The Connecticut Legislature adjourned the 2024 session on May 8. In even-numbered years, the legislature meets for a shorter session from February to early May. This year, 985 bills and 480 resolutions were filed, and 175 bills were passed.
Here’s what you may have missed:
Labor
Going into the 2024 session, employee leave was a priority for Governor Ned Lamont (D). Two related bills passed the legislature and were ultimately signed.
On May 21, Lamont signed HB 5005 into law. The bill contains several components of the governor’s proposal released at the beginning of the year. It expands coverage under the state’s sick leave program to workers outside of retail and service jobs. It also increases the number of employers who must provide sick leave. While existing law requires employers with more than 50 employees to provide up to 40 hours of sick leave annually, the new bill lowers that threshold to employers with at least 25 employees on January 1, 2025, employers with at least 11 employees on January 1, 2026, and employers with at least one employee beginning January 1, 2027. The bill also expands the definition of family member for the purpose of taking sick leave to care for another individual and imposes requirements on employers related to posting of employee rights and paystub disclosures.
SB 222 was signed by Lamont on May 9. The bill requires employers who are subject to the paid family and medical leave insurance bill to register with the state authority on the issue. It also prohibits employees from receiving paid family and medical leave insurance benefits concurrently with unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits. Finally, this bill expands applicability of the law to sexual assault victims. The provisions of this bill will take effect on October 1, 2024.
Technology
Two major tech bills ultimately died after failing to pass. The first bill, SB 15, would have required disclosure of the full price, including fees, of a transaction involving tickets, food delivery, and lodging among other matters. This bill was introduced by Governor Lamont as one of his priorities. He spoke at a virtual event hosted by the White House on this issue in April 2024. “I like an informed consumer. I want them to know where they get the best value,” Lamont said. “That's how the market works really well. You can shop for value, know what it's going to cost, you know if it's going to meet your needs.” The bill was supported by Attorney General William Tong (D) and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli. After passing the Joint Committee on General Laws by a unanimous vote in early March, SB 15 failed to receive a floor vote. Similar legislation to this “junk fee” bill was introduced in 12 states during the 2024 session. Bills in Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island are still pending consideration by their legislative bodies.
The second bill was SB 2, a comprehensive artificial intelligence regulation measure. The bill was formulated after months of collaboration between legislators and industry specialists and contained provisions related to algorithmic biases and high-risk AI disclosure requirements. This bill, introduced by State Senator James Maroney (D), was designated as a priority for the Senate Democratic caucus at the beginning of session and ultimately passed the chamber on April 24 by a 24-12 party line vote. The bill did not receive consideration in the state house and died upon adjournment. Before adjournment, Lamont voiced concerns over this bill and the potential impact it could have on innovation. Because of SB 2’s failure in the house, Colorado became the first state in the nation to pass comprehensive artificial intelligence guardrails in May 2024. This bill is expected to be raised next session by Maroney.
Healthcare
The legislature also passed bills impacting pharmaceuticals and pharmacists that await signature by Lamont. SB 133 creates a new position of advanced pharmacy technician with additional responsibilities and duties. Advanced pharmacy technicians may verify certain prescription details and administer vaccines, COVID tests, influenza tests, and HIV tests under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. The bill also revises the law related to the individual packaging of prescription drugs. The legislature also sent SB 202 to the governor on May 23. The bill expands the ability of manufacturers and wholesalers to sell hypodermic needles and syringes to healthcare professionals. It also requires a practitioner who dispenses, administers, or prescribes any controlled substance to a patient to make records of medical evaluations associated with their action available to the Department of Consumer Protection. SB 202, if signed, would become effective upon passage.
What’s Next
In November, every seat in the Connecticut Senate and House will be up for election. Interim meetings have yet to be scheduled but may begin this summer. One issue likely to be addressed soon is the car tax. On the last day of session, the senate passed an amendment by a vote of 32-4 to give cities and towns the option of repealing their motor vehicle property taxes. The amendment did not receive a concurrence vote before adjournment.
For questions on any of the actions taken during the 2024 legislative session, please contact Constantine Costidis at cec@stateside.com.