|
|
|
|
Hi all,
The House has been hard at work these past few weeks passing some important legislation, and we have many more bills to pass before our legislative session ends next Wednesday, May 6. Today, I'd like to walk you through some of the most impactful bills we've passed so far, including a handful of bills introduced in the Environment Committee, along with some other important news.
You can click the links below to navigate through sections.
|
|
|
Starting May 1, Connecticut residents can expect some welcome relief on their energy bills. Earlier this week, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved an interim decision to lower residential electricity rates across the state.
Under this change, rates will decrease by approximately 4.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, about $30 per month for the average Eversource customer, and 4.9 cents per kilowatt-hour, or roughly $34 per month, for the average United Illuminating customer.
This reduction is largely driven by a drop in the public benefits charge, which will now appear as a credit on customers’ bills rather than an added cost. Much of this shift is tied to long-term energy contracts negotiated by Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. These agreements provide electricity at stable, fixed prices, helping shield ratepayers from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
The state’s continued investment in a diversified energy portfolio has helped cushion the impact of rising natural gas prices this winter, underscoring the value of a balanced and forward-looking energy strategy.
|
|
Recently, the House passed three bills introduced by the Environment Committee. One bill creates a working group to study pesticide reporting modernization, which will create a modern, searchable, usable database for pesticide use.
The second bill creates a rapid responsive program for certain aquatic invasive species such as hydrilla. Hydrilla is an invasive plant that invades the waterways, spreads immensely, and has damaging impacts on the economy and recreation. We've created a rapid response program so our agencies and partner entities can work together to get ahead of these infestations as soon as they are found and prevent further spread.
The final bill makes changes to protect our wildlife and fish population.
The bill creates a seasonal period (December 1-March 31) where striped bass fishing is limited to catch and release, banning any killing or trapping. The striped bass population is under strain during this period due to the cold weather and increased poaching frequency, and this bill ensures they will keep their population healthy during this vulnerable season. As a passionate angler myself, I believe this bill strikes a strong balance between protecting our striped bass and minimizing disruption for our fishermen!
In addition, the bill makes changes to Connecticut's wildlife conservation program so it aligns with the state's wildlife action plan, and allows residents to petition the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection commissioner to require a safe, timely, and effective fish passage to be installed at certain hydroelectric dams.
There are certainly more ways for Connecticut to protect our wildlife and enhance our state's conservation efforts, but this bill makes important changes, and I was proud to see it pass nearly unanimously in the House. The bill now moves to the Senate. |
|
It was great to join my colleagues recently to celebrate Earth Day. As House Chair of the Environment Committee, Earth Day holds a special place in my heart, and I used this day as an opportunity to encourage folks to reach out to their legislators to ask for their support for some of the Environment Committee's remaining bills.
And although Earth Day is over, it's always a great time to push for these policies! I'll be sure to keep you updated on Environment Committee bills that receive support in the legislature. |
|
|
Connecticut House Democrats passed legislation to make sure our 2026 elections are free and fair.
We took steps to:
- Modernize our absentee ballot laws and vote counting procedures
- Create more safeguards to ensure your vote counts
- Protect our elections from corrupt outside forces
Additionally, we’ll keep ICE and people with weapons away from our polls, increase penalties for tampering with vote counts and intimidating poll workers, and empower the Attorney General to prevent people from interfering with our elections, among other provisions.
People’s right to vote is under constant attack around the country, but here in Connecticut, we’re making sure elections are free and fair.
|
|
Connecticut is advancing a gun violence prevention bill aimed at strengthening public safety and closing dangerous gaps in current law. House Bill 5043: An Act Concerning Convertible Pistols and Unfinished Frames or Unfinished Lower Receivers.
The proposal would ban convertible pistols, firearms that can be easily modified to function like automatic weapons, sometimes with minimal tools such as a screwdriver or knife. By addressing these modifications, the bill targets a growing concern among law enforcement and public safety officials.
It would also make it easier for individuals to safely surrender firearms to local police. Current law primarily applies to assault weapons, but this change would expand that option, helping to ensure that more firearms can be removed from potentially unsafe situations.
Together, these measures are designed to reduce the risk of gun violence while promoting responsible ownership and safer communities across the state. |
|
|
This week, the House passed HB 5044: An Act Establishing Connecticut Vaccine Standards.
In the past, Connecticut's vaccine policies and standards have been tied to the expert recommendations developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC). Unfortunately, the CDC has recently abandoned its standing as the premier resource of medicine and science guidelines.
HB 5044 seeks to update Connecticut's vaccine policies so they are based on science, not political agendas. The bill will:
- Allow the Connecticut Department of Public Health to promote COVID and flu vaccines
- Require private insurance companies to cover the cost of your vaccinations
- Allow Connecticut to buy vaccines from suppliers other than the CDC
- Establish an adult vaccine program for uninsured and under-insured individuals
|
|
This week, HB 5127 -- a measure designed to protect Connecticut consumers from high-pressure sales tactics involving third-party financial products in health care and veterinary settings -- passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Across Connecticut and the nation, consumers have reported being encouraged, and even pressured, to sign up for financial products such as medical credit cards, loans, and lines of credit while undergoing treatment, in pain, or under sedation. Many later face unexpected high-interest charges due to confusing promotional terms, leaving them burdened with significant and unforeseen debt.
HB 5127 addresses these concerns by establishing clear, targeted protections while preserving consumer choice and access to financing options. |
|
Sincerely,
John-Michael Parker
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
