Senator Cohen Leads Passage of Legislation to Support Commuters and Expand Microtransit Services

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Cohen Leads Passage of Legislation to Support Commuters and Expand Microtransit Services

HARTFORD — Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, led passage Friday of legislation to reduce the cost of commuting for Connecticut workers, dedicate funding to maintain Shore Line East rail operations and increase service, and expand public transportation options in communities across the state.

“I am so pleased to have led this bill through the Senate because affordable transportation is the foundation of a strong economy,” Senator Cohen said. “This legislation gives employers a real incentive to help their workers with the cost of commuting, maintains vital funding for Shore Line East to increase service, keeps our microtransit pilot moving forward and provides free bus fares for our veterans and high school students so that more communities have access to reliable public transportation. Senate Bill 9 helps to build a transportation system that works for everyone and I can’t wait to see it benefit Connecticut commuters.”

Senate Bill 9 establishes a tax credit for Connecticut employers who provide commuter benefits to their workers. Eligible employers must operate a licensed business in the state, employ at least five workers in Connecticut, and provide a qualifying commuter transportation benefit to at least one participating employee pursuant to a commuter benefit plan approved by the Commissioner of Transportation.

The credit is available for the first five income years in which an employer provides qualifying benefits under an approved plan, starting at 25% of total commuter benefit expenditures in the first year and declining to 5% by the fifth year. The total amount of credits under this program shall not exceed $7.5 million. The credit takes effect for income years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

The legislation directs the Commissioner of Transportation to develop a public awareness campaign, in consultation with chambers of commerce and business advocacy organizations, to ensure employers know the new credit is available.

The legislation also dedicates $7 million to maintain Shore Line East rail operations, including $3 million for service enhancements in fiscal year 2027.

Additionally, Senate Bill 9 extends the state’s microtransit pilot program for another year and requires the Department of Transportation to report back to the legislature and make recommendations on the program by January, 2028. The pilot tests multi-passenger microtransit services in communities across Connecticut, including rural areas not currently served by public transportation.

Senator Maher Joins Passage of Legislation to Support Commuters and Expand Microtransit Services

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Maher Joins Passage of Legislation to Support Commuters and Expand Microtransit Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 1, 2026

State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) voted for the passage today of legislation to reduce the cost of commuting for Connecticut workers, dedicate funding to maintain Shore Line East rail operations, increase service, and expand public transportation options in communities across the state.

“Encouraging alternative means of transportation, especially use of transit systems, can play a huge benefit in our regions, even more so if employees and employers alike can access incentives for using them,” Sen. Maher said. “Additionally, microtransit programs can provide huge dividends for our communities, with local programs finding strong success in our local towns. I’m excited to see how their expansion can further benefit our state’s residents.”

Senate Bill 9 establishes a tax credit for Connecticut employers who provide commuter benefits to their workers. Eligible employers must operate a licensed business in the state, employ at least five workers in Connecticut, and provide a qualifying commuter transportation benefit to at least one participating employee pursuant to a commuter benefit plan approved by the Commissioner of Transportation.

The credit is available for the first five income years in which an employer provides qualifying benefits under an approved plan, starting at 25% of total commuter benefit expenditures in the first year and declining to 5% by the fifth year. The total amount of credits under this program shall not exceed $7.5 million. The credit takes effect for income years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

The legislation directs the Commissioner of Transportation to develop a public awareness campaign, in consultation with chambers of commerce and business advocacy organizations, to ensure employers know the new credit is available.

Additionally, Senate Bill 9 extends the state’s microtransit pilot program for another year and requires the Department of Transportation to report back to the legislature and make recommendations on the program by January, 2028. The pilot tests multi-passenger microtransit services in communities across Connecticut, including rural areas not currently served by public transportation.

The legislation also dedicates $7 million to maintain Shore Line East rail operations, including $3 million for service enhancements in fiscal year 2027.

Maroney, Duff Statement on House Passing AI Bill

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Maroney, Duff Statement on House Passing AI Bill

Today, the House passed Senate Bill 5, ‘An Act Concerning Online Safety,’ sending the legislation to Governor Ned Lamont’s desk. The bill, which Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) led Senate passage of, establishes critical protections against artificial intelligence harms, expands workforce development programs, and positions Connecticut as a national leader in responsible AI policy.

“Today the House sent a clear message: you can both protect residents and promote innovation,” said Sen. Maroney. “This bill will shield vulnerable people from dangerous chatbots, ensure workers are treated fairly, and lay the groundwork for Connecticut to become the most AI literate state in the nation. We are working together as a state to ensure that all residents have the tools they need to flourish in the AI age.”

“Connecticut has once again shown that states don’t have to wait for Washington to act in the best interests of their residents,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “This bill protects our children, safeguards workers, and ensures our state is building the AI-ready workforce of tomorrow. I’m proud of the strong bipartisan momentum behind this legislation and thrilled to see it advance”

Protection for Residents

Senate Bill 5 advances critical AI legislation to protect Connecticut residents from emerging digital harms. It will require AI chatbot operators to make reasonable efforts to detect suicidal ideations or indicators of self-harm expressed by users and have a protocol to respond with appropriate resources. Other crucial protections include employment disclosures and discrimination.

Empower and Promote a Responsible AI Workforce and Economic Development

Various programs and partnerships in this bill will ensure that residents are educated on technical skills. Training and information provided to nonprofits and small businesses will increase their AI literacy so they can apply efficiencies to their operations and function well in this new technological landscape.

Partnerships with the Department of Housing, Labor Department, and the Secretary of State will help connect Connecticut residents to the AI Academy.

This bill will also establish an AI sandbox program. The program will provide an environment where development and collaboration can thrive, leading to breakthroughs and advancements while ensuring appropriate regulatory oversight.

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

SEN. CABRERA WELCOMES $193 MILLION IN UPGRADES TO WATERBURY RAIL LINE STATIONS IN ANSONIA, BEACON FALLS AND DERBY

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SEN. CABRERA WELCOMES $193 MILLION IN UPGRADES TO WATERBURY RAIL LINE STATIONS IN ANSONIA, BEACON FALLS AND DERBY

State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today applauded the groundbreaking for the start of construction on major upgrades to four stations on the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line, stations that are located in Derby-Shelton, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Seymour.

The $193 million project, which is a combination of state and federal funds, is beginning now and is anticipated to be completed by spring 2028. The upgrades will transform these stations with new 350-foot platforms designed to accommodate full train boarding, along with covered canopies and enclosed windscreens to improve comfort in all weather. The new stations will also feature real-time arrival information, ticket vending, and improved lighting. Each location will be ADA accessible, with better pedestrian access and safer passenger flow.

In Derby, the project will restore the vacant historic station building to provide indoor waiting space and add new bus bays to strengthen connections with local transit services, creating a more seamless regional hub.

“My constituents in Ansonia, Beacon Falls and Derby are going to love these upgrades,” Sen. Cabrera said. “There are people moving up and down this branch line all the time, going to work or catching a Metro-North train to somewhere else. More modern stations and all their amenities will vastly improve their rail experience.”

To support construction, rail service will be temporarily replaced with bus service on the Waterbury Branch Line from July 20, 2026, through May 31, 2027. The outage also allows CTDOT to advance bridge, signal, and infrastructure upgrades between Stratford and Bridgeport where the Waterbury Branch Line connects to the New Haven Line. Coordinating this work, which is under the Track Improvement Mobility Enhancement for Connecticut (TIME FOR CT) Program, reduces the need for additional future disruptions and keeps the overall project on schedule.

By completing these efforts together, the state expects to save more than $47 million and shorten the Waterbury Station improvements by approximately one year.

Senator Harley Leads Senate Passage of Bill to Establish an AI Small Business Program

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Hartley Leads Senate Passage of Bill to Establish an AI Small Business Program

This week State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury), Chair of the Commerce Committee, led senate passage of a bill that would direct the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop a plan to establish an Artificial Intelligence Small Business Program.

Senate Bill 417, ‘An Act Requiring the Department of Economic and Community Development to Develop a Plan to Establish an Artificial Intelligence Small Business Program’ will now head to the House.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our economy and Connecticut’s small businesses cannot afford to be left behind,” said Senator Hartley. “This bill takes a smart, strategic approach that helps our small businesses harness the power of AI to grow and compete. Connecticut has always understood that a strong economy is one that works for everyone and that means equipping our workers with the skills they need to thrive.”

This legislation requires DECD, in consultation with other state agencies, public higher education institutions, and any other necessary public entities, to develop a comprehensive plan to establish an AI small business program with two core objectives: incentivizing small businesses to adopt and deploy artificial intelligence to improve productivity and the quality of their products and services, and establishing a competitive small business environment for the development and deployment of AI technologies.

Under the bill, the plan developed by DECD must include eligibility criteria and an application process with clear guidelines and terms for financial assistance. Any small business seeking financial funding through the program would be required to train its employees to work alongside AI technologies and prepare workers for new roles in the event that their current positions may be displaced by AI adoption.

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

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senator Harley Leads Senate Passage of Bill to Establish an AI Small Business Program

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Hartley Leads Senate Passage of Bill to Establish an AI Small Business Program

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

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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

Posted on May 1, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator MD Rahman Leads Passage of Four Bills, Advancing Housing, Zoning, and Property Tax Reform

Posted on April 30, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator MD Rahman Leads Passage of Four Bills, Advancing Housing, Zoning, and Property Tax Reform

HARTFORD — Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester), Senate Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, today led passage of four separate pieces of legislation, advancing bills to make building accessory dwelling units more affordable, strengthen municipal zoning enforcement, modernize Connecticut’s property tax assessment statutes, and provide Hartford with flexibility on an upcoming property revaluation.

“I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish today for Connecticut residents,” Senator Rahman said. “Too many families want to add a unit for an aging parent or a caregiver and run into costs that make it impossible before they even break ground. Removing these utility fee barriers is a practical step that gives families more options and helps us add housing where it’s needed most. The zoning enforcement bill gives our towns the tools they need to protect their communities, and the property tax revisions clean up statutes that haven’t kept pace with how our municipalities actually operate.”

House Bill 5288 removes a barrier that has made it harder and more expensive for homeowners to add a second unit to their property. Under current law, utilities could treat an accessory dwelling unit as a new residential connection and charge full connection fees. The bill prohibits that practice and, for the first time, extends that prohibition to investor-owned water companies. It also extends as-of-right ADU protections to municipalities that exercise zoning authority under a special act, closing a gap that had left some towns outside the state’s existing framework.

House Bill 5391 strengthens the enforcement tools available to municipalities when property owners violate local zoning regulations. The bill ensures that towns exercising zoning authority under a special act have access to the same criminal and civil penalties available to towns operating under the general statutes, including civil penalties of up to $2,500 for ongoing violations.

Senate Bill 362 makes a series of technical and substantive updates to Connecticut’s property tax assessment statutes, modernizing how motor vehicles are valued, updating procedures for veterans’ exemptions, and streamlining assessor certification and notification requirements.

“Owners of older vehicles have been paying taxes based on a floor that did not reflect what their car was actually worth,” Senator Rahman said. “This bill fixes that by allowing the assessed value of vehicles twenty years and older to drop below the previous minimum, so families are taxed on a value that is closer to reality.”

Senate Bill 359 allows the city of Hartford to defer its required property revaluation from the assessment year beginning October 1, 2026, to the assessment year beginning October 1, 2027, provided the deferral is approved by Hartford’s legislative body.