Connecticut

Housing, education, paid sick days, police and more: Bills that passed in CT’s 2024 legislative session

Published

2 years ago

May 12, 2024

Housing, education, paid sick days, police and more: Bills that passed in CT’s 2024 legislative session

Hundreds of bills came before Connecticut lawmakers in the 2024 session on dozens of subjects from the state insect to solving the state’s housing crisis but only a few will become law. Though many bills were put on the calendar for a vote, a lack of political will or time, as legislators worked down to the last few minutes before the mandatory session ended at midnight Wednesday, limited what was approved. Here is a look at what passed.

Budget Stabilization and Bonding

In lieu of opening up the state budget for revision, lawmakers approved a $360 million spending package that doles out millions of unspent federal pandemic aid to fund higher education, children’s mental health, municipalities and nonprofits, among others.

The legislature also authorized nearly $2.5 billion in bonding for capital projects next year. The package includes up to $625 million in bonding through 2031 for the UConn 2000 development project, on the condition that the university’s philanthropic commitments total at least $100 million over the next eight years.

Paid sick days, strikes

All employees will soon be entitled to paid sick days under House Bill 5005.

The legislation paves the way for a three-year phase-in of Connecticut’s sick leave requirements for companies with fewer than 50 employees. Under the bill, employees will accrue one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employees become eligible for this time after working for their employer for 120 calendar days. They can use up to a maximum of 40 hours off each year.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the paid sick days expansion “makes Connecticut one of the leaders.”

“You’ve got to work hard in this day and age. Make sure that you keep your workers and make sure they’re able to stay. I don’t want people showing up to work sick. We got that done, and hats off there,” Lamont said.

The governor was not so keen on another labor win, the creation of a state fund to pay striking workers.

Lamont told reporters he would not support House Bill 5431, which would establish a $3 million fund under the direction of the State Comptroller to provide financial assistance to workers who go on strike.

“I support the right to organize, I support defined benefit plans, I support expanded healthcare and I want to make sure that we have a strong labor,” Lamont said. “Does that mean I want the taxpayers subsidizing striking workers? I don’t think I do.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney said Lamont’s opposition to the bill is something that Democratic lawmakers “regret and hope he’ll change his mind on.”

Nurses

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1, an expansive health care bill that strengthens protections for nurses and home health care providers.

The legislation was inspired by the death of Joyce Grayson, a 63-year-old visiting nurse who was found dead in the basement of a halfway house following an at-home visit with a registered sex offender.

“S.B. 1 was really significant,” Looney said. “It provides protection for home health care workers and tries to have a system for building up security so that people who need home care can get it, but that the workers who provide it have greater protection. That’s important.”

The legislature also passed House Bill 5058, which would allow Connecticut to enter into the Nurse Licensure Compact. The move would ensure that nurses can acquire a multistate license to practice in any state that is a party to the compact.

Housing

This session, House Speaker Matt Ritter, a Hartford Democrat, said the legislature made “incremental progress” on housing but accomplished “certainly, not all that people perhaps had hoped for.”

The highlight was House Bill 5474, a proposal that incorporates numerous concepts from the Majority Leaders Affordable Housing Roundtable to encourage affordable housing development.

It requires municipalities to allow developers to convert vacant nursing homes into multifamily housing. Additionally, it allows cities and towns to regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo rentals. The bill also requires landlords to provide a written notice of proposed rent increases to tenants 45 days in advance.

“I think we made some progress on housing,” Lamont said. “We’ve added population over the last few years, that’s a good thing. The one thing that can slow us down and put us at risk (is if) there’s not a place for people to live.”

Lamont said he is a fan of the provisions in H.B. 5474.

“I like the fact that it gives the added incentives for workforce, housing, and affordable housing in downtown areas. I like the fact it gives a little incentive in terms of why you want to do that. I like the fact you get an extra credit if you zone it accordingly and you get some relaxed relief on 8-30g. I think these are all ways that we work with our municipalities and communities to get more housing out there,” Lamont said.

Elder care reform

Ritter said Connecticut lawmakers had “a really good year in terms of focus on elder care and aging in place type legislation.”

House Bill 5001 makes sweeping changes to the state’s elder care system by increasing oversight, streamlining Medicaid access and requiring the state to maintain a virtual registry of home care providers.

Starting July 1, 2026, H.B. 5046 prohibits new nursing home residents from being admitted to a room with more than two beds. The bill also sets penalties for health care institutions who fail to comply with corrective action plans, among other measures.

Education

After a report from Dalio Education found that one in five youth are at risk of not graduating or already disconnected from education and employment, the legislature will now require the state’s data system to submit annual reports on disconnected youth in Connecticut.

The provision is wrapped into House Bill 5437, a large education package that also takes steps to address school climate and place restrictions on the number of days schools can place students on in or out of school suspensions, among other measures.

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford said the data collection component was “definitely a big highlight” for Republicans.

“For us what was important is a lot of the educational reform bills, for ECS (Education Cost Sharing), for creating a more fair funding stream for our communities, but also starting the pathway of data collection and to begin trying to engage getting our youth reconnected to the classroom,” Candelora said.

Lawmakers also passed Senate Bill 327, a proposal that will establish a task force to study the effects of hate speech and bullying on children’s mental wellbeing, physical health and academic achievement.

House Bill 5436 simplifies the certification process for teachers in the state, among other wide-ranging changes.

Charlene Russell-Tucker, the commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education, said the certification regulations were last updated in 1998.

“We are extremely pleased with the passage of H.B. 5436 and believe this is a giant step in the right direction for modernizing our certification laws, breaking down barriers, and recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce,” Russell-Tucker said in a statement Thursday.

Russell-Tucker said the creation of the Connecticut Educator Preparation and Certification Board “will bring the expertise of skilled and veteran educators, together with the State Board of Education, to continuously develop standards and proposals resulting in long-term, meaningful change.”

‘Line of duty’ deaths

This session, state lawmakers passed legislation to expand the definition of a “line of duty” death and extend more benefits to the families of fallen officers.

House Bill 5279 grants police, fire and emergency medical service chiefs the authority to declare that that an officer, firefighter or EMS personnel died in the line of duty “if the death was caused by a cardiac event, stroke, or pulmonary embolism within 24 hours after … a shift or training.” For some surviving families, the broadened definition will unlock access to cash benefits, tuition waivers, health insurance and pension benefits.

Senate Bill 341 codifies a “Fallen Officer Fund” under the office of the state comptroller to provide “a lump sum death benefit totaling $100,000 to a surviving family member or beneficiary of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty or sustained injuries that were the direct and proximate cause of the officer’s death.”

It also allows family members to maintain coverage under the late officer’s health insurance policy for up to five years after the officer’s death.

Candelora said the legislation was an important initiative for the Republican caucus, which pushed for the creation of the fund last year.

“The Fallen Officer’s Fund … now will extend health care benefits to families where an officer is killed on duty,” Candelora said. “I was pleased to see that go through with the comptroller also pushing that agenda and working to keep that bill moving.”

Most of the 2,000 bills CT lawmakers proposed in 2024 failed. Here are the highlights

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Connecticut

6 Best Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Trip

Published

4 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

6 Best Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Trip

Known for its captivating coastlines along the breathtaking Long Island Sound, Connecticut has spectacular destinations for unforgettable weekend adventures. Prepare for a dreamy getaway where history, beauty, and culture converge through mesmerizing medieval-style mansions such as the one at Gillette Castle State Park. You can also explore the rich maritime history of Mystic through the Mystic Seaport Museum or experience cascading waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park. So, read on to discover even more about the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.

Mystic

Mystic, Connecticut.

From exquisite galleries to eye-catching coastal pathways and endless opportunities for shopping and dining, Mystic is very diverse. Start by diving into America’s seafaring history at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Here, you will find treasures, including four National Historic Landmark vessels and over 500 historic watercraft. Next, meet intriguing creatures at the Mystic Aquarium. This non-profit organization is home to thousands of animals, covering marine mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and fish.

If you are more of a creative, see rotating exhibitions created by notable regional artists at the Mystic Museum of Art, a place for culture, community, and creativity. Next, find out what unique gifts and souvenirs are available in Olde Mistick Village. This open-air shopping village features a wide range of stores, with over 40 shops and eateries to explore in a beautiful, colonial-style, pet-friendly environment. When you are ready to rest, stay right outside the village at the Holiday Inn Express Mystic. Enjoy on-site amenities like a fitness center, pool, free breakfast, and complimentary coffee in a convenient central location.

Litchfield

Plan a peaceful, picture-perfect escape surrounded by nature and 18th-century architecture in Litchfield, one of the best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip. Soak in the scenery of Mount Tom State Park as you climb 1,325 feet to the summit, or simply sit back and relax by the pond. Nature lovers can explore the eye-catching trails of the White Memorial Conservation Center. This wonderful nature preserve has a historic regional museum and a 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary.

Downtown Litchfield, Connecticut. Image credit: Joe Mabel via Flickr.com.

After getting your steps in, treat yourself to a dreamy trip to the winery. Taste quality varietals underneath stunning skies or in a rustic tasting room at Sunset Meadow Vineyards, only a few minutes’ drive from The Litchfield Inn. This lovely boutique hotel offers complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and lush, rolling hills.

Niantic

Find your own piece of Northeast paradise in Niantic, one of Connecticut’s most beautiful small towns. Wander along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, a 1.1-mile path stretching from Cini Park to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach along Long Island Sound. Go swimming off the sandy shores in the summer, accessible by a short tunnel underneath the railroad tracks. Once you have soaked up the sun, see what treasures you can find in The Book Barn. This Main Street haven features over 350,000 books, along with exciting games, vibrant gardens, and adorable farm animals. After a day of exploring, head to The Niantic Inn. This cozy hotel, located a few minutes east, is known for its excellent location near the shore, shops, and restaurants.

Madison

Book a dreamy getaway to Madison, your typical New England beach town. From picturesque coastlines to pedestrian-friendly pathways with quaint cafes, award-winning bookstores, and charming boutiques, this is one of Connecticut’s best getaway towns. Experience the beauty of Hammonasset Beach State Park, the state’s longest shoreline park. The site includes two miles of sandy beaches along with a peaceful nature preserve. Home to the Meigs Point Nature Center, you can find over 50 species of local wildlife, educational displays, and unbeatable views. After an afternoon of adventures, spend a relaxing evening in Madison Cinemas. This independently owned cinema presents films in 7.1 Surround Sound for a highly immersive experience. Regarding accommodations, Scranton Seahorse Inn is only a two-minute walk away. Stay in a cozy room in the heart of town, where history and renovated comforts combine in a 1833 Greek revival home.

East Haddam

Approximately 45 minutes from Madison, you will find East Haddam, one of the state’s most remarkable yet under-the-radar small towns. Start your weekend at Gillette Castle State Park. Explore the modern medieval stone castle with spectacular views from 200 feet above the Connecticut River. To further immerse yourself in nature, head to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. From cascading waterfalls to wonderful bird-watching and trout fishing opportunities, the park is full of gems. Make sure you visit the Eightmile River, a National Scenic and Wild River designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Capture photos of Chapman Falls, dropping more than 60 feet over the Scotland Schist stone formation. City lovers wanting to explore Main Street should head to the Victorian-era Goodspeed Opera House. Watch a mesmerizing musical from April through December in this architectural wonder. Finally, end the night with a historic stay mixed with modern amenities in The Boardman House Inn. Located right up the street, this luxe bed and breakfast was constructed with Second Empire architecture in 1860, immersing you in a journey back in time.

Kent

Unlock the perfect combination of history and nature in Kent, an extraordinary spot in the Litchfield Hills. Famous for its fall foliage, Appalachian hiking trails, and quaint Main Street shops, this New England town offers plenty to do. Begin your adventure in Kent Falls State Park. There, you will see a striking series of waterfalls dropping into the Housatonic River. From there, wander across the Bulls Bridge. Constructed in 1842, this historic treasure is one of the few functional covered bridges remaining in the state. The Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum is another site you must not miss. Its 8-acre museum space boasts unique machinery depicting the area’s rich industrial and agricultural history. If you are looking for distinct accommodations that will truly connect you with the heart of Kent, stay at the Spirit Horse Farm. The charming small family farm offers comfortable lodging in a historic setting that will make for a truly unforgettable escape.

Plan Your Weekend Escape In Connecticut

If you would like to see plenty of diverse attractions in a short period of time, Connecticut is the perfect place to explore. Discover a dreamy mix of natural beauty, maritime history, art, and New England-style architecture in this coastal haven. From the gorgeous galleries and notable museums of Mystic, to the expansive boardwalks of Niantic, and the striking Appalachian trails and outdoor museums of Kent, these are the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.

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Connecticut

The Houston Comets are back as the Sun sets on the WNBA’s time in Connecticut, where fans face unfortunate reality

Published

16 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

The Houston Comets are back as the Sun sets on the WNBA’s time in Connecticut, where fans face unfortunate reality

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Houston Comets’ four WNBA championship banners and the jerseys of their icons have a rightful home again. If only it didn’t come at the expense of another.

The news of the Connecticut Sun selling to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and relocating to the Lone Star state as the Comets is a zero-sum game, transporting heartache elsewhere.

Sure, it’s a long-awaited victory for Houston and its fans, who were many and only grew in number as vintage became trendy. This city deserved the return of a team ripped from its clutches at the start of the Great Recession, and despite decent attendance throughout its success.

Yet, the basketball-crazed state of Connecticut will now feel that same void. It’s hard to overlook that the final report of the sale dropped while 12-time national champion UConn actively extended its winning streak to 53 with a victory in the Sweet 16 here in Fort Worth, Texas. Four hours from Houston.

Hey, the move screamed, look over there instead. The epitome of a Friday night news dump that everyone involved with hoped wouldn’t sting quite so much.

“The people at Mohegan Sun, they stepped up when they were needed and brought a team to Connecticut,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma told ESPN. “…We’re a proven [place] where people would support women’s basketball. Now [with them] moving, I think it leaves a void.”

The Mohegan Sun Tribe entered into the WNBA at a time when the NBA stepped out. It became the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team when it purchased the Orlando Miracle franchise for $5 million in 2003 and brought it to UConn’s backyard to play at their casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The move marked a historic first for the six-year-old league. That previous October, the WNBA’s Board of Governors changed its bylaws so that teams did not have to be located in NBA cities, play in NBA arenas and be owned by the league in conjunction with the NBA. The decision was sparked by declining attendance and falling TV ratings. Teams in Miami and Portland folded that same offseason.

As attendance booms and TV ratings explode nearly 25 years later, the Sun franchise’s sale for a reported $300 million is another screaming example that NBAers want back into the lucrative fold. All three incoming expansion teams that will join the W beginning in 2027 are connected to the NBA. So, too, are the Golden State Valkyries and Toronto Tempo. Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Seattle, Dallas and the incoming Portland Fire, which also took its folded name, are not associated by ownership with NBA teams.

The writing was scribbled on the Mohegan Sun’s yellowed walls long before news became public of a potential sale. Their arena holds 10,000, more than a couple of unfortunate WNBA stragglers, but nowhere close to the 15,000-plus atmosphere for which the league yearns. Though they maintained healthy attendance, the Sun never won a WNBA championship despite a run of success in the early 2010s that was hampered by health.

That player core departed for greener pastures, trading New England summers for sweltering hot desert heat kept at bay by sparkling, state-of-the-art practice facilities. Transportation was always a headache with the closest airport nearly an hour away. Players voiced displeasure at the overall location, desiring a city instead of an arena dropped inside a casino in the countryside.

The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) passed by both the players union and WNBA Board of Governors this week wrote it all in permanent marker. The Sun can’t meet the new facilities, staff and financial standards set forth in it, a key bargaining chip pushed by the players themselves. The jump in salary cap alone, from $1.5M to $7M, is difficult to meet.

The unfortunate reality is the league outgrew the market and what it could offer, even if that contribution was a healthy women’s basketball base fed by the Huskies’ success. A team will be ripped from its home again, leaving behind fans who will hand down this hurt for generations. The women’s game is old enough to be shared that way now.

The Comets are finally back. And the Sun will become a vintage symbol of loss.

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Connecticut

Are You From a Connecticut Family That Eats Toad in the Hole?

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Are You From a Connecticut Family That Eats Toad in the Hole?

Are you from a Connecticut family that grew up eating Toad in the Hole? If so, you probably know it as a quirky breakfast dish — an egg cooked right in a hole cut out of a slice of bread. Just to be clear, no toads were harmed — I simply couldn’t resist using an actual toad photo. But the story behind the name and the dish is a little stranger than you might think.

The original Toad in the Hole comes from England, where it’s a savory meal of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. No eggs, no toast, just sausages popping out of golden, fluffy batter — the name supposedly comes from the way the sausages peek out like toads in a pond.

When English families settled in New England, they brought culinary traditions with them, and over time, the dish evolved. In the U.S., particularly in some Connecticut households, Toad in the Hole became the breakfast version we know today: an egg nestled in bread, sometimes cooked in a skillet or baked. It’s a far cry from the original sausages-and-batter dish, but it kept the playful name and sense of whimsy.

Read More: Connecticut Zookeeper Explains the Secret Lives of Skunks

What’s fun is that the U.S. version is sometimes called “egg in a basket” or “egg in a hole” in other parts of the country, but in many Connecticut homes, it proudly keeps the Toad in the Hole moniker. For families with multi-generational ties to the state, this little breakfast dish is a taste of history, a nod to old English roots, and a perfect reminder of just how weird and wonderful Connecticut’s food traditions can be.

Before researching this, I’d never heard of it, but you’d better believe I’m making one of these this weekend — both the UK and U.S. versions.

Sources: Wikipedia & Food Science Institute

The Top 10 Shoplifted Items from Connecticut Target Stores…

Luxury Meets Privacy: Discover Old Greenwich’s Exclusive Peninsula

28 East Point Lane is a luxury address in Old Greenwich, CT that happens to rest on a peninsula. If you have a metric f— ton of money I have good news, It recently hit the market for $12.5 Million.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods, in Connecticut’s Highest Crime City

Those of us who live in Connecticut know, this place is NOT what the rest of the country thinks it is. We have folks struggling to get by, we have crime, drugs and very dangerous neighborhoods. Recently, I set out to find the most dangerous city in Connecticut and I got a lot more detail than I bargained for. After determining Hartford was the city with the most violent crime, I was able to find the specific places that are the most dangerous within the city. These are the 10 Most Dangerous Places in Hartford according to the Connecticut Bail Bonds Group.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

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