“Once again the insurance industry is coming before us with unsustainable rate requests. It underscores the need for Connecticut to consider a true public option as we work to make health insurance affordable for all.”
State Senator Matt Lesser on the Connecticut Insurance Department releasing health insurance rate request filings for 2027.
Today, State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) highlighted his 100% voting record in the 2026 legislative session, having voted on all 410 matters that reached the Senate floor.
“With so many important issues debated at the State Capitol each legislative session, I’m proud that I was able to make sure my constituents had a voice in matters that impact them,” said Sen. Cabrera. “I’m dedicated to supporting our communities and working to help solve problems in Connecticut.”
Senator Cabrera was one of only 12 legislators to weigh in on all 410 votes cast in Hartford this year, with nine Democrats and three Republicans earning that distinction.
HARTFORD — Today, Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 335, An Act Concerning Utility Charges for Residential Dwelling Units, into law. The legislation, championed by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), prohibits landlords from charging tenants separately for utilities unless those utilities are measured by a meter dedicated exclusively to that tenant’s dwelling unit. The new law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after that date.
Under current law, some landlords have charged tenants for utilities by dividing the building’s overall utility bill evenly among all units, regardless of individual consumption. Senate Bill 335 amends Connecticut law to make such provisions in a rental agreement unenforceable. Going forward, a landlord may bill a tenant separately for utilities only when a separate meter measures that tenant’s usage, ensuring that tenants are not subsidizing others’ consumption.
“This legislation addresses a consequential issue of fairness in Connecticut’s rental market,” said Senator Looney. “Tenants who conserve energy and practice responsible use of utilities should not be penalized by being charged the same amount as those who do not. By codifying the requirement that utility charges correspond only to a tenant’s actual consumption, we are strengthening Connecticut’s landlord-tenant protections in a meaningful and practical way. I am grateful to Governor Lamont for signing this bill and to my colleagues in the General Assembly for supporting it.”
The new law amends the landlord-tenant statute to add two provisions to the list of terms that are prohibited from being included in a rental agreement: a surcharge for heat or utilities when those services are already included in the rental agreement, and a charge for utilities when no separately dedicated meter measures consumption exclusively to that tenant’s dwelling unit. Any rental agreement provision that violates either prohibition is unenforceable.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 3, 2026
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) highlighted his 100% voting record in the 2026 legislative session, having voted on all 410 matters that reached the Senate floor.
“I take the responsibility of representing my constituents at the State Capitol very seriously. My communities deserve a seat at the table for the many conversations we have and the many issues we take up during the legislative session,” said Sen. Anwar. “Knowing our community has a voice helps me remain committed to what our towns need now and in the future.”
Senator Anwar was one of 12 legislators to weigh in on all 410 votes cast in Hartford this year, with nine Democrats and three Republicans earning that distinction.
“I’m pleased to have voted on all of the bills debated in Hartford this year, as it took both dedication and good fortune to not miss a moment at the Capitol,” said Sen. Slap. “It’s meaningful that West Hartford, Burlington, Bloomfield and Farmington had a voice in every matter that reached the Senate floor.”
Senator Slap was one of 12 legislators to weigh in on all 410 votes cast in Hartford this year, with nine Democrats and three Republicans earning that distinction.
AI Bill Signing Ceremony
Happening today, Tuesday, June 2 at 10 a.m., there will be a bill signing ceremony for SB5, landmark legislation protecting Connecticut residents from AI-related harms, combatting youth social media addiction, and positioning Connecticut as a national leader in responsible AI. Governor Ned Lamont will sign Public Act 26-15, into law, with State Senator James Maroney and Representative Hubert Delany in attendance.
Public Act 26-15 was developed collaboratively by Governor Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, and Senator Maroney in response to federal inaction on AI and social media safety.
WHAT:
Bill signing ceremony for the C.A.R.T. Act (SB 05 / Public Act 26-15), landmark legislation protecting Connecticut residents from AI-related harms, combatting youth social media addiction, and positioning Connecticut as a national leader in responsible AI
WHEN:
Today, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
Hartford Applied AI Center
10 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT
WHO:
The legislation addresses three major areas:
Protecting minors from social media addiction
Social media platforms must verify user ages, obtain parental consent before minors can access algorithmic feeds, restrict notifications to minors between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and default to a one-hour daily limit on algorithmically personalized content. Parents may modify these defaults.
Regulating AI to protect residents
AI chatbot operators must have protocols to detect and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harm. Employers must disclose when AI is used in hiring and employment decisions.
Building Connecticut’s AI workforce
The bill funds AI literacy programs for nonprofits and small businesses, establishes partnerships with the Departments of Housing and Labor to connect residents to the AI Academy, and asks DECD to create the plan for an AI regulatory sandbox to foster innovation under appropriate oversight.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov | 860-240-8671
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL DECISION
“Today’s decision makes clear what voters demanded at the ballot box in November. Harrison Amadasun won a seat on the South Windsor Town Council, and today’s decision reconfirms that. I commend the extensive work that led to this decision, ensuring town statutes were properly followed, and look forward to Town Councilor-elect Amadasun’s swearing-in Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. in the South Windsor Council Chambers.”
State Senator Saud Anwar, on the announced decision by the Connecticut Superior Court on Monday, June 1 that South Windsor Town Council candidate Harrison Amadasun won election to the Town Council, as a change in town statutes was found to not go into effect until 2027.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
“As violence against houses of worship of every religion continues to be a scourge in our society, I remain grateful to Connecticut for continuing to support the safety and security of nonprofits and religious locations with investments like these. It has been close to a decade since Senator Derek Slap and I worked together to create the Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and since then, tens of millions of dollars have been committed to help our state fight and prevent antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Christian and anti-religious sentiment weaponized against innocent worshippers.”
State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), following the State Bond Commission’s May 29 release of $5 million to the Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program
HARTFORD—Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, Senator Gary Winfield, and State Representatives Pat Dillon, Roland Lemar, Juan Candelaria, Al Paolillo, Steve Winter, and Toni Walker today announced that New Haven secured more than $7.7 million in state bond funding approved by the State Bond Commission at its May 29, 2026 meeting.
The approved funding supports community development, education, parks, recreation, and nonprofit infrastructure across New Haven. The funded projects are:
Through the Community Investment Fund 2030:
Through the Office of Policy and Management Urban Development Program:
Through the Department of Administrative Services Charter School Capital Program:
“These investments reflect the deep and sustained commitment of the New Haven delegation to ensuring that our city’s community institutions, public spaces, and educational facilities receive the capital support they need to serve residents effectively,” said Senator Looney. “Each of these projects strengthens the fabric of New Haven and advances the goals this delegation has long championed through the Community Investment Fund and our ongoing state budget work. I am grateful to my colleagues on the State Bond Commission and to the organizations and city officials who made the case for these investments.”
“These investments reach into the everyday lives of New Haven families, from childcare and youth recreation to residential care and educational facilities,” said Senator Winfield. “That breadth reflects what this delegation has worked to build: a sustained commitment to the community institutions that make New Haven function for the people of our city. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in securing these resources.”
“Being able to follow up on the $26 million in increased State Aid at the end of the session, this new bond funding also shows our continued commitment to investing in our community and, in particular, our youth. I am very excited about East Shore Park improvements for youth soccer that I have been involved with, which will provide such a fun, positive, and safe outlet for our kids,” said Rep. Paolillo. “Whether it is schools, parks, supportive housing, or organizations like the Friends Center, I want to thank Governor Lamont, Senator Looney, and our New Haven legislative delegation for prioritizing these projects that will help improve the quality of life for New Haven residents.”
“This bonding money provides critical funds to projects in New Haven that reflect our values, including childcare expansion, infrastructure improvements, and more,” Rep. Candelaria said. “Thank you to my fellow New Haven legislators for your tireless commitment to our city, and to Gov. Lamont and the entire State Bonding Commission for approving these funds.”
“I am excited that Edgewood Park will receive funding for lighting. It will improve park safety and boost the local economy. Thank you to the State Bond Commission for this investment and all of the investments for New Haven,” said Rep. Dillon.
“These investments represent a major commitment to New Haven’s future and to the people who call our city home. From expanding access to high-quality childcare and strengthening community centers, parks, schools, and recreational facilities, these funds will help create opportunities for residents of all ages,” said Rep. Roland Lemar. “I am especially proud to see support for organizations and projects that enhance educational outcomes, promote healthy communities, and drive neighborhood revitalization. I want to thank Governor Lamont and our state partners for recognizing the importance of investing in New Haven’s families, students, and community institutions. Together, these projects will make a lasting difference and help ensure our city continues to thrive for generations to come.”
“I am fortunate to work alongside a group of experienced colleagues who understand the process in Hartford and collaborate effectively to deliver for New Haven. This funding will help meet community needs in several important areas for our residents,” said Rep. Steve Winter. “I want to thank Governor Lamont for his support and collaboration in including these items on the agenda.”
