Key Legislation We've Passed Thus Far

April 26, 2024

It's been a busy week in session as we've been able to address many different issues in bipartisan and multi-faceted ways in order to pass bills that will best benefit Connecticut.

One of the highlights of what we passed this week is HR 15, which is a resolution approving an agreement between the state and SEBAC (State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition), which will provide 4% to 4.5% wage increases for certain state workers and also provide a boost to our economy.
No one should have to choose between missing an important family event, going in to work sick and exposing others or taking a mental health day when needed. It's why we passed House Bill 5005 to allow for the accrual of paid leave, up to 40 hours each year, for those working at least 120 days annually. Businesses that already offer paid time off are exempt.
And we listened to businesses, the measure will be phased in for employers with 25 employees or more in 2025, 11 or more in 2026 and 1 or more in 2027. Again, businesses that are already offering at least 40 hours of paid time off each year are exempt from this law.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration where it must be voted on before the 2024 legislative session ends on Wednesday, May 8th at 12:00 am.

HB 5005, although a House Democratic Caucus priority, was not the only focus of this week's session. There are many other bills we were able to pass in order to help the residents of Connecticut, including:

✅HB 5146 – Updates financial records laws
✅HB 5149 – A pro-small business and craft-maker change to our beer and liquor sales
✅HB 5237 – Gives students a louder voice
✅HB 5257 – Revises our dog bite statutes
✅HB 5288 – Modernizes our service animal laws
✅HB 5308 – Easing the path to voting for nursing home residents
✅HB 5317 -  An important study on the funding for and effectiveness of the Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Program
✅HB 5343 – CT will study pre-paying college tuition
✅HB 5379 – Modernizing insurance requirements for state marshals
✅HB 5381 – A bipartisan vote to update guidelines on police body-cams
✅HB 5466 – Revises laws on election crimes