Author: Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO SUPPORT FARMERS WITH TAX RELIEF, GRANT PROGRAM

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO SUPPORT FARMERS WITH TAX RELIEF, GRANT PROGRAM

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) voted to represent and support the many farmers he represents by joining the Senate to vote in support of Senate Bill 1497. This legislation will deliver a number of improvements and supports for agriculture around the state including stronger tax incentives, expanded tax exemptions and a reimbursement program, among other updates.

“Numerous farms in the 3rd Senate District represent decades if not centuries of hard work, family legacy and honor, and steadfast determination to support the community and the state,” said Sen. Anwar. “Increasing challenges standing in their way, from extreme weather to rising costs, require action. I’m proud that we’re acting to provide them with financial relief and important support that will bolster their resources and help them continue to operate for decades to come.”

Senate Bill 1497, “An Act Concerning Programming At The Department Of Agriculture,” takes the following steps to support farming in Connecticut:

-It provides a 20% income tax credit for farmers investing in machinery, buildings or equipment, supporting farmers struggling with costs and inflation

-It increases the local property tax exemption on farm machinery to $250,000, an increase from $100,000, with another $250,000 in savings if municipalities opt in; municipalities can also exempt up to $500,000 of farm buildings supporting barns, greenhouses and storage facilities

-A new state-backed crop loss reimbursement grant program will help support farmers who face crop losses after extreme weather events, following increased flooding seen in recent years

-Farms engaged in agritourism, like pick-your-own fruit or seasonal festivals, will receive civil liability protection

-Farms can better comply with environmental standards while protecting soil and water quality through a manure management grant program

-Drones can be used for precision application of fertilizers and pesticides

Schools and food pantries are encouraged to use container farming, supporting urbanized areas

Senator Looney Applauds House Passage of Bill Strengthening Mental Health Parity and Other Patient Protections

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Looney Applauds House Passage of Bill Strengthening Mental Health Parity and Other Patient Protections

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) applauded final passage in the House of Representatives of Senate Bill 10, An Act Concerning Health Insurance and Patient Protection. The bill strengthens Connecticut’s five-year-old mental health parity law by allowing the state Insurance Department to issue fines when insurers violate the law, and by expanding the list of health conditions that insurers must immediately cover with the most effective drugs, instead of relying on less-costly therapies first.

“For too long, health insurance companies have skirted their responsibility to cover mental health conditions in the same way as physical health care,” said Senator Looney. “Senate Bill 10 will finally give the state the enforcement tools it needs to hold insurers accountable. Connecticut residents have waited too long to get the timely, effective mental health treatment to which they are entitled. Strengthening mental health parity will not only make our laws more fair, but it will also save lives. I want to thank Senator Jorge Cabrera for his tireless efforts in getting this bill passed in both chambers and the countless advocates who have supported the Senate’s efforts in this area over the years.”

Connecticut ranks 9th nationally for mental health access, but significant gaps remain:

-21% of adults—nearly 600,000 residents—experienced a mental illness in the past year.

-18% of adults with frequent mental distress couldn’t afford to see a doctor.

-Over 24,000 CT youth with major depression received no treatment at all.

Connecticut has had a mental health parity law on the books since 2019, but insurers continue to violate it with little consequence. Some insurers continue to underpay behavioral health providers compared to medical providers, they delay or deny treatment through more strict prior authorization and utilization review standards, or they maintain inadequate provider networks, forcing patients into costly out-of-network care.

Existing penalties, like a $1,000 fine for group plans, are far too weak to deter large insurers from cutting corners. Without real enforcement tools, an estimated half a million Connecticut residents are being denied the care to which they are entitled under our laws.

S.B. 10 fills the gaps that have made previous parity laws ineffective by establishing meaningful financial penalties for parity violations: the bill introduces a modern, scalable penalty structure of  $100 per product line per day, capped at $625,000 annually per insurer. The bill also gives the Insurance Department the ability to use outside experts for investigations.

S.B. 10 also includes several key consumer protection measures to help rein in rising health care costs and eliminate unfair billing practices. Starting in 2027, the Insurance Department will have the authority to reduce proposed rate increases by up to two percentage points for insurers that repeatedly exceed the state’s health care cost growth benchmark. The bill also prohibits insurers from placing arbitrary limits on reimbursement for general anesthesia, ensuring patients receive adequate coverage for necessary care. Furthermore, it reinstates penalties for hospitals and health systems that violate facility fee limits, reinforcing safeguards against surprise billing and unnecessary charges.

S.B. 10 also expands the ban on using so-called “step-therapy” – where an insurer tries various less-expensive options before committing to your doctor’s orders – for drugs treating multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

S.B. 10 now heads to Governor Lamont for his signature.

Sen. Lesser Applauds Final Passage of Strengthened Mental Health Parity Law

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Applauds Final Passage of Strengthened Mental Health Parity Law

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser applauded House passage of a bill that strengthens Connecticut’s mental health parity law by allowing the state Insurance Department to issue fines when insurers violate the law, and by expanding the list of health conditions that insurers must immediately cover with the most effective drugs, instead of relying on less-costly therapies first. Senator Lesser wrote the 2019 mental health parity law to ensure that mental health is treated with the same gravity as physical health.

Senate Bill 10, “AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE AND PATIENT PROTECTION,” passed the House Monday afternoon and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signing.

“Mental health parity has been a goal of mine since I was first elected and I have been working on this legislation for the last six years,” said Sen. Lesser. “I am thrilled to see it land on the Governor’s desk and with his signature, Connecticut will have the strongest law in the country and our residents will have better access to critical, life-saving mental health supports.”

-Connecticut ranks 9th nationally for mental health access, but significant gaps remain:

-21% of adults—nearly 600,000 residents—experienced a mental illness in the past year.

-18% of adults with frequent mental distress couldn’t afford to see a doctor.

-Over 24,000 CT youth with major depression received no treatment at all.

Connecticut has had a mental health parity law on the books since 2000, but insurers continue to violate it with little consequence. Some insurers continue to underpay behavioral health providers compared to medical providers, they delay or deny treatment through stricter prior authorization and utilization review standards, or they maintain inadequate provider networks, forcing patents into costly out-of-network care.

Existing penalties, like a $1,000 fine for group plans, are far too weak to deter large insurers from cutting corners. Without real enforcement tools, an estimated half a million Connecticut residents are being denied the care they’re legally entitled to.

S.B. 10 fills the gaps that have made previous parity laws ineffective by establishing meaningful financial penalties for parity violations: the bill introduces a modern, scalable penalty structure of $100 per product line per day, capped at $625,000 annually per insurer. The bill also gives the Insurance Department the ability to use outside experts for investigations.

S.B. 10 also improves the transparency of which insurers are adhering to the law – and which are not. The Insurance Department relies on insurer-submitted reports which are often incomplete and not independently verified. Some reports omit required sections or lack basic analysis. S.B. 10 allows the release of ‘parity compliance reports’ that don’t contain the overly broad redactions that currently shield insurers from scrutiny.

S.B. 10 also expands the ban on using so-called “step-therapy” – where an insurer tries various less-expensive options before committing to your doctor’s orders – for drugs treating multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

SENATOR MAHER LEADS SENATE’S FINAL PASSAGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION FUNDING LEGISLATION

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER LEADS SENATE’S FINAL PASSAGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION FUNDING LEGISLATION

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) led the Senate’s final passage of legislation that will benefit early childhood care and education funding in Connecticut, with focuses including development of a prospective payment system based on enrollment rather than attendance for the Care 4 Kids program, reviews and developments to improve childcare financial issues and improved delivery of information on childcare programs to members of the public.

“This bill has a transformative potential to rapidly improve and increase the information available to young families and streamline a number of processes in early childcare,” said Sen. Maher.” It’s a remarkable step forward in how we support our childcare centers.”

House Bill 5003, “An Act Concerning The Early Child Care and Education Fund,” improves and enhances early childcare and education laws in multiple ways including:

 

     -Developing an online portal through a mobile app and the Office of Early Childhood’s website providing information on availability of early childhood program slots, which would allow parents to submit information for referral and enrollment, a means to manage payments, information on slot availability in early childhood programs and opportunities for families to apply for childcare subsidies or other assistance

     -Implementing a prospective payment system based on enrollment for the Care 4 Kids program, which receives federal support from the federal Department of Health and Human Services

     -Expanding childcare provider information to maintain Care 4 Kids eligibility including provider business entity type and provider leadership names

     -Requiring OEC to enter a data-sharing agreement with the Children’s Funding Project to create a fiscal map of state funding and spending for children in Connecticut

     -Pursuing the OEC studying liability insurance for childcare centers and family childcare homes reviewing prevalence, appropriateness, affordability and liability insurance costs

     -Reporting on background checks for early childhood educators and how to improve their efficiency and processing time

     -Expanding family childcare homes to accept up to12 children, from nine; homes operated by one individual see numbers change from six to nine children

     -Developing and administering a one-year pilot program to provide information on childcare services and assistance programs to expectant mothers

Manchester Could Rebrand as a City Under Bill Led to Passage by Senator Rahman

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Manchester Could Rebrand as a City Under Bill Led to Passage by Senator Rahman

Senator MD Rahman, Senate chair of the Planning and Development Committee, led passage Monday of legislation that will enable large municipalities like Manchester to officially designate themselves as cities rather than towns, better reflecting the communities’ identity.

The Senate sent H.B. 6957 to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk on a unanimous vote, following a similar approval by the House earlier this month.

The bill includes a provision, championed by Senator Rahman, which gives municipalities a mechanism to designate themselves as cities under their charters. The change has been explored by Manchester, a community of around 60,000 residents, which has long referred to itself as the “city of village charm.”

Recently, Manchester residents have considered changing their charter to make the “city” moniker official. Since state statute does not contain any population or geographic thresholds to dictate when a community constitutes a city, Senator Rahman proposed H.B. 6957 to ensure residents have the ability to make the determination for themselves.

“This bill gives municipalities the freedom to define themselves on their own terms,” Senator Rahman said. “Manchester has grown significantly over the years and it deserves the right to reflect that evolution in its identity. This legislation empowers local communities to make that decision for themselves. It puts the question of who we are and how we present ourselves in the hands of the people who know and care about this place the most: the residents of Manchester.”

Senator Rahman Votes for Ratepayers First Act, Cutting Millions from Electric Bills Over Next Three Years

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes for Ratepayers First Act, Cutting Millions from Electric Bills Over Next Three Years

Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted Monday to advance the Ratepayers First Act, energy legislation that will deliver long-sought financial relief to residents. The legislation will cut consumer electric costs by nearly $800 million in the next three years, increase consumer protections, and control future fluctuations in energy costs.

Connecticut’s energy costs have sparked controversy in recent years due to fluctuations in the state’s power grid, record-high summer temperatures, global pressures including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the state’s reliance on a volatile natural gas market.

The Ratepayers First Act aims to provide relief by saving electric ratepayers hundreds of millions in coming years. It is also designed to recommit state utilities to transparency and accessibility, review the state’s energy policies and work toward reforms supporting consumers and the long-term reliability of the electric grid.

“Residents in my district made it clear that the cost of electricity was too high, and something had to be done,” Senator Rahman said. “The Ratepayers First Act answers that call by delivering real savings and putting the needs of families and small businesses first. This is a responsible, forward-thinking bill that brings both immediate relief and long-term stability to our energy system.”

Senate Bill 4 takes a variety of steps including cost savings with short- and long-term achievement goals and reviews of current policies.

 

Short-Term Cost Savings

The bill authorizes $250 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support hardship payment recovery, intended to reduce consumer debt accumulated due to hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and the spike that all ratepayers incurred as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. Shifting that debt to bonding will enable direct savings for consumers.

It authorizes another $50 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support state electric vehicle charging programs, while also placing limitations on that program to further rein in costs.

The bill also lowers required percentages of electric power generation through renewable resources through 2030 to save customers money without sacrificing long-term investment on environmental goals. Lowering this percentage can represent $75 million in cost savings by omitting generating resources like landfill gas, biomass and some aspects of fuel cells.

By updating definitions used for rate reduction bonds, the state’s bonding process can support certain storm repair recovery costs, representing savings of just over $100 million.

 

Long-Term Cost Savings

In a long-term approach to energy efficiency, Senate Bill 4 also updates rate reduction bonds to support additional initiatives such as smart meters. Covering smart metering via bonding allows state utilities to pursue investment of up to $1 billion in future upgrades without applying those costs to consumer electric bills.

A new provision adjusts the state’s energy procurement strategies, with electric purchasing direction focused on lowering costs, keeping customers’ delivery stable and electric companies being required to purchase some energy themselves based on market prices, delivering savings by protecting against a volatile energy market.

The bill also seeks to improve state collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, allowing it to select third-party entities to implement clean or renewable energy programs, expanding the market in which it can operate for maximum efficiency. PURA will also evaluate time-varying electric rates to incentivize improved efficiency, seeing if such a model works in Connecticut.

Additionally, PURA will study renewable tariffs and the state’s low-income discount rate program for means of savings, with further study of time-varying rates and grid-enhancement technologies seeking further improvements.

Reviewing and Improving Current Practices

Under this legislation, the Office of Consumer Counsel will prepare an explanatory report about public benefits charges for consumers, while electric distribution companies will work alongside it to design an education and engagement program aimed toward the public.

The low-income discount rate program will also undergo review at the end of a three-year period starting July 1, 2025 when its new form is enacted for the first time for Eversource and United Illuminating customers.

Senate Bill 4 also protects lineworkers, who perform important tasks to keep the grid operational, and addresses direct concerns they raised with legislators. Lineworkers will be made part of an emergency service restoration planning committee that delineates training, safety and health measures, and electric distribution companies will be prohibited from requiring crews to work in unsafe conditions.
Among additional elements of the bill, there is a review of possibilities for new nuclear capabilities in the state and a reduction of required use of renewable energy in some instances, specifically where renewable sources are more costly than efficient for state needs.

SEN. CABRERA VOTES FOR $800 MILLION IN ELECTRICITY RATE CUTS

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SEN. CABRERA VOTES FOR $800 MILLION IN ELECTRICITY RATE CUTS

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) voted this evening for the “Ratepayers First Act”, a detailed energy bill that seeks to enact short- and long-term improvements to consumer electric bills, delivering long-sought savings that can provide financial relief to residents.

In the short term, the bill cuts consumer electric costs by nearly $800 million over the next three years by shifting charges and changing current investments while improving long-term review and reforms to increase consumer protections to control future fluctuations in energy costs.

The bill passed the Senate on a bipartisan 34-1 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“I’m happy to vote for rate relief for Connecticut electricity consumers and to make some long-term, structural changes that will result in more savings in the future,” said Sen. Cabrera.

“Senate Bill 4 listens to the people of Connecticut and makes a concerted effort to find reductions and savings for electric ratepayers,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “I applaud the efforts of my colleagues to identify hundreds of millions of dollars in efficiency and cost improvements that will add to recently lowered rates and relieve the state’s ratepayers.”

Senate Bill 4 takes a variety of steps, including cost savings with short- and long-term achievement goals and review and improvement to current policies.

The bill authorizes $250 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support hardship payment recovery, intended to reduce consumer debt accumulated due to hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and the spike that all ratepayers incurred as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. The bill also authorizes another $50 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support state electric vehicle charging programs, while also placing limitations on that program to further rein in costs.

In a long-term approach to energy efficiency, Senate Bill 4 also updates rate reduction bonds to support additional means such as smart meters. Smart metering being covered via bonding allows state utilities to pursue investment of up to $1 billion in future upgrades without those costs being applied to consumer electric bills, especially important as those investments would be recoverable if enacted by distribution companies.

The bill also seeks to improve state collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, allowing it to select third-party entities to implement clean or renewable energy programs, expanding the market in which it can operate for maximum efficiency. PURA will also evaluate time-varying electric rates to incentivize improved efficiency, seeing if such a model works in Connecticut.

Under the bill, the Office of Consumer Counsel will prepare an explanatory report about public benefits charges for consumers, while electric distribution companies will work alongside it to design an education and engagement program aimed toward the public.

Sen. Cohen, Rep. Rader Welcome Final Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

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Sen. Cohen, Rep. Rader Welcome Final Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

HARTFORD – Early Friday morning the state senate voted for the unanimous passage of legislation implementing the recommendations of the Katie Beckett Working Group, ensuring families of terminally ill children are better served by the program. State Senator Christine Cohen and State Representative Moira Rader worked closely with constituents, the Negron family, to develop these important recommendations.

The Katie Beckett Waiver program is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and provides Medicaid healthcare services and supports to individuals 21 years of age and younger with a physical disability who may or may not have a co-occurring developmental disability. These services are for young adults and children who would normally not qualify for Medicaid due to family income. The purpose of the waiver is to provide home and community-based services to individuals who would prefer to reside in their home or in the community instead of an alternative institution.

Unfortunately, Connecticut is the only state in New England with a cap on the number of qualified individuals accepted into the Katie Beckett Waiver program. The way the waitlist is structured leaves some families on a waiting list longer than the child’s life expectancy.

This legislation to improve the waiver program came from the advocacy of Chloe Negron’s family. Chloe was a Guilford girl diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare genetic disorder. Chloe tragically passed away earlier this year from complications of the disease. Last year, Sen. Cohen and Rep. Rader testified along with her father, David, before the Human Services Committee on the need to improve the program. He later served on the Katie Beckett Working Group to develop the recommendations implemented in this legislation.

The legislation passed requires DSS to develop a five-year plan to eliminate the waiting list for the Katie Beckett Waiver Program and add home modification coverage, as well as report to the Appropriations and Human Services Committee their recommendations on state appropriations needed to implement the plan. According to DSS, 331 people are currently on the waitlist which currently equates to many years.

Additionally, the bill lowers the maximum age for Katie Beckett participants from 21 to 18.

The bill also requires the DSS commissioner to include information on eligibility criteria and provider reimbursement rates for the waiver program in its Medicaid provider bulletins and to post certain information on the website.

Lastly, the bill requires DSS to annually administer a survey, via mail or e-mail, to applicants on the program’s waiting list, asking applicants to confirm or update demographic information and whether they wish to remain on the waiting list. Applicants who do not respond must remain on the waiting list.

“My heart is with every family whose child faces a terminal illness, and I have deep respect for David and Rennie’s strength and the love for their daughter that has guided this legislation,” said Sen. Cohen. “Chloe’s legacy lives on through the power of advocacy and public policy and because of this legislation, other Connecticut families will be better served by this program. I am hopeful that with these recommendations, every child, regardless of diagnosis, has access to the care they need.”

“This legislation holds deep significance, particularly for the Guilford community. It was inspired by the Negron Family and their beloved daughter, Chloe, whose strength and light touched everyone who knew her,” said Rep. Rader. “Although Chloe tragically passed away this past year, her legacy lives on through this work. In her memory, we are building a more compassionate and responsive system that will help countless children and families for years to come.”

Senator Rahman Votes to Pass Comprehensive Bill to Build Housing and Lower Costs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Pass Comprehensive Bill to Build Housing and Lower Costs

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted early Saturday to give final passage to legislation which will increase the state’s supply of housing units, reduce housing costs in communities statewide, and address Connecticut’s housing shortage.

The bill’s extensive updates to state housing policy come as groups ranging from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association have drawn attention to the state’s lack of housing to meet the demands of its population. Shortages of affordable housing units for rent tally anywhere from 90,000 to more than 110,000, according to the organizations. The NLIHC stated that this shortage financially harms struggling households, while the CBIA noted the growing deficit is creating challenges for Connecticut businesses in recruiting and retaining employees.

Acknowledging this need, House Bill 5002, “An Act Concerning Housing And The Needs Of Homeless Persons,” seeks to address the issue in a variety of ways, utilizing new strategies to encourage new construction and new housing development statewide.

“Housing is a basic need, and right now too many Connecticut families are being priced out or pushed out,” Senator Rahman said. “We have an obligation to change this and H.B. 5002 represents a major step forward. It supports working families, protects renters, and gives our towns the tools they need to plan smart growth. By expanding housing options across the state, we’re investing in our economy and our communities.”

House Bill 5002 has a number of updates to state policies, focused on a variety of improvement strategies, including:

Increasing Housing Supply And Reducing Costs

-Building more housing near transit through the new Towns Take The Lead program to prioritize transit-oriented development

-Drastically increasing middle housing development, up to nine units, by cutting red tape in commercially zoned areas

-Creating a first-time homebuyer savings program to allow individuals and employers to contribute into special savings accounts supporting homebuying expenses

-Funding affordable housing development projects while creating employment opportunities in the construction industry, both creating well-paying union jobs and creating housing units

-Requiring town-by-town plans to meet 25% of suggested affordable housing allocations

Protections For Renters

-Expanding fair rent commissions to all towns with populations over 15,000, including flexibility for joint or regional commissions

-Increasing direct rental assistance programs over the next three years by allowing grants for nonprofit providers

-Encouraging projects constructed by the housing authorities of multiple neighboring towns

-Re-establishing the Open Choice Voucher pilot program for summer 2026, expanding rental opportunities

Reducing Homelessness

-Providing portable showers and laundry facilities to people experiencing homelessness through a new pilot program

-Prohibiting municipalities from installing “hostile infrastructure” on publicly accessible areas – this is defined as architecture preventing a person experiencing homelessness from sitting or lying in or on a building or structure

This bill is designed to drastically improve the state’s response to housing needs, supporting vulnerable residents and empowering communities to find new means of development for long-term support. Municipalities will gain access to funding to aid planning ahead to effectively develop housing and increase supply for those struggling the most.

SENATOR MARX LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO BUILD HOUSING AND LOWER COSTS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO BUILD HOUSING AND LOWER COSTS

Early this morning, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, led the Senate’s final passage of legislation which will increase the state’s supply of housing units, reduce housing costs in communities statewide, and address Connecticut’s housing shortage.

The bill’s extensive updates to state housing policy come as groups ranging from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association have drawn attention to the state’s lack of housing to meet the demands of its population. Shortages of affordable housing units for rent tally anywhere from 90,000 to more than 110,000, according to the organizations. The NLIHC stated that this shortage financially harms struggling households, while the CBIA noted the growing deficit is creating challenges for Connecticut businesses in recruiting and retaining employees.

Acknowledging this need, House Bill 5002, “An Act Concerning Housing And The Needs Of Homeless Persons,” seeks to address the issue in a variety of ways, utilizing new strategies to encourage new construction and new housing development statewide.

The bill passed the Senate by a 20-15 vote and now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

“The people of our state can’t wait any longer. We need to address the housing crisis, and we need genuine, impactful progress,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m so proud of all the work my colleagues and I sunk into this bill. We know it will deliver real beneficial change in communities across the state. Through this bill, we’re addressing private housing, public housing, affordable housing, and most importantly, MORE housing. That’s the answer to this crisis, and I’m excited to join Governor Lamont when he signs this bill into law for that purpose.”

“Connecticut’s housing shortage isn’t a matter of numbers – it impacts families, businesses and our economy at large,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Families face the financial pressure of rising costs, holding back their ability to save and limiting their contributions to the state economy. Businesses struggle to find workers when those workers can’t find stable or affordable housing, harming their productivity and sending qualified, skilled workers elsewhere for employment. This bill is Connecticut’s strongest effort to support new housing in years, and its impacts will provide relief in communities in every county – making life easier for working families and bolstering our economy in the process.”

“As the housing crisis deepens, more of our residents feel the squeeze as rents and prices increase,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “With this bill, we’re taking strong, meaningful action to bolster our state’s housing supply, create jobs, provide new support for renters, homeowners and prospective property buyers alike. More units in our communities relieves pressure and provides a strong foundation to build upon at a time when we need it more than ever.”

House Bill 5002 has a number of updates to state policies, focused on a variety of improvement strategies, including:
Increasing Housing Supply And Reducing Costs

-Building more housing near transit through the new Towns Take The Lead program to prioritize transit-oriented development

-Drastically increasing middle housing development, up to nine units, by cutting red tape in commercially zoned areas

-Creating a first-time homebuyer savings program to allow individuals and employers to contribute into special savings accounts supporting homebuying expenses

-Funding affordable housing development projects while creating employment opportunities in the construction industry, both creating well-paying union jobs and creating housing units

-Requiring town-by-town plans to meet 25% of suggested affordable housing allocations

Protections For Renters

-Expanding fair rent commissions to all towns with populations over 15,000, including flexibility for joint or regional commissions

-Increasing direct rental assistance programs over the next three years by allowing grants for nonprofit providers

-Encouraging projects constructed by the housing authorities of multiple neighboring towns

-Re-establishing the Open Choice Voucher pilot program for summer 2026, expanding rental opportunities

Reducing Homelessness

-Providing portable showers and laundry facilities to people experiencing homelessness through a new pilot program

-Prohibiting municipalities from installing “hostile infrastructure” on publicly accessible areas – this is defined as architecture preventing a person experiencing homelessness from sitting or lying in or on a building or structure

This bill is designed to drastically improve the state’s response to housing needs, supporting vulnerable residents and empowering communities to find new means of development for long-term support. Municipalities will gain access to funding to aid planning ahead to effectively develop housing and increase supply for those struggling the most.