Maroney, Duff, Delany Statement on House Passing Consumer Privacy Bill

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

Maroney, Duff Delany Statement on House Passing Consumer Privacy Bill

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), and state Representative Hubert Delany (Stamford) are celebrating the House passage of Senate Bill 4, ‘An Act Concerning Consumer Privacy and Protection.”

Senate Bill 4 will safeguard Connecticut residents’ personal information from exploitation by data brokers, surveillance technology companies, and federal agencies.

“Today’s passage of Senate Bill 4 by the House is a tremendous victory for every Connecticut resident,” said Sen. Maroney. “This bill puts protections on Facial Recognition, makes it easier to exercise your right to delete your data from data brokers and people tracking websites, and prevents predatory surveillance pricing. “It has been a privilege to collaborate with my colleagues in the effort to protect the residents of Connecticut.”

“As technology evolves, our laws must evolve with it. Senate Bill 4 takes critical action to strengthen privacy protections, promote transparency, and ensure Connecticut consumers are treated fairly,” said Rep. Hubert Delany. “Connecticut residents deserve to know that their personal information is protected. I want to thank my Co-Chair and members of the AI Caucus for getting this legislation across the finish line and to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.”

“The passage of Senate Bill 4 is about more than policy, it’s about protecting people’s lives,” said Sen. Duff. “I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences that can follow when personal data falls into the wrong hands. Connecticut residents deserve to know their personal information cannot be bought and sold without their knowledge. I am proud that the House joined us in passing this critical legislation.”

Senate Bill 4 introduces comprehensive privacy measures that address emerging threats to consumer data. The bill tackles critical privacy concerns, including the lightly regulated sale of geolocation data, and facial recognition technology, and the exploitative practices of data brokers.

Senate Bill 4 will target the following specific threats to consumer privacy:

Data brokers: Consumers may request, at no cost, the deletion of any personal data collected by a data broker.
Facial recognition: Businesses using facial recognition in public spaces must disclose it at each entrance and provide a process for consumers to request removal of their images.
Dynamic pricing: Strict disclosure requirements apply when businesses use algorithmic pricing to increase prices.
Geolocation data: Controllers and processors are banned from selling or sharing precise geolocation data.
Genetic Testing: Consumers would have the right to their own genetic data when using direct to consumer genetic testing services, and create more transparency in their policies.
Volume of Ads: Streaming platforms cannot transmit the audio of any commercial advertisement at a volume that is louder than the volume established by the Federal Communications Commission for television commercials.

Real-World Harm Driving the Legislation

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff submitted written testimony and explained how his friend and colleague, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, were assassinated last summer. Although this terrible tragedy was widely reported in the news, what most people do not know is that the murderer, Vance Boelter, obtained Speaker Hortman’s residential address through data broker websites. For just a few dollars, anyone can gain access to personal sensitive information, including home addresses, phone numbers, and even photos of legislators’ homes and license plates.

Earlier this year, Wegmans disclosed the use of facial recognition in its stores, raising concerns that such data could be sold or shared with federal immigration agencies, a concern already realized with geolocation data, which ICE has purchased from commercial data brokers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov| 860-240-8671

SENATOR WINFIELD LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO IMPROVE PRISON HEALTH CARE

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR WINFIELD LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO IMPROVE PRISON HEALTH CARE

HARTFORD – Four months after a report blasted delayed diagnosis and medical treatments for Connecticut prison inmates, a bill to improve health care services for incarcerated people passed the state Senate today on a unanimous and bipartisan 36-0 vote and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

A January 2026 report from the Connecticut Office of Correction Ombudsman titled “2025 Conditions of Confinement Report” documented recurring patterns of delayed diagnosis and treatment, fragmented continuity of care following transfers, inconsistent intake screening, prolonged specialty-care backlogs, and failures to timely identify and accommodate individuals with disabilities. Medical and mental health complaints constituted the largest category of complaints received by the OCO during the reporting period.

“Out of sight should never mean out of mind when it comes to our incarcerated population. Connecticut has a legal and moral responsibility to care for the people in our facilities, to ensure their health and safety. A clear-eyed assessment says we have not always done this,” said state Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), who is Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “This bill is designed to fill identified gaps in inmate care. It’s my hope that, over time, the changes made here will mean that people who are in the system, and their loved ones, can rest assured that they are receiving the care they deserve.”

House Bill 5567, “AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH CARE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION FACILITIES,” is a multi-pronged approach to improving inmate health care.
The bill:

Requires the correction ombuds to hire a correction mental health care clinician
Requires the state Department of Correction to provide health care to incarcerated people for free (instead of the current $3 token fee) and cancel any outstanding fees or other costs
Generally, provide medically necessary procedures (in some cases, at state Department of Public Health-licensed facilities) in a timely way
Post notices in English and Spanish about the right to access care
Upon intake, verify a person’s prescriptions and ask them to identify their primary care provider
Implement an electronic health records system, including to allow for care requests to be made electronically

Requires the DOC commissioner to update the department’s health care services plan to ensure continuity of care regarding medications upon incarcerated people’s intake, and that there is an available same-day medication delivery service

Requires DOC to create a list of time-critical medications, with timing windows, related protocols, and documentation requirements
Requires DOC to develop a health services staffing shortage contingency plan for each correctional facility
Requires DOC to begin two pilot programs: one allowing incarcerated people to keep and self-administer certain medications for chronic disease management at a minimum security facility, and another to help with discharge planning and care coordination at York Correctional Institution
Creates a Correction Medical and Health Commission to make recommendations to improve medical, nutrition, behavioral health, and health care services for incarcerated people

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SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WECOME HOUSE PASSAGE OF ICE BILL AND GOV. LAMONT’S FORTHCOMING SIGNATURE INTO LAW

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WELCOME HOUSE PASSAGE OF ICE BILL AND GOV. LAMONT’S FORTHCOMING SIGNATURE INTO LAW

“In the 250^th year of our independence, America is at a crossroads. Today’s House passage of Senate Bill 397 – a Senate Democrats’ priority bill – to rein in federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ repeated and horrific violations of our constitutional and human rights is evidence that the principles of federalism enunciated in the 10^th Amendment are still viable and vital, despite repeated attempts by Donald Trump and Republicans to choke the life out of our national democratic tradition of dual sovereignty.

“We look forward to standing on the steps of the state Supreme Court on Monday as Governor Lamont signs this bill into law and Connecticut once again fires a shot in the fight for freedom against tyranny.”

Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lawrence Cook | lawrence.cook@cga.ct.gov | 860-604-9279

SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WECOME HOUSE PASSAGE OF ICE BILL AND GOV. LAMONT’S FORTHCOMING SIGNATURE INTO LAW

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WELCOME HOUSE PASSAGE OF ICE BILL AND GOV. LAMONT’S FORTHCOMING SIGNATURE INTO LAW

Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lawrence Cook | lawrence.cook@cga.ct.gov | 860-604-9279

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Senator Miller Votes to Approve FY ‘27 State Budget with New Education Aid for 27th District Residents

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Miller Votes to Approve FY ‘27 State Budget with New Education Aid for 27th District Residents

HARTFORD – Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, voted Saturday for changes to the second year of the Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that delivers $190 million more in education aid to municipalities, another $100 million to cities and towns, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care – all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap.

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Senator Miller voted for and welcomed the second-year budget adjustments, which will result in an additional $1.5 million in education funding for Stamford and Darien and a total of $3.25 million in additional town aid for the 27th District.

“This budget makes a clear commitment to the students and families who depend on our public schools to prepare them for success,” Senator Miller said. “The additional education funding for Stamford and Darien schools will make a real difference for the children in our classrooms and the educators who serve them every day. The budget also makes significant investments in early childhood education and child care which will help more families access the support they need during those critical early years. When we invest in education from infancy through high school graduation, we are choosing to build a more equitable Connecticut that ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

$152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
$20 million in additional funding to ensure that all school districts receive a minimum of a 2% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
$18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.
$100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

Senator Hochadel Leads Passage of Bill Protecting Residents of Private Equity-Owned Nursing Homes

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Hochadel Leads Passage of Bill Protecting Residents of Private Equity-Owned Nursing Homes

HARTFORD — Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden), Senate Chair of the Aging Committee, led passage of Senate Bill 125, requiring nursing homes with private equity ownership to disclose their financial structures to the state and prohibiting private equity firms from controlling resident care decisions.

“I’ve seen firsthand what happens in nursing homes when some of the private equity firms take control. Staffing gets cut, care suffers, and when the finances collapse, it’s the residents who are left without the support they depend on and the state is often left paying the bill,” Senator Hochadel said. “SB 125 ensures the state knows who actually owns, controls and manages these facilities. Our loved ones deserve a system that puts their care first, and this legislation helps ensure Connecticut delivers that protection.”

SB 125 includes the following provisions related to private equity ownership of nursing homes:

Requires nursing homes with private equity ownership to submit annual financial disclosures to the Commissioner of Social Services
Requires that the entity holding a nursing home’s license maintain full governance and authority over the home’s assets and activities, so that the facility has control over residents’ health, safety, or care decisions. The bill gives nursing homes until February of 2028 to comply with this provision
Requires the Department of Social Services to identify possible security instruments in the event that the nursing home is closed, enters receivership, or has any imminent financial distress
Directs the Commissioners of Social Services and Public Health to study implications of restricting real property sales within five years of acquisition, with findings due to the General Assembly by February 2028
Establishes civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation for attestation failures and $1,000 per day for financial disclosure failures

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov

WEST HARTFORD DELEGATION APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID, MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

WEST HARTFORD DELEGATION APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID, MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

HARTFORD – The West Hartford delegation, including State Senator Derek Slap and State Representatives Jillian Gilchrest, Tammy Exum, Kate Farrar, Bobby Gibson and James Sanchez, on Saturday voted to approve changes to the second year of the Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget.

West Hartford will receive $2.825 million in additional educational support through the Education Cost Sharing grant and $5.03 million in total increased aid.

Specific support for West Hartford includes $600,000 for public restroom construction, $400,000 for the Trout Brook Trail/East Coast Greenway Connector, $171,100 for the Miracle League Field Bridge Replacement and $80,000 for West Hartford Pride.

“When our towns and schools need financial support, we need to deliver for our communities,” said Sen. Slap. “Today, we’re taking action to increase funding for education, municipal services, health care and child care aimed to deliver relief for taxpayers and bolster local, regional and statewide needs.”

“I’m pleased to see robust funding for West Hartford’s green spaces included in this year’s budget,” said Rep. Gilchrest. “Strategic investments like these are critical to preserving environmental sustainability, supporting recreation, and maintaining the high quality of life our residents expect. By prioritizing these resources, we are making a long-term commitment to the vitality and resilience of our community.”

“Additional state funding for West Hartford in this state budget represents a meaningful investment in our community and financial relief for our residents,” said Rep. Farrar. “By strengthening support for our public schools and increasing municipal aid, we are better equipping our students and teachers with the resources they need to succeed while also easing the burden on property taxpayers. And as the tri-chair of the Early Childhood Education Endowment, the continued investment in childcare will ensure we can continue to bring down costs for families, pay educators what they are worth, and make sure our kids have the best start.”

“I’m thrilled that we have secured additional education funding to support our students,” said Rep. Sanchez. “Investing in our children is one of the most important commitments we can make as a community, and this funding will help ensure there are more resources and opportunities for the next generation to succeed.”

“West Hartford remains the thriving town it is when its residents’ needs are being met,” Rep. Exum said. “When they call for help, we must answer. From education and health care to easing the burden on taxpayers, this additional funding delivers for the town and the people who continue to make it one of the state’s jewels.”

“This is a great victory for West Hartford. The additional funding will provide a much needed boost to our schools and other vital local services,” said Rep. Gibson.

The budget will deliver $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns across the state, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care – all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap.

The investment reflects concerns legislators heard throughout this year from mayors, first selectmen and school boards. When the state funds more of the local bill, cities and towns do not have to pass costs onto property taxpayers. Running municipalities and schools costs more every year, and the burden of that growth falls disproportionately on the local property tax base. The budget provides meaningful relief to communities statewide at a moment where it will make a significant impact.

The legislation also exempts school supplies from sales taxes and expands the maximum value of an item of clothing covered by the state’s sales tax holiday from $100 to $300.

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Total aid includes, in addition to ECS, Town Aid Road funding, Payments in Lieu of Taxes funding, car tax grants, Local Capital Improvements Program grants, special education funding and funding through the Mashantucket-Pequot Fund.

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

$152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
$20 million in additional funding to ensure all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
$18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.
$100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WELCOME GOV. LAMONT’S SIGNATURE OF ICE BILL INTO LAW

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WELCOME GOV. LAMONT’S SIGNATURE OF ICE BILL INTO LAW

HARTFORD – Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), who is Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement today upon Governor Ned Lamont signing into law Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY.”

“In the 250^th year of our independence, America is at a crossroads. The legislative passage of Senate Bill 397 – a Senate Democrats’ priority bill – to rein in federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ repeated and horrific violations of our constitutional and human rights is evidence that the principles of federalism enunciated in the 10^th Amendment are still viable and vital, despite repeated attempts by Donald Trump and Republicans to choke the life out of our national democratic tradition of dual sovereignty. With the signing of this bill into law today, Connecticut is once again firing a shot in the fight for freedom against tyranny.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WELCOME GOV. LAMONT’S SIGNATURE OF ICE BILL INTO LAW

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD WELCOME GOV. LAMONT’S SIGNATURE OF ICE BILL INTO LAW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

SENS. OSTEN & BERTHEL RAISE AWARENESS OF MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PERSONS AT STATE CAPITOL EVENT

Posted on May 4, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENS. OSTEN & BERTHEL RAISE AWARENESS OF MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PERSONS AT STATE CAPITOL EVENT

HARTFORD – State Senators Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) today led a commemoration of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Day (MMIP) as part of Connecticut’s annual event at the State Capitol to recognize the high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of Native American tribal members.

MMIP is observed annually on May 5 to honor victims, support families, and raise awareness of the high rates of violence against Indigenous people. Established in 2017, this day of advocacy addresses the crisis of Native women and girls who are missing or being murdered at disproportionate rates.

“We’ve come a long way in raising awareness about missing and murdered indigenous people, but we have an even longer way to go to solve this problem. No one should be satisfied until we’ve reversed this shameful history of assault and murder of Native Americans,” said Sen. Osten, whose Senate District includes the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal nations. “MMIP Day is a day that keeps us focused and on track to achieve that.”

“Each year, we reserve this solemn day to raise awareness for missing and murdered indigenous persons and learn about this social and civil rights tragedy that must be addressed,” said Sen. Berthel, whose Senate District is home to the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington. “Connecticut has joined the national day of awareness to honor victims and extend support for the families impacted by these tragedies. Our state has benefitted so much from our Tribal Nations and it’s important that we continue to recognize the injustices happening to indigenous persons and take action.”

Sens. Osten and Berthel were joined by several members of the Eastern Pequots, Golden Hill Paugussetts, Mashantucket Pequots, Mohegan, and Schaghticoke tribal nations. The day began with a Flute Honoring Song, concluded with a Red Dress Song, and included a “Red Dress” display, which is a series of empty red dresses that honor and symbolize the lost lives of indigenous women at the hands of violence.

Native American and Alaska Native rates of murder, rape, and violent crime are all higher than the national averages, and Native American and Alaska Native women make up a significant portion of missing and murdered individuals.
For decades, Native American and Alaska Native communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of tribal members. Community advocates describe the crisis as a legacy of generations of government policies of forced removal, land seizures and violence inflicted on Native peoples.

A 2016 study by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) found that more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3 percent) have experienced violence in their lifetime, including more than half who have experienced sexual violence. Overall, it’s estimated more than 1.5 million American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in

Congress responded in part in 2020 with the “Not Invisible Act,” which brought together law enforcement, tribal authorities, federal partners, and others to study solutions to the crisis of murdered and missing Indigenous women and to establish better systems of coordination. The Act created a new position within the Interior Department dealing specifically with murder, trafficking, and missing Native Americans, and it appointed the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate prevention efforts, grants, and programs relating to murder of, trafficking of, and missing Native Americans, across various federal agencies.