MATCHING CONNECTICUT’S VOTE IN 2022, SENATE DEMOCRATS GIVE FINAL APPROVAL TO EARLY VOTING BILL
HARTFORD – The Democrat-led state Senate early this morning gave final passage to House Bill 5004, “AN ACT IMPLEMENTING EARLY VOTING,” which establishes a framework for early, in-person voting for all general elections, primaries, and special elections in Connecticut held on or after January 1, 2024.
Democrats passed the bill in the House and Senate after 60% of Connecticut voters approved of an early voting change last fall to the state constitution. Forty-six American states already allow some form of early voting.
“Early voting is something Connecticut wants. Voters told us that during the 2022 election,” said State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London). “People work different jobs, have different responsibilities, and deserve flexibility in casting a ballot how, where and when they wish. That’s what this bill will provide for them, and I’m extremely happy to cast my vote in support.”
Specifically, the bill requires a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries.
Every city and town in Connecticut must establish at least one early voting location and may establish more. Early voting locations must be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends, except that on the last Tuesday and Thursday before the election, the locations must be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The bill also sets various requirements and procedures for early voting including voter eligibility, same-day election registration, ballot custody, staffing and training, and materials.
The bill now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
SEN. HARTLEY WELCOMES $742,800 FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ON GREENWAY TRAIL
SEN. HARTLEY WELCOMES $742,800 FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ON GREENWAY TRAIL
Today, State Senator Joan Hartley welcomed the planned release of $352,800 for the planning and development of Phase II of the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail and $390,000 for the planning, design and outreach of the Waterbury Naugatuck River Greenway Trail Mad River Spur Design.
This project is part of an announced $9 million award from Governor Lamont and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as part of the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program, supporting trail planning, building, expansion and improvement in 50 locations across Connecticut. Many of the awarded projects are bicycle paths that can support both commuting and recreation.
“The Naugatuck River Greenway Trail is a beautiful multi-use trail that borders the Naugatuck River and will run for 44 miles through all 11 Naugatuck River communities,” said Sen. Hartley. “The trail will connect green spaces and towns along the corridor and allow those who are using it to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Naugatuck Valley.”
“I am thrilled to announce funding for this project, which will improve and expand recreational trail opportunities around Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “The incredible response to this grant round shows the high demand for outdoor recreation in our state. Our residents and visitors continue to explore state parks, forests, and municipal open spaces and land trust preserves at record levels.”
These grant awards are partially a response to demand for outdoor recreation increasing dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. In 2022, 17 million people visited locations in the Connecticut State Parks and Forests system, up 75% from levels of 9-10 million in 2019. Outdoor recreation contributed nearly $4 billion to Connecticut in 2021 and supported more than 40,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Most projects receiving financial support are expected to be complete by 2026.
BILL TO HELP STONE ACADEMY STUDENTS TAKES SHAPE IN SENATE
BILL TO HELP STONE ACADEMY STUDENTS TAKES SHAPE IN SENATE
Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, led the Senate alongside Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) and State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) in progressing legislation that would provide direct relief to Stone Academy students after that nursing school’s three campuses across the state shut down without warning earlier in the winter of 2023.
A new amendment to the bill, which passed today before being referred to the Appropriations Committee to review its potential cost, would make several changes to legislation in question, directly supporting former students and graduates of Stone Academy.
“The students at Stone Academy had the rug pulled out from underneath them when it abruptly closed in February. They spent time and money but their dreams of becoming nurses was in jeopardy,” said Sen. Slap. “This amended bill, how heading to the appropriations committee, will help them recoup the costs and get their career back on track. The legislation also calls for Stone Academy, not the taxpayers of Connecticut, to ultimately pick up the tab. I’m grateful for the bipartisan teamwork that produced this amendment and look forward to the bill passing both chambers before midnight next Wednesday.”
With new amendments incorporated, Senate Bill 936, “An Act Concerning Workforce Development,” would:
Direct the Office of Higher Education to ensure that students who graduated from Stone Academy in the last two years, but need to take additional clinical work as required by the Department of Public Health, will receive the costs of the additional clinical classes and stipends of up to $1,000. As many as 150 students would be eligible for this support; under current law, someone who did not graduate from Stone Academy but completed classes later deemed invalid by the Department of Public Health for substandard educational quality would not be eligible for reimbursement. This bill would change that and allow the Office of Higher Education to reimburse out-of-pocket costs for such students; allow the Office of Higher Education within its available student protection account’s balance to give additional grants and support to students of Stone Academy; upon its progression today, the amended bill would now need to receive approval by the Appropriations Committee, then receive approval in both the House and Senate.
Senator Cabrera Votes for the Passage Of Bill On Purchase Of Mobile Home Parks
Senator Cabrera Votes for the Passage Of Bill On Purchase Of Mobile Home Parks
Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) voted for the passage of a bill that enhances the ability of mobile home residents to purchase mobile home park land. Currently, Connecticut law gives park residents the right to organize and buy a mobile home park only if the park owner intends to close the park or to sell it to someone who is going to close the park. Senate Bill 988, ‘An Act Concerning The Purchase Of A Mobile Manufactured Home Park By Its Residents,’ expands this protection to the sale of a park even if there is no intention to close the park.
“I’m pleased to support this bill’s passage as it will help residents in Beacon Falls and throughout the 17th state Senate District,” said Sen. Cabrera. “This legislation will give mobile homeowners a measure of protection from being uprooted suddenly and provides the mobile home community with the power to protect the parks where they reside.”
SB 988 will provide park residents with a right of first refusal to match an offer that to purchase the park that the owner is prepared to accept. It requires park owners who have received an offer to give residents 45 days (60 days for the first two years of the bill) to organize and notify them of their intent to attempt to match the offer. At least half of the residents who own mobile homes must sign on. By the 90th day after the notice, there must be a negotiated purchase and sale agreement. They then have an additional 90 days to obtain financing and close on the sale.
The process which would be established by this bill is similar to laws in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. There are at least 17 other states with laws that provide some mechanism by which park residents can attempt to purchase their park. Four of the five other New England states – Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island — have laws that specifically give residents an opportunity purchase a park when it is being sold.
Mobile home parks are licensed and regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection. Their characteristic is that the land is rented but, in most cases, the homes are owned by the renters. Mobile home parks are not campgrounds or RV parks. The homes are manufactured but are placed on a foundation and tethered to the ground. There are almost 200 mobile home parks in Connecticut with nearly 10,000 housing units.
Also, SB 988 will change the type of complex transactions so it’s not as difficult for residents to match. Now, a park can be paid for with stock in the buyer’s business, or a buyer may be purchasing multiple parks in a single deal. This creates a problem for residents matching the offer. Other states have solved this by requiring the seller to put a cash value on each park so that the park residents would have a chance to match it. SB988 gives the park residents a chance to work out a purchase arrangement with the park owner even if they cannot match the offer, but requires the owner give residents notice of the offer for a chance for them to make an offer without a right of first refusal. It otherwise retains the right of first refusal if a matching offer would be possible.
Senator Moore Leads Senate Passage Of Bill On Purchase Of Mobile Home Parks
Senator Moore Leads Senate Passage Of Bill On Purchase Of Mobile Home Parks
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, led passage of a bill that enhances the ability of mobile home residents to purchase mobile home park land. Currently, Connecticut law gives park residents the right to organize and buy a mobile home park only if the park owner intends to close the park or to sell it to someone who is going to close the park. Senate Bill 988, ‘An Act Concerning The Purchase Of A Mobile Manufactured Home Park By Its Residents,’ expands this protection to the sale of a park even if there is no intention to close the park.
“Mobile home residents are uniquely vulnerable since they own their homes and are renters of the land,” said Sen. Moore. “If the land is sold they cannot pick up and move their home. Creating the availability of right of first refusal will give them the opportunity to organize an association to purchase the mobile park. It serves as a protection for anyone who lives in a mobile park and faces the possibility of someone purchasing the land. This is a basic and necessary protection.”
SB 988 will provide park residents with a right of first refusal to match an offer that to purchase the park that the owner is prepared to accept. It requires park owners who have received an offer to give residents 45 days (60 days for the first two years of the bill) to organize and notify them of their intent to attempt to match the offer. At least half of the residents who own mobile homes must sign on. By the 90th day after the notice, there must be a negotiated purchase and sale agreement. They then have an additional 90 days to obtain financing and close on the sale.
The process which would be established by this bill is similar to laws in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. There are at least 17 other states with laws that provide some mechanism by which park residents can attempt to purchase their park. Four of the five other New England states – Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island — have laws that specifically give residents an opportunity purchase a park when it is being sold.
Mobile home parks are licensed and regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection. Their characteristic is that the land is rented but, in most cases, the homes are owned by the renters. Mobile home parks are not campgrounds or RV parks. The homes are manufactured but are placed on a foundation and tethered to the ground. There are almost 200 mobile home parks in Connecticut with nearly 10,000 housing units.
Also, SB 988 will change the type of complex transactions so it’s not as difficult for residents to match. Now, a park can be paid for with stock in the buyer’s business, or a buyer may be purchasing multiple parks in a single deal. This creates a problem for residents matching the offer. Other states have solved this by requiring the seller to put a cash value on each park so that the park residents would have a chance to match it. SB988 gives the park residents a chance to work out a purchase arrangement with the park owner even if they cannot match the offer, but requires the owner give residents notice of the offer for a chance for them to make an offer without a right of first refusal. It otherwise retains the right of first refusal if a matching offer would be possible.
Sen. Miller Votes for Senate Passage of No-Excuse Voting Bill and Early Voting Legislation
Sen. Miller Votes for Senate Passage of No-Excuse Voting Bill and Early Voting Legislation
HARTFORD – Today, state Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford) voted to advance two popular pieces of legislation crucial to creating more ease of access at the polls. The first, no-excuse absentee ballot voting will remove the Connecticut constitution’s current, multiple restrictions on absentee voting and allow for “no-excuses” absentee voting if Connecticut residents approve of that when the question is placed on the 2024 general election ballot. The second, early voting establishes a framework for early, in-person voting for all general elections, primaries, and special elections in Connecticut held on or after January 1, 2024.
“I am proud to support no-excuse absentee voting and early voting as both of these measures strengthen our democracy and put equity at the forefront of voting in our state,” said Sen. Miller. “Balancing the duties of work, home and possibly children can eat up a large portion of voters’ time, making it difficult to make it to the polls before they close. It is unfair and undemocratic to enable a system to persist in which the obligations of everyday life can prevent residents from voting. Early voting and no-excuse absentee voting has been successful in our state when we enabled people to vote in this manner due to COVID precautions and is very popular. I’m happy to support both.”
No-Excuse Absentee Voting
Under current Connecticut law, voters can only vote by absentee ballot if they’re going to be out of town on Election Day, sickness, if they’re on active military duty, because of a religious prohibition, or if they are poll workers who will be working all day in another town.
But 27 other U.S. states already allow for no-excuse absentee voting, including the deep Red Republican states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.
On a related matter, Last fall, 60% of Connecticut residents voted to amend the state constitution to allow for early voting.
Early Voting
The Democrat-led state Senate this evening gave final passage to House Bill 5004, “AN ACT IMPLEMENTING EARLY VOTING.”
Democrats passed the bill in the House and Senate after 60% of Connecticut voters approved of an early voting change last fall to the state constitution. Forty-six American states already allow some form of early voting.
Specifically, the bill requires a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries.,/p>
Every city and town in Connecticut must establish at least one early voting location and may establish more. Early voting locations must be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends, except that on the last Tuesday and Thursday before the election, the locations must be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,/p>
The bill also sets various requirements and procedures for early voting including voter eligibility, same-day election registration, ballot custody, staffing and training, and materials.
The bill now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
SEN. KUSHNER VOTES FOR NO-EXCUSES VOTING RESOLUTION AND EARLY VOTING BILL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
SEN. KUSHNER VOTES FOR NO-EXCUSES VOTING RESOLUTION AND EARLY VOTING BILL
State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) this evening voted for two pieces of legislation that will greatly expand voting in Connecticut: House Joint 1, a resolution that will remove the Connecticut constitution’s current, multiple restrictions on absentee voting and allow for “no-excuses” absentee voting; and House Bill 5004, “AN ACT IMPLEMENTING EARLY VOTING,” which establishes a framework for early, in-person voting for all general elections, primaries, and special elections in Connecticut held on or after January 1, 2024.
“Tonight, I voted the will of the people of the 24th State Senate District. Last fall, nearly 22,000 people in the district – more than 60 percent of those voting – said yes to early voting. When we increase the opportunity to vote, when we increase the accessibility to the ballot, we strengthen our democracy,” Sen. Kushner said. “And in 2020, people were very happy to fill out an absentee ballot and drop it in the box. With our vote tonight, we’ll put no-excuses absentee voting on the ballot in 2024. I hope my constituents embrace no-excuse absentee voting in the same way they overwhelmingly supported early voting.”
HJ 1, which passed the Senate this evening on a 26-8 vote, now heads to Connecticut residents to consider on the 2024 general election ballot. Under current Connecticut law, voters can only vote by absentee ballot if they’re going to be out of town on Election Day, due to sickness, if they’re on active military duty, because of a religious prohibition, or if they are poll workers who will be working all day in another town. But 27 other U.S. states already allow for no-excuse absentee voting, including the Republican states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming. If approved by voters in 2024, the legislature would begin working on bill language for no-excuses absentee voting in 2025.
HB 5004, which passed the Senate on a bipartisan 27-7 vote, requires a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries. Every city and town in Connecticut must establish at least one early voting location and may establish more. Early voting locations must be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends, except that on the last Tuesday and Thursday before the election, the locations must be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The bill also sets various requirements and procedures for early voting including voter eligibility, same-day election registration, ballot custody, staffing and training, and materials. HB 5004 now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of that bill into law.
SENATOR RAHMAN JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF NO-EXCUSES VOTING RESOLUTION
SENATOR RAHMAN JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF NO-EXCUSES VOTING RESOLUTION
HARTFORD – State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) this evening joined the Senate’s final passage of a bill removing the Connecticut constitution’s current, multiple restrictions on absentee voting and allowing for “no-excuses” absentee voting if Connecticut residents approve of that when the question is placed on the 2024 general election ballot.
This same resolution was approved by Democrats in both the House and Senate in 2021, but with enough opposition from Republican legislators to require an additional vote in the General Assembly this year.
“Making it easy to vote is great for voters. That’s this bill put simply,” said Sen. Rahman. “Next year, Connecticut residents will have the chance to enshrine absentee voting in perpetuity. I’m confident and excited to see the results.”
Under current Connecticut law, voters can only vote by absentee ballot if they’re going to be out of town on Election Day, sickness, if they’re on active military duty, because of a religious prohibition, or if they are poll workers who will be working all day in another town.
But 27 other U.S. states already allow for no-excuse absentee voting, including the deep Red Republican states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.
On a related matter, Last fall, 60% of Connecticut residents voted to amend the state constitution to allow for early voting.
Senator James Maroney Releases Statement Following House Passage of Bill Allowing Pharmacists To Administer Additional Vaccines
Senator James Maroney Releases Statement Following House Passage of Bill Allowing Pharmacists To Administer Additional Vaccines
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Senate Chair of the General Law Committee released a statement following House passage of Senate Bill 1102, ‘An Act Concerning Pharmacies And Pharmacists.’ Senator Maroney is thrilled with today’s passage in the House of Representatives and the bill now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk.
Senate Bill 1102, passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 147-2. Senator Maroney lead State Senate passage of the bill earlier this month.
“I am proud this important bill passed the House today allowing pharmacists to practice more fully within the scope of their training,” said Sen. Maroney. “This will help us recruit and retain more pharmacists in Connecticut. During the coronavirus pandemic, pharmacists provided valuable health care support by administering vaccines and Covid tests and making this permanent will allow residents easier access to get the vaccines they need.”
Senate Bill 1102 will enact the following:
Establish a licensing process for institutional pharmacies located in health care facilities, such as hospitals, to compound sterile pharmaceuticals and sell them at retail; allow pharmacists to order and administer tests for COVID-19, HIV, and influenza; allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense HIV-related preventative healthcare if a patient tests negative after a pharmacist administered HIV test; expands the vaccine types that pharmacists can administer; allow pharmacists to administer an epinephrine cartridge injector to someone experiencing anaphylaxis; allow pharmacies to operate mobile pharmacies in temporary locations with the Department of Consumer Protection’s (DCP) approval; require pharmacies to maintain a plan to manage unscheduled closings and specifies actions that can and must be taken during these closures; require the DCP to adopt regulations on prescription pickup lockers at pharmacies.
Senate Bill 1102 will also allow pharmacists to vaccinate individuals over the age of 12 and mandates insurance coverage for medication administration.
SENATOR FLEXER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF NO-EXCUSES VOTING RESOLUTION
SENATOR FLEXER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF NO-EXCUSES VOTING RESOLUTION
HARTFORD – State Senator Mae Flexer this evening led final passage in the state Senate of a resolution that will remove the Connecticut constitution’s current, multiple restrictions on absentee voting and allow for “no-excuses” absentee voting if Connecticut residents approve of that when the question is placed on the 2024 general election ballot.
The resolution passed the Senate this evening on a 26-8 vote. This same resolution was approved by Democrats in both the House and Senate in 2021, but with enough opposition from Republican legislators to require an additional vote in the General Assembly this year.
“Democracy in Connecticut is marching forward with this bill. Democracy in Connecticut is marching forward with our early voting bill, which the people of this state asked us last fall to pass into law. Bit by bit, Connecticut is pulling itself out of the dark ages of voting procedures and bringing us in line with a majority of other American states,” said Sen. Flexer, who is Senate Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee which helps write election law. “More voting equals better democracy, period. That’s what we’ve accomplished this evening.”
Under current Connecticut law, voters can only vote by absentee ballot if they’re going to be out of town on Election Day, sickness, if they’re on active military duty, because of a religious prohibition, or if they are poll workers who will be working all day in another town.
But 27 other U.S. states already allow for no-excuse absentee voting, including the deep Red Republican states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.
On a related matter, last fall, 60% of Connecticut residents voted to amend the state constitution to allow for early voting.