Tom Arnone

The House of Representatives are in Session and important legislation passes:

1) HB 7156, AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF ENERGY DERIVED FROM OFFSHORE WIND.

The legislation would guide the procurement of energy from offshore wind over the next 11 years and authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner to solicit proposals for 2,000 MW of offshore wind projects within 14 days of passage. This would allow the state to take advantage of a federal tax credit, which may not be available in upcoming years. This legislation seeks to build Connecticut’s green and renewable energy future, create good-paying jobs, lower costs for ratepayers, and promote economic development in New London, New Haven and Bridgeport. It also includes provisions to protect and minimize impacts on the environment and fisheries, and requires the commissioner to devise a solicitation schedule up to 2030.

This bill will help Connecticut fulfill its promise to increase reliance on renewable energy resources

2) HB 7064, AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL VETERANS' REPRESENTATIVES.

The bill will permit volunteers to serve veterans in their communities.

3) HB 7130, AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATE COURT OPERATIONS.

The bill introduces electronic filing that would strengthen due process protections in conservatorship proceedings. It would update statutes relating to children’s matters, eliminates unnecessary requirements for persons with intellectual disabilities.

4) HB 7248, AN ACT CONCERNING IN-STATE STUDENT STATUS FOR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

The bill will enable spouses of members of the armed forces who are stationed in Connecticut to afford in-state student status.

These bills will now be considered by the Senate.