Sen. Hochadel Supports Passage Of Legislation To Prevent Wrong-Way Accidents
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) led the passage of legislation aimed at preventing deadly wrong-way driving accidents.
“We need to do everything we can to keep our drivers safe,” said Sen. Hochadel. “This legislation will work to prevent tragedy on the road. Q was a friend and a member of our family who was unfortunately involved in a wrong way driving accident. We will always remember Q for his dedication and passion. It is my hope this bill will ensure no heartbreaking accidents similar to Q’s will take a loved one away from their family again.”
This legislation requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand its efforts to implement wrong-way driver countermeasures through:
Installing wrong-way driving detection and notification systems (flashing lights to alert drivers when they are entering an exit ramp, notification to law enforcement) on at least 120 highway exit ramps that DOT determines are high-risk for wrong-way drivers; Establishing a pilot program at high-risk exit ramps that the department determines are appropriate for testing systems that also broadcast alerts about a wrong-way driver’s presence on electronic highway message boards; Providing a grant from available resources for implementing wrong-way driving countermeasures, to UConn to test and analyze the use of directional rumble strips to alert a driver through vibration and sound that he or she is driving the wrong way; The bill addresses wrong-way driving public awareness and education by requiring that information on ways to reduce wrong-way driving incidents and information on actions drivers should take when encountering a wrong-way driver be included in (1) a DOT public awareness campaign and (2) driver education program curriculum. The Department of Motor Vehicles must include this information in its regulations on driving school instructional standards; According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2022 was the deadliest year in recent memory for fatal wrong way crashes here in Connecticut; there were 13 wrong way crashes and 23 fatalities. Most wrong-way drivers causing these crashes – over 80% of them – are impaired, and most wrong-way crashes happen between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. 2023 is on track to be even deadlier with 27 wrong-way crashes and 15 fatalities in just the first five months of the year.The Connecticut Department of Transportation has completed a wrong-way flasher pilot program and analyzed 700 highway ramps, considering risk factors including multiple off ramps that meet at the same location, wrong-way event history, presence of an alcohol-serving business within one-half mile of the ramp, presence of a raised median or guardrail separating the on and-off ramps, and lack of sufficient highway lighting. Through this analysis, DOT identified 236 locations as high-risk for wrong way driving events, developed a ranked priority list, and chose an initial 16 locations for installation through the pilot program in 2023. These installations include a 360-degree camera to detect vehicles and large, flashing wrong-ways signs that activate to warn the driver. The Department plans to install this technology on more ramps from the priority list after the initial pilot project locations, and future installations will add the ability to notify the Connecticut State Police in real time.
This legislation builds upon the already allocated $20 million in state bond funds that the Connecticut DOT has used to deploy wrong-way countermeasures throughout the state and an additional $20 million in bonds approved in Senate Bill 980.
SEN. COHEN LEADS PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO PREVENT WRONG-WAY ACCIDENTS
SEN. COHEN LEADS PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO PREVENT WRONG-WAY ACCIDENTS
HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, State Senator Christine Cohen led the passage of legislation aimed at preventing deadly wrong-way driving accidents.
“This legislation is one of many bills aimed at keeping our roads safe for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” said Sen. Christine Cohen. “We here in the legislature are no strangers to the tragedy that so many in our state face when they lose a loved one to a wrong-way accident. I’m proud of this legislation and I hope that we can continue to build upon this safety framework by coupling this legislation with stronger initiatives to prevent impaired driving.”
This legislation requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand its efforts to implement wrong-way driver countermeasures through:
Installing wrong-way driving detection and notification systems (flashing lights to alert drivers when they are entering an exit ramp, notification to law enforcement) on at least 120 highway exit ramps that DOT determines are high-risk for wrong-way drivers; Establishing a pilot program at high-risk exit ramps that the department determines are appropriate for testing systems that also broadcast alerts about a wrong-way driver’s presence on electronic highway message boards; Providing a grant from available resources for implementing wrong-way driving countermeasures, to UConn to test and analyze the use of directional rumble strips to alert a driver through vibration and sound that he or she is driving the wrong way; The bill addresses wrong-way driving public awareness and education by requiring that information on ways to reduce wrong-way driving incidents and information on actions drivers should take when encountering a wrong-way driver be included in (1) a DOT public awareness campaign and (2) driver education program curriculum. The Department of Motor Vehicles must include this information in its regulations on driving school instructional standards; According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2022 was the deadliest year in recent memory for fatal wrong way crashes here in Connecticut; there were 13 wrong way crashes and 23 fatalities. Most wrong-way drivers causing these crashes – over 80% of them – are impaired, and most wrong-way crashes happen between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. 2023 is on track to be even deadlier with 27 wrong-way crashes and 15 fatalities in just the first five months of the year.The Connecticut Department of Transportation has completed a wrong-way flasher pilot program and analyzed 700 highway ramps, considering risk factors including multiple off ramps that meet at the same location, wrong-way event history, presence of an alcohol-serving business within one-half mile of the ramp, presence of a raised median or guardrail separating the on and-off ramps, and lack of sufficient highway lighting. Through this analysis, DOT identified 236 locations as high-risk for wrong way driving events, developed a ranked priority list, and chose an initial 16 locations for installation through the pilot program in 2023. These installations include a 360-degree camera to detect vehicles and large, flashing wrong-ways signs that activate to warn the driver. The Department plans to install this technology on more ramps from the priority list after the initial pilot project locations, and future installations will add the ability to notify the Connecticut State Police in real time.
This legislation builds upon the already allocated $20 million in state bond funds that the Connecticut DOT has used to deploy wrong-way countermeasures throughout the state and an additional $20 million in bonds approved in Senate Bill 980.
SENATOR MARX JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVING NURSING HOME TRANSPARENCY, REPORTING, PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
SENATOR MARX JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVING NURSING HOME TRANSPARENCY, REPORTING, PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation addressing nursing home transparency and reporting requirements, expanding supports for people with dementia, and implementing recommendations of the Homemaker-Companion Agency Task Force. This bill, set to become law with the Governor’s signature, was designed by the Aging Committee to aid seniors and their families.
“As a home-care nurse, I am thrilled by some of the changes in this bill,” said Sen. Marx. “This bill will ensure we will have more information about nursing home ownership – helping us understand their financial positions – and improve regulations for homemaker-companion agencies, among other changes that will improve the safety of our seniors and the care they receive.”
House Bill 5781, “An Act Concerning A Study Of The Needs Of Senior Citizens,” makes a number of changes including: Requiring nursing homes to notify the Long-Term Care ombudsman about involuntary transfers or discharges on the same day a resident is notified. Failure to do so will invalidate a transfer; Establishing a dementia services coordinator position within the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Requiring nursing homes to submit annual narrative cost expenditures summaries to the Department of Social Services and requiring the DSS commissioner to create a uniform narrative summary form for nursing homes to use; Requiring nursing home licensure applicants to disclose private equity or real estate investment trust owning any part of a home; they must also give the Department of Public Health an owner’s audited and certified financial statements; Requiring the Office of Policy and Management to develop a plan and proposed timeline to transfer homemaker-companion agency oversight from the Department of Consumer Protection to the Department of Public Health; A homemaker-companion agency that fails to give consumers written notice that an agency provides nonmedical care will be considered a violation for which its registration can be revoked, suspended or refused to issue/renew; violation of revokable provisions three times in a calendar year will require revocation of such registration; Homemaker-companion agencies will be required to develop service plans or contracts with consumers; such plans must include person-centered plans of care, oversight by employee agencies and how often agency representatives and consumers will meet.
With the bill’s previous passage by the Aging Committee and House, it now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.
Looney Applauds House Passage of Workers’ Comp Coverage for PTSI in Any Employee
Looney Applauds House Passage of Workers’ Comp Coverage for PTSI in Any Employee
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today applauded House passage of a bill that will extend certain workers’ comp benefits now in place for police, firefighters and others who witness tragic events on the job to any employee on any job who witnesses similar tragedies.
Senate Bill 913, “AN ACT EXPANDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES” passed the state House today on a bipartisan 104-44 vote and now heads to the Governor for consideration.
“The House’s passage of this bill marks another step forward to provide critical mental health coverage for Connecticut workers,” said Senator Looney. “This legislation recognizes the profound impact that witnessing tragedies can have on an individual’s mental and emotional health, and it provides a vital safety net for those affected. To continue to limit coverage for PTSI to workers who have suffered a physical injury would reject the scientific and medical truth that emotional/psychological trauma is a real injury and should be compensated if it results from a workplace event. Thank you to Speaker Ritter and House Labor Chair Sanchez for prioritizing and passing this bill.”
Current state law generally limits eligibility for PTSI benefits to certain first responders (e.g., police officers, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, and emergency 9-1-1 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) as a direct result of certain qualifying events (e.g., witnessing someone’s death) that may occur in the line of duty.
Under S.B. 913 — if it is signed into law by Governor Lamont — beginning on January 1, 2024, eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for PTSI will cover any employee in Connecticut who is already covered by the workers’ compensation law; the workers’ compensation system in Connecticut covers nearly all employees regardless of their occupation, business size, employment duration, or the number of hours worked per day.
Under S.B. 913, all employees in Connecticut would be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if a mental health professional examines them and diagnoses PTSI as a direct result of an event that occurs in their course of employment in which they: view a deceased minor; witness (a) someone’s death or an incident involving someone’s death, (b) an injury to someone who then dies before or upon admission to a hospital as a result of the injury, or (c) a traumatic physical injury that results in the loss of a vital body part or a vital body function that results in the victim’s permanent disfigurement; or carry, or have physical contact with and treat, an injured person who then dies before or upon admission to a hospital.
Senate Raises Legal Age To Marry In Connecticut To 18
Senate Raises Legal Age To Marry In Connecticut To 18
HARTFORD – State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), today joined the state Senate in a bipartisan vote to end so-called ‘child marriages’ in Connecticut and to raise the legal age to marry in the state to age 18 in all instances.
“This legislation will protect young women from human rights abuses,” said Sen. Gaston. “When people are forced into marriage, they lose a sense of their own agency to make contractual decisions for themselves. It impacts every facet of their lives robbing them of education opportunities, their precious innocence as an adolescent, deprives them of economic prosperity, and greatly impacts their mental health and well-being. I am acquainted with such abuse having a family member who unfortunately had to endure a painful arranged marriage. Connecticut has a moral obligation in standing on the right side of this issue in alignment with surrounding states who have passed similar pieces of legislation. Today Connecticut made history. This is a huge victory for young women.”
Currently under Connecticut state law, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married if a probate court approved a petition field by the minor’s parent or guardian. But at the February 27 public hearing on the bill, more than three dozen individuals and associations testified about the harmful effects of these so-called ‘child bride’ marriages, including some parents who approve such early marriages to cover up rape, sexual abuse, or to conceal a pregnancy, or the young women who are married and who then face domestic abuse, high rates of divorce, and ensuing poverty.
House Bill 6569, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM AGE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO MARRY,” passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 98-45 vote on May 3: the bill now heads to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
SENATE RAISES LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
SENATE RAISES LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
HARTFORD – State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today joined the state Senate in a bipartisan vote to end so-called ‘child marriages’ in Connecticut and to raise the legal age to marry in the state to age 18 in all instances.
“Minors can be forced into terrible situations. Abusive partners and forced marriage can be horrible and traumatic for youth,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m glad we’re taking this step today to provide more autonomy for minors. It’s an important step that will protect them – they’ll have their entire lives to get married.
Currently under Connecticut state law, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married if a probate court approved a petition field by the minor’s parent or guardian. But at the February 27 public hearing on the bill, more than three dozen individuals and associations testified about the harmful effects of these so-called ‘child bride’ marriages, including some parents who approve such early marriages to cover up rape, sexual abuse, or to conceal a pregnancy, or the young women who are married and who then face domestic abuse, high rates of divorce, and ensuing poverty.
House Bill 6569, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM AGE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO MARRY,” passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 98-45 vote on May 3: the bill now heads to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
SEN. FLEXER VOTES TO RAISE LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
SEN. FLEXER VOTES TO RAISE LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
No more ‘child brides’ as Senate acts to prevent domestic abuse, economic hardship
HARTFORD – On a bill in which she was the first co-sponsor, state Senator Mae Flexer today joined the state Senate in a bipartisan and unanimous 36-0 vote to end so-called ‘child marriages’ in Connecticut and to raise the legal age to marry in the state to age 18 in all instances.
“Connecticut has made some progress in recent years on this issue, but this bill today is the most important,” Sen. Flexer said. “During the public hearing we heard a lot of stories from young marriage survivors about their being forced into relationships by their parents or other trusted adults, and the devastating consequences of those arrangements. Their lives have been affected by sexual abuse and violence – it’s simply unconscionable that Connecticut would still have a law in place to put people into these types of binding contracts of marriage with no way out. I’m deeply grateful to those people for making their voices heard and for helping us right those wrongs.”
Currently under Connecticut state law, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married if a probate court approved a petition field by the minor’s parent or guardian. But at the February 27 public hearing on the bill, more than three dozen individuals and associations testified about the harmful effects of these so-called ‘child bride’ marriages, including some parents who approve such early marriages to cover up rape, sexual abuse, or to conceal a pregnancy, or the young women who are married and who then face domestic abuse, high rates of divorce, and ensuing poverty.
House Bill 6569, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM AGE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO MARRY,” passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 98-45 vote on May 3: the bill now heads to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
Senator Jan Hochadel Leads Passage Of Bill Regarding Adult Day Centers
Senator Jan Hochadel Leads Passage Of Bill Regarding Adult Day Centers
State Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden), Senate Chair of the Aging Committee, led Senate Passage of a bill that will create a plan to increase the number of people eligible to receive Adult Day services under Connecticut’s home-care program.
House Bill 6677, ‘An Act Concerning Adult Day Centers,’ will strengthen the quality of care with a team of licensed health care professionals to help someone at home.
“I am so thankful for the services that we were given when my father was sick,” said Sen. Hochadel. “My mother would not have been able to provide the necessary care for him without the help we received. These programs are necessary to continue the quality of life for our seniors aging at home in Connecticut.”
HB 6677 will require the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a plan with recommendations on how to: lower the age of eligibility to make people with conditions such as early onset dementia eligible for adult day services; amend the Medicaid plan to lower the age of eligibility; and establish a program of all inclusive care for the elderly.
More families are choosing to have loved ones grow older at home. Adult Day centers are instrumental in helping these people maintain their independence and dignity while enhancing their quality of life.
Adult Day centers also provide a lifeline for family members who are taking care of loved ones at home.
SEN. NEEDLEMAN JOINS PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO PREVENT WRONG-WAY ACCIDENTS
SEN. NEEDLEMAN JOINS PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO PREVENT WRONG-WAY ACCIDENTS
HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation aimed at preventing deadly wrong-way driving accidents.
“Wrong-way crashes are taking too many lives in Connecticut. This bill will build on our work to fight this horrific issue that leaves far too many experiencing grief,” said Sen. Needleman. “Notification systems at high-risk locations and public announcements of wrong-way drivers will likely prevent tragedies. I hope we can sign it into law soon so its benefits can save lives as soon as possible.”
This legislation requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand its efforts to implement wrong-way driver countermeasures through:
Installing wrong-way driving detection and notification systems (flashing lights to alert drivers when they are entering an exit ramp, notification to law enforcement) on at least 120 highway exit ramps that DOT determines are high-risk for wrong-way drivers; Establishing a pilot program at high-risk exit ramps that the department determines are appropriate for testing systems that also broadcast alerts about a wrong-way driver’s presence on electronic highway message boards; Providing a grant from available resources for implementing wrong-way driving countermeasures, to UConn to test and analyze the use of directional rumble strips to alert a driver through vibration and sound that he or she is driving the wrong way; The bill addresses wrong-way driving public awareness and education by requiring that information on ways to reduce wrong-way driving incidents and information on actions drivers should take when encountering a wrong-way driver be included in (1) a DOT public awareness campaign and (2) driver education program curriculum. The Department of Motor Vehicles must include this information in its regulations on driving school instructional standards; According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2022 was the deadliest year in recent memory for fatal wrong way crashes here in Connecticut; there were 13 wrong way crashes and 23 fatalities. Most wrong-way drivers causing these crashes – over 80% of them – are impaired, and most wrong-way crashes happen between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. 2023 is on track to be even deadlier with 27 wrong-way crashes and 15 fatalities in just the first five months of the year.The Connecticut Department of Transportation has completed a wrong-way flasher pilot program and analyzed 700 highway ramps, considering risk factors including multiple off ramps that meet at the same location, wrong-way event history, presence of an alcohol-serving business within one-half mile of the ramp, presence of a raised median or guardrail separating the on and-off ramps, and lack of sufficient highway lighting. Through this analysis, DOT identified 236 locations as high-risk for wrong way driving events, developed a ranked priority list, and chose an initial 16 locations for installation through the pilot program in 2023. These installations include a 360-degree camera to detect vehicles and large, flashing wrong-ways signs that activate to warn the driver. The Department plans to install this technology on more ramps from the priority list after the initial pilot project locations, and future installations will add the ability to notify the Connecticut State Police in real time.
This legislation builds upon the already allocated $20 million in state bond funds that the Connecticut DOT has used to deploy wrong-way countermeasures throughout the state and an additional $20 million in bonds approved in Senate Bill 980.
SEN. KUSHNER GIVES FINAL APROVAL TO SQUANTZ POND PUBLIC PARKING LIMITS BILL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 2, 2023
SEN. KUSHNER GIVES FINAL APROVAL TO SQUANTZ POND PUBLIC PARKING LIMITS BILL
NEW FAIRFIELD – Heeding the concerns of local leaders and public safety officials, state Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today voted with the state Senate to give final approval to a bill that will create a new definition of park capacity at Squantz Pond State Park in order to ensure public safety and improve visitors’ state park experience.
House Bill 5009, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE PUBLIC SAFETY CAPACITY OF SQUANTZ POND STATE PARK,” passed the Senate on a unanimous and bipartisan 36-0 vote. The bill now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
“There have long been reports of people walking along the roadway, carrying coolers and grills and beach chairs, with children. It’s so dangerous. And I’m so worried. And it’s been going on for years,” Sen. Kushner told the Senate chamber today moments before voting for the bill. “But working with First Selectman Pat Del Monaco and Selectman Khris Hall, the New Fairfield legislative delegation has been able to arrive at a solution that will help avoid a pedestrian disaster while at the same time improving everyone’s visit to Squantz Pond. Nobody wants to be packed in like sardines on the beach. Soon we’ll have new capacity rules, so whether you’re driving from Danbury or New York, you’ll know: get to Squantz Pond State Park early, or plan to make other plans.”
“I would like to thank Senator Kushner for her leadership in the Connecticut Senate to pass this important piece of public safety legislation for New Fairfield,” First Selectman Del Monaco
said. “Overflow crowds at Squantz Pond and on our roads has been an issue for many years. We are thankful to our delegation for their support.”
“Without Senator Kushner’s leadership in the Senate, this bill would not have passed this year,” Selectman Hall said. “We have been working on this for a number of years, and I am grateful for her support of a priority piece of public safety legislation for New Fairfield.”
HB 5009 requires the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop and publicly post the capacity limit of Squantz Pond State Park by January 31, 2024. Under the bill, DEEP must use the following factors when determining the capacity limit:
· the number of visitors and swimmers that can be safely supervised given the park and lifeguard staffing levels,
· the park’s parking and public restroom capacity
· pedestrian and vehicular traffic on any highway without a sidewalk leading to the park that may threaten pedestrians’ public safety or impede emergency vehicles using the highway, and
· the DEEP commissioner’s authority to use the number of vehicles entering the park as a proxy for the number of park visitors.
The bill also requires DEEP to coordinate with municipal and state law enforcement to implement traffic control efforts to minimize public safety concerns on local and state roads and allows DEEP to close the park to new entrants when the capacity limit is reached.
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