Author: Devin James

Senator Miller Leads Passage of Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Miller Leads Passage of Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt

Senator Patricia Billie Miller, Senate Chair of the legislature’s Banking Committee, led passage Wednesday of a bill meant to prohibit coerced debt, a form of economic abuse, in which an offender makes another person liable for indebtedness as a means of control.

Senate Bill 123, An Act Concerning Coerced Debt, originated in the Banking Committee and passed the state Senate on Wednesday. It will now head to the House for consideration during the final two weeks of this year’s legislative session.

“No one should be bound by financial ties deliberately intended to entangle them in an abusive relationship,” Senator Miller, D-Stamford, said. “This form of abuse is disproportionately directed at women and SB 123 takes important steps to ensure that victims can reclaim their financial autonomy.”

Senate Bill 123 defines coerced debt as debt in the name of a domestic violence victim, incurred by force or under duress, threats, intimidation, or undue influence.

The bill provides relief to victims of coerced debt by creating a process by which creditors can be required to pause their collection activities. The proposal provides these victims a legal means to establish that their debt is coerced and ask a court to relieve them of their financial obligation to pay it. Claimants like debt collectors could then seek to hold abusers accountable for any unpaid debt.

Coerced debt often includes tactics like forcing a partner to open a credit card or overspend using an existing card. An abusive partner may also coerce a victim into borrowing money to pay for a product or service and then deny them access to their purchases. This can include products like vehicles or services like utility payments.

These practices often damage the credit scores of domestic abuse victims, restricting their independence and creating barriers to housing, employment, and educational opportunities.

“By defining and protecting against coerced debt, we are empowering survivors to sever those ties without the burden of unjust debts placed upon them under duress,” Senator Miller said.

Economic abuse is often reported by domestic violence survivors, according to the members organizations with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. For instance, 90% of the survivors served by the Susan B Anthony Project in Torrington have experienced some type of economic abuse with between 65% and 75% reporting types of coerced debt.

This abuse is not exclusive to Connecticut. A 2019 survey by the Center for Survivor Agency & Justice found that 52% of 1,823 women who called the National Domestic Violence Hotline reported experiencing coerced debt.

Connecticut joins the states of New York and North Carolina in considering policies to prevent this abusive behavior and these bills follow similar laws adopted in California and Minnesota.
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Senator McCrory Highlights Funding for Senior and Youth Programming in Windsor

Posted on by Devin James
Senator McCrory

Senator McCrory Highlights Funding for Senior and Youth Programming in Windsor

This week, Senator Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, highlighted funding he helped secure for two important projects benefiting the Windsor community including money for a program helping seniors stay in their homes and support for a nonprofit seeking to offer health and wellness programing in Windsor schools.

Senator McCrory helped find $15,000 to support a new initiative by the Windsor Senior Center, which will aid seniors living in the community providing essential housework. This will include basic home upkeep tasks like snow removal in the winter or cleaning up leaves in the fall.

“This funding underscores our commitment to supporting Windsor seniors who choose to age at home,” Senator McCrory said. “As a community, we must prioritize helping our aging neighbors to maintain their independence and ensure that their day-to-day needs are met with compassion.”

Additionally, Senator McCrory helped secure $20,000 for the nonprofit Dilligence Training Cares. This group is an offshoot of the Dilligence Training, a boutique health center based in East Hartford, and provides youth mentorship programs designed to reinforce the importance of empowerment, involvement and community.

Dilligence Training has been recognized as the #1 Health and Wellness Center in Hartford County in each of the past three years. Its co-founders, President Terrell Huff and Vice President Devonté Dillion, a former Windsor High School student, have committed to providing young people with the role models they needed growing up.

The group has provided tailored wellness programs and athletic conditioning to partners including Windsor Public Schools, the Wheeler Health Clinic, The Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, and more.

The funding, secured with Senator McCrory’s assistance, will support Dilligence Training Cares’ community efforts, which the group hopes to expand in Windsor.

“Senator Doug McCrory has aided Dilligence Training Cares exponentially with providing funding that has helped increase awareness and impact within our community initiatives,” Vice President Devonté Dillion said. “With his efforts, Dilligence Training Cares has been able to sponsor membership fitness programs, mentor youth throughout the week and on Community Saturday’s, sponsor nutrition memberships, and engage in community events at the facility such as local business pop ups shops, paint nights, toy drives and fitness challenge ceremonies.”

Photo captions: on left, Senator McCrory meets with seniors at the Windsor Senior Center; on right, Senator McCrory with Dilligence Training Vice President Devonté Dillion.
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651
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State Senator Gaston Accepting Nominations for 23rd Senate District Recognition Award

Posted on by Devin James

State Senator Gaston Accepting Nominations for 23rd Senate District Recognition Award

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston has created the 23rd Senate District Recognition Award and is looking for nominations from community members for the award. This award recognizes individuals in the community who have demonstrated courage and exceptional leadership qualities.

“This award aims to honor those who have made significant contributions to society through their actions, advocacy, and dedication to positive change,” Senator Gaston, D-Bridgeport, said.

Anyone wishing to nominate someone for this award should fill out the online form at this link by April 30. Please include contact information for the nominee so Senator Gaston’s office can reach out to the person selected for this honor.

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

Sen. Cohen Votes to Pass Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt

Posted on by Devin James
For Immediate Release
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin – Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov – 860-304-2319

Sen. Cohen Votes to Pass Legislation to Prohibit Coerced Debt
State Senator Christine Cohen, Vice-Chair of the Banking Committee, voted Wednesday to pass legislation meant to prohibit coerced debt, a form of economic abuse, in which an offender makes another person liable for indebtedness as a means of control.

Senate Bill 123, An Act Concerning Coerced Debt, originated in the Banking Committee and passed the state Senate on Wednesday. It will now head to the House for consideration during the final two weeks of this year’s legislative session.

“Domestic violence takes on many shapes and sizes, and the psychological, physical and financial effects linger with the survivor for a very long time. Financial abuse often leaves a survivor with affected credit, which creates a substantial barrier to housing, employment and more, making it even more difficult to leave an abusive situation,” said State Senator Christine Cohen. “Connecticut continues to build upon protections for survivors, and this will serve as a complement to existing law and relief mechanisms for identity theft. I am personally very proud of our work here, as coerced debt is something that has affected someone very near and dear to me, and I hope that no other Connecticut resident will have to endure this.”

Senate Bill 123 defines coerced debt as debt in the name of a domestic violence victim, incurred by force or under duress, threats, intimidation, or undue influence.

The bill provides relief to victims of coerced debt by creating a process by which creditors can be required to pause their collection activities. The proposal provides these victims a legal means to establish that their debt is coerced and ask a court to relieve them of their financial obligation to pay it. Claimants like debt collectors could then seek to hold abusers accountable for any unpaid debt.

Coerced debt often includes tactics like forcing a partner to open a credit card or overspend using an existing card. An abusive partner may also coerce a victim into borrowing money to pay for a product or service and then deny them access to their purchases. This can include products like vehicles or services like utility payments.

These practices often damage the credit scores of domestic abuse survivors, restricting their independence and creating barriers to housing, employment, and educational opportunities.

Economic abuse is often reported by domestic violence survivors, according to the members organizations with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. For instance, 90% of the survivors served by the Susan B Anthony Project in Torrington have experienced some type of economic abuse with between 65% and 75% reporting types of coerced debt.

This abuse is not exclusive to Connecticut. A 2019 survey by the Center for Survivor Agency & Justice found that 52% of 1,823 women who called the National Domestic Violence Hotline reported experiencing coerced debt.

Connecticut joins the states of New York and North Carolina in considering policies to prevent this abusive behavior and these bills follow similar laws adopted in California and Minnesota.

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SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Posted on by Devin James
April 24, 2024

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined the Senate’s vote to pass Senate Bill 2, landmark legislation and a primary Senate priority in the 2024 legislative session, providing landmark guidance and oversight of the use of artificial intelligence. While AI has existed for decades, the technology’s uses have rapidly expanded in recent years, posing opportunities but also pitfalls for rapid and significant adoption in multiple ways; this legislation seeks to provide guardrails for its use, allowing for innovation while also targeting AI adoption in ways that could prove detrimental to the public.

“AI is both one of the biggest benefits and biggest potential problems of the modern world,” said Sen. Maher, “and it represents an important focal point for this year’s legislative advance. We have an opportunity here to create guidelines for its use in a way that supports businesses and innovation while also remaining focused on its potential negative and detrimental uses. I’m proud to see Connecticut become a leader on this topic and hope to see this thorough, effective legislation become law.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” includes vital consumer, tenant, employment and citizen protection elements that strike a balance between unregulated use of AI and focusing on elements of its use most likely to have unjust consequences on consumers. The bill targets risks of AI discrimination based on race, age, religion, disability and other protected classes; it imposes duties of care on business only when AI’s utilization can have significant impacts, including in housing, finance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment, government services or insurance.

One of the foremost elements of Senate Bill 2 protecting the public regards the use of “deepfakes,” which are manufactured images, videos or content using AI to simulate or manipulate individuals’ images and behaviors. This issue was clear earlier this year when simulated, false pornographic images purporting to feature famous people, including Taylor Swift, circulated widely on the internet; they have also been used against average people, including teenagers, who have experienced serious distress due to its consequences. Senate Bill 2 would update current criminal statutes to include “deepfakes” in the consideration of unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

Additionally, with deepfakes’ use also growing in political advertising – nearly 80% of the country currently is considering measures to at least identify deepfake ads or calls, underscoring the growing issue – Senate Bill 2 would prohibit the distribution of AI-generated media attributing false words or actions to a person if the media is likely to disrupt electoral prospects of a candidate. This prohibition would represent a misdemeanor, with stronger penalties for those seeking to reach audiences of 10,000+.

The bill further ensures AI-created content published online will be tagged, disclosed or identifiable as AI providing users with the ability to evaluate what they read online.

Beginning in 2026, per the bill becoming law, developers would use reasonable care to protect consumers from risks of algorithmic discrimination and be required to provide information regarding limitations and potential benefits of such systems. AI system deployers will also be required to develop risk management policies and programs that specify and incorporate how the deployer will identify, document and eliminate risks of AI discrimination. Deployers will also need to regularly review their AI systems and their updates and changes to use. The Attorney General’s office would have oversight to monitor such violations.

While the legislation seeks to monitor and prevent misuse and ill intent behind AI’s use, it also addresses and acknowledges its benefits. State agencies, as well as the Department of Administrative Services would be tasked to study ways that generative AI could be used to improve their processes and procedures; the state would develop workforce training programs with AI as a focal point; and the “Connecticut Citizens Academy” would be developed in state higher education to provide professional training on the use of the technology.

Before the bill’s passage by the State Senate today, it passed the General Law Committee unanimously on March 12 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 29-6 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Posted on by Devin James
April 24, 2024

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the Senate’s vote to pass Senate Bill 2, landmark legislation and a primary Senate priority in the 2024 legislative session that provides landmark guidance and oversight of the use of artificial intelligence. While AI has existed for decades, the technology’s uses have rapidly expanded in recent years, posing opportunities but also pitfalls for rapid and significant adoption; this legislation seeks to provide guardrails for its use, allowing for innovation while also targeting AI adoption in ways that could provide detriment to the public.

“AI’s growing use and influence stands to transform industries and parts of our world, but without proper oversight, its negative impacts could match those of social media’s,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their foresight in this bill’s development, properly considering both the challenges and benefits of this technology’s growing adoption, and their approach that allows for innovation in AI’s best uses and protections against areas where it could be misused or harmful for society.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” includes vital consumer, tenant, employment and citizen protection elements that strike a balance between unregulated use of AI and focusing on elements of its use most likely to have unjust consequences on consumers. The bill targets risks of AI discrimination based on race, age, religion, disability and other protected classes; it imposes duties of care on business only when AI’s utilization can have significant impacts, including in housing, finance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment, government services or insurance.

One of the foremost elements of Senate Bill 2 protecting the public regards the use of “deepfakes,” which are manufactured images, videos or content using AI to simulate or manipulate individuals’ images and behaviors. This issue was prominently raised earlier this year when simulated, false pornographic images purporting to feature famous people, including Taylor Swift, circulated widely on the internet; they have also been used against average people, including teenagers, who have experienced serious distress due to its consequences. Senate Bill 2 would update current criminal statutes to include “deepfakes” in the consideration of unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

Additionally, with deepfakes’ use also growing in political advertising – nearly 80% of the country currently is considering measures to at least identify deepfake ads or calls, underscoring the growing issue – Senate Bill 2 would prohibit the distribution of AI-generated media attributing false words or actions to a person if the media is likely to disrupt electoral prospects of a candidate. This prohibition would represent a misdemeanor, with stronger penalties for those seeking to reach audiences of 10,000+.

The bill further ensures AI-created content published online will be tagged, disclosed or identifiable as AI providing users with the ability to evaluate what they read online.

Beginning in 2026, per the bill becoming law, developers would use reasonable care to protect consumers from risks of algorithmic discrimination and be required to provide information regarding limitations and potential benefits of such systems. AI system deployers will also be required to develop risk management policies and programs that specify and incorporate how the deployer will identify, document and eliminate risks of AI discrimination. Deployers will also need to regularly review their AI systems and their updates and changes to use. The Attorney General’s office would have oversight to monitor such violations.

While the legislation seeks to monitor and prevent misuse and ill intent behind AI’s use, it also approaches the technology acknowledging its benefits. State agencies, as well as the Department of Administrative Services would be tasked to study ways that generative AI could be used to improve their processes and procedures; the state would develop workforce training programs with AI as a focal point; and the “Connecticut Citizens Academy” would be developed in state higher education to provide professional training on the use of the technology.

Before the bill’s passage by the State Senate today, it passed the General Law Committee unanimously on March 12 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 29-6 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
April 24, 2024

SENATE ADVANCES LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING ITS USE WHILE DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ITS ADOPTION

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate’s vote to pass Senate Bill 2, landmark legislation and a primary Senate priority in the 2024 legislative session that provides landmark guidance and oversight of the use of artificial intelligence. While AI has existed for decades, the technology’s uses have rapidly expanded in recent years, posing opportunities but also pitfalls for rapid and significant adoption; this legislation seeks to provide guardrails for its use, allowing for innovation while also targeting AI adoption in ways that could provide detriment to the public.

“AI’s rapid rise is leading to new breakthroughs in health care and other industries, but has also fostered the development of less friendly uses like deepfakes and purposeful misinformation,” said Sen. Anwar. “This bill is wide-ranging and intends to represent the best of both worlds – allowing for innovation where possible while restricting bad actors and harmful uses. I’m encouraged by its advance today and look forward to it becoming law.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” includes vital consumer, tenant, employment and citizen protection elements that strike a balance between unregulated use of AI and focusing on elements of its use most likely to have unjust consequences on consumers. The bill targets risks of AI discrimination based on race, age, religion, disability and other protected classes; it imposes duties of care on business only when AI’s utilization can have significant impacts, including in housing, finance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment, government services or insurance.

One of the foremost elements of Senate Bill 2 protecting the public regards the use of “deepfakes,” which are manufactured images, videos or content using AI to simulate or manipulate individuals’ images and behaviors. This issue was prominently raised earlier this year when simulated, false pornographic images purporting to feature famous people, including Taylor Swift, circulated widely on the internet; they have also been used against average people, including teenagers, who have experienced serious distress due to its consequences. Senate Bill 2 would update current criminal statutes to include “deepfakes” in the consideration of unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

Additionally, with deepfakes’ use also growing in political advertising – nearly 80% of the country currently is considering measures to at least identify deepfake ads or calls, underscoring the growing issue – Senate Bill 2 would prohibit the distribution of AI-generated media attributing false words or actions to a person if the media is likely to disrupt electoral prospects of a candidate. This prohibition would represent a misdemeanor, with stronger penalties for those seeking to reach audiences of 10,000+.

The bill further ensures AI-created content published online will be tagged, disclosed or identifiable as AI providing users with the ability to evaluate what they read online.

Beginning in 2026, per the bill becoming law, developers would use reasonable care to protect consumers from risks of algorithmic discrimination and be required to provide information regarding limitations and potential benefits of such systems. AI system deployers will also be required to develop risk management policies and programs that specify and incorporate how the deployer will identify, document and eliminate risks of AI discrimination. Deployers will also need to regularly review their AI systems and their updates and changes to use. The Attorney General’s office would have oversight to monitor such violations.

While the legislation seeks to monitor and prevent misuse and ill intent behind AI’s use, it also approaches the technology acknowledging its benefits. State agencies, as well as the Department of Administrative Services would be tasked to study ways that generative AI could be used to improve their processes and procedures; the state would develop workforce training programs with AI as a focal point; and the “Connecticut Citizens Academy” would be developed in state higher education to provide professional training on the use of the technology.

Before the bill’s passage by the State Senate today, it passed the General Law Committee unanimously on March 12 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 29-6 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
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SENATOR MARONEY LEADS ADVANCEMENT OF LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING USE AND DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ADOPTION

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
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SENATOR MARONEY LEADS ADVANCEMENT OF LANDMARK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION, ENCOURAGING USE AND DEVELOPING GUARDRAILS FOR ADOPTION
Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Senate Chair of the General Law Committee, led the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2, landmark legislation and a primary Senate priority in the 2024 legislative session that provides landmark guidance and oversight of the use of artificial intelligence.  The bill passed by a 24-12 tally, with Democrats in support and Republicans opposed.

While AI has existed for decades, the technology’s uses have rapidly expanded in recent years, posing opportunities but also pitfalls for rapid and significant adoption; this legislation seeks to provide guardrails for its use, allowing for innovation while also targeting AI adoption in ways that could provide detriment to the public.

“The advent of ChatGPT, OpenAI and Midjourney, to say nothing of TV commercials airing daily advertising AI’s latest developments, show that it’s AI’s world and we’re just living in it,” said Sen. Maroney. “It’s with that knowledge and context that we can’t wait to act. We saw, in the last 15 years, how light regulations impacted how social media and other emerging technologies transformed our world. They have benefitted us in many ways, but harmed society in others. This legislation seeks to place guiderails on AI’s uses and development. It’s focused on preventing harms while fostering innovation and benefits – and factors in the consequences of the technology’s future uses if we don’t act now.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” includes vital consumer, tenant, employee and citizen protection elements that strike a balance between unregulated use of AI and focusing on elements of its use most likely to have unjust consequences on consumers. The bill targets risks of AI discrimination based on race, age, religion, disability and other protected classes; it imposes duties of care on business only when AI’s utilization can have significant impacts, including in housing, finance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment, government services or insurance.

One of the foremost elements of Senate Bill 2 protecting the public regards the use of “deepfakes,” which are manufactured images, videos or content using AI to simulate or manipulate individuals’ images and behaviors. This issue was prominently raised earlier this year when simulated, false pornographic images purporting to feature famous people, including Taylor Swift, circulated widely on the internet; they have also been used against average people, including teenagers, who have experienced serious distress due to its consequences. Senate Bill 2 would update current criminal statutes to include “deepfakes” in the consideration of unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

Additionally, with deepfakes’ use also growing in political advertising – nearly 80% of the country currently is considering measures to at least identify deepfake ads or calls, underscoring the growing issue – Senate Bill 2 would prohibit the distribution of AI-generated media attributing false words or actions to a person if the media is likely to disrupt electoral prospects of a candidate. This prohibition would represent a misdemeanor, with stronger penalties for those seeking to reach audiences of 10,000+.

The bill further ensures AI-created content published online will be tagged, disclosed or identifiable as AI providing users with the ability to evaluate what they read online.

Beginning in 2026, per the bill becoming law, developers would use reasonable care to protect consumers from risks of algorithmic discrimination and be required to provide information regarding limitations and potential benefits of such systems. AI system deployers will also be required to develop risk management policies and programs that specify and incorporate how the deployer will identify, document and eliminate risks of AI discrimination. Deployers will also need to regularly review their AI systems and their updates and changes to use. The Attorney General would have oversight to monitor such violations.

While the legislation seeks to monitor and prevent misuse and ill intent behind AI’s use, it also approaches the technology acknowledging its benefits. State agencies, as well as the Department of Administrative Services would be tasked to study ways that generative AI could be used to improve their processes and procedures; the state would develop workforce training programs with AI as a focal point; and the “Connecticut Citizens Academy” would be developed in state higher education to provide professional training on the use of the technology.

Before the bill’s passage by the State Senate today, it passed the General Law Committee unanimously on March 12 and the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 29-6 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

SENATOR HOCHADEL VOTES TO APPROVE FOURTH YEAR OF LABOR CONTRACT FOR 45,000 STATE EMPLOYEES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR HOCHADEL VOTES TO APPROVE FOURTH YEAR OF LABOR CONTRACT FOR 45,000 STATE EMPLOYEES

HARTFORD –  Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, joined Senate Democrats today in voting to approve the fourth year of the state employees’ SEBAC labor union contract, giving 45,000 state employees a 2.5% wage increase and some others an additional “step” increase – on par with what private-sector employees have been seeing in Connecticut over the past year and similar to what municipal governments have been approving for their labor unions.

The fourth-year wage reopener was negotiated by the Lamont administration in late March and as required by state law, had to be voted on by the General Assembly.

Senator Hochadel spoke in favor of the contract during a floor debate in the Senate Tuesday.

“State government has recently struggled to fill vacant positions and I believe if we truly want to fill these positions, what we have to do is pay people a fair wage and fair pensions,” Senator Hochadel said. “I was proud to vote for this labor contract and want to thank our state workers for everything they do every day for the state of Connecticut.”

“Years of wage concessions and reduced fringe benefits have taken their toll on the dedicated professionals who make up Connecticut state government. To protect essential services for our residents, we need to retain and reward the tens of thousands of state employees – from social workers and nurses to national guardsmen and correctional officers – who serve the people of our state,” Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said today.

“We’ve lost nearly a quarter of our state workforce over the past decade and a half. Government-sector employment is the only job sector in Connecticut that still hasn’t recovered from the 2008 recession. Meanwhile, private-sector employees in Connecticut saw their wages rise on average almost 4.5 percent last year. Just like we did last year for our state police, we’ve got to grow our state workforce and stay competitive with the private sector,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said.

Funding for the contract was included in last year’s bipartisan state budget.

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SENATOR MARONEY LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL AIDING PHARMACISTS, IMPROVING REGULATIONS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

SENATOR MARONEY LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL AIDING PHARMACISTS, IMPROVING REGULATIONS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Senate Chair of the General Law Committee, led the State Senate’s passage of legislation seeking to enhance regulations of prescription drugs and help overworked pharmacists.

If made law, the bill would authorize dispensing of prescription drugs in compliance packaging, meaning individual components by dose; allow pharmacy technician students to engage in official duties if they are under direct supervision of a pharmacist instructing in the program; and allows pharmacists to order and administer vaccines, among other changes.

“We’re seeing more pressure on pharmacists than ever, and this bill will help relieve that stress,” said Sen. Maroney. “This will provide more staff to help with busy technicians, add more options for simpler care improving patient outcomes and take steps to monitor the rising issue of pharmacy closures without warning. All of these will help both pharmacists and patients and I’m encouraged to see this bill become law.”

“I have been concerned about small pharmacies closing by larger retail pharmacies, followed by national chains leaving areas and creating health care deserts,” said State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), who co-sponsored the bill. “This issue needs to be studied and better handled; this bill will create a group to better monitor this issue and protect access to health care.”

Senate Bill 133, “An Act Concerning Regulation of Prescription Drugs and Related Professions,” would make changes to current pharmaceutical laws including establishing advanced pharmacy technician and clerk occupational categories, authorize pharmacists and advanced pharmacy technicians to dispense drugs to patients in packaging that separates drugs by dose, allow for repackaging of compliance packaging and make it a punishable offense for pharmacy staff to return sold or delivered drug stock or inventory to general inventory.

Additionally, the bill would establish a task force for legislators and industry professionals to study the impact of unannounced or sudden retail pharmacy closures.

The bill would further allow for pharmacy technician students to engage in pharmacy technician duties under direct supervision of pharmacist instructors, allow pharmacists to order and administer vaccines for certain patients.

Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli testified in February that this bill’s support of compliance packaging would be a tremendous step toward improving medication compliance among patients, reducing medication errors and improving patient outcomes. Cafferelli also said the legislation’s establishment of advanced pharmacy technician registration will provide pharmacy technicians opportunities to expand their roles in pharmacies and relieve the burden faced by overworked pharmacists.

Christina Hatfield, Director of Pharmacy at Hartford Hospital, testified that the bill’s development of Advanced Pharmacy Technician roles will aid in the provision of safer care and counter a shortage of trained pharmacists in the state amid larger industry struggles.

The bill previously passed the General Law Committee by a unanimous 22-0 vote. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

Caption: Senator Maroney discusses the bill on the Senate floor Tuesday.
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