The Connecticut General Assembly adjourned on May 4, without setting a date to reconvene. It was one of the shortest legislative sessions in recent history. As has been the case in recent years, the session kicked off with a deluge of bills being...
The Connecticut lawmaking process
How does a bill become a law in Connecticut? It’s a bit like the process explained in Schoolhouse Rock’s “I’m Just a Bill,” but with some important differences. In this post, I’ll provide a somewhat simplified outline of how a bill becomes a law in a “short session,”...
Conn.: Legislative update: State budget in short session, 2022 state elections loom
This year has been characterized as the year when life could—hopefully—begin to assume some semblance of normalcy. However, for several reasons, 2022 is shaping up to be anything but a normal year in Connecticut state politics. A short session, federal funding...
Conn.: New punitive damages safeguard: Are you protected?
In July, Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 21-119—which went into effect in Oct. 1, 2021, and protects Connecticut businesses in all industries from punitive damages if there is a cyber-breach that leads to the unauthorized access of personal or restricted...
Connecticut Republicans have a banner Election Day
The results are in from the municipal elections on Nov. 2—and the GOP held or flipped several key municipal seats, including the following: Danbury: Dean Esposito (R) defeated Roberto Alves (D) in a mayor’s race that was incredibly important to the GOP—the seat had...
Conn.: State Legislature extends Lamont’s emergency powers, sports betting begins and health insurance rates are increased
Special session to extend Gov. Lamont’s emergency powers. The Connecticut General Assembly met over the course of two days in late September for a special session to approve an extension of Gov. Ned Lamont’s emergency powers. The extension—which was approved by...
Connecticut’s sexual harassment prevention requirements
Every employer in Connecticut is required to take several steps to reduce workplace sexual harassment. However, employers with fewer than three employees are not required to comply with the full legislation. Requirements Employers with three or more employees are...
Conn.: Six candidates step forward for secretary of the state position
Early this summer, Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced that she would not be running for reelection in 2022. The announcement set off a flurry of speculation about who would throw their hat into the ring to potentially succeed her. Now, as...
As the summer winds down, Connecticut prepares for cannabis sales and upcoming elections
Typically, August is a sleepy month in the Northeast. Many people are taking vacations or time off, hitting the golf course, and—generally—taking advantage of the weather as summer winds down. Seemingly, this year is no different, especially since the roll-out of...
Conn.: At the finish line of its legislative session, the state Legislature in negotiation
The Connecticut Legislature is down to the finish line for its 2021 legislative session, and PIACT is watching H.B.6391, which would make a number of changes to the Insurance Data Security Law, including redefining nonpublic information under the law, and...