,” said Sen. Haskell. “Plus, same-sex couples often find themselves in a bind when it’s time to change their child’s diaper. I know my brother and his husband were frequently frustrated that so many public buildings only provide these tables in women’s restrooms. This bill provides a simple fix: if you’re putting a changing table in the women’s room, put one in the men’s room.”

Senate Bill 121, “An Act Concerning Access To Diaper Changing Stations In Public Buildings,” would revise state building codes, requiring newly constructed or substantially renovated public buildings as of January 1, 2022 to have at least one public restroom offering safe, sanitary and convenient diaper changing tables. Such buildings would be required to have either at least two such changing tables, one for women and one for men, per floor open to the public or at least one accessible to both men and women per floor open to the public.

Federal law already requires public restrooms in federal buildings to have safe and sanitary baby changing facilities.

In public testimony, the ACLU of Connecticut strongly encouraged support of the legislation as it highlights our core belief that parents and caregivers should have the same opportunities to care for children regardless of gender. “This bill ensures that all people, regardless of the restrooms they use, will have the ability to care for and clean a child in their care in a safe and hygienic environment,” specifically citing the improvements such legislation provides for single fathers, same-sex male parents and other male caregivers, who today know it is unlikely they will have hygienic access to diaper changing. Additionally, the ACLU said, the legislation encourages equal parenting; mothers in heterosexual relationships are already responsible for a disproportionate share of parenting responsibilities. “Connecticut would be empowering male caregivers as valid caretakers of children, while simultaneously easing the still-lopsided burden on female caregivers,” the ACLU said.

The legislation previously passed the Public Safety and Security Committee by a unanimous vote. It now proceeds to the House.