SENATOR MAHER CHEERS FINAL APPROVAL OF BILLS INSPIRED BY CONSTITUENTS

On the final day of the 2025 legislative session, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) cheered the House’s final passage of two bills spurred by her constituents. The bills, which respectively allow for school emergency response communications systems to be installed to improve student safety, and adds Connecticut to other states allowing for alternative legal dispute resolution, now head to the Governor’s desk to become law.

Senate Bill 1216 expands state school security grant programs to allow for the purchase of systems that allow for rapid response in emergency situations.

Staples High School students Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, both from Westport, raised the rapid response concept to Sen. Maher after learning of a similar system that quickened emergency response to a Georgia high school shooting in September 2024, likely saving lives. Falkenstein and Bauer were leaders of Staples High’s “Make Our Schools Safe” program. With the bill’s approval, $20 million of bond funds can now be accessed for a grant to install enhanced safety systems.

Senate Bill 1283, “An Act Concerning The Adoption of the Connecticut Uniform Collaborative Law Act,” allows for collaborative dispute resolution in instances like divorce or parentage, allowing for alternative dispute resolution by participating parties.

This legislation, which aims to allow better collaboration and prevent unnecessary conflict or case complications, was introduced to the legislature by Sen. Maher after her constituent Jill Bicks of Westport informed her of the issue. Bicks testified to the Judiciary Committee that the bill would expand access to the family court system by streamlining legal processes and freeing up resources. It will also boost public awareness and increase usage.

“These bills display the best of government collaboration, where everyday residents – some not even old enough to vote –engage in the civic process and deliver positive change for their communities,” said Sen. Maher. “Elijah and Zander, wanting to keep their fellow students safe, have delivered opportunities to improve school security statewide. Jill raised the Uniform Collaborative Law Act concept to me knowing it could make life easier for many, cutting through complicated legal systems to support families during stressful life transitions. I’m proud that our work together is delivering statewide change.”