Author: Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS VOTE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS, PROHIBIT SALE OF DEATH PENALTY DRUGS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS VOTE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS, PROHIBIT SALE OF DEATH PENALTY DRUGS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined passage of a bill aimed at improving access to essential reproductive health medications. The legislation has several intents, including improving healthcare access, regulatory efficiency, and animal care, making the system work better for patients, providers, and the public.

Senate Bill 1355, ‘An Act Concerning Prescription Drugs, Devices And Nonlegend Drugs,’ make it easier for the state to get and safely prepare medications used for reproductive health, like the abortion pill. It will also remove some unnecessary rules for pharmaceutical reporting and allows trained veterinary staff to give out prescription meds under a vet’s supervision.

The bill also strengthens state control over manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs used in administering the death penalty in other states. Sen. Anwar, along with State Representative Josh Elliott and State Senator Ceci Maher, have worked to implement these measures after the Hamden company Absolute Standards was alleged to produce drugs used in lethal injections taking place in other states despite Connecticut having banned the practice itself. This change seeks to align state statutes with state ethics.

“This is important legislation for the people of Connecticut to improve residents’ access to reproductive health, pharmaceutical sales, veterinary prescriptions and overdose prevention drugs,” said Sen. Anwar. “It also has a special tie for me as my colleagues and I have worked for more than a year to ensure improved state control and oversight over death penalty drugs, making sure our state does not, directly or indirectly, aid a practice our residents rejected in 2012.”

Regulatory Oversight:
Senate Bill 1355 will focus on regulating abortion drugs. Under this section of the bill, the Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), in collaboration with the Commission of Pharmacy will be mandated to adopt regulations to ensure that nonsterile compounding pharmacies can engage in the preparation of drug products containing levonorgestrel, mifepristone, misoprostol, or similar components as active ingredients.

Pharmaceutical Regulations:
This section addresses the regulation of pharmaceutical manufacturers and their representatives in Connecticut. Just like in the previous law (Public Act 23-171), companies that hire sales reps must register every year with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) as a marketing business, paying a registration fee (with extra fees for being late). These companies also have to provide DCP with an updated list of their sales reps whenever changes happen. However, the new law removes the old rule that required this list to be posted online for the public.

Veterinary Prescription Dispensing:
This bill will allow certain individuals working under the direct supervision of veterinarians to dispense prescription veterinary drugs. Licensed veterinarians in Connecticut have the authority to allow another person to dispense prescription veterinary drugs, but this can only happen if the veterinarian provides a written or oral order as part of their work, in line with all relevant laws, and for an animal under their care. Additionally, the veterinarian must supervise the person dispensing the medication. The Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), and the Connecticut Board of Veterinary Medicine are also authorized to create regulations to carry out these provisions effectively.

Death Penalty:
These legislative previsions will strengthen control over the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of drugs related to the death penalty, ensuring these drugs are not dispensed or distributed improperly. It will also prohibit manufacturers and wholesalers from selling drugs for the death penalty with actual knowledge of their intended use, and clarifying that no individual or entity can legally obtain or use drugs for this purpose. The bill also introduces strict penalties for individuals, such as technicians, who knowingly dispense drugs intended for the death penalty, including a $1,000 civil penalty.

Naloxone:
Under this section of the bill, new measures to expand access to naloxone will be introduced. The new rules make it easier for people or organizations to provide naloxone to the public by removing the need for special permits. They can now give it out for free through secure lockboxes, as long as the boxes follow the required rules. The legislation also relaxes requirements for secure naloxone storage boxes, removing the need for temperature control, tamper resistance, or alarms that alert first responders.

Senator Gaston Shares Personal Story in Support of Bill to Limit Handcuffing of Children

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Shares Personal Story in Support of Bill to Limit Handcuffing of Children

Today, the State Senate advanced legislation that would prevent children under the age of 14 from being unnecessarily restrained with handcuffs unless necessary, preventing unnecessary or undue force from being used against youth.

“This happened to me. I was in the car with my brother we got pulled over for a broken tail light and I was put in handcuffs. I was just a kid, and being treated like a criminal in that moment — without understanding why — left me scared, confused, and ashamed, a trauma that haunted me for years,” said Senator Gaston. “This legislation is about trying to cure the societal ill of placing handcuffs on young people. Young children are still developing emotionally, cognitively, and socially — and the trauma inflicted when they are placed in handcuffs can have a lifelong impact on their well-being. I know there are children and parents who have felt the weight of this issue for far too long. This isn’t just about Black and Brown kids —although this happens way to often, it’s about treating all children with dignity, recognizing their developmental needs, and committing to a justice system that protects rather than harms. We’re drawing a clear line: unnecessary force against our youngest must end. I’m grateful to Senator Winfield and Representative Roberts for championing this bill and continuing to lead with compassion and courage.”

Senate Bill 1542, “An Act Concerning The Use Of Handcuffs On Young Children,” prohibits the use of handcuffs to restrain children under 14 starting with initial contact with a police officer. The bill makes exceptions in specific situations, including if restraint is necessary for public safety or necessary because the child is using or is threatening to use physical force on a police officer.

Handcuff use can also be ordered by a court under currently existing policy on using mechanical restraints in juvenile courts. Only a judge can order in-court restraints to be used, while officers filling forms in transporting juveniles to court can complete a form to see their use under specific factors, including charges of a class A felony or a juvenile threatening or attempting escape.

The bill received significant support from organizations including Stop Solitary CT, the National Youth Justice Network and Connecticut Voices For Children.

Connecticut Voices For Children noted that the policy change represents a positive shift in how Connecticut responds to children in crisis, noting that in 2023, 15% of all juvenile arrests involved more than 800 children under the age of 14, despite the criminal justice system not being designed to meet the developmental needs of children. Early involvement in the legal system correlates to greater odds of arrest in the future, it noted, and Black children are disproportionately subjected to restraint compared to others.

The National Youth Justice Network also mentioned those trends, noting that early contact with the legal system creates a pipeline that perpetuates delinquency.

The bill previously passed the Judicial Committee by a vote of 33-6. It heads to the House for further consideration.

SENATE VOTES TO ENSURE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS CANNOT DISCRIMINATE WHILE PROVIDING SERVICES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE VOTES TO ENSURE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS CANNOT DISCRIMINATE WHILE PROVIDING SERVICES

Today, the State Senate voted to ensure health care providers cannot knowingly discriminate against patients due to protected statuses, strengthening the state’s standards against improper treatment.

“Today, we take a simple but very important step to codify the prevention of discrimination in Connecticut medical practices,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “In taking this action, we can better secure that all people in our state are confident and secure in seeking health care, improving public health.”

“When studies have shown Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive aggressive care in health care settings in Connecticut, it’s clear that discrimination still exists in our communities,” said State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “No matter who you are, our health systems should be ready to provide you with needed care, but they cannot do that if you do not trust them. Today, we work to better secure a better result for all.”

Senate Bill 1380, “An Act Prohibiting Discrimination By Health Care Providers In The Provision Of Health Care Services In The State,” takes these additional steps to specifically prohibit discrimination for health care providers, with race, color, religion, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, intellectual, mental, learning or physical disabilities, veteran status or status as a victim of domestic violence.

The bill specifically does not require the delivery of futile health care and services conflicting with professional judgment or ethical considerations, affect a professional standard of care or interfere with public health planning.

The Center for Children’s Advocacy testified that Connecticut lacks statutory language explicitly preventing discrimination and this bill takes a strong step forward in directly enshrining that right.

The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association gave strong support to the bill, noting that discriminatory behavior prevents people from seeking medical services and treatment, breeds mistrust in health systems and ultimately can lead to loss of life that could be prevented with timely non-discriminatory care.

“By passing this legislation, Connecticut can take a vital step toward ensuring all people have fair and impartial access to quality health care services,” the CTLA added.

The Connecticut Hospital Association testified that this legislation protects people from discrimination and noted appreciation that the law is not intended to override sound medical practices or needed public health planning.

The bill previously passed the Judiciary Committee by a 41-0 tally in April. It next goes to the House for further consideration.

SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION LIMITING HANDCUFFING OF CHILDREN

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION LIMITING HANDCUFFING OF CHILDREN

Today, the State Senate advanced legislation that would prevent children under the age of 14 from being unnecessarily restrained with handcuffs, preventing excessive or undue force from being used against youth.

“An introduction to the criminal justice system involving handcuffs and police custody sets a child up for long-term failure, inducing trauma and perpetuation of a terrible cycle,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “There’s a cruelty in the unnecessary restraint and physical coercion of a young child, and our action today will help remove excess violence from our systems.”

“There are few, if any, legitimate reasons for handcuffing a young child,” said State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “The criminal justice system functions best when its resources are used appropriately, and this bill helps preserve that dynamic in support of community trust and better standards.”

Senate Bill 1542, “An Act Concerning The Use Of Handcuffs On Young Children,” prohibits the use of handcuffs to restrain children under 14 starting with initial contact with a police officer. The bill makes exceptions in specific situations, including if restraint is necessary for public safety or necessary because the child is using or is threatening to use physical force on a police officer.

Handcuff use can also be ordered by a court under currently existing policy on using mechanical restraints in juvenile courts. Only a judge can order in-court restraints to be used, while officers filling forms in transporting juveniles to court can complete a form to see their use under specific factors, including charges of a class A felony or a juvenile threatening or attempting escape.

The bill received significant support from organizations including Stop Solitary CT, the National Youth Justice Network and Connecticut Voices For Children.

Connecticut Voices For Children noted that the policy change represents a positive shift in how Connecticut responds to children in crisis, noting that in 2023, 15% of all juvenile arrests involved more than 800 children under the age of 14, despite the criminal justice system not being designed to meet the developmental needs of children. Early involvement in the legal system correlates to greater odds of arrest in the future, it noted, and Black children are disproportionately subjected to restraint compared to others.

The National Youth Justice Network also mentioned those trends, noting that early contact with the legal system creates a pipeline that perpetuates delinquency.

The bill previously passed the Judicial Committee by a vote of 33-6. It heads to the House for further consideration.

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO MAKE TEACHER TERMINATION PROCESS MORE FAIR

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO MAKE TEACHER TERMINATION PROCESS MORE FAIR

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today led the successful Senate passage of a bill designed to make Connecticut’s tenured teacher termination process more equitable by requiring that a decision to terminate a teacher be made by a neutral hearing officer – and be binding – and that the standard of “just cause” be used by a hearing officer in any termination.

Senate Bill 1371, “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A JUST CAUSE STANDARD FOR TEACHER CONTRACT TERMINATIONS AND REQUIRING CONTRACT TERMINATION HEARINGS FOR TEACHERS THAT HAVE ATTAINED TENURE BE BEFORE A NEUTRAL HEARING OFFICER,” passed the Senate on a bipartisan 27-8 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. If it is approved there and signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont, the change in process would take effect on July 1.

“It’s only fair that teachers have protections against discriminatory or even retaliatory terminations by an administrator or a board of education. We afford these protections to all other state and municipal employees, including essential public servants like police officers, firefighters and nurses,” said Sen. Kushner. “This bill sets the stage for teachers to have true due process – discharges have to be backed-up with proof of wrongdoing.”

Current state law already allows for termination of a teacher for inefficiency, incompetence, insubordination, moral misconduct, elimination of a position to another teacher, or other due and sufficient reasons.

S.B. 1371 changes the current process of who makes the final decision about whether a teacher should be fired. Under current state law, a teacher can either ask for a subcommittee of school board members or an independent hearing officer to hear their case, though the hearing officer’s decision is non-binding. S.B. 1371 removes the school board subcommittee option and requires a mutually agreed upon neutral hearing officer to hear the case, whose decision is then binding.

S.B. 1371 also establishes  “just cause” as the sole test by which a neutral hearing officer will determine whether a teacher will be terminated. “Just cause” is a concept developed in case law that involves a termination for employee misconduct that is so serious that it (1) violates an essential condition of employment, (2) breaches the trust or faith inherent in the working relationship, or (3) is fundamentally or directly inconsistent with the employee’s obligations to the employer.

“This bill ensures the same level of job protection for teachers as those enjoyed by almost all other unionized workers. In order to attract and retain qualified teachers, we must afford a fair and reasonable level of job protection. This bill does that,” said Eric Chester, counsel to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)-CT

Connecticut Education Association (CEA) President Kate Dias testified in support of S.B. 1371 at its public hearing, saying the changes are necessary because – under current state law– a politically motivated school board could serve as “judge, jury, and executioner” for a teacher.

“There is a growing number of teachers who have faced termination when their exercise of free speech online became ignited by social media. Their employer claimed that the incident in social media caused a ‘distraction.’ As a result, and because of the unfair and politicized process, these

teachers end up resigning and even leaving the profession,” Dias testified in February. “To the degree that any teacher should have faced discipline for any action, such discipline should be considered using the legal standard of ‘Just Cause.’ Any discipline, if warranted, should be appropriate and proportionate. Any resulting hearing should be adjudicated by a neutral arbitrator, whose decisions are binding.”

Sen. Lesser Welcomes AHCT Sign-Up Fairs for Pratt + Whitney Striking Workers

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Welcomes AHCT Sign-Up Fairs for Pratt + Whitney Striking Workers

EAST HARTFORD, MIDDLETOWN – State Senator Matt Lesser welcomes two Access Health CT enrollment fairs for striking Pratt and Whitney workers. Sen. Lesser has worked together with Local 700 of Middletown, Local 1746 of East Hartford and Access Health CT to organize these enrollment fairs. Access Health CT will be waiving certain procedures to ensure that striking workers who are at risk for losing their employer-provided healthcare will not face lapses in coverage.

Tomorrow, May 21 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
East Hartford Community Cultural Center
50 Chapman Place, East Hartford
Parking at Town Green Park, sign-up in the gym

Wednesday, May 28 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Courtyard Cromwell
4 Sebethe Drive,  Cromwell

“I am pleased to have worked alongside Access Health CT to secure enrollment fairs to ensure that these workers can demand better working conditions and benefits without the looming fear of losing healthcare for themselves or their families,” said Sen. Lesser. “Thank you to the Union leadership for taking care of their members and to Access HealthCT for keeping the residents of Connecticut healthy and covered.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov

Sen. Lesser Statement on Mayor Florsheim’s Resignation

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Statement on Mayor Florsheim’s Resignation

MIDDLETOWN – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser issued a statement on Mayor Ben Florsheim’s resignation.

“Mayor Florsheim is a friend and I thank him for his leadership of the City of Middletown and his dedication to bettering the lives of its residents. He brought a fresh perspective to the city and was a strong municipal partner on a number of pivotal projects that have paved a strong path forward for Middletown. I wish him the best in his next steps.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov

SEN. CABRERA STATEMENT ON INVESTIGATIVE REPORT INTO BETHANY ABUSE SCANDAL

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SEN. CABRERA STATEMENT ON INVESTIGATIVE REPORT INTO BETHANY ABUSE SCANDAL

BETHANY – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), the state senator representing the seven towns of the 21st Senate District (including Bethany), issued the following statement today on the release of a 229-page report on the Investigation into the Town of Bethany’s Response to the Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minors Enrolled in the Parks and Recreation Summer and After-School Programs by the Law Firm of Pullman & Comley, LLC.

“This report details a massive failure by First Selectman Paul Cofrancesco and an inexplicable lack of action by state police. Our children look to the adults in their lives to protect them, and the adult leadership in Bethany failed them.”

Senator Miller Leads Passage of Legislation Protecting Homeowners from ‘Zombie Mortgages’

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Miller Leads Passage of Legislation Protecting Homeowners from ‘Zombie Mortgages’

Senator Pat Billie Miller, Senate Chair of the Banking Committee, led passage Thursday of legislation to place a statute of limitations on the collection of long-dormant second loans known as zombie mortgages.

The legislation, SB 1336, passed the Senate on a 35 – 1 vote and will head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill protects homeowners with second mortgages which they often believed to be satisfied or forgiven by lenders who had stopped collection activities and ceased communications related to the debt. Quite often, the original loan is written off and sold to a third party.

Recently, as property values have rebounded, companies have increasingly resumed collection and foreclosures on these long-dormant second mortgages.

SB 1336 bars lenders from beginning foreclosure proceedings on secondary mortgages 10 years after they stopped communicating with a borrower or 10 years after the scheduled date of the loan’s final payment.

Senator Miller, D-Stamford, introduced the bill after a constituent was caught off guard when an unfamiliar company that had purchased his second mortgage, which he thought had been forgiven, began trying to collect on the loan with interest.

“This bill protects our homeowners from foreclosure threats based on debt that’s been dormant for more than a decade,” Senator Miller said. “The change puts Connecticut in alignment with national trends as states across the country move to shield consumers from the delayed impact of predatory lending practices. No one making reliable payments on their primary mortgage should face foreclosure because someone made an opportunistic decision to resurrect a secondary loan, years after deciding that collection wasn’t worth the effort when property values plummeted in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.”

Senate Passes New Consumer Protections and Safeguards Against Electronic Eavesdropping

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes New Consumer Protections and Safeguards Against Electronic Eavesdropping

Senate Democrats voted Thursday to advance new safeguards against eavesdropping by televisions, home appliances, and toys as part of Senate Bill 3, the caucus’s priority consumer protection proposal, which also includes provisions targeting junk fees and price gouging.

The 25-10 vote by the Senate sends Senate Bill 3 to the House of Representatives for consideration before the 2025 legislative session concludes on June 4.

Senate Bill 3 seeks to ensure that Connecticut consumers are not monitored by their home appliances, televisions, and toys without their knowledge and provides them with tools to prevent device manufacturers from selling their recordings to advertisers.

The bill’s eavesdropping provisions follow reporting by tech news site 404 Media, which published stories detailing claims by Cox Media Group, which said it was capable of targeting advertisements based on verbal statements made by consumers and caught by microphones included in their devices.

“Privacy becomes a more precious commodity with each passing year, so it’s important that Connecticut consumers have a clear understanding of how their smart devices function and the ability to decline invasive features,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “This bill restores that power to consumers and puts common sense limits on companies that would profit from surveillance. It also expands the power of the attorney general to pursue price gouging beyond retailers to the entire supply chain.”

“It may sound like science fiction or paranoia, but our devices and appliances really are listening to us and at least one company has bragged about its ability to monetize what we’re saying in private,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said. “Through Senate Bill 3, we’re putting consumers in charge of their privacy: we’re making sure they’re aware that their television can record them and giving them the ability to opt out.”

“Connecticut is stepping up to protect families from predatory business practices, whether it’s microphones in household appliances, recording their conversations or surprise junk fees inflating their bills,” Senator James Maroney, co-chair of the legislature’s General Law Committee, said. “SB 3 will bring transparency to the marketplace so Connecticut consumers know what they’re paying for and when their privacy is used to pad someone’s bottom line.”

Senate Bill 3 requires companies to provide users with privacy notices before enabling  microphones in home appliances, televisions and toys, and gives consumers the option of declining to activate cameras and microphones.

The bill also provides consumers the opportunity to opt out of targeted advertisements based on these voice recordings and requires companies to maintain security measures to safeguard users’ information.

Senate Bill 3 seeks to address the affordability of goods and services by expanding the state attorney general’s capability to crack down on price gouging during disasters. While current price gouging statutes apply only to retailers, the bill broadens the policy to include the entire supply chain.

Additional provisions of Senate Bill 3 will:

-Protect consumers from junk fees by generally requiring advertisements to present customers with upfront pricing that does not hide additional fees.

-Prevent junk fees on long-term rental properties by requiring advertisements to include any fee or charge the tenant will be required to pay, with some exceptions like pet fees and certain utility costs.

-Create a right to repair products by requiring companies to make consumer tools and parts available to ensure their products can be repaired by people who are not associated with the company.

-Require Connecticut municipalities to use “.gov” web domains by July 1, 2026 and connect towns and cities with federal grants to assist with this transition.

Requires businesses with automatic renewal to send consumers an annual reminder allowing them to stop the renewal of service.