SEN. KUSHNER LEADS BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE WORKERS’ RIGHTS BILL IN STATE SENATE

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

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE WORKERS’ RIGHTS BILL IN STATE SENATE

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) tonight led the bipartisan passage of a large, omnibus workforce bill that impacts labor, education, public safety, and veterans’ issues, creating new worker protections, stronger wage transparency rules, and joint liability for unpaid wages on construction sites.
House Bill 5003 passed the Senate on a bipartisan 28-7 vote and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

“It feels really important to finally get this bill done,” said Sen. Kushner, who is Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “It contains pieces of legislation that we’ve been working on for years: teachers not being treated fairly, nurses who suffer assault, wage theft in the construction industry, people who have worked for 20 years at a company and then are given two weeks’ notice that their contract isn’t going to be renewed. These are real-life issues affecting working families in Connecticut. It’s gratifying to get this legislation passed.”

H.B. 5003 contains 75 sections of new laws, including:

Enhanced workers’ compensation for assaulted workers. Teachers, health care providers, and related employees who cannot work due to an on-the-job assault will now receive 100% of their average weekly earnings (vs. the standard 75% after-tax cap), plus medical expenses and lost wages for court appearances.

Construction contractor and subcontractor joint liability for unpaid wages. For construction contracts executed on or after January 1, 2027, general contractors are jointly and severally liable for wages that their subcontractor fails to pay its workers.

Retention of service contract workers. Entities taking over service contracts at covered locations (multifamily housing with 50+ units, commercial centers over 75,000 square feet, airports, schools, hospitals, warehouses, private colleges, and others) must retain the prior contractor’s employees for at least 90 days. After 90 days, satisfactory performers must receive an offer of continued employment.

Teacher termination process. The bill creates a fair termination process with a binding decision from an impartial hearing officer, offering the same protections provided to other public service workers such as police officers and firefighters.

Breastfeeding/expressing milk. Requires employers to provide reasonable break time for breastfeeding or pumping in addition to scheduled breaks (current law only permits use of existing meal/break time).
Wage range and benefits disclosure. The bill expands existing pay transparency law to require employers to include both a wage range and a general benefits description (health insurance, retirement, fringe, paid leave, other compensation) in all public and internal job postings.

First responder tuition and mortgage assistance: State community colleges and universities must waive tuition for eligible police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel, and the Connecticut Home Finance Authority must develop a mortgage assistance program for first responders buying homes in the communities where they serve.

National Guard fee waivers: The bill expands the existing tuition waiver for active Guard members at CT State, CSCU, and UConn to cover all mandatory fees, not just tuition.

The state Department of Labor (DOL) must update its veteran employment webpage with links to training, counseling, and veteran-friendly employers, and optimize it for search engines. The state Department of Veterans Affairs must send periodic newsletters linking to the page, and the DOL must study AI-based tools for connecting veterans and service members with employers.

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SENATOR ANWAR LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPLEMENTING KEY CHANGES TO BENEFIT CONNECTICUT PUBLIC HEALTH

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

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

May 1, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPLEMENTING KEY CHANGES TO BENEFIT CONNECTICUT PUBLIC HEALTH

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, led the final Senate passage of legislation implementing a number of key changes benefitting public health in Connecticut.

These range from creating advisory councils and working groups to better monitor conditions like chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and endometriosis, ensuring high school athletes are screened for serious cardiac conditions, and developing better extreme weather protocols to aid members of the public in crisis.

“With numerous pressures constantly impacting public health in Connecticut, we need to take strong action to support our residents,” said Sen. Anwar. “This bill includes a number of updates to state standards, allowing for increased care access, new studies of important issues and vital connections seeking to save and improve lives and care alike. I’m excited to see its changes aid state residents for years to come.”

House Bill 5514 includes a number of key advances for Connecticut public health including:

The creation of an advisory council on Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy, or CAR T-cell therapy, to advise and make recommendations on expanding access to the emerging cancer treatment therapy
Creates working groups considering issues including managed residential communities’ licensing, veterinary telehealth options and endometriosis
Establishes a bridge program for hospitals to administer opioid antagonists to someone who visits the emergency department experiencing symptoms of opioid use disorder, and offering them prescriptions and referrals to outpatient care
Requiring public school students to have an annual athletics health assessment to screen for serious cardiac conditions before playing interscholastic sports
Expands the nurse’s aide registry to include aides working at any licensed health care institution
Requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to develop guidance on extreme hot and cold weather protocols and improvements to public communication and the Department of Housing to increase outreach to unhoused people during extreme weather events
Requires hospitals to consider nutritional needs of community members with diabetes and congestive heart failure in community health needs assessments

The bill previously passed the House by a 142-4 tally on April 28, the Public Health Committee by a 29-3 vote on March 23 and the Appropriations Committee by a 44-9 vote on April 17. With today’s Senate approval, it now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

SEN. KUSHNER VOTES TO PRESERVE CONNECTICUT’S CURRENT VACCINE STANDARDS FROM TRUMP INTERFERENCE

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

SEN. KUSHNER HONORED WITH AFL-CIO HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD AT WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

State Senator Julie Kushner (left) at the annual Workers Memorial Day Ceremony in Hartford, April 28, 2026.

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), who is Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, was honored today with the AFL-CIO’s “Legislative Health and Safety Award” for her “unwavering commitment to the health and safety of Connecticut workers, fair compensation for work-related physical and mental impacts, and financial support during periods of incapacity.”

Sen. Kushner’s award was presented at the annual Workers Memorial Day Ceremony in Hartford to honor the 41 Connecticut workers who lost their lives to work-related injuries in 2024; an additional 34,600 workers suffered on-the-job injuries or illnesses.

Each year on April 28, the labor movement observes Workers Memorial Day to honor those who have lost their lives on the job. During these ceremonies, we remember their sacrifices and the families they left behind, drawing strength and purpose from their stories.

“For me, it’s total privilege to be able to represent the labor movement in the State Capitol and to work every day to pass laws that will improve the lives, and improve the conditions, and save the lives, of working men and women,” Sen. Kushner told the crowd assembled in Bushnell Park.

“When I started working as a union organizer, I was 24, in New York City, in the 1970s. And it was just a few years later when one of our members was killed at a corrugated box factory. And it was a really horrible, horrible death, getting caught on that machine. And it made a huge impression on me. This shouldn’t happen to anybody, ever. That could have been prevented, and there’s no way it should have happened, but it was because the employers were not taking care of their workers, they weren’t putting in the necessary, and sometimes costly, equipment that would have prevented that death,” she added. “These things leave a mark on you.”

Sen. Kushner was introduced as a longtime fighter for working people, where her legislative leadership is guided by principle and grounded in the real experiences of everyday working people.

Under Sen. Kushner, Connecticut has seen the expansion of PTSI coverage, acknowledging the very real mental health challenges faced by those who serve on the front lines. She has championed the firefighter cancer relief fund, standing with the brave men and women who risk their lives daily and ensuring that they are not left to face a devastating diagnosis alone. Sen. Kushner is also one of the main reasons why Connecticut has access to paid sick days and paid family and medical leave.

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Senator Marx Joins Passage of Legislation to Support Commuters, Aid Shore Line East and Expand Microtransit Services

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

Senator Marx Joins Passage of Legislation to Support Commuters, Aid Shore Line East and Expand Microtransit Services

Friday, May 1, 2026

HARTFORD — State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) 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 and increase service, and expand public transportation options in communities across the state.

“This bill is going to benefit our state’s commuters in several exciting ways,” said Sen. Marx. “In New London, we’ve got a wonderful microtransit program helping people get to the doctor and the grocery store when they’re in need. Knowing this and other programs will continue to provide these benefits around the state is a huge benefit for commuters, as is additional support for Shore Line East, key in our region, and additional aid for employers providing commuter benefits to their employees. This legislation represents valuable investments in local and regional transportation.”

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.

SENATOR ANWAR APPLAUDS LEGISLATURE’S PASSAGE OF HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE PROTECTIONS

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

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

May 1, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR APPLAUDS LEGISLATURE’S PASSAGE OF HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE PROTECTIONS

HARTFORD — State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, today joined final passage of legislation to protect and strengthen the state’s health care workforce. Sen. Anwar praised the bill’s health care provisions that will support workers, patients, and the communities that depend on them.

“This legislation is a meaningful step forward for Connecticut’s health care workforce on three fronts,” said Sen. Anwar. “Health care workers and teachers deserve to know that if they are assaulted doing their jobs, they will be made whole financially, not penalized on top of being hurt. Expanding certified nursing assistant training in Hartford and in our rural communities addresses a workforce shortage that affects patient care every single day. Requiring hospitals to report how often they deviate from their own nurse staffing plans brings long-overdue transparency to an issue that matters enormously for both workers and patients. Connecticut’s health care workers deserve all three of these protections, and I’m grateful to see this legislature deliver them.”

The bill’s provisions include strengthening financial protections for health care workers and teachers assaulted on the job. Under current law, workers injured on the job generally receive workers’ compensation equal to 75% of their after-tax average weekly earnings, subject to a cap tied to the average weekly wage. For health care providers and teachers assaulted on the job, the bill raises that benefit to 100 percent of their average weekly earnings with no cap on the benefit amount. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages for court appearances connected to the assault, and ensures the absence cannot be charged against an employee’s sick leave, vacation time, or personal leave.

The bill also invests in expanding the health care pipeline by creating a new grant program growing certified nursing assistant training in the greater Hartford area and rural communities across the state. The program will provide grants to organizations training prospective CNAs.

To strengthen accountability in hospital staffing, the bill requires the DPH Commissioner to produce a public report tracking how often hospitals have deviated from the nurse staffing plans they are required by law to develop. The report must detail both hospital-wide and unit-level variations and will be submitted to the Public Health and Labor and Public Employees committees, giving legislators and the public a clearer picture of staffing compliance across Connecticut.

The health care worker assault protections apply to anyone directly or indirectly employed by, or volunteering for, a hospital, nursing home, home health care agency, community health center, urgent care facility, outpatient clinic, or similar institution who is involved in direct patient care or has direct contact with patients or their families. State-operated facilities are excluded, with the exception of the UConn Health Center.

In addition to House Bill 5003’s provisions for health care workers and teachers, it includes dozens of measures supporting workers ranging from disclosure of wage ranges and benefits in job advertisements to bolstering the Fallen Heroes Fund to support families of the deceased and developing a police officer and firefighter cancer pipeline program.

It passed the House by a 117-29 tally on April 28 and now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

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.