April 8, 2026 · 34,619 words · 59 speakers · 907 segments
Will the House please come to order? Members, staff, and guests please rise and direct your attention to the dais where Deputy Chaplain Monts will lead us in prayer.
Gracious and eternal God, we pause in this moment to acknowledge you as the source of wisdom, justice, and peace. We thank you for the privilege of gathering in this chamber and for the responsibility entrusted to these leaders to govern with integrity, to serve with humility, and to make decisions that impact the lives of many. Please always give us the courage to choose principle over popularity, truth over convenience, and service over self- interest. Lord, in a time where there is so much noise, tension, and division in our world, we ask that you would grant us clarity of mind and unity of purpose. Teach us to listen deeply, to speak thoughtfully, and to act justly. Let peace begin here within these walls, and extend throughout the State of Connecticut, and throughout our nation, and the world. Let compassion guide policy, and let wisdom shape every decision that is made. Remind us that leadership is not about power but about service. Not about self, but about the greater good. And in all things, help us to seek what is right, to stand for what is true, and to work together for the well-being of all people. Let there be a spirit of unity in this place, not uniformity but alignment around what is just, what is fair, and what uplifts every community represented across the State of Connecticut. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you. And will Representative Stewart of the 51st lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? (MEMBERS): I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
I will quickly do business on the Clerk's desk before we get to announcements and introductions. Mr. Clerk?
Communication from the Governor withdrawing the nomination of Jeffrey R. Beckham of Tolland to be a judge of the superior court.
Ordered to print in the Journal. (gavel) Mr. Clerk.
Favorable Reports, House bills.
Mr. Majority Leader. Good morning, sir.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I move we waive the reading of the House Favorable Reports and the bills be tabled for the Calendar and printing.
Any objection? Objection? Seeing none, so ordered to table for the Calendar and printing.
And the Daily Calendar.
All right. We're going to go back just on the business on the Clerk's desk. It looks like 3A. Let's do that again, Mr. Clerk. If you could read 3A again.
Communication from the Governor withdrawing the nomination of Jeffrey R. Beckham of Tolland to be a judge of the superior court.
We will refer that to the Committee on Judiciary without objection. (gavel) Thank you, sir. Let me start the day with my own announcement or introduction. We have a 7th-grade class here from Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford. If we could give them a nice round of applause please for being here today. (applause) My son is in the front row. You can be your best guess to figure out which one he is. I'm not going to embarrass him like that. And a special note to one of their teachers, Andy Krugman, who was my coach and mentor for a long time. He's had a great impact on my life. So, it's a pleasure to have them here and have him here today as well. So, thank you. (applause) Representative Gibson of the 15th from the town of Bloomfield with a sliver of West Hartford, you have the floor, sir.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. How are you today, sir?
Doing okay.
And I know which one's your son. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to be the proud principal of the Jumoke Academy Honors, Hartford Conservatory. I have my scholars standing behind me dressed in their burgundy and white. They work very hard and they are here to learn how to represent their families, the school and themselves. My scholar is always ready to be responsible and ready to learn. So, if you will now please acknowledge and accept and welcome my scholars from the Hartford Conservatory. (applause)
Welcome everybody to the chamber. It's very nice to have you here today.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
You're welcome, Representative Gibson. Representative Gucker of the 138th from the Hat City, the floor is yours, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege.
You may proceed, sir.
Today's kind of a solemn day for myself and for members of my hometown. For those who don't know me, even though I serve for the City of Danbury, I actually was raised and spent my life in the town of New Fairfield just north of Danbury. And I had learned last week of a passing of a good friend of mine as well from his family. And it's a bit rough because when you come from a small town and you grow up in a small town, people that you go to kindergarten with are the same people you graduate with. You know, there's something to be said about having that community spirit that everybody knows everybody, the good and the bad, but they know who you are. But when there is a sad occasion, everybody knows about it. So, today, I would like to rise to recognize Sonny Cario who passed last week, and I know this weekend is going to be his services. And I would ask for a moment of silence in his memory.
Thank you, sir. If the chamber could please rise for a moment of silence. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family. Thank you, Representative Gucker. (silence) Thank you, Representative Gucker. Thank you to the chamber. Representative Welander of the 114, you have the floor, madam.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I rise for an announcement.
I couldn't find you. You were hidden. Now that I can see your face, you may proceed, madam.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know I'm camouflaged back here. I rise today just to make an announcement. As the chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, today is the Early Childhood Advocacy Day. So, you might see lots of people, including children, around the Capitol waiting to talk to you about why funding childcare is so important. If you see them, they will have like a blue shirt on, maybe a sticker. And I would encourage you all, to all the legislators, to swing by the Lakeshore Display that is just downstairs on the 1st Floor by the escalators. And if you leave a note on the whiteboard, you can be entered into a drawing to win a magnetic STEM center for a child care facility in your district. So, feel free to swing by, learn more. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask me or any member of the Early Childhood Caucus. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. Let me do this. Let's go to Representative Johnson because I have a feeling a lot of the people in the well are with Representative Johnson, and we have a team with a bunch of medals. So, what do you got, Representative Johnson? Sorry, I skipped ahead there. Yep.
Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. It's my incredible honor to be able to introduce our Windham Tech State Champions. Yes. So, I'm here to cheer them and to have everybody celebrate the great victory that Windham Tech did this year. It's the first time in about 67 years that we have won a state championship like this. And so, with that said, I have here, we have head coach Luke Gildea, and seniors Brady Marsh, Colby Dunnack, Gabe Crespo. These young men did amazing work. Some of them were able to get 46 points in the game. Imagine that.
36? Who scored 36?
Yeah. We're going to put them on our team next year. Yeah. We'll find you.
And so, we are incredibly honored to be able to be here and to introduce the players who are present, Brady Marsh, Colby Dunnack, Gabe Crespo, Jameson Sadloski, Tyler Sadloski, Kobe Rivera, Conner Bushey, Evin DeAngelis, Matthew Morneault, Armando Rodriguez, Anthony Morales, Leighton Fennel, Sebastian Rodriguez, Talon White, Brody Campbell, and Ethan Roach. Please give them an incredible warm welcome. Yeah. (applause)
Thank you, Representative Johnson, and congratulations.
Thank you. One more thing. We have citations for them from me and Senator Flexer, and this is for everyone. I'll only read it once. For winning the CIAC Division IV State Championship. "Your hard work and perseverance have not only brought honor to the Windham Tech Boys basketball team, but have also set an inspiring example for future athletes. Enjoy this well-deserved achievement and the legacy you have created for your school." And this is presented to you on the day that you actually won the championship. And I just want to say how proud we are that you're here in Windham. And I know that Brady Marsh from Columbia was honoring Willimantic in doing this great victory for Willimantic. So, I want to thank you all for your great work. Thank you so much. (applause)
It's quite an accomplishment to win a state championship. Congratulations. I'm sure you'll remember that moment for the rest of your life. Representative Nuccio, the 53rd, madam, floor is yours.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to rise for a moment of personal privilege, sir.
Thank you. This is really just a thank you to everybody in this chamber. As was announced in the last time we were in session, my mother passed away pretty unexpectedly. And the outpouring of support that I have received from this chamber, from the Appropriations Committee, from members of the committee on both sides of the aisle has been very hard to -- you know, I've definitely felt it. And I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who has reached out to me personally, privately, sent flowers, fruit baskets, and everything else. You know, we're kind of like the great American dysfunctional family here. You know, we all get together. We love each other. We argue. We go into our separate corners and that. But I have definitely felt the outpouring from everybody here. And I just wanted to personally say from the bottom of my heart, I thank you very much. (applause)
Thank you, Representative Nuccio, and we were all thinking of you. We did a moment of silence. Representative Howard was nice enough to stand up. So, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and I know it'll make it a more difficult few weeks, but we'll get through it together with our big dysfunctional family. So, welcome back. Representative Baker from the City of Bridgeport of the 124th.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Kind of like two places at once.
I know the feeling.
Okay. There we go. I rise in to speak in recognizing the 6888 battalion.
You may proceed, sir. Yes. You may proceed.
As many of you know, I've been on this quest to get this battalion recognized. We had an event back in March and recognized the 6888 where they were 10 women that were from here in Connecticut. And as many of you know, one of their charges were they went over to England to distribute the mail, which there was millions and millions of pieces of mail. And their charge was to deliver it, to make sure it was sorted out and delivered to the many of the men on the battlefield and stuff. So, today, you know, as I went on this quest to find descendants of the 6888, I came across a very unique individual that I found that was related. But here I stand before you, I have Sheila Kearney. Sheila Kearney is Dr. Kearney. She is the niece of Captain Kearney, which resided in Milford. And she is the historian for Connecticut. And just, you know, going back and being able to find who the connections was. So, we ran across one of the descendants, relatives that was connected, and this individual just happened to be one of our colleagues here in the House of Representatives. And that is Representative Trenee McGee. She is actually related, along the line, to Sheila Kearney, who once again was the niece of Captain Kearney. So, I wanted just to present this citation from the House of Representatives, along with a citation proclamation from Governor Malloy in recognition of her being part of the descendants. So, I just want to ask if we can give her a round of applause. (applause) And we will continue, because I know that there are some more family members that are here in Connecticut, and we will continue to go through this journey and find these individuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Baker, and thanks for joining us here today. Representative Felipe, also from Bridgeport, of the 130, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an announcement and an introduction. The announcement's very quick.
So, tomorrow is the spring fling. The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus would love to see you all there. See your nearest Black and Puerto Rican Caucus member, myself or Georgette Cicero for tickets. The introduction is we have Bridgeport Youth Ambassadors here. We have a couple of our Bassick Lions, a Central Hilltopper, a Kolbe Cathedral cougar, and even a homeschool student who I guess can pick his own mascot. I'd say don't pick a Wolverine. But even after this weekend, you can still pick a Husky. But on behalf of myself, Representative Baker, Representative Brown, Stafstrom, and Gee, and the whole Bridgeport delegation, we ask for a round of applause for these young scholars. Thank you. (applause)
Thank you. Welcome to our friends from Bridgeport. And I need to get a ticket for the spring fling. So, Marcus Brown's going to be my ticket. Sounds good. Representative Quinn of the 82nd, what do you got?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise for purposes of a moment of silence.
You may proceed, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Meriden lost one of our great leaders last week. Larry Kendzior had served as Meriden city manager for over a decade, had also served as Meriden city attorney prior to that, and Meriden's corporation counsel. I first got to know Larry in the early '90s working on campaigns, and he was one of the best people with numbers and figuring out voting trends and things like that. So, Meriden and the entire community is mourning his loss. And we would ask for a moment of silence in honor of Larry and for his family.
Thank you, Representative Quinn and Representative Fazzino. If the chamber would please rise for a moment of silence. And our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the family. Thank you, Representative Quinn. (silence) Thank you. Representative Rader of the 98th from Guilford, Connecticut.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's good to see you up there.
It's nice to be seen.
On this April day. I rise for an announcement.
You may proceed.
I just wanted to share with everyone that along with Representative Dominique Johnson, we will be hosting the fourth annual Food Insecurity Day at the Capitol. It's not until April 27th. But in the meantime, we are collecting food donations. And so, you'll see a food box outside of the 4th Floor Democratic Office and down the 1st Floor in the LOB lobby right near the ATM machine. And all the proceeds for that are going to go to the Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington, Connecticut. This has been a long- standing event here at the Capitol. Rep. Cook was the predecessor of mine around this and was very important to her. And Rep. Dominique and I are really grateful to carry on this tradition. And we would just hope that you would all consider making some donations. Specifically, they've asked for tuna, ramen, canned vegetables, and dry cereals. And please just check expiration dates because it's really important for food pantries to be able to hold on to these items. As we all know, food insecurity is a huge issue in our state, and I hope you all can support it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you very much, Representative. Please, be sure to help if you can. Representative Sweet from Hamden of the 91st, you have the floor, madam.
Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
Good morning.
I rise for the purpose of an announcement.
You may proceed, madam.
Thank you very much. On behalf of the entire Hamden delegation, I'm standing here with Representative Winter, Councilwoman Gallagher. We'd like to welcome you to the first ever Hamden Day. We will be in the North Lobby of the Capitol from now until 2:00, and we hope you will come down and see the special uniqueness that is Hamden. Thank you very much. (applause)
Okay. Got a few more. Representative Dathan of the 142nd, New Canaan and Norwalk, the floor is yours, madam.
Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a double announcement, if I may.
We'll let you go. We'll let you slide. You can go ahead.
Thank you. As co-chair of the IDD caucus, along with my good co-chair Representative Case, I wanted to make sure that folks were aware that today is Arc Day in the Capitol. Starting at 11:00 downstairs, you can meet your constituents who are associated with the Arc. They would love to hear from you. But most of all, I think it's important that we hear from them to share with them what is important for them in this year's legislative session. Secondly, with my good friend from Fairfield, I have not seen her. Yes, she's down on the floor. Wanted to make sure that folks knew also that today is Epilepsy Awareness and Advocacy Day. There is an event starting at 12:00 over at the LOB Executive Dining Room there. So, if you do have a few minutes, grab your computer because we're going to be voting a lot today. But go over and see your constituents that may have epilepsy or their families so that they can talk to you. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Representative Dathan. Representative Sanchez. There you are. Sorry. Hit it again, Representative. Hit your button again. Request to speak, we'll get you on the board. Now we're good. Should be good now.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege.
Proceed, sir.
I'd just like to recognize and ask for a moment of silence for our Representative Minnie Gonzalez who lost her sister over the Easter weekend. And although I may not know her, I do know the pains of losing a loved one in the family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Representative Sanchez. I was going to do that as well, and thank you for doing that. If the chamber could please rise, our colleague Representative Gonzalez lost her sister. I know the family's down in Puerto Rico with her. So, if we could all please rise for a moment of silence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Minnie and her family at this time. Thank you. If folks could just, for a moment of silence, please. Thank you. (silence) Thank you. It's a reminder that even as session ticks on, life ticks on too. And I know with Representative Nuccio, we saw that. Members will have those things over the next couple of weeks. And we always encourage you to be with your family. Those things trump everything else that we do up here. So, Representative Leeper, you have the floor, madam.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to --
You may proceed.
-- share an announcement.
Yes. Go ahead.
Thanks. I am so excited to announce that the Prince Tech culinary students are here today, and they are not only visiting, but they actually are preparing lunch for all of the caucuses in 310. And I don't know if you know, but their reputation is phenomenal. And I've heard already rumblings in the hall, so people are very excited for the food you guys are preparing. I've been told sandwiches and lots of desserts. So, if everyone can find a moment to head up to 310 and check out what these wonderful culinary students have prepared for us, I'm sure it will be a treat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Leeper. (applause) It's always nice to have a Hartford school visiting us, as a Hartford Representative. Thank you very much for all that you've done on behalf of the delegation to make food today. I hope there's not too much mayonnaise. I'm not a big mayonnaise guy, so we'll check it out. Maybe some honey mustard or something. All right. Any more announcements or introductions? Seeing none, we'll get down to business. Will the Clerk please call Calendar 132.
On page 6, Calendar 132. House Joint Resolution No. 65, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF MICHAEL R. RICCI OF GUILFORD TO BE REAPPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ARBITRATION PANEL. Favorable Report of Executive and Legislative Nominations.
Representative Concepcion from the City of Hartford representing the 4th Assembly District, the Chairman of the Executive and Legislative Nominations committee, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
Mr. Speaker, I move acceptance of the Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution.
Question is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. You may proceed further.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ricci received his BA from Georgetown and his master's from Middlebury College. He has spent decades in the labor relations, including serving as a mediator for the Connecticut State Board of Mediation and Arbitration. He then entered Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations and began his current practice in labor and employment law. Throughout his career, he's become a strong believer in societal progress through labor peace. As he mentioned during our testimony several weeks ago, the goal is always to settle these types of claims before they go into arbitration. He'll continue to work well in this position. His nomination passed unanimously out of committee. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Would you care to remark further on the resolution? Representative Yaccarino, the ranking of the 87th, you have the floor, sir.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
Practicing for the last week. That's all.
You're already at perfection.
I got to get the windpipes going.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Yeah. Mr. Ricci, obviously he's a volunteer physician. He's got a wealth of experience and knowledge to the pragmatic approach. I support him 100%. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. Would you care to remark further on the resolution? Would you care to remark further? Is there objection to a voice vote? Is there objection to a voice vote? Seeing none, I will try your minds. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. (MEMBERS): Aye.
Opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. (gavel)
Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 133.
On page 6, Calendar 133, House Resolution No. 9, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF SUSAN HAMILTON OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE COMMISSIONER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. Favorable Report of Executive and Legislative Nominations.
Representative Concepcion.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Great to see you up there. Mr. Speaker, I move acceptance of the Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the House Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Concepcion, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Hamilton received her BA from the University of New Hampshire and her MSW from UConn, as well as her JD from UConn School of Law. She began her career in child welfare over 32 years ago as a DCF social worker where she later became supervisor and program supervisor overseeing the child welfare work right here in the Hartford office. In 1998, after a federal legislation was passed, a legal division over at DCF was created that Ms. Hamilton ran for eight years. In 2007, Governor Rell nominated her as a commissioner of DCF, a position she held until 2011 where she then turned her focus to the private practice with the Office of Chief Public Defender. Ms. Hamilton obviously knows the strengths and, more importantly, the weaknesses of the department she once ran. She has prioritized foster care as a major area of improvement starting with streamlining the entire process. Commissioner of DCF is obviously not an easy position, but one that can drastically improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable children. I truly believe that Ms. Hamilton has the right temperament, knowledge, and experience to serve that division well. Her nomination passed unanimously out of committee. With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Rep. --
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah. So, Commissioner Hamilton, she was a commissioner years ago, and when we questioned her at length, the problem that -- we support her, and I am supporting her today, but that DCF really needs an overall, needs more checks and balances. And she is tasked to do that. She answered all the questions. But the fact is you can't let kids fall through the cracks, and she knows that, but it's really communicating with the whole agency. I said to her, if it was me, I would work 23 hours a day to get this solved, and I think she will. But she has to have the communication with all the men and women, and hopefully working in-person, going to homes, and checking and reporting like she's supposed to. But I do support her, and we need to really work together to support that agency because it's the lives of kids and families that are at stake here. So, with that, I do support her today and hopefully we all will. Thank you.
Representative O'Dea.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this nominee. But I just wanted to say to everybody here, there is not a more important job in the State of Connecticut than the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Family Services. We have failed our children. DCF needs help. We are going to take a vote, or hopefully a voice vote. Commissioner, I hope you're watching. I wish you the best. You have the most important job in our state right now. So, I'm hoping, praying that in a year, DCF, we're going to say, "Wow, what a great job Commissioner Hamilton has done." Just like Representative Guerrera, when he was here, he turned DMV around. We need Commissioner Hamilton to turn around DCF. Godspeed and good luck, and thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Representative O'Dea. Will you remark further on the resolution before us? Will you remark further on the resolution before us? If not, I will try all minds. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. (MEMBERS): Aye.
All those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 144?
On page 6, Calendar 144, House Joint Resolution No. 66, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF ROBERT MEZZO OF NAUGATUCK TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CONNECTICUT PORT AUTHORITY. Favorable Report of Executive and Legislative Nominations.
Representative Concepcion.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move acceptance of the Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the House Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Concepcion, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mezzo received both his BA and his JD from the University of Connecticut. He really does have a unique career trajectory that's seen him work as a solo practitioner. He was mayor of Naugatuck and is now FVP of Ion Bank, a commercial real estate lending firm. He served as mayor of Naugatuck for three terms from 2009 to 2015 where he led the borough with a lot of distinction. While Mr. Mezzo doesn't have any direct maritime background, I think his experience in the public and private sector gave him a unique perspective that's much needed in the Port Authority, particularly when it comes to economic development and overall vision for the Port Authority, which I think he has both. His nomination passed unanimously out of committee. Mr. Speaker, with that, I urge adoption.
Representative Yaccarino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah. Mr. Mezzo was extremely impressive. Obviously, he was, I think, chief elected official in his district in the borough of Naugatuck. Highly recommended from Representative Seth Bronko. He has the ability to work with DOT and other agencies to make the Port Authority a stronger port authority, and I stand in strong support of Mr. Mezzo. Thank you.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Representative Concepcion, you good? Will you remark further on the resolution before us? If not, I will try all minds. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. (MEMBERS): Aye.
All those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it, the resolution is adopted. (gavel) Will the Clerk call Calendar No. 173?
On page 2, Calendar 173, Senate Joint Resolution No. 20, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE STEVEN D. ECKER OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT AND A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I have a matter before this reappointment. Thank you.
Representative Stafstrom.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Stafstrom, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us is for the reappointment of current Supreme Court Justice Steven Ecker for another eight-year term on our Supreme Court bench. Justice Ecker was first appointed to the Superior Court bench in 2014, and then was elevated to the Supreme Court by Governor Malloy in 2018. He is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School. He is often known on the court for his thoughtful and detailed dissents, his independent reasoning, his active in probing questions during oral argument. I think his decisions are often focused on emphasizing procedural fairness and careful review of precedent. I believe he is more than qualified to continue to serve on our Supreme Court, and I urge support for the resolution.
Representative O'Dea.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this nominee. He's been on the Supreme Court for a number of years. You know, you may disagree with some of his opinions, but he is thoughtful, thorough. He's got, as we used to say, a judicial selection, when I was there. You look at a judge's intellect, temperament, and experience. He's got all three in spades, so I urge my colleagues to support his renomination. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Will you remark further on the resolution? Will you remark further on the resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will all members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will all members please check the board to determine if the vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? The Clerk will take a tally. The Clerk will please announce the tally.
Total Number of voting 147 Necessary for Adoption 74 Those voting Yea 137 Those voting Nay 4 Absent not voting 10
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the clerk please call Calendar No. 174?
On page 3, Calendar 174, Senate Joint Resolution No. 21, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE INGRID L. MOLL OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE APPELLATE COURT AND A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Blumenthal.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be recusing myself from this nomination.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I have matters before the appellate court, I recuse myself from this appointment. Thank you.
Representative Stafstrom.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Stafstrom, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to reappoint the Honorable Ingrid Moll to another eight-year term on our appellate court. Judge Moll was first appointed to the superior court bench in 2014, was elevated to the appellate court in 2018. She's a graduate of Wheaton College and University of Connecticut School of Law. She's a very technically sound appellate jurist with a strong background in complex litigation. I have had the opportunity to appear before her when she was on the complex litigation docket in Hartford and can attest to her temperament on the bench. I urge support for the resolution.
Representative O'Dea.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of this nominee. I've had the pleasure of knowing Judge Moll both professionally and personally. Met her parents, who unfortunately, recently passed away. She lost both of her parents, but they are smiling down because I assure you, they are proud of all that she's done. I had appeared before her professionally in the Stamford Badger case. We actually picked a jury and started the trial in complex lit before her honor. It was a very difficult case. She's an outstanding jurist with the right intellect, temperament, and experience. And I urge my colleagues to support her renomination. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on the resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will all members please take your seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will all members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally. The Clerk will please announce the tally.
Total Number of Voting 140 Necessary for Adoption 71 Those voting Yea 140 Those voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 11
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 175?
On page 3, Calendar 175, Senate Joint Resolution No. 22, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE JENNIFER MACIEROWSKI OF WINDSOR TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Stafstrom.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Stafstrom, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is the first in a series of resolutions we're about to take up where we will seek to reconfirm current superior court judges for another eight-year term on the bench. Again, these are all current judges, most of whom were appointed as was Ms. Macierowski in 2018 and are up for reappointment. Ms. Macierowski is currently the administrative judge and the presiding judge in the judicial district of Tolland. I believe prior to her appointment to the bench, she worked in this building. I was particularly impressed with meeting with her earlier in the year with respect to her community service, not just within the courthouse but surrounding the courthouse as well. I urge support for her renomination.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Macierowski being reappointed to the Connecticut Superior Court. I do appreciate that we separated the judges. Because last time I was up here, I was just coming off a pneumonia. I could hardly even speak, and I was having to keep my comments very truncated. So, I do appreciate the powers that be breaking this up a little bit. But I do rise to support. I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Representative Stafstrom.
Mr. Speaker, I would move that we create a Consent Calendar and place Senate Joint Resolution 22 on the Consent Calendar.
The question before the chamber is placing of House Resolution 175. Will you remark further on the resolution? Will you remark further on the resolution? Will you remark further on the resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take your seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Clerk, will you please take a tally? Clerk, will you please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Yea 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 6
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 176?
On page 3, Calendar 176, Senate Joint Resolution No. 23, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE LISA GRASSO EGAN OF NEW HAVEN TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
Representative Fishbein.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Egan to serve in the superior court once again, and I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Representative Paolillo.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the nomination of Lisa Grasso Egan as a superior court judge. Judge Egan has had an impressive career both as an attorney and as a superior court judge. I just wanted to highlight her outstanding work in New Haven as a family court judge serving with compassion and passion. And we're proud that she calls New Haven home, and we are proud of her in the City of New Haven, and I urge support. Thank you.
Question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have nothing to add beyond what the good Representative from New Haven said. She's a great judge. She ought to be reconfirmed to the bench.
Will you remark further on the resolution? Will you remark further on the resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take your seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote has been properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally. The Clerk, please announce the tally.
Total Number of Voting 144 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those voting Yea 144 Those voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 7
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 177?
On page 3, Calendar 177, Senate Joint Resolution No. 24, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE NUALA E. DRONEY OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative LaMark.
Over here, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Muir, you have the floor, ma'am.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Judge Nuala Droney is one of the members of the class of 2018. She's a graduate of the University School of Law. She's currently sitting in the criminal court in the Hartford GA. And I encourage my colleagues to vote for her.
Representative --
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Droney. I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote has been properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 6
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 178?
Page 3, Calendar 178, Senate Joint Resolution No. 25, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE TRACY LEE DAYTON OF WESTON TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This resolution concerns the renomination of the Honorable Tracy Lee Dayton to be a judge of the superior court. She was first nominated and confirmed in 2018. She's a graduate of Princeton University and Berkeley School of Law. In her time on the bench over the last eight years, she has served in a variety of different capacities, including with GA 2, Bridgeport Judicial District, and presiding judge for Bridgeport criminal as well as New Haven JD matters. She served with distinction. She certainly has handled a large number of complex cases. And she's also served in a variety of capacities for the Judicial Review Council, Criminal Jury Instruction Committee, and Family Violence Model Policy Committee. She presented well before the committee, was very candid about issues that were asked, and we urge her reconfirmation to the bench.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Dayton being reappointed to the superior court bench, and I ask my colleagues to please support as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on the resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Senator Joint Resolution No. 25: Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those voting Yea 141 Those voting Nay 4 Absent not voting 8
The resolution is adopted. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 179?
On page 4, Calendar 179, Senate Joint Resolution No. 26, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE SUSAN A. CONNORS OF OLD LYME TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative LaMark Muir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Muir, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This matter concerns the confirmation of Judge Susan A. Connors. She was appointed to the bench in 2010. She's a graduate of the University of Law School. For the past 25 years, she's been serving in family court in Hartford, New Haven. She's currently sitting in New London. And I encourage adoption.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Connors being reappointed to the superior court bench, and I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take your seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 6
The resolution is adopted. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 180.
On page 4, Calendar 180, Senate Joint Resolution No. 27. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE COURTNEY M. CHAPLIN OF HARTFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative LaMark Muir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Muir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This matter concerns the confirmation of Judge Chaplin. He's currently sitting in the Hartford Criminal Court in Part A. He's a graduate of Howard University School of Law. He's one of the members of the class of 2018. Judge Chaplin has served across the state in juvenile court as well as other matters. He's been in New Britain, Willimantic, Tolland, New Haven, Meriden, and now Hartford, and he's serving Connecticut well. I encourage adoption.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Chaplin, and I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will all members please take your seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 6
The resolution is adopted (gavel) in concurrence with the
On page 5, Calendar 186, Senate Joint Resolution No. 33, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE CLAUDIA A. BAIO OF ROCKY HILL TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Muir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Muir, you have the floor, ma'am.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This matter concerns the confirmation of Judge Baio to the bench. She is another member of the class of 2008. She's a graduate of the University School of Law. She's currently serving in the Hartford Civil and Land Use Litigation Docket, but she served in criminal court and housing court in Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, and New Britain. And I encourage adoption.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Baio being reappointed to the superior court bench, and I ask that my colleagues to support that as well. Thank you.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Muir. Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. And Clerk, please take a tally. Clerk, please announce the tally.
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 6
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 182?
On page 4, Calendar 182, Senate Joint Resolution No. 29, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE EUGENE R. CALISTRO, JR. OF GUILFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Quinn.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
Representative Fishbein. The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Quinn, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Judge Calistro was also part of the 2018 class. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Haven and his law degree from Mercer University. For 26 years, he served as a state's attorney and also served as a special assistant US attorney for four of those years. He's currently the presiding judge of criminal matters in GA 23 New Haven, and has previously been assigned to habeas trials in Middletown, the GA 2 bench in Bridgeport, and the Waterbury Juvenile Court. He also was recently reappointed to the Judicial Review Council, also serves on the Judicial Education Committee, and he chairs the Investigative Grand Jury Panel. Judge Calistro is a very good judge. I've had the pleasure of appearing before him a number of times. And he definitely deserves our reappointment today.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Calistro for another term in the superior court, and I ask that my colleagues also support him. Thank you.
Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will members please take your seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Absent not voting 6
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 183?
On page 4, Calendar 183, Senate Joint Resolution No. 30, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE DONNA M. WILKERSON BRILLANT OF CROMWELL TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Quinn.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the resolution. Representative Quinn, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Judge Brillant was first appointed in 2018. Received a Bachelor's of Science from Central Connecticut University, and a law degree from Western New England College. Currently serves in the Hartford Judicial District juvenile matters section, and previously had served in the Ansonia/Milford GA court, juvenile matters in Bridgeport, Tolland civil and judicial and juvenile matters, juvenile matters in Waterbury, and the New London JD for civil matters. And I encourage my colleagues to support the reappointment.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Brillant being reappointed to the superior court. I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Will you remark further on the resolution? Will you remark further on the resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will all members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will all members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 141 Necessary for Adoption 71 Those voting Yea 141 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 10 ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 185?
Page 5, Calendar 185. Senate Joint Resolution No. 32, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE LAURA F. BALDINI OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Quinn.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution in concurrence with the Senate. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The question before the Chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution. Representative Quinn, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Judge Baldini was first appointed in 2010. She received her bachelor's degree from Yale University and her law degree from Seton Hall University. She's currently assigned as the administrative judge in -- for the Middlesex Judicial District, serving as a presiding judge for criminal and civil matters. She's previously served in the New Britain JD Criminal Court, the Hartford JD, as the presiding judge of part A criminal matters. Presiding judge of Manchester, GA 12, served as a judge in GA 14 in Hartford, GA 15 in New Britain, and GA 19 in Tolland, Rockville. And I encourage my colleagues to support her reappointment. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Baldini to the Superior Court, and I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 143 Necessary for Adoption 145 Those Voting Aye 146 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6 ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 187?
On Page 5, Calendar 187. Senate Joint Resolution No. 34, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE BARBARA D. AARON OF CLINTON TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Quinn.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution in concurrence with the Senate. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The question before the Chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution. Representative Quinn, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Judge Aaron was first appointed in 2018. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from American University and her law degree from the Brooklyn Law School. She currently serves at GA 9, in Middletown, in the child protection section. She's previously served in GA 9 in Middletown in the family division of the New Haven Judicial District, GA 15 in New Britain for juvenile matters. She was a presiding judge of juvenile matters in Waterbury, presiding judge of juvenile matters at GA 18 Torrington, and presiding judge of juvenile matters in Waterbury. And I encourage my colleagues to support her reappointment.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Aaron, and I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take their seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6 ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 167?
On Page 1, Calendar 167. Senate Joint Resolution No. 12 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT L. GENUARIO OF NORWALK TO BE A STATE REFEREE. Favorable Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Jacobson.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution in concurrence with the Senate. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The question before is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution. Representative Jacobson, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Honorable Robert Genuario. Mr. Speaker, you will appreciate that prior to his tenure on the bench, he was a state senator for the great city of Norwalk, Connecticut. He has been practicing law in the state since 1977, almost 50 years, and he has been serving on the bench since 2010. He studied -- he obtained his undergraduate and law degree from Villanova University, and I've had the pleasure to be before Judge Genuario on multiple occasions, both in his time as the presiding judge of the Civil District as well as a judge trial referee. As a state legislator, he was no mere politician. He was a statesman. And now he has and continues to be a jurist of the highest caliber. I had the pleasure to learn from him and, as a young attorney, he continues to be an asset to the state, and I strongly support his reappointment for another term. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Thank you, Representative Jacobson, and I do share your comments as well. Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Genuario, and I ask that my colleagues support his renomination as well. Thank you. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take their seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : If all members have voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6 ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 168?
Also on Page 1, Calendar 168. Senate Joint Resolution No. 13 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE MAUREEN D. DENNIS OF SOUTHPORT TO BE A STATE REFEREE. Favorable Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Jacobson.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution in concurrence with the Senate. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The question before the Chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution. Representative Jacobson, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the reconfirmation of Judge Dennis, who has been serving on the bench since 1994. Originally earned her law degree in 1980 after studying undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, as well as returning her law degree here in the University of Connecticut. She is currently assigned to Bridgeport, where she handles primarily criminal matters. I urge adoption. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Dennis for another term on the Superior Court, and I ask that my colleagues support as well. Thank you. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take their seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take a tally? Will the Clerk please announce the tally?
Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6 ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 169?
Page 2, Calendar 169. Senate Joint Resolution No. 14, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE JOHN C. DRISCOLL OF NORWICH TO BE A STATE REFEREE. Favorable Report of Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Jacobson.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution and concurrence of the Senate. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : The question before the Chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution. Representative Jacobson, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the reconfirmation of Judge Driscoll, who has been serving on the Waterford juvenile court in the last term. Originally appointed to the bench in 1994, he is a graduate of Georgetown University as an undergrad, University of Connecticut School of Law, earning his law degree in 1979, where he continues to be an excellent jurist, and I urge adoption, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the reappointment of Judge Driscoll to the Superior Court, and I ask that my colleagues to support as well. Thank you. ASSISTANT DEPUTY SPEAKER SIMMS (140TH) : Will you remark further on this resolution? Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? If so, the machine will be locked. The Clerk will take a tally. And Mr. Clerk kindly announce the tally.
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6
Resolutions adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Mr. Clerk, kindly call Calendar 171.
On Page 2, Calendar 171. Senate Joint Resolution No. 16. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE SUZANNE E. CARON OF BLOOMFIELD TO BE A STATE REFEREE. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Jacobson.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution.
The question is on adoption of the Resolution. Proceed, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the reaffirmation of Judge Caron. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bates College, her JD right here in Connecticut, University of Connecticut School of Law, where she has been -- earned her JD in -- excuse me, her -- passed the bar exam in 1988. Good year here in Connecticut. She's been on the bench since 2018, and, I urge my colleagues to support her reconfirmation, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, sir. Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's nice to see you up there. Good morning to -- or it's afternoon, actually. It's afternoon. So, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Caron to the Superior Court, and I ask that my colleagues support that as well. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Will you remark further? Will you remark further? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House. Members, take your seats. The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted. So the machine will be locked. And the Clerk will take a tally. Representative Hoxha, how would you be recorded?
Can you hear me? I'd like to vote in the affirmative. Mr. Speaker.
Representative Hoxha, in the affirmative. And the Clerk will announce the tally.
Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6
Resolutions adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Mr. Clerk, 172, please.
On Page 2, Calendar 172, Senate Joint Resolution No. 17, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE JOHN L. CARBONNEAU, JR. OF EAST LYME TO BE A STATE REFEREE. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
Questions on acceptance and adoption. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this afternoon in support of the reconfirmation of the Honorable John L. Carbonneau to serve another term on the Connecticut bench. He has served for 16 years in this capacity as a judge of the Superior Court. He's a graduate of UConn as well as the Catholic University Columbus School of Law. He's had six different assignments in his 16 years on the bench, mostly in juvenile and family matters, and he currently serves as the presiding judge for juvenile matters in the Willimantic, JD. I urge adoption.
Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Carbonneau for another term in the Superior Court, and I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Will you remark further? Hearing none, will staff and guest come to the well of the House. Members, take your seats. The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Will all the members voted? If so, the machine will be locked. And the Clerk will announce the tally.
Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Mr. Clerk, 170.
Page 2 Calendar 170. Senate Joint Resolution No. 15, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT A. D'ANDREA OF LITCHFIELD TO BE A STATE REFEREE. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Osborne.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for the purpose of recusing myself on this nomination.
Very good, Ma'am. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution and concurrence with the Senate.
Question on acceptance of the committee -- the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution and concurrence with the Senate. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the reconfirmation of the Honorable Robert D'Andrea to another term as a Superior Court judge. He has served for eight years as a judge on the Superior Court. He's a graduate of the University of Hartford and Suffolk Law School and has had assignments with the Danbury JD, Waterbury JD, and, currently, as a judge with the Litchfield JD. And what impresses me the most about Judge D'Andrea is he does handle a very large case volume, approximately 2,000 cases a year. He's a real workhorse, and he deserves to be renominated. I urge adoption.
Thank you, sir. Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge D'Andrea to the bench. I ask that my colleague support his renomination as well. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Will you remark further on this resolution? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House. Members, take your seats. The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? If so, the machine will be locked, and the Clerk will take a tally. And the Clerk will announce the tally.
Total Number of Voting 144 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 144 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 7
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Mr. Clerk, 181, please.
Page 4, Calendar 181, Senate Joint Resolution No. 28, RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE KARYL L. CARRASQUILLA OF WEST HARTFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution in concurrence with the Senate.
The questions on acceptance and adoption. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the reconfirmation of the Honorable Kary`l Carrasquilla to serve another term as a judge of the Superior Court. She is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University and Western New England School of Law. She's had a number of assignments in her first term as a judge and has distinguished herself as a family and criminal jurist. I urge adoption.
Thank you, sir. Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Judge Carrasquilla having another term in the Superior Court, and I ask that my colleagues support as well. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Will you remark further? If not, staff and guests, please come to the wall of the House. Members take their seats. The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? If so, the machine will be locked and the Clerk will take a tally. And the Clerk will announce the tally.
Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) 184, Mr. Clerk, please.
On Page 5, Calendar 184, Senate Joint Resolution No. 31 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF THE HONORABLE TEJAS BHATT OF WINDSOR TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. Favorable Report of Judiciary.
Representative Fazzino. Just a second, sir. (gavel) Getting a little noisy in here. Could either quiet down or take our conversations outside. We'd all appreciate it. Thank you. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nice to see you. Nice to hear you. [laughs] I move acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and adoption of the Resolution in concurrence with the
Questions on acceptance, adoption, and concurrence. Representative Fazzino.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This final resolution, I rise in support of the reconfirmation of the Honorable Tejas Bhatt to serve another term as a judge of the Superior Court. He has been a judge since 2018. He's a graduate of Sydenham College, UConn Law School prior to his service to the bench. He served for 14 years as a public defender. He is on a number of different assignments, mostly juvenile, habeas, and criminal matters, and he is most recently, residing in the Rockville Tolland Judicial District. I urge adoption.
Thank you, sir. Representative Fishbein.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the renomination of Judge Bhatt to the Superior Court bench. Last term, we created a habeas commission to look into how we handle habeas compared to other states. I did have the honor and opportunity to appoint Judge Bhatt to that commission, and I think that he will provide great resource to that commission. And I do rise and support, ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you.
Thanks to you, sir. Will you remark further on this? If not, staff and guests, please come to the well of the House. Members, take your seats. The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber.
Have all the numbers voted. If so, the machine will be locked. The Clerk will take a tally. And the Clerk will announce a tally.
Total Number of Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6
The resolution is adopted in concurrence with the Senate. (gavel) Let's do a bill. Mr. Clerk. Try 154.
On Page 20, Calendar 154, substitute for House Bill No. 5265, AN ACT CONCERNING COURT-ORDERED ACCOUNTINGS OF COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITY FINANCIAL RECORDS AND REVISING THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITIES. Favorable Report of Insurance.
The distinguished Chair of the Insurance Committee, Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
The question is on acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill. Representative Wood, would you explain the bill, please?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill allows a group of common interest community association unit owners to petition the Superior Court for an order to contain certain financial records through an independent third-party audit. The bill also expands the information on the residential condition report that a residential property seller gives to a prospective buyer. It requires a special statement on common interest ownership that advises a buyer to ask for a resale certificate and a reserve fund report, and I urge passage.
Thank you, ma'am. The distinguished Ranking Member of the Insurance Committee, Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Madam Chair, no. I'm sorry. To the good Representative, can you please share with the Chamber the reasoning for raising this bill, through you?
I couldn't quite hear that.
Could you hold the microphone closer to your -
Thank you. Can you please, to the good Representative, can you please share with the Chamber the reasoning for raising this bill, through you?
Representative Wood, do you care to respond?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We heard testimony from many common- interest unit owners about financial records being difficult to access. We also heard testimony relating to purchasing of some of these units and then finding later on that reserve funds were not available, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you for that answer. There seems to be an increase in issues surrounding some of the common-interest ownership properties and communities. Can you explain to the Chamber some of the problems that this legislation is trying to address, through you?
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, through the testimony, we heard that some of the common-interest ownership community boards were not functioning as well as others. This gives tools to the common- interest ownership unit owners to ask for additional financial information through an audit, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you for that answer. And just to be clear, how many unit owners must be in unison to request an audit of the accounts, through you?
Representative Wood.
At least 20% of the voting unit owners, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
And would that be 20% of all of the unit owners or the unit owners present at a specific certain meeting, through you?
Representative Wood.
It would be the voting members, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
And exactly, can you explain how the owners petition for that audit, through you?
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The owners have to certify in writing that a good-faith belief exists for needing the audit. They also have to get a signed opinion from an independent CPA specializing in fraud or forensic accountant. And third, they need to certify that they own units making up at least 20%, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
And who pays for the audit, through you?
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The audit is paid for by the unit owners that are petitioning, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you for that answer. And, does this apply to any management fees and court fees, through you?
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The unit owners that are filing the petition would cover the court fees and any other management fees, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you. And it would be court fees in a subsequent case that's filed or, if you could clarify that portion, through you.
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It would be involving the audit. Anything surrounding, involving, moving the audit forward would be covered by the unit owners, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you. And what records apply or are included in that audit, through you?
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Homeowners' Association has records regarding expenses. Those would be available to the audit, as well as minutes, names of unit owners, any sort of contracts that are in place, financial disclosures, any sort of annual reports, and copies of board meeting in minutes. Through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you. And this bill also amends a residential conditions report. Can you explain what was added?
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill adds a special statement. If you have 12 or more unit owners, you must ask for the resale certificate and a report on the community's reserve funds. If less than 12 units, it just asks you to maybe consult with a professional, through you.
Representative Pavalock-D'Amato.
And last question. What was some of the feedback during the testimony, and why was this important for you?
Representative Wood.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's important because we were -- received testimony that people would purchase these units and then be surprised to learn that the HOA did not have reserve funds in place. So they thought having you know what is in the reserve funds upfront would be better before you make that purchase, through you.
Robinson Pavalock-D'Amato.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, as a practicing attorney who does do residential closings and having clients who have purchased condos, I think this is a very good bill. It's transparency, not only with the reserve funds, but also with the accounting. I think that is important for every unit owner to know and to be able to access accounting, but also at the same time not to be able to file and request it frivolously. So thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the good Ranking, sorry. The good Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee for her answers. Thank you.
Representative Wood.
No further questions to answer. Thank you.
Will you remark further? Will you remark further? If not, staff and guests, please come to the well of the House. Members, take your seats. The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machines will be locked. And the Clerk will take the tally. Clerk.
House Bill No. 5265: Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6
The bill passes. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 63?
On Page 10, Calendar 63, substitute for House Bill 5282, AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONTINUING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONCERNING THE STATE PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT. Favorable Report of Planning and Development.
Representative Kavros DeGraw, you have the floor.
Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. Good to see you up there in our matching green today.
I move that the acceptance for the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
The question before the Chamber's acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and the passage of the bill, Representative Kavros DeGraw, you have the floor.
Thank you so much, Madam Chair. This bill is somewhat familiar to us because we actually passed it through the House last year. You may recall we had our resolution for the state plan of conservation and development that we were able to get through both Chambers, and this is sort of an additional fix. The bill amends several statutes related to the POCD. It increases the monetary threshold for certain grants and state actions, consistent with the plan, from $200,000 to $1,000,000. The bill also requires that the state, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, adjust these thresholds every five years based on changes in the producer price index. And it also modifies agency reporting and procedures that regard conformity with the plan, removing references to priority funding areas. I do not need to remark further. And, through you, Madam Chair, I urge passage.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Haines of the 34th District. You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chair. And good to see you as always. If I could, just a couple of questions to the proponent of the bill, through you.
Please proceed.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. The proponent of the bill said that the agencies are changing in the way that they are asking for these acquisitions. And if the proponent could just reiterate what that means, what is that requirement -- the new requirement for them, through you?
Representative Kavros DeGraw.
Yeah. So in order there -- so, there's the threshold adjustment, and that was from the $200,000 to the $1,000,000, but it removes references to the priority funding areas, which replaces the regional planning agencies with regional councils of government, and it repeals the statutes that are related to the priority funding areas. It also implements recommendations with the continuing legislative committee on Planning and Development concerning the state plan of conservation development. There are fairly minor changes, through you, Madam Chair.
Representative Haines.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for that answer. One of the things that I also think is important to note is that the agencies are actually themselves going to be documenting why the reasons are consistent with the plan of conservation development. There is no fiscal note. This has been approved by DOT, DAS, DEEP, and many other, Nature Conservancy as well. It's a good bill. Ought to pass. Thank you.
Thank you. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take their seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. And the Clerk will take a tally. The Clerk will please announce the tally
House Bill No. 5282: Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 145 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 6
The bill passes. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 226?
On Page 26, Calendar 226, House Bill No. 5450, AN ACT DISSOLVING THE BROOKLYN FIRE DISTRICT. Favorable Report of Public Safety.
Representative Boyd, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
The question before the Chamber's acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill. Representative Boyd, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill comes at the request of the town of Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Fire District to repeal the 1899 Act that designates part of the town as a separate fire district. So it eliminates section 41 of the 1899 Act, and all of the responsibilities of said fire district revert to the town of Brooklyn. I urge passage.
Thank you. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Howard of the 43rd District. You have the floor.
Good afternoon, Madam Speaker. Thank you very much. This is a riveting bill. It is loaded with public hearing testimony, and it -- but it actually stands as a representation of one of the 41 bills of the Public Safety and Security Committee put out in 75 minutes, leaving our reputation as the most efficient committee in the General Assembly, fully intact for the 2026 session. Just want to confirm through my good friend from the Brooklyn, Connecticut area, there is still fire coverage throughout the entire town of Brooklyn. Is that correct for you?
Representative Boyd.
That is correct.
Representative Howard.
And this comes at the request of all the stakeholders. As my understanding, the fire district president, the First Selectman in the town of Stonington -- to the town of Brooklyn. Essentially, everybody who has interest in this has asked this legislation. There is no opposition. Is that correct for you?
Representative Boyd.
That is correct. There is no Stonington involvement other than yourself, but all of the stakeholders who are involved have requested this legislation.
Representative Howard.
Thank you. All good things lead to Stonington. It's a good bill, ought to pass. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take their seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all the members have voted, the machine will be locked. And the Clerk will take a tally. The Clerk will please announce the tally.
House Bill No. 5450: Total Number Voting 144 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 144 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 7
The bill passes. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 57?
Page 9, Calendar 57, substitute for House Bill No. 5239, AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE INDEPENDENT MORTALITY REVIEW BOARD AND FATALITY REVIEW BOARD. Favorable Report of Public Health.
Representative McCarthy Vahey, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
The question before the Chamber's acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill. Representative McCarthy Vahy, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the bill modifies the responsibilities of an existing developed DDS independent mortality review board and removes reference to a 2017 executive order. This board reviews and investigates certain deaths of people who are in DDS care. It also eliminates the fatality review board, also established by that 2017 executive order. It merges the responsibilities of those two boards, which have been overlapping, and it allows the department to add membership to this new board as needed and provide the kind of expertise that is specifically necessary, as long as those added members are not -- a majority of whom are not from the department. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Klarides-Ditria of the 105th District, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And, through you, I have a couple of questions to the good Chair of the Public Health Committee and a comment.
Please proceed.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, through you to the good chair, in this bill, why are we moving from two boards now to one? Just for clarity, in case anybody didn't hear. Through you.
Representative McCarthy Vahey.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, what the department is finding is there is some duplication in efforts, some overlapping responsibilities. In addition, one of the boards is having some difficulty achieving a quorum, and so this will help to streamline efforts and, again, allows the appointment of additional members to have that expertise needed, through you.
Representative Klarides-Ditria.
Thank you. And, through you, I see that the DDS commissioner will be the chair of this board. Is the purpose of this to ensure coordination and accountability of the review board? Through you.
Representative McCarthy Vahey.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Yes. Certainly, coordination and accountability. And in fact, the statute allows for the commissioner or the commissioner's designee to serve as chair. Currently, there is a designee who is serving in this position, from Disability Rights Connecticut. So, indeed, accountability is absolutely critical when it comes to the role of this board, through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Klarides-Ditria.
And, through you, Madam Speaker, what role on the board? There are some non-DDS members? What will their responsibility be, and the reason for having the non-DDS members on the board?
Representative McCarthy Vahey.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, it's important that the expertise that is of -- is available to the commissioner and to this board. For example, if a forensic professional was needed, or an attorney to be able to provide expertise on a particular case and a particular type of death. And, again, various stakeholder voices so that we're assuring accountability, through you.
Representative Klarides-Ditria.
Thank you. And, through you, Madam Speaker, does combining these two individual wards into one create any concern about workload for DDS?
Representative McCarthy Vahey.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And, through you, no. In fact, the opposite. I think the idea of combining the boards is so that the workload is more manageable and achievable, especially with that issue around quorum, through you.
Representative Klarides-Ditria.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you for clarifying those questions for me. Now, this bill, we understand right now, we have two different boards reviewing cases. The goal is for this to streamline the process and really work with these independent cases. So Madam Speaker, it's a simple, common-sense change that I urge adoption.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take their seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the Chamber.
Hold on. It's going to get open again. Okay. Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all the members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all the members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk take a tally, and will the Clerk please announce the tally?
House Bill No. 5239: Total Number Voting 144 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 144 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 7
The bill passes. (gavel) Are there any announcements? Representative Howard of the 43rd District. You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I rise for a point of personal privilege.
Please proceed.
Madam Chair, one of the things that makes me so proud to be from the district is the engagement that I get from my constituents in understanding how the legislative process works and becoming involved. It's especially prideful for me when young people do. I have three individuals from the town of Stowington here today visiting their legislature. Rob Emery, a former police officer, is here. Sean Healy and his high school-aged teenage daughter, who has become very active locally in being involved in her civics and her government, and I'm very, very proud to have him here today, and hope my friends will help me give them a warm welcome. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. Let's give them a warm welcome. [claps] Thank you for the visit. This is your House, the people's House. We will stand at ease. We'll come back to order. We will come back to order. You can now re-enter your computers. Everything's been rebooted. Any announcements? Representative Gilchrest of the 18th District. You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise for the point of an announcement.
Please proceed.
Just want to let everyone know that the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, and the Connecticut Children's Alliance are holding a reception up in 03:10 today from 03:00 to 05:00. They've invited all of us to learn more about the very important work they do. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Representative. Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 58?
On Page 10, Calendar 58, House Bill No. 5240. AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES STATUTES. Favorable Report of Public Health.
Representative McCarthy Vahey, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
The question before the Chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and the passage of the bill. Representative McCarthy Vahey, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as the title says, this is various revisions to the Department of Developmental Services. First, it allows DDS to make payments directly to the landlords for people who participate in what's called the community-based housing subsidy program, which is a rent subsidy program. The second part of the bill makes changes to the DDS community residential facility revolving loan fund program. And this does a couple things. It modifies the maximum loan amount so that purchasing and renovation of a facility can be a principal amount up to a 100% of the property's development costs, and no more than an additional $100,000 for renovation costs. And also, capital repairs and improvements to an existing facility may be now no more than a $100,000, versus the $40,000 that it was that it is under current law. It also makes some technical changes to the documentation requirements for the loan applications, and it repeals a provision regarding outdated DDS program administration contracts and memorandums of understanding. And I urge passage of the bill.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Klarides-Ditria of the 105th District. You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Couple questions to the proponent of the bill.
Please proceed.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And, through you, how does this bill improve access to housing? Does it help with the builders and their process in it, through you?
Representative McCarthy Vahey.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. And I thank the good Representative for the question. The department has heard from providers that the current amounts are not sufficient, given the scarcity of housing available and the higher prices, the inflationary pressures that are on the providers. This will give them more leeway to be able to potentially provide improvements, expansions, and perhaps purchases, so that it will allow for housing for our DDS clients, through you.
Representative Klarides-Ditria.
Thank you. And, through you, how does this bill affect people that are waiting for housing? Does it help with the bed availability issue that we're having in the state, through you?
Representative McCarthy Vahey.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, it's our hope that that will be the case, though I don't know that the bill changes could guarantee that. But, certainly, the ability to borrow additional funds does open up that possibility, through you.
Representative Klarides-Ditria.
Thank you. And my last question, is there any cost to the state for this, through you?
Representative McCarthy Vahey.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. The bill does not change any of the current administration costs to the revolving fund. The revolving fund is a loan fund, so those costs are returned to the state. There is some administrative costs, but that exist currently. This program has been in place for decades, so there is no change in the cost of administering the program, through you.
Representative Klarides-Ditria.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And the good Chair did a great job explaining what this bill does. I think it makes some straightforward changes, and the improvements that I think are needed to help our IDD community. So Madam Speaker, I urge adoption.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the House? Will the members please take their seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members of the Chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members of the Chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if their vote is properly cast? If all the members have voted, the machine will be locked. And the Clerk will take a tally. And the Clerk, please announce the tally
House Bill No. 5240: Total Number Voting 144 Necessary for Adoption 73 Those Voting Aye 144 Those Voting Nay 0 Absent and Not Voting 7
The bill passes. (gavel) Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 80
On Page 12, Calendar No. 80, substitute for House Bill No. 5157, AN ACT CONCERNING THE TIRE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM. Favorable Report of Environment.
Representative Gresko of the 121st District. You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
The question before the Chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and the passage of the bill. Representative Gresko, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Three years ago, this legislature passed a first-in-the-nation extended product responsibility program for tires that addressed or will address multiple issues: illegal dumping, tracking the fee that we all pay for the disposal of tires, and directly connecting that fee to its proper disposal. Since then, the US tire manufacturers and other stakeholders have established a stewardship group within SEEP, but the missing piece has been retail. Earlier this year, the retail industry -- they approached me, and said they were ready to engage with the tire stewardship group, and they asked for an additional year to let that engagement play itself out. I thought that was reasonable, and this bill requires their participation come July 1st of 2027. This bill builds on Connecticut's record of successful EPR programs and making manufacturers responsible for the products that they sell, especially hard-to-manage products for municipalities. Since about two weeks ago, the municipal portion of this bill has engaged, meaning that if one of our municipalities has registered with the tire stewardship group, when that municipality has tires either illegally dumped or brought to their transfer station, they can call up and say, " Hey. I have tires. Come get them for free. There is about 25 municipalities already signed up. 60 are in the queue. So we're looking to have that be the first hurdle that we are successful in managing these tires. I'd like to thank the minority leader for helping out in the negotiation, back and forth with this. And thank the tire retailers. They have been providing a service to municipalities in the interim. Meaning that if you have an illegal dump in your municipality, you could call up specifically Town Fair Tire, and they will come, and they have come and retrieved these illegally dumped tires, and it hasn't cost the municipality anything. I could vouch for an instance in Stratford where we had a semi cab dropped off underneath a highway overpass, and they came and took the tires, no charge. So that's to their credit. I move adoption.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Callahan of the 108th District, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just a couple of questions for the proponent of the bill, if I may.
Please proceed.
Thank you. So prior to three years ago when we put this program in place, what was the system? Where was the money going, and how did that work, through you, Madam Speaker?
Representative Gresko.
If you're referring to the retail system, you would go, you would be charged a fee for the disposal of your tire. The state stopped tracking where that fee was going back in the late 90s. So it was it was on -- not tracked. And, the individuals responsible for properly disposing of those tires would have had their payment in hand. So there was more of a temptation to not properly dispose of the tire. The way that tire stewardship group is going, the monies would be paid at -- once that tire reaches its final destination to try to remove the incentive to illegally dump. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Callahan.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. So the way I understand it, the money was paid up front when you bought the tires. And since the money was in hand, there was still illegal dumping, so people could keep that money. So, through the tire stewardship program, what this is aiming to do is only crediting the people in the back end who actually return the tires to the proper place. Through you, Madam Speaker?
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. That is correct.
Representative Callahan.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know that the tire business in Connecticut, they tried to do the best job they could, and about 90% of the tires were repurposed up to this point. My issue with this bill is that criminals will be criminals. And if it's convenient to dump things off, that's still a crime. It's illegal dumping. And if it goes through court, there's fines and restitution for cleanup. And, through you, Madam Speaker, how will this stop that?
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker, to your point, if somebody wants to break the law, they're going to break the law, but we're trying to remove the financial incentive to dump, right out of the gate. Instead, the funding for properly disposing of and processing that tire will be given at the end of the process. So there would be no financial, in other words, I'm not getting my money until the tire finds its home, and that would hopefully stop the illegal dumping, through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Callahan.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And the proponent, he you mentioned a program in place to make it easier for towns to absorb, for lack of a better term, tires that are illegally found or dumped in the town. Can you explain briefly how that would work for a municipality? Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Gresko.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, and, through you. So, the municipal portion of the tire stewardship organization program started about two weeks ago. And municipalities are able to apply and register with the TSO so that when an incident happens in your municipality of illegal dumping, let's say, or there's individuals, that have tires at their homes and they'd like to bring to the transfer station, you'd be able to do that or public facilities can retrieve them, bring them to the transfer station. And you could call up and say, " Hey. I have a bin full of tires. Come get them." And they would be retrieved by the tire stewardship organization, but bottom line, for free. But right now, you could do that, but you -- the municipality gets charged. And some municipalities that are that are illegal tire dumping frequent, it ends up being quite a lot in an annual basis, through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Callahan.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I hope this works. I've met with the tire retailers and manufacturers. We put a program in place a few years ago. I think you said three years ago, the proponent said, and we were already at a 90% repurposing rate. I don't know how this is going to increase it. I certainly hope it stops illegal dumping, but as I mentioned a minute ago, some people will just not do the right thing. Hopefully, this will make it easier. I'm hoping that the manufacturers and retailers can absorb this because instead of paying that cost when you buy the tire, now that cost is going to be hidden, for lack of a better word, in the purchase of the purchase price of the tire. So I hope this stops the dumping. I hope the manufacturers and retailers can make this work. I worry that we continue to put things on businesses in the state of Connecticut to make it more difficult to operate. But at this point, the retailers and the distributors have worked it out that they want to get a program in place and work out a program that works. So by next year, hopefully, that'll work. This did make it out of committee unanimously, but I think it's another example how we created a program that we're going to may continually have to come back and fix. I hope that's not the case, and I don't want to be the pessimist, but we're certainly putting a lot of more onus on these businesses, a lot more paperwork to track. Hopefully, it ends up being a better situation, but that's yet to be seen. So I appreciate the work both sides have done on this, and the work that the manufacturers and retailers did with this. So, hopefully, it works out, and I'm done with the questions, Madam Speaker. Thank you.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Nolan of the 39th District, you have the floor.
Thank you. Madam Speaker, thank you. Can you hear me?
Please proceed.
Just a few words to comment on this, Madam Speaker. I think that I'm in full support of this bill presently before us for a few reasons. I've talked to many members in our community in regards to what this bill will do and how it will help our community, especially our youth. We do have a good amount of youth that go around looking for tires, to try and help clean up our community. And some of the reasons that they mentioned why this was such a good idea is because it creates healthier neighborhoods. Sometimes when tires sit so long, they take in a lot of water. And, when the water and the tires, that solution mixed together, it creates a really bad aroma in certain areas. I think just because of the fact that it makes it easier for tires to be turned in or for tires to be picked up is also a benefit, that takes a load off of some of our municipalities. I know there's been municipalities that have paid up to $50,000 to get rid of tires in some of the areas of their communities. So I really want to talk about lowering that amount and protecting some of our properties by allowing people to call the connects that there are to pick up tires and to make the communities look better. So I want to ask my colleagues to support this, and I want to thank some of the youth who brought this to my attention in my community, to make sure that we help out our environment. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Mastrofrancesco of the 80th District, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. It's nice to see you today.
Madam Speaker, I have a couple questions to the proponent of the bill. If I can just say first that I have to say this is the shortest bill that I think we may see all session. The bill literally is one sentence. All it says is, notwithstanding any provisions of this section, not later than July 1st, 2027, each retailer shall join a tire stewardship organization. So it's just one sentence. I was listening to the debate between the ranking member and the chairman of the committee, talking about all the issues that are going on with illegal dumping and so forth. And I'm just curious about how mandating that a retailer join the program is going to prevent illegal dumping. Through you, Madam Chair.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker, the incentive would be for the payment for the proper disposal and processing of an old tire wouldn't be received by retail until after that tire reached its final destination, like a shredder, for example. Whereas now, if you go into a retail establishment, you are paying -- we don't know. It could be $5 a tire. It could be more than that. And then the retailer would have that money in their hand, and the tires would have to get to their destination. Well, most of them do, to Representative Callahan's point, but some, since I have the money in my hand already, the tires don't find their final destination. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you for that answer. So currently, right now, retailers may join the program. What this bill is doing is mandating that they all do. And I'm just trying to figure out why. Why are we mandating that a retailer join the program when, actually, today, based on the statute 22a-905i, it's already voluntarily. Through you, Madam Speaker. Why the switch from volunteer to mandatory? Through you.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. Because the retail industry approached me earlier in the year and said they were ready to negotiate with the tire stewardship organization, which was formed over the past two years. It was formed by the tire manufacturers and stakeholders. And instead of having a tire stewardship organization and protocol that was maybe half a loaf, which would have dealt with the municipal example I just gave. This would wrap in retail so that the program would work full scale. In other words, most people deal with tires when they buy new ones. And you say to the retailer, hey, you're going to take care of these four old ones. Yes. We would like that to be incorporated into the Tire Stewardship Organization. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. Thank you for that answer. So, according to the debate I'm listening to, the retailers came before the committee and said they are now willing to work with the Stewardship Organization. But they already have that because it's volunteer. That's the issue that I have with this. I don't know what the benefit is. I don't know any retailer in any business that wants the state to come in and mandate something to them. Show me one. I don't see it. Not that I don't agree with it or disagree with it. It's a mandate on a business is what I'm concerned about. So I'm still trying to figure out how the issues are going to be resolved by mandating it when it's already a volunteer program. If they want to join the program, if they want to work with the stewardship program, they can do that right now voluntarily. We don't need law to do that because it's already an existing law. What this is changing is mandating that they join the program. If you could please explain to me further why the mandate as opposed to, well, the retailers want it. Well, they may. I don't know any retailer that wants a mandate on their business for any circumstances, but we're going from a volunteer program to now a mandate, and I'm still trying to find out clarification. How is that going to solve any problem? Through you.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. To address your first point, a lot of the mom-and-pop tire retailers are very anxious for this to happen because they would have their disposal fee removed, whereas now they're responsible for disposing of the old tires that accumulate on their property and at their business. And second is we were interested in doing a bill in this session that would have required retail to participate, and they knew that we were going to put this bill in. So they asked us for a year's worth of time to sit with the tire stewardship group and work out some of their concerns before they were required to participate. I thought that was a reasonable ask, and why we pushed it out to July 2027. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And just to your response, you just mentioned in there that the mom-and-pops are anxious for this to happen, but it already is happening because they can do it on their own. I guess I'm not understanding. Are mom-and-pop stores retailers not allowed to join the program voluntarily today? Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker, they technically could join the stewardship, but it would be piecemeal. We would rather have something that was required of every retailer in the state of Connecticut. And the retail industry does bring knowledge and experience with having dealt with the disposal of tires over the years that was, to be honest, attractive information to be providing to the tire stewardship organization. So I'm hoping a meeting of the minds will develop a better organization. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you for that answer. I'm not arguing that there may be some good components to the Tire Stewardship Program. I'm sure there is. Disposing tires, obviously, is a problem. But it makes no sense to me. There's just something not right about this to mandate a retailer to join the program. When if they want to join a program, they can. They can have the same thing that everyone else has by joining the program. But now we're mandating it, and we're making them do it by force. And that's where I have the issue here, Madam Speaker. How does mandating a retailer affect someone selling tires over the Internet? Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker, that would be something that the Tire Stewardship Organization would be working out during the negotiations and back and forth with the retail industry. That is a valid point. A similar valid point is, I purchase x amount of tires, and I bring them into Connecticut. I don't sell all of them in Connecticut. I sell some of them in other states. How am I going to handle that? There's talk of having a credit system, but these are the types of real-world information and experience that we are welcoming into the Tire Stewardship Organization. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. So, in reference to a retailer that sells tires through the Internet, that is already defined in the current law under the definition of retailer. I assume that there are provisions or policies in place currently for that. And you had mentioned through you, Madam Speaker, that they would be working that out with retailers that only do business over the Internet. But my assumption is that this plan has already been in place, and they're already doing that. Can you clarify? Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker, the plan is in place, but it was put in place without the input from retail. So I would anticipate that retail would come in and say, hey, concerning that online sales piece, this looks good, but this might be a problem. They can tweak the existing language and potentially go back to DEEP and say the this is how we want to tweak our Tire Stewardship Organization, and DEEP would have the ability to do that. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. So, Madam Speaker, through you, can't they do this now on a voluntary basis? Through you.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. It's better if they act as a unit, as an industry, so that Joe Gresko's tire shop isn't the only retail that's participating in the tire stewardship. Town Fair Tire has been taking the lead on this. And as they go, the others will follow. Again, we are appreciative of their willingness to sit down and bring their expertise to the state of Connecticut. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't have any further questions. Just really a comment. Is that when something goes from a may to a shall in the building, I have a problem with it. And the stewardship program, it may be a good program, may not be. I don't know a lot about it, to be quite honest with you. But I do know one thing, that this bill, all it says that each retailer shall join the program. And it's already in statute right now that is voluntary. There's absolutely no reason to put a mandate on a business. So for those reasons, Madam Speaker, I will not be supporting this bill today, but I appreciate the dialogue and the information. Thank you.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on the bill? Minority leader, Candelora, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I'm not summarizing the bill so people are free to speak after me, but I just had a couple of questions to the proponent of the bill to flush out the issue that we're dealing with. Back when the original stewardship bill was passed, I think it was in 2023, that stewardship program was supposed to create a plan on how they were going to implement a recycling program. And my first question would be, has that plan been created and approved by DEEP through you?
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. The plan has been created, and it has been approved by DEEP. As I said, the municipal portion of the plan went into effect two weeks ago. So that is now starting to come online with more municipalities registering and applying and registering for this free service. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Candelora.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And as part of the plan, and I think is what spurred a lot of dialogue in the creation of this new underlying bill, there was a surcharge that was assessed at the manufacturing level. And that assessment was for tires that were shipped into the state of Connecticut. And as a result, there has been some concerns in particular by Town Fair Tire located in East Haven, who has tires that are shipped into the state of Connecticut, but not necessarily sold in the state of Connecticut. So there's concern that there are tires being assessed here that are sold in other states. And that's where the rub has come with the implementation of this plan. Am I correct? Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. Yes. That's one of the valid points that was brought up. And from what I understand, from the initial interaction between retail and the TSO, they're talking about -- there's a program out there called eTrax that would credit the retail organization that sold a tire outside of the state of Connecticut in the next shipment that they got in the following month. So there is acknowledgement of that issue and a way to fix it. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Candelora.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. So as part of what this legislation today is trying to do is bring those retailers to the table into the stewardship program so that we could resolve these issues that we are seeing. Through you.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker, that would be correct.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I don't have any further questions. And I wanted to put that on the record. And my concern, my general rub with this whole situation is I did not support the underlying legislation when it was first passed. I think because my concern is we have a great organization in Town Fair Tire that sells the bulk of tires throughout Connecticut and throughout New England. Most of the tires are already being recycled through the state of Connecticut, through a program that that organization created themselves. What this tired stewardship program has done, under the attempt to get rid of the illegal dumping, is pulled in this entire recycling program and disrupted a business model in the state of Connecticut. And that disruption has created, potentially, a warehouse in East Haven, Connecticut that houses over 350 employees to say, I may have to leave the state of Connecticut, because I am not going to be forced to be assessed a fee on every tire that's shipped into my warehouse when they are distributed throughout all of New England and not necessarily sold in Connecticut. And so what potentially I saw was going to happen is this Tire Stewardship Program would have a windfall created in taking a fee on all these tires that aren't even being part of our recycling program. And so I appreciate, on the retailer's end, they have come to the table now to try to come to a resolution. And I am just hopeful that we could achieve that resolution by July 1st, 2027. As a business owner in this state, I would never want the feeling of having a gun put to my head and potentially losing my business or my employees because of a law that we passed in this state. And I think that is exactly what we're doing here today, and we're trying to fix a pretty significant problem in my mind. And I say that because I look at next what's happened with our recycling program on bottles. And the impact that that's having on beer wholesalers, in particular, in the state of Connecticut, who could be facing their demise because of a recycling program the state of Connecticut implemented, that I don't think we appreciate the impact it has on our businesses. And we've got to start listening to our business community. When I go out and speak to them, we have a lot of misery in this state of people trying to get through red tape, of feeling that that they're over regulated. They're not being heard. And in this particular situation, I know these retailers never wanted to come to the table, and I understand it. I don't blame them because they were already recycling their tires. But the state decided, no. I want to recycle it my way, and I'm going to tell you how it's going to be done. And this conversation resolved much more even around how those tires were going to be recycled. And I just think now we're left with trying to get this program off the ground, and I didn't support it to begin with. And the reason why I do think it is significant because this does lead to potential job loss for the state of Connecticut. And I'm also concerned with interacting with DEEP, and what reasonableness and flexibility that they are going to exercise. If we all recall when the bottle bill was first passed, we went through great pains to make sure that alcoholic beverages were not included in that 10-cent deposit. And what we saw was our agency do everything in their power to try then pull them under. And remember, we had to come in and play some hardball to get the legislative intent that we clearly wanted. That's not the relationship that I feel good about in the state of Connecticut, that's established. And so now we're creating another program that's being left in DEEP's hand to administer. And I just don't think DEEP is business-friendly enough to appreciate the implications of what is happening with this tire stewardship program. And the last remark I'll make, and I see in this that we're trying to shore up their budget and make sure that they're not collecting more money than they need. But I look at, for instance, Paid Family Medical Leave, which is a program that we created. We taxed every single paycheck. It is astounding to watch that agency spend millions of dollars on marketing, on salaries, on giving themselves raises. And it doesn't even come across our desk because it's a quasi-agency that nobody really pays attention to. And those are our hardworking residents' tax dollars that have been taken, and it's just being spent without regard. And I fear that this stewardship program could end up the same way. We have the mattress program. We have the paint program. We love these stewardship programs, but we don't pay attention to how much money these organizations end up coming out with. And I look at our quasis, the salary increases. We just saw that article being dumped on Monday. And so I struggle with these programs. So I do appreciate the underlying bill to try to resolve a very dire situation that was created with the underlying bill. But I still stand in strong opposition to that underlying bill, and I need to put that on the record. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Minority Leader. Will you remark further on the bill? Representative Yaccarino of the 87th. You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. It's tough to go after the good minority leader, but I do -- I wanted to support this, but listening to this, and I did not support this in 2023 mainly because most tire retailers, when they recycle their tires, and the good chair could respond to me on this, do they get paid when they recycle them now? Townfair or any small mom-and-pop, they take tires in. You put four new tires, and they recycle those tires. I believe the tire companies get paid. They recycle them for many uses. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker, the retailers now can charge a fee, a disposal fee for each tire. And like I said, the state doesn't track that disposal fee. So, we are relying on the retailers to dispose of the tires properly. Most of them do. Most of them are taken to be shred and then eventually used as fuel in paper mills in Maine. Other destinations for the used tires once shred depending on how you feel about crumb rubber. And then there's also the ability to use them for permeable pavement. So we are trying to find end markets for the shredded tire product. But to answer your question, you are charged for disposal fee of a tire right now. Through you, Madam Speaker. Representative Yaccarino.
I appreciate the answer. Also, my other second part of the question was, and I think the good the good chair answered it, when you recycle a tire, that retailer is getting paid. And any good business man or woman, if they're derelict, they'll throw the tires up. But nine out of 10 or 99 out of a 100, are going to recycle those tires properly. They're going to get reimbursed for it because that is money that they're taking in. So I don't I think the crux of this bill, and I understand what you're trying to do to the good chair, are for the bad actors, if I'm not mistaken. Unfortunately, there are people that in my town in North Haven -- we have Townfair. But in Valley Service Road, there are people that throw the tires out on the end of the road. And then the town has to go pick them up, and then they recycle them. And I believe they do get paid for that. But, unfortunately, there are people like nips or any litter that throw tires out or litter out. But at the end of the day, Townfair can withstand this and they've always been the good steward. But there are a lot of small mom-and-pops that are mechanics, that do service, that do tires also. And I don't want to see them get caught in the crux of potentially not filling out the proper paperwork or getting a fine. And through you, Madam Speaker, is what does this define a fine if a retailer does not comply by 2027.
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. I don't believe that there is a fine involved. I don't know if that was included in the Tire Stewardship Organization's plan filed with DEEP. It probably was. I don't know it off the top of my head. But to answer your question about the mom-and-pop shops, look, they would get the entire removal from their establishments for free now. So it's something that they wouldn't have to worry about as far as expenditure going forward. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Yaccarino.
I appreciate that. So my last question then are -- maybe two more questions. So if I'm a mom-and-pop, I do change four new tire, putting four new tires on, I'm not paying the $2.50 per tire through you, Madam Speaker, and then passing it on?
Representative Gresko.
Through you, Madam Speaker. Ideally, that is a decision that the Tire Stewardship Organization would make as far as what model they would like to use with retail. They could do away with the disposal fee and have the cost be included in the cost of the tire and process it that way, or they can have an established disposal fee. So, this is the disposal fee, and every retail outlet would have to charge that amount, and have it not be the wild west like it is now. But that is the expertise that individuals like Town Fair Tire would be bringing to the conversation. Through you, Madam Speaker. Representative Yaccarino.
I appreciate the answer. And I think Townfair has been a good tire steward or steward for many, many years, and they did it without the government intervention. They felt it was the right thing to do many years ago to take the tires, recycle them. But at the end of the day, they did it for recycling, but they really did it for profit. They're making money on recycling these tires. So it's in their best interest, or any retailer's interest, is to take those tires and recycle them properly, and for further use, but also get some money in return. My concern here is that the companies that follow the rules, they have a good business, aesthetically pleasing, and they're fair to their customers, they're going to always follow the rules. It's the people that decide to dump them, and you don't want to see anybody get further penalties. I'll continue to listen. And I really appreciate the good chair of Environment and a good ranking member, what they do, and our minority leader for working on this. But I will say, most companies have always been good stewards, and they should be good stewards of their product. So I appreciate your time, and I thank you for the good chair. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Representative. Will you remark further on the bill? Will you remark further on the bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the house? Will the members please take your seats? The machines will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all the members have voted, the machine will be locked. The clerk would take a tally, and the clerk will please announce the tally.
House Bill 5152. Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 124 Those voting Nay 21 Those absent and not voting 6
The bill passes. (gavel). Will the clerk please call Calendar Number 215?
Page 24 Calendar 215, substitute House Bill Number 5509, An Act Concerning Justices of the Peace, favorable report of planning and development.
Representative Kavros DeGraw. You have the floor.
Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. Good to see you again. I move for acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill.
The question before the chamber's acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and the passage of the bill. Representative Kavros DeGraw, you have the floor.
Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. Many of you in the chamber may be familiar with multiple news articles that have been written over the past few years about our justices of the peace and some of the challenges that we have seen with our Justice of the Peace in Connecticut. And so this bill is seeking to address some of those challenges. First and foremost, we're trying to enhance the administrative tasks and qualifications for justices of the peace. We're going to have the secretary of state produce a manual so that people are very clear on what their rights and responsibilities are around being a Justice of the Peace. We want to specify when vacancies are made available, how people can apply. We're also applying a 48-hour waiting period so that when you go to apply for your marriage license, you would show up at the town in which you're going to be married. You're going to wait 48 hours until after that, showing up to receive your marriage license, and then you'll have another 48 hours to wait until you can actually get married. We are trying to prevent fraudulent marriages and, frankly, human trafficking with that delay. We also have a working group that is going to go into this bill because we want to make sure that our Justice of the Peace are gathering and other stakeholders like our town clerks are gathering together to work on some of the other instances that we've heard of, whether it be misconduct or confusion about what Justice of the Peace are allowed to do and not do. And so I move adoption.
The question before the chambers is acceptance. Representative Haines, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Through you, Madam Chair, if I could, a couple of questions to the proponent of the bill.
Please proceed.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just a couple of things. My understanding is that this bill puts in place that the Secretary of State oversees this. Is the Secretary of State the one who would investigate any kind of misconduct?
Representative Kavros DeGraw.
Through you, Madam Speaker, as a matter of fact, she would. And in the bill, we are trying to delineate what things would warrant investigation. For instance, performing an official action with the intent to defraud, or deceive the person that you're working with, using your title to endorse or promote any product, third-party service contest, that sort of thing. And also performing a marriage that the justice knows is fraudulent, we want to try to prevent that as much as possible. And those are the things that the Secretary of State would be investigating. Through you.
Representative Haines.
Thank you to the proponent. Through you. That was a very detailed answer. Lastly, are the JPs responsible for any damages that would happen through the fraudulent misconduct that they perform? Is there going to be damages, and do they incur that damage on their own? Through you.
Representative Kavros DeGraw.
Through you, Madam Speaker. Yes. That would be the case, is the short answer.
Representative Haines.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker. And through you, lastly, what is going on that we really need to do this? Through you.
Representative Kavros-DeGraw.
Thank you. Madam Speaker, there's actually a few things we've heard over the course of the last two years that we've been trying to get this bill passed. One instance we've heard of actual, like, van or busloads of women and men showing up at town hall, and they're meeting basically on the steps, and then they're walking in, and they're getting married. We've also heard that New York in some way changed their laws, and now we have more people coming from New York, and we're not really sure why. Again, trying to prevent fraudulent marriages. One of the things that we're hoping that the working group will look at is the fact that we currently don't have a statewide database. So if you were getting married in Avon today and you applied for your marriage license and you got married in Avon, tomorrow you could go to Hartford. You could apply for a marriage license and then get married in Hartford because we do not have a statewide database. So that's one of the things that we're hoping that the working group will actually look at. We just want to prevent anyone from, again, knowingly committing fraudulent marriage, but also from people perhaps putting a Justice of the Peace in a situation where they are performing a fraudulent marriage without knowing so beforehand. So we're trying to put some guardrails around this so that we have good marriages and non-fraudulent ones. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Haines.
Thank you to the proponent. Thank you. That was a great answer. The last thing on this bill, I think, which is so important, is that it also talks about outlines the process in which the political parties can appoint the JPs. These things have been going on for so long with very little oversight. The working group will probably see to some of that as well. So I think this is a great bill, and we ought to adopt. Thank you so much.
Will you remark further on this bill? We remark further on this bill. Representative Courpas, of the 149th District, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I got a question from a constituent about this, who is a Justice of the Peace and was concerned about the line that says that the Justice of the Peace may not perform a marriage that they should have known is unlawful. So, they were concerned that how should they know? And is there going to be any more specific guidance on what Justice of the Peace should or should not know so that that doesn't open them up to significant liability? Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Kavros DeGraw.
Thank you so much. And an excellent question that I'm really glad you asked. First of all, that's part of why we want the manual, because the manual will give guidelines around what the Justice of the Peace should be looking for in terms of a potential fraudulent marriage. I would also say we had a Justice of the Peace testify last year that part of what she does before she performs these marriages is she actually speaks to husband and wife, wife and wife, husband and husband ahead of time separately so that she can get a sense of, are they in love? Are they doing this for some nefarious reason that isn't visible on its face? And so we hope that between the manual and the guidance from the Secretary of the State that they would have a better sense of what they're doing. Again, most Justices of the Peace are just -- and I happen to be one. They're just performing these as a service to the community, certainly. But, again, we have heard of sometimes bad apples ruin the bunch. We've heard of these instances, and we just want to make sure that everyone is acting above board when they are marrying people in the capacity as a Justice of the Peace. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Courpas.
Is the manual lines 23 to 25 of this bill? And is that going to have specific triggers which say if x, y, and z are met, then the Justice of the Peace has dispatched their responsibilities, something like that? Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Kavros DeGraw.
Through you, Madam Speaker. I can't entirely speak to what's going to be in the manual because I'm not the one developing it, and it will be the Secretary of State. But certainly having this conversation, and I know that the secretary of the state's office is watching with bated breath, I'm sure they will take into account to make this as clear as possible because we're not trying to force liability on people willy nilly. We just want to make sure that we're making it clear what their duties are and what they are not. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Representative Courpas.
Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Baker of the 124th district. You have the floor.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. This is more about the support of this legislation. Having the opportunity to follow this bill in of plan and development committee, and hearing many of the testimonies from many people. And also, hearing from some of the town clerks, especially in my town, Bridgeport. I think this is a start, for the begin to put some things in place for the Justice of Peace. I know what they do is a value to people that come in. They want to come together and be married. There's a lot of things that need to be done. And speaking with some of the JPs and not knowing exactly what are the rules, and wanting to do what's right. I think that this is a perfect opportunity for us to come together, find out what not working, what needs to work, and an opportunity for us all to sit down and put some things in place so we can provide the right services, and that JPs are able to know what they need to do. Also, talking with some of the town clerks, I noticed sometimes they get overwhelmed with people coming in and wanting to get their licenses. And I think this will help the process to slow down a little bit, so that they can be able to do the other things that they do in the office and not be so overwhelmed with a multitude of people coming in and getting marriage licenses. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill, so that we can be able to continue to do the great work and find out what we can do to make this process a little better. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the house? Will the members please take your seats? The machines will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all the members have voted, the machine will be locked. And the clerk would take a tally. And the clerk, please announce the tally.
House Bill 5509. Total Number Voting 144 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 144 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 7
The bill passes. (gavel) Will the clerk please call Calendar Number 36?
Page 7, Calendar 36, House Bill Number 5215, An Act Concerning the Legislative Commissioner's Recommendations for Technical Revisions to the Education and Early Childhood Statutes. Favorable committee report of education.
Representative Leeper, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I move for acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and the passage of the bill. Representative Leeper, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. This might be the most straightforward and simplest bill coming out of the education committee this session. This is just our technical revisions, a correction to one federal statute reference, and then conforming changes throughout, the early childhood education endowment program we passed last year, to clarify that treasurer means state treasurer. Through you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Zupkus of the 89th District? You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Speaker. And I do have to agree with my good chairwoman that this is probably going to be the easiest bill that we will be debating on this floor. However, it is a good bill, ought to pass, very simple tech changes. Thank you.
Thank you, representative. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests come to the well of the house? Will the members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. The clerk will take a tally. The clerk will please announce the tally.
House Bill 5215. Total Number Voting 143 Necessary for Passage 72 Those voting Yea 143 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 8
The bill passes. (gavel)
Will the clerk please call Calendar Number 66?
Page 11, Calendar 66, House Bill Number 5287, An Act Concerning the Legislative Commissioner's Recommendations for Technical Revisions to Statues Relating to Planning and Development. Favor of board of the joint standing committee on planning and development.
Representative Kavros DeGraw of the 17th. You have the floor, ma'am.
Mr. Speaker, it is so good to see you up there this afternoon. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
The question before the chamber's acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill, Representative Kavros DeGraw, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is our annual legislative commissioner's tech revisions bill that we do, and it's a good bill, and it ought to pass. Through you, Mr. Speaker. Move adoption.
Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Haines from the 34th.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good to see you. This is the annual LCO bill. And, again, it's full of technical changes, and we're good with it. So let's pass it.
Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the house? Will members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. The clerk will take a tally. Will the clerk please announce the tally?
House Bill 5287. Total Number Voting 144 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 144 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 7
Bill passes. (gavel) I love you, Larry. Would the clerk please call Calendar Number 93?
Page 13, Calendar 93. House Bill Number 5383. An Act Concerning the Legislative Commissioner's Recommendations for Minor and Technical Revisions to Statutes Concerning Labor. Favorable report, Joint Standing Committee on Labor.
Representative Wilson, I like the suit. You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move acceptance of the Committee's Joint Favorable Report and pass to the bill.
Question before the chamber's acceptance of the joint committee's fair report and passage of the bill. Representative Wilson, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an annual tech revision bill of statutes within the labor department. I urge adoption.
Thank you, sir. Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Weir from the 55th.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the good co-chair of the labor committee. Just for the people in the room, this bill changes two words throughout the bill. Lines eight and 21 adds the word authority, and lines 33 and 49 changes the words of to after. And, I think that's about as easy as we get for a labor bill this session. So, I would urge my colleagues to vote in favor. I urge adoption.
Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the house? Will the members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked, and the clerk will take a tally. The clerk will please announce the tally.
House Bill 5383: Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 6
The bill passes. (gavel) Well, the clerk, please call Calendar Number 134.
On Page 17, Calendar 134, House Bill Number 5126, An Act Concerning the Legislative Commissioners Recommendations for Minor and Technical Revisions to Statutes Concerning Consumer Protection. Favorable reporter general law.
Representative Lemar, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good to see you this evening. Mr. Speaker, I move the joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill. Representative Lemar, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is a quick standard revisers bill. Ensures consumer protection statutes remain clear, accurate, and internally consistent. Technical corrections update some outdated language, fixes some crop references, and improve some clarity interpreting your statues. With that, I move adoption.
Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Rutigliano of the 123rd.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to concur with the good chairman that this is truly a technical bill for the Department of Consumer Protection. It contains no substantial policy changes, and I urge adoption. Thank you.
Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guest please come to the well of the house? Representative Mastrofrancesco of the 80th. I didn't see you, ma'am. Sorry.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you, Mr. Speaker, to the proponent of the bill, I understand this is a technical bill, but when I was looking at it, there's a whole new section in here. And I was wondering, is that technical if they give me an overview on what that does? Through you.
Representative Lemar.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker. It's a technical expansion of the sections highlighted in one section, which sections of statute the underlying definition apply to, and this just extends it to those sections originally intended. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am looking at the bill through you. If I can just get an explanation, just on line one, is Section 1 is new. I don't see anything existing language in there that you see. We see underline, and there's a change, then we know that. But this is a whole new section. And if you look at the bottom of the bill, in the last page, page six, it says Section 1 and Section 2 are new. In Section 3, there's a change. Through you.
Representative Lemar. We shall stand at ease for a few seconds. We will come back to order. Representative Lemar.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, could the good gentleman reference those lines again? Because I'm not seeing the references she is indicating. Through you.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Mr. Speaker, I apologize. You are absolutely correct. There is a technical change. I was looking at the other bill that has a new section. Oh my goodness. And it's only day one. My apologies to the good chairman of the committee. Mr. Speaker, I have no further questions.
My mistake noted. Thank you. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the house? Will the members please take your seat? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. And the clerk will take the tally. Clerk, please announce the tally.
House Bill 5126: Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 6
The bill passes. (gavel) Will the clerk please call Calendar Number 104.
Page 14, Calendar 104, House Bill Number 5314. An Act Concerning the Homes for Connecticut Loan Program. Favorable report of banking.
Representative Doucette from the 13th, sir. You have the floor.
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I move for acceptance of joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill. Representative Doucette, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last year, this legislature passed a program, which we called the Homes for CT program. In an effort to address our housing shortage in this state, and frankly, throughout the country. I think most states are doing similar things, trying to come up with creative ways to incentivize the production of more housing. All types of housing. The program, as it was established, is a program that is to be administered by a CHFA, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. And what it does is it acts essentially as a partnership with participating banks, whereby the banks would be providing low-cost financing to developers of housing builders, in order to incentivize the construction of new housing units, backed by a state guarantee. And then also with the participation by CHFA, either as a subordinate lender as it was originally contemplated, or, as a participant, in the form of grants or other participation agreements, with the lender and the developer to provide additional financing for the construction of new housing units. A great program. We are very excited to see it get off the ground. In getting the program established at CHFA, and in discussions with the participating lenders, we came up with a few tweaks to that program, which are, frankly, improvements to the existing language in the statute, establishing the program, which we think will set the program up to be very successful when it rolls out, hopefully later this year. So basically, there are just two changes to the existing program. Again, that came from soliciting feedback from CHFA and the participating lenders. And I move for passage of the bill. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Delnicki from the 14th, sir. You have the floor.
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. You look great up there. So through you, I've got a couple of questions for the proponent of the bill.
Go ahead, sir.
So last year when the bill was consummated and passed, we were utilizing the Federal Home Loan Bank Boston interest rate. This bill changes it to the Wall Street Journal interest rate as a maximum that the interest rate could be on the loaned money. Through you, why was this done?
Representative Doucette.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A very good question by the good ranking member. So this was one comment that came to us from the participating lenders. We had used, as the good representative pointed out, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, a rate in the initial legislation. That rate is primarily used for consumer products, and it is frankly a little bit lower than this type of loan would normally utilize. So in discussions with the bank, we came up with the idea that the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal is more appropriate for this type of product. That is the index rate that normally these construction loans to developers and builders would be based off of. So that's what we've done here. It would still be a very good rate to incentivize the builders to want to take advantage of this program, but it is a more appropriate rate for this type of product. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, sir. Representative Delnicki.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you through you to the proponent of the bill and the so succint explanation. So lines number 27 through 34 delineate some of the ways the payoffs and loans, etcetera, can be consummated. So, through you, Mr. Speaker, could the proponent give a quick explanation of that?
Representative Doucette.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. So these changes here came out of our discussions with CHFA. They felt that this would give them more flexibility in making these loans. And as I alluded to earlier, in participating, really, with the lenders in these projects. So basically, it expands the utilization of the funds that were authorized in the bond bill last year for this program specifically. Originally, like I said, we were looking at maybe CHFA doing a second loan, in these projects. In having those discussions and looking at what other states are doing, it's being more styled as a participation, as a grant, as a subsidy, if you will, as part of the loan package to incentivize the building of these projects. So, again, it gives CHFA more flexibility, if they wanted to provide a direct grant to the builder as part of the project cost that they would clearly have the ability to do that. And, also, this is modeled off a pilot program I know that our department of housing has already rolled out. They do something similar in terms of a direct subsidy or a grant to the builder, and have seen some success with this. So we're modeling off of that and, again, the way that other states have set their similar programs up. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, sir. Representative Delnicki.
One maybe two more questions. Through you.
Does this bill increase any bonding of state money, or does it rely upon what we had put into the bill last year? Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Doucette.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, a good question. No. It does not increase. There is a $10,000,000 authorization that was included in last year's bond bill. But these changes again would better facilitate the use of those funds to you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Delnicki.
And lastly, what is a grant in aid? Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Doucette.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, it will be a direct grant, as I said earlier, a subsidy directly to the builder to incentivize the building of those new housing units as part of this program. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Delnicki.
Good bill ought to pass. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the proponent.
Representative Hoxha of the 78? Sir, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a couple quick questions through you, if I may, to the proponent of the bill. CHFA, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, do they have something similar to this currently? Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Doucette.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. Good question. So originally, the good representative may remember when we talked about this last year in the banking committee, we called it the Homes for CT program because, in a way, it was modeled after the Build for CT program, which is currently administered by CHFA, which has had tremendous success. The big difference between this program and the build for CT program, the build for CT program is for larger multifamily, whereas this is for owner-occupied, either single-family housing. I think we will see once the program gets developed that it'll be for smaller units. I think, potentially, it will work better for things like condo or townhome-type units, that have a little bit of a lower price point to fit into this program. So, yes. CHFA has many programs. But this one in particular was initially sort of modeled after the build for CT program. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Hoxha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you. So, if I'm understanding this correctly, this new program, should this bill pass, would be for first time homebuyers slash builders for a single family dwelling and no more than that? Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Doucette.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. That's correct. So the program -- and this part of it is not changing. It's for developers and builders to get, hopefully, a lower-cost loan to construct new housing. And then eventually, the end user of that housing would most likely be a first-time home buyer, under CHFA's existing home buyer programs. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, sir. Representative Hoxha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And just a couple more quick, almost rapid-fire questions here. So, somebody that has already lived in a home that they've bought with their first mortgage would not qualify for this program if they were intending to use it to build a second home to then live in and move out of their original first home. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Doucette.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. So the end buyers of these homes would be CHFA buyers. Under the CHFA guidelines, it's primarily first time home buyers. There may be some exceptions to that. I believe under FHA guidelines, there's a period of time where, if you do not own a home, you may be eligible. But I'd have to check that. I believe this is primarily for first time homebuyers, would be the end user buyers of these units. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, sir. Representative Hoxha?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you, one last question. So, from my understanding through this dialogue we've had so far, the way that it would work is that banks, private institutions would partner up with CHFA, and the loan would be still through the private institution, but they would be partnered with CHFA to basically get the loan closed. Or would the applicant, the prospective home buyer or home builder, apply directly to CHFA? Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Doucette?
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah. So it would work the way a lot of CHFA programs now. CHFA sort of administers the project, but the first mortgagee, the primary lender, would be the participating lender. So they would provide a loan to the developer. And then in addition to that, CHFA would come in like they do now with some of their popular consumer loans, either by providing a second mortgage as part of the whole project cost or by doing a grant or a subsidy directly to the developer to incentivize the development of these new housing units and to basically make the deal more attractive both to the builder and to the lender who's underwriting the first mortgage. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, sir. Representative Hoxha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So just to clarify, CHFA would not be directly back in the entire amount of the loan. It would just come in as a partner for maybe half, and that half could be either a loan as well or a grant. And that grant would essentially -- who is the beneficiary of that grant and how? Does it go to the bank, or does it go directly to the developer? I know there's two questions in that, but if the good proponent could answer both parts of that question, I'd appreciate it. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Doucette.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, there'd be some flexibility to it, but primarily, it would be going directly to the developer directly towards the cost of construction. And this would be part of the whole underwriting of the deal. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Hoxha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I believe that's all I have for questions. Sounds like a good bill to me. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the house? Will the members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll. Members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked. And the clerk will take the tally. Will the clerk please announce the tally?
House Bill 5314: Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 6
The bill passes. (gavel) Will the clerk please call Calendar Number 34?
On Page 6, Calendar 34 substitute for House Bill Number 5163, An Act Establishing a Task Force to Study Methods and Programs for Improving Affordability for Children, Families, and Young Professionals. Favorable report on committee on children.
Representative Paris of the 145th. You have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate you giving me the floor. It's good to see you, sir. Mr. Speaker, I move for acceptance for the joint committee's favorable report and passage of this bill.
Question for the chamber's acceptance of the joint committee's favorable report and passage of the bill. Representative Paris, you have the floor again.
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the clerk has an amendment LCO 3872. I would ask that the clerk to please call the amendment, and I'd be granted leave of the chamber to summarize.
Will the clerk please call LCO 3872?
House Amendment Schedule A, LCO Number 3872, offered by Representative Paris.
The Representative seeks leave of the chamber to summarize the amendment. Is there an objection to summarization? Is there an objection to? Hearing none, representative Paris, you may proceed with summarization.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In this amendment, sir, we are just striking the house leadership, for both the appropriations and children's committees, as the main chairs for this task force, and therefore, as we seek to be inclusive of all of our leaders from these two committees, adding our senate members onto the committee for this task force. It's a very simple amendment, as this bill seeks to just establish a task force to research poverty in Connecticut to better inform policy regarding methods that the legislature could use to adequately address it. This bill passed unanimously through committee, sir, and I move adoption.
Question for the chambers. Adoption of House Amendment Scheduled A LCO 3872. Will you remark further on this amendment? Will you work further on this amendment? If not, is there an objection to a voice vote? Hearing none, I will try your minds. All those in favor, please signify by saying, aye.
All those opposed? Nay. No. The ayes have it. An amendment is adopted. (gavel) Representative Paris.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year, we brought this bill before this body, and it passed on a bipartisan level. This bill seeks to find more ways to address poverty in our great state to better inform policy regarding methods that the legislature could use to adequately address that issue. In this task force, subject matter experts designated by the commissioners of the Department of Social Services, the Department of Children and Families, developmental services, public health, and education, along with the designee from the office of early childhood, which study how inflation and regional costs increases and the impact for the cost of living here in our state. With this data through the task force, Mr. Speaker, we would construct a tracking method to document all improvements in economic signifiers such as income, job retention, and homeownership. The task force's preliminary report would serve as a purpose of providing accuracy and efficiency for future policy here in our state. We seek to hope that this will address many issues that we see not just in urban cities or in the suburbs, but also in rural areas, part of our state, Mr. Speaker. With that said, sir, excuse me, Mr. Speaker. My apologies. My good ranking member threw me off there. I saw her. She looked and made a face, and I apologize, Representative Dauphinais. Just threw me off. With that said, sir, I urge passage.
Will you remark further? Representative Dauphinais.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Jeez. I didn't know I had that kind of power over the good chairman, so I will say that the bill, I'm hoping, does exactly as it says. It's a task force to study methods, and we will find better efficiencies with poverty and those systems that we're looking at. It was voted on unanimously in committee, and I will be supporting it today. Thank you.
Will you remark further on this bill? Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a few questions to the proponent of the bill, if I may. Mr. Speaker, I know we had this bill in our committee. It was voted out unanimously. But now that I'm looking at it, I just really had a few questions. We had a bill similar to this in our committee last year. Through you, Mr. Speaker, what is different between this particular one, the one we voted out of last year? Would you be able to recap that? Through you.
Representative Paris?
Through you, Mr. Speaker, it would not be a moment on the floor if I did not have the good representative Mastrofrancesco asking me questions. I do appreciate her. The difference between this bill this year, as it stands, and the bill from the previous year is that last year it was a working group. This is an actual task force. We also are not specifically naming the different methods that we hope to look at, specifically. So we're keeping it very broad because we know that many challenges arise, many situations change, which necessarily deem what is appropriate in keeping folks from finding affordability and falling into poverty in our state. And so we want to keep that as open as possible. Through you, sir.
Representative Mastrofancesco.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that answer. Can you tell me last year was a working group, this year is a task force? Through you, Mr. Speaker, what is the difference between a working group and a task force? Through you.
Representative Paris.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you, sir. The difference between a working group and a task force is at the working group technically does not need to be passed on or voted through legislation. We can meet informally, but we wanted to go through that process last year to formalize that working group. This year as a task force, we are asking that our leaders, both Republicans and Democrats, both in the house and the Senate, do provide us with those subject matter experts that we're looking forward to working with us on these issues and addressing this policy. So it's a much more formal body. Thank you. Through you, sir.
Representative Mastrofancesco.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So if I'm understanding correct, this -- whatever the task force suggests will come back through the committee and through the legislative process. Through you.
Representative Paris.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. That is correct as we want to respect process and also the findings that will be found through this task force. That is correct. Through you.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I struggle with this bill a little bit. I know I voted in favor of a committee, and I'm really on the fence right now. I get what we're trying to do, but it's ironic that we have to study methods in pro for improving the affordability. Well, everybody knows Connecticut's not affordable, so I get that, and I certainly appreciate that. And what we are trying to do, I'm assuming by looking at this bill is that the end goal for this committee, for this task force, is to provide more subsidies for people based on what I'm reading here so we can give them more money for cash assistance programs, day care, and things like that. Instead of, I would much rather have seen a task force, and we have so many here. And every year that we pass bills, there's tons of task force and studies that we do. I don't know if they end up go anywhere. Maybe it's a starting point. But I would like to see something that's going to be more job creation for people. I don't necessarily want to do a study that's going to provide more subsidies. I want to try to get people off subsidies. But I certainly understand what the concern is. There was a part in here -- let me just find the line. Through you, Mr. Speaker. If you could just tell me what that means. Give me one minute, Mr. Speaker. Here it is. On lines nine of the bill, it's the systemic barriers that prevent improvements to affordability. Can you just explain to me what that means? Through you.
Representative Paris.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you, systemic barriers, sometimes in a person's life, based on their ZIP code or their geographic location, there are many systemic barriers that are automatically against them because of where they're born. For example, someone born in a rural area part of our state may not have the best health access because we don't have as many hospitals in those parts of the state. Someone born in maybe one of our more congested, condensed urban cities may not have the best opportunities to education because of funding. So we will be studying this on a statewide basis to help understand how we can better alleviate and address many of these issues. And I do understand my good colleagues concerns certainly. And as we're looking for ways to make things more affordable, we have one of the largest -- this wealth disparities in the country. We do have to figure out a way to close that gap. This is a way to address that. And while on the federal level, we have many people basically waving the white flag of surrender on so many important issues that don't just affect Republican families or Democratic families, but all families regardless of where they live. This is an opportunity for us to address that. Through you, sir.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. Thank you for that answer. I appreciate it. Like I said, I think the heading of this is actually perfect. We want to study to make Connecticut more affordable. Well, no kidding. Everybody knows that Connecticut is not affordable. I don't necessarily think a study is going to -- or task force is going to solve that problem. That problem should have been solved years and years ago. It's ironic that we're just coming up with a study now to make it more affordable. I don't necessarily think this is the answer, but I think it's maybe a step in the right direction. You want to look into it, so I certainly appreciate that. I don't have any further questions, Mr. Speaker, but I thank you for the indulgence.
Thank you, ma'am. Anything else, sir?
Will you remark further on this amendment on this bill as amended? Will you remark further on this bill as amendment? If not, will staff and guests please come to the well of the house? Will the members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by role. Members of the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by role. Members of the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked, and the clerk will call the tally. The clerk, please announce the tally.
House Bill 5163, as amended by House A. Total Number Voting 144 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 144 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 7
The amended bill passes. (gavel) Will the clerk please call Calendar Number 147?
Page 19, Calendar 147, substitute for House Bill Number 5125. An Act Concerning Entertainment Event Tickets. Favorable reported general law.
Representative Lemar, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move the Joint Committee’s Favorable Report and passage of the bill.
Question for the chamber's acceptance of the Joint Committee’s Favorable Report and passage of the bill. Representative Lemar, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the clerk is in possession of amendment LCO Number 3875. Ask the clerk please call the amendment, grant to leave the chamber to summarize.
Will the Clerk please call LCO 3875, which will be designated House Amendment Scheduled A.
House Amendment Schedule A, LCO Number 3875, offered by Representative Lemar, Senator Maroney at all.
The representative seeks leave of the chamber to summarize the amendment. Is there an objection to summarization? Is there an objection to hearing none? Representative Lemar, you may proceed with summarization.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's a strike- all amendment that becomes a consumer protection, transparency, and anti-scalping bill. I move adoption, and then I'll discuss more after adoption.
Question before the chambers adoption of House Amendment Scheduled A. Will you remark on the amendments? No. Representative Lemar, you have the floor, sir.
I move adoption.
Will you remark further on the amendment before us? Will you remark further on the amendment before us? If not, is there objection to a voice vote? Hearing none, I will try your minds. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.
All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. (gavel) Will you remark further on the bill as amended? Representative Lemar.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this bill reflects a few years’ worth of work in the general law committee on a bipartisan basis. This bill actually, in many respects, passed comfortably here last year. It makes a series of consumer protection, transparency-related changes to the policy, and provides strong protection, anti-scalping mechanisms for event ticketing marketplace. It tightens the rules on ticket resales, online ticket platforms, pricing transparency, and refunds. It primarily targets speculative ticket sales, deceptive websites, and hidden fees. Mr. Speaker, this is a common sense consumer first bill. It doesn't ban the resale of tickets. It makes the market honest. It ensures transparency, accountability, and fair access to live events. In the past it was called the Taylor Swift bill it might more accurately be called the World Cup tickets bill but in reality what it does it puts fans first not middlemen and it revolves around transparency honesty and ease of access for our entertainment venue-seeking constituents. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage.
Will you remark further on this bill as amended? Representative Rutigliano of the 123rd. Sir, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the good chairman for the description of the bill. I want to assure my caucus members that we let the amendment go because the amendment only made a good bill better. The amendment and the bill is exactly what the general law committee is up to. This is a great consumer protection bill. It is a transparency bill. Once you lock in on a ticket at the beginning of your transaction, it has to stay the same all the way to the end. If there's any fees associated with that, it has to be declared upfront. And the best part about the new sections in section one is we are actually protecting our theaters and our venues. With that, I just need a couple of clarifying questions to the good chairman and for legislative intent. So through you, Mr. Speaker, the beginning of the amendment, the beginning of section one talks about concrete possession. And I was hoping the good chairman could explain to everybody what concrete possession refers to. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Lemar.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe the good ranking member is asking about constructive possession. Constructive possession is a mechanism by which you do not have physical possession, but you have a legal right to the item irrespective of the fact that you do not have actual physical possession. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Rutigliano.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. This is a follow-up. So that would be somebody who maybe buys a season ticket to a professional sports team, and the tickets aren't released till a week or so before the event, but they have absolute right to buy those tickets, which gives them the right to resell those tickets. Am I articulating that correctly? Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Lemar.
That is a perfect example of what constructive possession would be. You have a legal right or actual control over the item despite your lack of physical possession. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Rutigliano.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, through you, also another provision in the bill that does protect our venues is the term substantially similar. We have seen out there if you search for a theater, more likely than not, the first two search results are going to be a fake website or a reseller that's not the actual theater. And what happens is those people sell you a ticket for substantially more than what the venue's selling it for, and those tickets are still available from the venue. And also, they don't even own those tickets yet. They wait for you to buy them at a higher price, then they go buy them at a lower price. So this bill has language that says substantially similar, meaning the website. I was hoping the good chairman could just, for the record, clarify exactly what we're referring to and who could have substantially similar name on their website. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Lemar.
Thank you very much. This is an issue that we work very closely with a lot of our small, independent venues and theaters across the state to really crack down. They're seeing an exploitative marketplace where the good ranking member's articulation of the problem is exactly accurate. We're saying that ticket websites cannot use misleading domain names like venue names, event names, performance names unless they are official, authorized, or have written permission. So you cannot pretend that you are the Bushnell in your domain name unless you are the Bushnell. And so this matters because there's the really scam based websites, like say you have hartfordconcerttickets.com. It's not actually official. It's not affiliated with Hartford in any way. It doesn't represent any of the venues in Hartford, and they will be doing exactly what the good individual mentioned. They'll be selling tickets that the Bushnell may have on sale tonight that's still in the Bushnell's possession, but they'll do it for three times the price. And they're just hoping that you quickly snap through on the website, you bought those tickets, and then they will turn around and buy them from the Bushnell for one third, one quarter of the price. So we really got to crackdown on this activity. These fake resale platforms, they are posing as these venues. So if you're using a fake name like that, this cracks down and says you need to have official authorized written permission from the venue to sell tickets, sir. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Rutigliano.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm glad the good chairman, we got to spend a little time just talking about how good this bill is. And this bill brings transparency and fairness into the ticket marketplace and the ticket resell marketplace. This is a good bill. It's the best of the General Law Committee. We've worked on it for a couple of sessions now. I urge my colleagues to not only adopt it, but feel free to cosign it. It's a good bill. Bill you could be proud of. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill as amended? If not, staff and guests please come to the well of the House. Will the members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Will the members please check the board to determine if your vote is properly cast? If all members have voted, the machine will be locked, and the Clerk will take a tally. The Clerk will please announce the tally.
House Bill 5125 as amended by House A: Total Number Voting 145 Necessary for Passage 73 Those voting Yea 145 Those voting Nay 0 Those absent and not voting 6
The bill as amended passes. [gavel] Will the Clerk please call Calendar No. 268?
Page 33, Calendar 268, substitute for House Bill No. 5333, an act concerning the regulation of striped bass fishing in the. Favorable report of Environment.
Representative Parker of the 101, you have the floor, sir.
Mr. Speaker, good afternoon. I move for acceptance of the Joint Committee's favorable report and passage of the bill.
The question before the chamber is acceptance of the Joint Committee's favorable report and passage of the bill. Representative Parker, you have the floor.
Mr. Speaker, the Clerk has an amendment LCO 3870. I'd ask the Clerk to please call the amendment, then I'd be granted leave of the chamber to summarize.
Will the Clerk please call LCO 3870, which will be designated House Amendment Schedule A.
House Amendment Schedule A, LCO No. 3870, offered by Representative Parker, Representative Callahan, Senator Lopez.
The representative seeks leave of the chamber to summarize the amendment. Is there an objection to summarization? Is there an objection? Hearing none, representative Parker, you may proceed with the summarization.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank our ranking member on the Environment Committee for partnership on this amendment and all the work that we're doing throughout the session, and in this bill specifically. So we've got a few bills here that moved unanimously through the Environment Committee. There's no fiscal note on this bill. These are fishing wildlife bills that are important to a number of our members, and I move adoption.
The question before the chamber's adoption of House Amendment Schedule A, will you remark further on the amendment? Representative Callahan from the 108, you have the floor, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate it. As a good chair of the Environment Committee mentioned, we worked jointly on this. I do consider it a friendly amendment, and we can move forward after that is passed. Thank you.
Will you remark further on the amendment before us? If not, is there an objection to a voice vote? Hearing none, I will try your minds. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.
All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it, and amendment is adopted. [gavel] Will you remark further on this bill as amended? Representative Callahan, you have the floor.
Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. As the good chair of the committee mentioned, we do have a problem in the state with poaching for striped bass. This bill attempts to deal with that and it attempts to deal with the striped bass population, also to protect wildlife and federal funding coming in for wildlife and also addresses fish passages on the Farmington River. And I consider it a good bill and ought to pass.
Will you remark further on this bill? Will you remark further on this bill as amended? If not, will staff -- She keeps sneaking in. Representative Mastrofrancesco, you again have the floor, ma'am.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My apologies, but you weren't looking this way, and I thought you were going to call the vote. I just had a quick question to the proponent of the bill. Through you, Mr. Speaker, can you tell me does this bill amendment have a combination of other bills that passed within that committee? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.
Thank you. So I guess a mini aircraft carrier, we say. Could you please give me the bill numbers from the committee that this bill addresses? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, absolutely. The bill numbers are 5520, 5333, and 5330. Through you.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And just quick question on the fines for fishing. If I'm understanding this correctly, we're not allowing bass fishing. It has to be catch and release on this bill. Is that correct? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you so much for the question, Representative. This is during a specific period commencing December 1st of each year and ending March 31st of the following year. Striped bass fishing is catch and release, just for that smaller period of the year. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. And through you, Mr. Speaker, if you violate that during that time, that is when the fine comes in? If I'm looking at it correctly, the first fine is a $100, second offense is maybe, is it $350? And the third offense is $500 if you are fishing within that time frame. Is that correct? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, I thank you for the question. I'm an avid fisherman. I love talking about this stuff, so I'll try not to go too deep here. Catch-and-release means you can be fishing for striped bass, but there's specific language around returning that fish back into the ocean. So you can be fishing during that time period. You can't take any fish during those months. The penalties also refer to if you increase and poach fish, which is the issue as Representative Callahan, the good ranking member mentioned, if folks are taking too many fish regardless of the time during the year, those fines then come into place. There's a current fine in there for $75 on the sound, $154 inland. We're regulating those, increasing a little bit to try to get ahead of this poaching issue. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. And through you, you have first offense, second, and third offense on there. Is there been a problem, a pattern of people fishing within that time frame? Is it the reason for this bill? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. The issue with the time frame and this is from feedback from Sportsmen. We've had a lot of great conversations. I think a lot of the advocates that have worked on this issue. In that time period, the population is under strain. It's winter months, so it's colder, they're lethargic, the fish aren't as resilient, and there's also been actually issues of poaching during that time period. So the idea here is to limit to just catch and release, helps the EnCon officers working on this and helps our overall conservation efforts to really protect this important species that has a great value to our state through all sorts of fishing and water activities. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. And through you, Mr. Speaker, are there fines currently in place for any fishing at all when it comes to that? Through you.
Before the speaker speaks, can you quiet down a little bit, please? [gavel] Thank you. Representative.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there are $75 in one water area, $154 in another water area. So this bill is leveling the playing field on that and then creating the opportunity for escalation to really try to get at the issue of poaching that's going on. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. Thank you for that answer. You said there was $75, can you tell me have we collected any fines on that? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know the specific answer to that question. Through you.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
I'm sorry. Mr. Speaker, can you please repeat that? I couldn't hear him.
He said that he doesn't know that.
Okay. Thank you. So do we know of any fines that were collected for fishing? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, I don't have a specific data in front of me, but I can answer I think the question behind it, which is there's a perception that the fine is so low that it's not actually keeping people from doing this illegal behavior, poaching. The concern is if you make a fine that's too high, then that won't actually get enforced. So trying to get to that sweet spot with a $150 and then the escalation. So, again, I don't have the data in front of me. I'd be happy to follow-up with that. I'm sure the folks at DEEP and EnCon can get us the detailed answers on that. But this is trying to make this more effective of a mechanism for enforcement. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. Well, we don't know if we've collected any fines for violating any of those laws. So we don't really know the answer to that. We don't know if that's a good bar or low bar or high bar because we don't know the answer if any fines have been collected. But I'm curious, through you, Mr. Speaker, if somebody doesn't pay their fine, what happens after that third offense? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, the third in any such sub -- I'm looking from line 9. The third in any such subsequent offense by mail or plead not guilty in accordance with the provisions of Section 51-164n, and provided for an infraction -- oh, sorry, that's the next section. So, yeah, it's not just at the third, it would stay at that level for any further infractions. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. So I'm looking on line 9 as you referred to. You plead not guilty in accordance with the provisions of Sections 51- 164. I guess, I'm just trying to find out. Do you go to jail? If you don't pay your fine there, you plead guilty to an infraction, and then what happens? You plead guilty. Is it a misdemeanor? Do you go to jail? Through you, Mr. Speaker, I'm just trying to figure that out.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, the infraction is not a criminal charge. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. So if you don't pay it, do they add interest to it or you just don't pay it and it's just a misdemeanor and you can just, "Eh, I'm not paying it. I'm going to do it three times. It's only an infraction, misdemeanor." Is there any interest or any penalties at all to collect that money for the fine? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, I don't think the bill articulates any interest on the fines. Through you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Mastrofrancesco.
Thank you. I just had concerns when it comes to fines. You know, you got first offense, second offense, third offense. I mean, you're talking three strikes you're out on fishing. It's fishing. So I have concerns about that. I don't have any further questions, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for answering my questions.
Thank you, ma'am. Representative Nuccio of the 53rd.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a couple of questions for the proponent of the bill, sir. Thank you. I was just wondering you mentioned you're an avid fisherman. I'm married to one, and I feel like if I don't ask this question, I might go home and face papers or something like that. Can you please delineate and tell me, is this going to affect large or smallmouth bass? Or if it is just striper, if you could kind of delineate between the three because I need to make sure I've got my bases covered, sir? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, love the question. No, just striped bass, not largemouth or smallmouth. Through you.
Representative Nuccio.
Okay. So currently then with this, it would not affect if, you know, ice fishing. It would not affect if, you know, as my husband likes to say it, you know, God has granted the right for the ice to clear and him to go fishing in the second week of March. And I can never dispute that because the ice is clear and God has granted him the right to go fishing. The State of Connecticut has not taken that away. Correct, sir? Through you.
Representative Parker.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, I think I got to hang out with your husband, and yes, correct, this shouldn't affect that. Through you.
Representative Nuccio.
Thank you. He's always looking for a fishing partner. So, you know, okay. I just wanted to be sure that that's what this is, mainly the striped bass, which are kind of more coastal waters. They're not our inland or it's not ice fishing. It's not a regular large and smallmouth. And it's just the areas where we're seeing abusive of the striper bass and making sure we're conserving that population. Thank you very much.
Anything else, sir? Will you remark further on this bill as amended? Nobody. If not, will guests and staff, please come to the well of the House. Will the members please take your seats? The machine will be open.
The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber. The House of Representatives is voting by roll, members to the chamber.
Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted? Please check the board to make sure your vote has been properly cast. If all the members have voted, the machine will be locked. Will the Clerk please take and announce tally?
House Bill 5333 as amended by House A: Total Number Voting 143 Necessary for Passage 72 Those voting Yea 133 Those voting Nay 10 Those absent and not voting 8
The bill passes as amended. [gavel] Mr. Majority Leader, I think it's 11:00 o'clock tomorrow. 11:00 o'clock tomorrow? Yes. Okay. 11:00 o'clock tomorrow. Okay. Announcement or introduction? Representative Yaccarino.
Good evening, Mr. Speaker.
Good evening.
Members who missed votes as noted. Thank you, and have a good evening.
Thank you very much. Duly noted. Good to see you, Representative McGee.
The Clerk is in possession of list of members who missed votes and reasons for doing so. Thank you.
Thank you, Representative. Duly noted. With that, I think we're done with our business. Again, 11:00 o'clock promptly tomorrow. We expect to be out at a relatively decent hour tomorrow as well because we have the spring fling. With that, Mr. Majority Leader.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We killed it today, and that's why we're leaving early. And with that, I move we adjourn subject to the call of the Chair.
Without objection, so ordered. [gavel] Everybody drive safe. We'll see you tomorrow. (On motion of Representative Rojas of the 9th District, the House adjourned at 5:03 o’clock p.m., to meet again at the Call of the Chair) CERTIFICATE I hereby certify that the preceding 294 pages is a complete and accurate transcription of a digital sound recording of the House Proceedings on Wednesday April 8, 2026. I further certify that this digital sound recording was transcribed by the word processing department employees of Datagain, under my direction. Kanchan Mutreja Datagain 1 Creekside Court Secaucus, NJ 07094