Text of CT HB 7287 (2025)

LCO No. 10178 1 of 693 General Assembly Bill No. 7287 January Session, 2025 LCO No. 10178 Referred to Committee on No Committee Introduced by: REP. RITTER, 1st Dist. SEN. LOONEY, 11th Dist. REP. ROJAS, 9th Dist. SEN. DUFF, 25th Dist. AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THEREFOR, AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO REVENUE AND OTHER ITEMS IMPLEMENTING THE STATE BUDGET. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: Section 1. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 1 from the GENERAL FUND for the annual periods indicated for the 2 purposes described. 3 T1 2025-2026 2026-2027 T2 LEGISLATIVE T3 T4 LEGISLATIVE MANAGEMENT T5 Personal Services 60,694,802 64,296,079 T6 Other Expenses 22,660,836 24,954,131 T7 Equipment 3,295,000 3,295,000 T8 Flag Restoration 65,000 65,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 2 of 693 T9 Minor Capital Improvements 4,000,000 4,000,000 T10 Interim Salary/Caucus Offices 750,556 591,748 T11 Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering 219,000 226,000 T12 Old State House 850,000 900,000 T13 Translators 150,000 150,000 T14 Wall of Fame 10,000 10,000 T15 Interstate Conference Fund 502,701 529,095 T16 New England Board of Higher Education 218,988 226,488 T17 AGENCY TOTAL 93,416,883 99,243,541 T18 T19 AUDITORS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS T20 Personal Services 15,401,961 16,701,328 T21 Other Expenses 451,727 451,727 T22 AGENCY TOTAL 15,853,688 17,153,055 T23 T24 COMMISSION ON WOMEN, CHILDREN, SENIORS, EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY T25 Personal Services 1,127,850 1,227,933 T26 Other Expenses 60,000 60,000 T27 AGENCY TOTAL 1,187,850 1,287,933 T28 T29 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T30 T31 GOVERNOR'S OFFICE T32 Personal Services 3,983,704 3,983,704 T33 Other Expenses 635,401 635,401 T34 National Governors' Association 115,735 121,522 T35 AGENCY TOTAL 4,734,840 4,740,627 T36 T37 SECRETARY OF THE STATE T38 Personal Services 5,011,011 5,402,637 T39 Other Expenses 2,044,562 2,417,936 T40 Commercial Recording Division 5,419,159 5,419,159 T41 Early Voting 3,320,000 1,320,000 T42 Bridgeport Election Monitor 150,000 150,000 T43 AGENCY TOTAL 15,944,732 14,709,732 T44 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 3 of 693 T45 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE T46 Personal Services 865,598 865,598 T47 Other Expenses 46,323 46,323 T48 AGENCY TOTAL 911,921 911,921 T49 T50 ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION T51 Elections Enforcement Commission 4,257,796 4,255,296 T52 T53 OFFICE OF STATE ETHICS T54 Office of State Ethics 2,069,345 2,059,779 T55 T56 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION T57 Freedom of Information Commission 2,283,813 2,283,813 T58 T59 STATE TREASURER T60 Personal Services 3,543,056 3,543,056 T61 Other Expenses 359,854 359,854 T62 AGENCY TOTAL 3,902,910 3,902,910 T63 T64 STATE COMPTROLLER T65 Personal Services 30,478,063 30,478,063 T66 Other Expenses 18,417,000 18,417,000 T67 AGENCY TOTAL 48,895,063 48,895,063 T68 T69 DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SERVICES T70 Personal Services 54,602,016 54,700,984 T71 Other Expenses 4,617,358 4,617,358 T72 AGENCY TOTAL 59,219,374 59,318,342 T73 T74 OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY T75 Other Expenses 25,098 25,098 T76 Child Fatality Review Panel 139,183 139,183 T77 Contracting Standards Board 858,234 859,334 T78 Judicial Review Council 191,511 191,511 T79 Judicial Selection Commission 117,678 117,678 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 4 of 693 T80 Office of the Child Advocate 1,032,892 1,032,892 T81 Office of the Victim Advocate 519,674 519,674 T82 Board of Firearms Permit Examiners 148,193 148,193 T83 Office of the Correction Ombuds 790,799 763,692 T84 Office of the Educational Ombudsperson 180,000 180,000 T85 AGENCY TOTAL 4,003,262 3,977,255 T86 T87 OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT T88 Personal Services 21,379,691 21,379,691 T89 Other Expenses 4,841,422 2,305,422 T90 Automated Budget System and Data Base Link 20,438 20,438 T91 Justice Assistance Grants 865,967 865,967 T92 Tax Relief For Elderly Renters 25,020,226 25,020,226 T93 Private Providers 50,000,000 156,000,000 T94 Reimbursement Property Tax - Disability Exemption 364,713 364,713 T95 Distressed Municipalities 1,500,000 1,500,000 T96 Property Tax Relief Elderly Freeze Program 4,000 4,000 T97 Property Tax Relief for Veterans 2,708,107 2,708,107 T98 Municipal Restructuring 300,000 300,000 T99 AGENCY TOTAL 107,004,564 210,468,564 T100 T101 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS T102 Personal Services 23,565,623 23,687,289 T103 Other Expenses 4,086,113 4,106,113 T104 SSMF Administration 560,345 560,345 T105 Veterans’ Opportunity Pilot 245,047 245,047 T106 Veterans' Rally Point 512,764 512,764 T107 Burial Expenses 6,666 6,666 T108 Headstones 307,834 307,834 T109 AGENCY TOTAL 29,284,392 29,426,058 T110 T111 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T112 Personal Services 100,780,339 100,780,339 T113 Other Expenses 31,251,286 31,251,286 T114 Loss Control Risk Management 88,003 88,003 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 5 of 693 T115 Employees' Review Board 32,611 32,611 T116 Refunds Of Collections 20,381 20,381 T117 Rents and Moving 4,136,035 4,136,035 T118 W. C. Administrator 5,562,120 5,562,120 T119 State Insurance and Risk Mgmt Operations 21,825,088 21,830,588 T120 IT Services 67,732,158 67,732,158 T121 Firefighters Fund 400,000 400,000 T122 Office of the Claims Commissioner 460,499 460,499 T123 State Properties Review Board 337,113 337,113 T124 State Marshal Commission 330,556 365,556 T125 AGENCY TOTAL 232,956,189 232,996,689 T126 T127 ATTORNEY GENERAL T128 Personal Services 40,164,183 40,234,183 T129 Other Expenses 1,054,810 1,054,810 T130 AGENCY TOTAL 41,218,993 41,288,993 T131 T132 DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE T133 Personal Services 57,461,166 58,219,053 T134 Other Expenses 5,102,201 5,102,201 T135 Witness Protection 200,000 200,000 T136 Training And Education 147,398 147,398 T137 Expert Witnesses 135,413 135,413 T138 Medicaid Fraud Control 1,509,942 1,509,942 T139 Criminal Justice Commission 409 409 T140 Cold Case Unit 292,041 292,041 T141 Shooting Taskforce 1,427,286 1,427,286 T142 AGENCY TOTAL 66,275,856 67,033,743 T143 T144 REGULATION AND PROTECTION T145 T146 DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION T147 Personal Services 183,361,731 180,361,731 T148 Other Expenses 34,749,783 34,715,572 T149 Fleet Purchase 7,449,099 7,782,053 T150 Criminal Justice Information System 4,763,320 4,763,320 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 6 of 693 T151 CRISIS 400,000 1,800,000 T152 Law Enforcement Training Partnerships 850,000 2,050,000 T153 Fire Training School - Willimantic 242,176 242,176 T154 Maintenance of County Base Fire Radio Network 19,528 19,528 T155 Maintenance of State-Wide Fire Radio Network 12,997 12,997 T156 Police Association of Connecticut 172,353 172,353 T157 Connecticut State Firefighter's Association 176,625 176,625 T158 Fire Training School - Torrington 172,267 172,267 T159 Fire Training School - New Haven 108,364 108,364 T160 Fire Training School - Derby 50,639 50,639 T161 Fire Training School - Wolcott 171,162 171,162 T162 Fire Training School - Fairfield 127,501 127,501 T163 Fire Training School - Hartford 176,836 176,836 T164 Fire Training School - Middletown 70,970 70,970 T165 Fire Training School - Stamford 75,541 75,541 T166 Volunteer Firefighter Training 140,000 140,000 T167 AGENCY TOTAL 233,290,892 233,189,635 T168 T169 MILITARY DEPARTMENT T170 Personal Services 3,305,492 3,305,492 T171 Other Expenses 2,144,823 2,144,823 T172 Honor Guards 561,600 561,600 T173 Veteran's Service Bonuses 61,800 379,500 T174 JEEP Program 169,600 338,600 T175 Governor's Guards 330,000 330,000 T176 AGENCY TOTAL 6,573,315 7,060,015 T177 T178 DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION T179 Personal Services 16,096,179 16,807,275 T180 Other Expenses 719,940 757,940 T181 AGENCY TOTAL 16,816,119 17,565,215 T182 T183 LABOR DEPARTMENT T184 Personal Services 17,414,340 17,911,298 T185 Other Expenses 4,808,285 4,693,827 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 7 of 693 T186 CETC Workforce 606,460 606,460 T187 Workforce Investment Act 29,938,610 29,938,610 T188 Job Funnels Projects 712,857 712,857 T189 Connecticut's Youth Employment Program 7,768,488 10,268,488 T190 Jobs First Employment Services 13,173,620 13,173,620 T191 Apprenticeship Program 604,369 604,369 T192 Connecticut Career Resource Network 152,112 152,112 T193 STRIVE 88,779 88,779 T194 Opportunities for Long Term Unemployed 5,121,184 5,121,184 T195 Second Chance Initiative 327,038 327,038 T196 Cradle To Career 100,000 100,000 T197 New Haven Jobs Funnel 750,000 750,000 T198 Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative 4,627,698 4,627,698 T199 Domestic Workers Education and Training Grant Program 400,000 400,000 T200 AGENCY TOTAL 86,593,840 89,476,340 T201 T202 COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES T203 Personal Services 8,543,283 8,768,241 T204 Other Expenses 668,527 398,527 T205 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission 5,977 5,977 T206 AGENCY TOTAL 9,217,787 9,172,745 T207 T208 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT T209 T210 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE T211 Personal Services 4,413,414 4,713,414 T212 Other Expenses 2,373,332 2,373,332 T213 Senior Food Vouchers 518,418 518,418 T214 Dairy Farmer - Agriculture Sustainability 1,000,000 1,000,000 T215 WIC Coupon Program for Fresh Produce 247,938 247,938 T216 AGENCY TOTAL 8,553,102 8,853,102 T217 T218 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION T219 Personal Services 23,865,954 23,865,954 T220 Other Expenses 1,372,261 1,602,261 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 8 of 693 T221 Mosquito and Tick Control 284,240 284,240 T222 State Superfund Site Maintenance 399,577 399,577 T223 Laboratory Fees 122,565 122,565 T224 Dam Maintenance 151,902 151,902 T225 Emergency Spill Response 7,657,024 7,657,024 T226 Solid Waste Management 4,078,312 4,078,312 T227 Underground Storage Tank 1,085,420 T228 Clean Air 4,449,309 4,449,309 T229 Environmental Conservation 4,893,567 4,893,567 T230 Environmental Quality 7,056,504 7,056,504 T231 Fish Hatcheries 3,004,540 3,004,540 T232 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 278,315 278,315 T233 Interstate Environmental Commission 3,333 3,333 T234 New England Interstate Water Pollution Commission 26,554 26,554 T235 Northeast Interstate Forest Fire Compact 3,082 3,082 T236 Connecticut River Valley Flood Control Commission 30,295 30,295 T237 Thames River Valley Flood Control Commission 45,151 45,151 T238 AGENCY TOTAL 57,722,485 59,037,905 T239 T240 DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT T241 Personal Services 9,532,248 9,842,148 T242 Other Expenses 1,611,278 611,278 T243 Spanish-American Merchants Association 442,194 442,194 T244 Office of Military Affairs 181,521 181,521 T245 CCAT-CT Manufacturing Supply Chain 2,585,000 2,585,000 T246 Capital Region Development Authority 10,845,022 10,845,022 T247 Manufacturing Growth Initiative 178,133 178,133 T248 Hartford 2000 20,000 20,000 T249 Office of Workforce Strategy 1,303,046 1,303,046 T250 Black Business Alliance 442,194 442,194 T251 Hartford Economic Development Corporation 442,194 442,194 T252 CONNSTEP 500,000 500,000 T253 Various Grants 18,651,000 20,176,930 T254 MRDA 1,100,000 1,300,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 9 of 693 T255 AdvanceCT 2,000,000 2,000,000 T256 Futures Inc 85,000 85,000 T257 Forge City Works 365,000 300,000 T258 CT Community Empowerment Foundation 100,000 100,000 T259 City Seed 300,000 300,000 T260 AGENCY TOTAL 50,683,830 51,654,660 T261 T262 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING T263 Personal Services 2,649,343 2,649,343 T264 Other Expenses 157,210 157,210 T265 Elderly Rental Registry and Counselors 1,011,170 1,011,170 T266 Homeless Youth 3,235,121 3,235,121 T267 Outreach Services for Norwich 250,000 250,000 T268 Subsidized Assisted Living Demonstration 3,200,000 3,402,000 T269 Congregate Facilities Operation Costs 12,642,659 12,864,700 T270 Elderly Congregate Rent Subsidy 2,172,786 2,172,786 T271 Housing/Homeless Services 101,123,923 114,323,923 T272 Project Longevity - Housing 2,491,355 2,491,355 T273 Housing/Homeless Services - Municipality 692,651 692,651 T274 AGENCY TOTAL 129,626,218 143,250,259 T275 T276 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION T277 Personal Services 7,197,533 7,197,533 T278 Other Expenses 1,081,499 1,081,499 T279 Mosquito and Tick Disease Prevention 857,623 857,623 T280 Wildlife Disease Prevention 133,357 133,357 T281 AGENCY TOTAL 9,270,012 9,270,012 T282 T283 HEALTH T284 T285 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH T286 Personal Services 40,620,559 40,640,559 T287 Other Expenses 8,057,228 8,864,228 T288 Gun Violence Prevention 4,404,299 4,404,299 T289 Lung Cancer Detection and Referrals 479,137 479,137 T290 Pancreatic Cancer Screening 106,996 127,161 T291 Public Health Response 868,858 720,931 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 10 of 693 T292 Community Health Services 2,398,494 2,398,494 T293 Rape Crisis 616,233 616,233 T294 Local and District Departments of Health 6,509,802 8,213,916 T295 School Based Health Clinics 13,540,721 14,400,721 T296 AGENCY TOTAL 77,602,327 80,865,679 T297 T298 OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY T299 Personal Services 3,370,606 3,370,606 T300 Other Expenses 1,170,255 1,170,255 T301 Covered Connecticut Program 500,000 T302 AGENCY TOTAL 5,040,861 4,540,861 T303 T304 OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER T305 Personal Services 9,036,394 9,036,394 T306 Other Expenses 2,479,935 2,479,935 T307 Equipment 24,846 24,846 T308 Medicolegal Investigations 22,150 22,150 T309 AGENCY TOTAL 11,563,325 11,563,325 T310 T311 DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES T312 Personal Services 224,654,418 224,654,418 T313 Other Expenses 20,119,245 21,019,245 T314 Housing Supports and Services 1,400,000 1,400,000 T315 Family Support Grants 3,700,840 3,700,840 T316 Clinical Services 2,337,724 2,337,724 T317 Behavioral Services Program 12,857,593 12,857,593 T318 Supplemental Payments for Medical Services 2,558,132 2,558,132 T319 ID Partnership Initiatives 2,528,138 2,528,138 T320 Emergency Placements 5,980,932 5,980,932 T321 Rent Subsidy Program 5,262,312 5,262,312 T322 Employment Opportunities and Day Services 393,563,096 407,451,072 T323 Community Residential Services 887,265,294 938,815,100 T324 AGENCY TOTAL 1,562,227,724 1,628,565,506 T325 T326 DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES Bill No. LCO No. 10178 11 of 693 T327 Personal Services 259,328,417 257,078,417 T328 Other Expenses 37,421,895 37,617,895 T329 Housing Supports and Services 29,153,945 29,716,445 T330 Managed Service System 74,687,785 77,687,785 T331 Legal Services 764,660 764,660 T332 Connecticut Mental Health Center 9,229,406 9,229,406 T333 Professional Services 23,400,697 23,400,697 T334 Behavioral Health Recovery Services 26,592,864 26,407,864 T335 Nursing Home Screening 652,784 652,784 T336 Young Adult Services 95,902,326 95,902,326 T337 TBI Community Services 9,443,717 9,443,717 T338 Behavioral Health Medications 8,170,754 8,170,754 T339 Medicaid Adult Rehabilitation Option 4,419,683 4,419,683 T340 Discharge and Diversion Services 43,157,991 43,157,991 T341 Home and Community Based Services 25,657,158 26,723,158 T342 Nursing Home Contract 1,152,856 1,152,856 T343 Katie Blair House 17,016 17,016 T344 Forensic Services 11,544,887 11,544,887 T345 Grants for Substance Abuse Services 37,103,118 37,103,118 T346 Grants for Mental Health Services 77,117,159 77,117,159 T347 Employment Opportunities 9,873,631 9,873,631 T348 AGENCY TOTAL 784,792,749 787,182,249 T349 T350 PSYCHIATRIC SECURITY REVIEW BOARD T351 Personal Services 367,270 367,270 T352 Other Expenses 24,943 24,943 T353 AGENCY TOTAL 392,213 392,213 T354 T355 HUMAN SERVICES T356 T357 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES T358 Personal Services 158,758,860 159,660,660 T359 Other Expenses 165,050,000 168,068,200 T360 Genetic Tests in Paternity Actions 81,906 81,906 T361 HUSKY B Program 31,550,000 32,760,000 T362 Substance Use Disorder Waiver Reserve 18,370,000 18,370,000 T363 Medicaid 3,702,380,000 3,950,330,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 12 of 693 T364 Old Age Assistance 54,450,000 56,900,000 T365 Aid To The Blind 623,700 657,800 T366 Aid To The Disabled 53,820,000 56,020,000 T367 Temporary Family Assistance - TANF 69,400,000 75,400,000 T368 Emergency Assistance 1 1 T369 Food Stamp Training Expenses 9,341 9,341 T370 DMHAS-Disproportionate Share 108,935,000 108,935,000 T371 Connecticut Home Care Program 48,450,000 51,180,000 T372 Human Resource Development-Hispanic Programs 1,070,348 1,070,348 T373 Safety Net Services 1,500,145 1,500,145 T374 Refunds Of Collections 89,965 89,965 T375 Services for Persons With Disabilities 309,661 309,661 T376 Nutrition Assistance 3,020,994 6,020,994 T377 State Administered General Assistance 17,480,000 19,000,000 T378 Connecticut Children's Medical Center 13,138,737 13,138,737 T379 Community Services 10,997,162 10,992,162 T380 Human Services Infrastructure Community Action Program 4,274,240 4,274,240 T381 Teen Pregnancy Prevention 1,394,639 1,394,639 T382 Domestic Violence Shelters 8,650,381 8,650,381 T383 Hospital Supplemental Payments 568,300,000 778,300,000 T384 Regional Hospice of Western CT 1,000,000 1,000,000 T385 Teen Pregnancy Prevention - Municipality 98,281 98,281 T386 AGENCY TOTAL 5,043,203,361 5,524,212,461 T387 T388 DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES T389 Personal Services 8,626,272 8,626,272 T390 Other Expenses 2,042,575 2,182,575 T391 Educational Aid for Children - Blind or Visually Impaired 5,036,360 5,036,360 T392 Employment Opportunities – Blind & Disabled 416,974 416,974 T393 Vocational Rehabilitation - Disabled 7,895,382 7,895,382 T394 Supplementary Relief and Services 97,251 97,251 T395 Special Training for the Deaf Blind 264,045 264,045 T396 Connecticut Radio Information Service 70,194 70,194 T397 Independent Living Centers 1,025,528 1,025,528 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 13 of 693 T398 Programs for Senior Citizens 5,036,165 5,036,165 T399 Elderly Nutrition 5,141,074 5,141,074 T400 Communication Advocacy Network 200,000 200,000 T401 AGENCY TOTAL 35,851,820 35,991,820 T402 T403 EDUCATION T404 T405 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION T406 Personal Services 18,326,641 18,557,641 T407 Other Expenses 18,836,963 27,045,963 T408 Development of Mastery Exams Grades 4, 6, and 8 10,571,192 10,571,192 T409 Primary Mental Health 335,288 335,288 T410 Leadership, Education, Athletics in Partnership (LEAP) 312,211 312,211 T411 Adult Education Action 169,534 169,534 T412 Connecticut Writing Project 95,250 95,250 T413 CT Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs 1,000,000 1,000,000 T414 Sheff Settlement 23,714,911 18,721,292 T415 Parent Trust Fund Program 267,193 350,000 T416 Commissioner's Network 9,869,398 9,869,398 T417 Local Charter Schools 957,000 957,000 T418 Bridges to Success 27,000 27,000 T419 Talent Development 2,068,449 2,068,449 T420 School-Based Diversion Initiative 900,000 900,000 T421 EdSight 1,140,690 1,140,690 T422 Sheff Transportation 77,661,541 80,326,212 T423 Curriculum and Standards 4,215,782 4,215,782 T424 Non-Sheff Transportation 14,275,787 14,275,787 T425 Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program 6,000,000 6,000,000 T426 Dual Credit 6,000,000 T427 Local Food for Local Schools Incentive Program 1,500,000 3,430,000 T428 Office of Dyslexia 680,000 680,000 T429 American School For The Deaf 12,357,514 12,357,514 T430 Regional Education Services 262,500 262,500 T431 Family Resource Centers 6,352,710 7,000,000 T432 Charter Schools 142,803,548 144,122,548 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 14 of 693 T433 Child Nutrition State Match 2,354,000 2,354,000 T434 Health Foods Initiative 4,151,463 4,151,463 T435 Rose City Learning 159,000 159,000 T436 Vocational Agriculture 26,295,732 26,295,732 T437 Adult Education 21,694,983 25,953,382 T438 Health and Welfare Services Pupils Private Schools 3,438,415 6,447,702 T439 Education Equalization Grants 2,456,768,109 2,456,935,081 T440 Bilingual Education 3,832,260 3,832,260 T441 Priority School Districts 30,818,778 30,818,778 T442 Interdistrict Cooperation 1,537,500 1,537,500 T443 School Breakfast Program 2,158,900 2,158,900 T444 Excess Cost - Student Based 221,119,782 221,119,782 T445 Open Choice Program 31,472,503 31,472,503 T446 Magnet Schools 322,925,940 344,345,603 T447 After School Program 5,750,695 5,750,695 T448 Extended School Hours 2,919,883 2,919,883 T449 School Accountability 3,412,207 3,412,207 T450 High Dosage Tutoring Grants 5,000,000 T451 Special Education Expansion and Development Grant 30,000,000 30,000,000 T452 High Quality Special Ed Incentives 9,900,000 T453 Learner Engagement and Attendance Program 7,000,000 T454 AGENCY TOTAL 3,525,511,252 3,592,355,722 T455 T456 CONNECTICUT TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND CAREER SYSTEM T457 Personal Services 175,558,658 175,558,658 T458 Other Expenses 31,957,461 31,957,461 T459 AGENCY TOTAL 207,516,119 207,516,119 T460 T461 OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD T462 Personal Services 9,926,912 9,926,912 T463 Other Expenses -514,057 6,285,943 T464 Birth to Three 33,293,626 36,093,626 T465 Evenstart 545,456 545,456 T466 2Gen - TANF 575,685 575,685 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 15 of 693 T467 Nurturing Families Network 12,669,995 14,469,995 T468 OEC Parent Cabinet 152,264 152,264 T469 Capitol Child Development Center 263,000 263,000 T470 Head Start Services 5,833,238 5,833,238 T471 Care4Kids TANF/CCDF 147,957,756 151,227,096 T472 Child Care Quality Enhancements 5,954,530 5,954,530 T473 Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership 1,500,000 1,500,000 T474 Early Care and Education 193,845,725 201,845,725 T475 Smart Start 3,325,000 6,325,000 T476 AGENCY TOTAL 415,329,130 440,998,470 T477 T478 STATE LIBRARY T479 Personal Services 5,419,751 5,419,751 T480 Other Expenses 1,442,223 1,460,515 T481 State-Wide Digital Library 1,709,210 1,709,210 T482 Interlibrary Loan Delivery Service 380,136 380,136 T483 Legal/Legislative Library Materials 674,540 674,540 T484 Library for the Blind 100,000 100,000 T485 Support Cooperating Library Service Units 124,402 124,402 T486 Connecticard Payments 703,638 703,638 T487 AGENCY TOTAL 10,553,900 10,572,192 T488 T489 OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION T490 Personal Services 1,855,031 1,855,031 T491 Other Expenses 2,563,079 3,142,258 T492 Minority Advancement Program 1,674,835 1,674,835 T493 National Service Act 320,151 320,151 T494 Minority Teacher Incentive Program 570,134 570,134 T495 CT Loan Reimbursement 5,000,000 6,000,000 T496 Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Fund 26,288,637 41,288,637 T497 Health Care Adjunct Grant Program 260,000 260,000 T498 AGENCY TOTAL 38,531,867 55,111,046 T499 T500 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT T501 Operating Expenses 265,235,002 250,543,874 T502 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 250,000 250,000 T503 Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy 550,000 550,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 16 of 693 T504 UConn Veterans Program 250,000 250,000 T505 Health Services - Regional Campuses 1,400,000 1,400,000 T506 Puerto Rican Studies Initiative 500,000 500,000 T507 AGENCY TOTAL 268,185,002 253,493,874 T508 T509 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CENTER T510 Operating Expenses 142,875,155 136,673,524 T511 AHEC 429,735 429,735 T512 Neuromodulation Treatment 2,000,000 T513 AGENCY TOTAL 143,304,890 139,103,259 T514 T515 TEACHERS' RETIREMENT BOARD T516 Personal Services 2,291,080 2,291,080 T517 Other Expenses 496,003 482,003 T518 Retirement Contributions - Normal Cost 293,618,465 299,800,000 T519 Retirement Contributions - UAL 1,511,502,535 1,405,300,000 T520 Retirees Health Service Cost 29,507,250 44,356,000 T521 Municipal Retiree Health Insurance Costs 6,630,000 8,840,000 T522 AGENCY TOTAL 1,844,045,333 1,761,069,083 T523 T524 CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES T525 Charter Oak State College 3,934,487 4,041,029 T526 Community Tech College System 234,717,627 241,998,796 T527 Connecticut State University 193,717,659 201,697,946 T528 Board of Regents 503,881 519,512 T529 Developmental Services 10,190,984 10,190,984 T530 Outcomes-Based Funding Incentive 1,374,425 1,374,425 T531 O'Neill Chair 315,000 315,000 T532 Debt Free Community College 34,150,000 34,150,000 T533 Expanded PACT 7,700,000 T534 Disabilities Study 250,000 T535 Various Initiatives 53,000 T536 AGENCY TOTAL 478,957,063 502,237,692 T537 T538 CORRECTIONS T539 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 17 of 693 T540 DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION T541 Personal Services 470,144,513 470,144,513 T542 Other Expenses 86,348,616 89,528,616 T543 Inmate Medical Services 145,629,165 150,129,165 T544 Board of Pardons and Paroles 6,822,490 6,822,490 T545 STRIDE 80,181 80,181 T546 HITEC 620,645 644,174 T547 Aid to Paroled and Discharged Inmates 3,000 3,000 T548 Legal Services To Prisoners 797,000 797,000 T549 Volunteer Services 87,725 87,725 T550 Community Support Services 47,566,468 47,566,468 T551 Reentry Centers 1,500,000 T552 AGENCY TOTAL 758,099,803 767,303,332 T553 T554 DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES T555 Personal Services 303,233,500 303,233,500 T556 Other Expenses 31,137,956 31,137,956 T557 Family Support Services 1,064,233 1,064,233 T558 Differential Response System 9,367,256 9,367,256 T559 Regional Behavioral Health Consultation 1,838,167 1,838,167 T560 Community Care Coordination 8,957,944 8,957,944 T561 Health Assessment and Consultation 1,596,776 1,596,776 T562 Grants for Psychiatric Clinics for Children 17,880,105 17,880,105 T563 Day Treatment Centers for Children 8,219,601 8,219,601 T564 Child Abuse and Neglect Intervention 9,988,016 9,988,016 T565 Community Based Prevention Programs 9,657,655 9,657,655 T566 Family Violence Outreach and Counseling 4,009,230 4,009,230 T567 Supportive Housing 21,180,221 21,180,221 T568 No Nexus Special Education 2,452,640 2,452,640 T569 Family Preservation Services 7,242,683 7,242,683 T570 Substance Abuse Treatment 9,929,982 10,073,982 T571 Child Welfare Support Services 2,854,163 2,854,163 T572 Board and Care for Children - Adoption 106,884,511 106,884,511 T573 Board and Care for Children - Foster 123,521,818 123,521,818 T574 Board and Care for Children - Short-term and Residential 65,628,396 65,628,396 T575 Individualized Family Supports 3,871,304 3,871,304 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 18 of 693 T576 Community Kidcare 52,411,129 61,011,129 T577 Covenant to Care 185,911 185,911 T578 Juvenile Review Boards 3,897,957 6,043,187 T579 Youth Transition and Success Programs 1,016,220 1,016,220 T580 Love146 500,000 500,000 T581 Youth Service Bureaus 2,733,240 2,733,240 T582 Youth Service Bureau Enhancement 1,115,161 1,115,161 T583 AGENCY TOTAL 812,375,775 823,265,005 T584 T585 JUDICIAL T586 T587 JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT T588 Personal Services 384,040,624 385,678,706 T589 Other Expenses 74,656,188 74,997,164 T590 Forensic Sex Evidence Exams 1,348,010 1,348,010 T591 Alternative Incarceration Program 68,429,155 70,000,000 T592 Justice Education Center, Inc. 516,287 516,287 T593 Juvenile Alternative Incarceration 35,332,650 35,768,876 T594 Probate Court 3,634,932 3,634,932 T595 Workers' Compensation Claims 6,042,106 6,042,106 T596 Victim Security Account 8,792 8,792 T597 Children of Incarcerated Parents 542,683 542,683 T598 Legal Aid 3,547,144 4,397,144 T599 Youth Violence Initiative 5,592,428 5,592,428 T600 Youth Services Prevention 8,293,132 8,293,132 T601 Children's Law Center 150,000 150,000 T602 Project Longevity 4,221,255 4,221,255 T603 Juvenile Planning 945,000 945,000 T604 Juvenile Justice Outreach Services 27,570,357 27,945,080 T605 Board and Care for Children - Short-term and Residential 12,835,126 12,953,332 T606 LGBTQ Justice and Opportunity Network 256,382 256,382 T607 Counsel for Domestic Violence 1,250,000 1,250,000 T608 Outreach Services for Norwich 675,000 675,000 T609 AGENCY TOTAL 639,887,251 645,216,309 T610 T611 PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES COMMISSION Bill No. LCO No. 10178 19 of 693 T612 Personal Services 58,196,969 58,383,519 T613 Other Expenses 1,565,163 1,589,903 T614 Assigned Counsel - Criminal 37,784,482 41,354,960 T615 Expert Witnesses 2,775,604 2,775,604 T616 Training And Education 119,748 119,748 T617 AGENCY TOTAL 100,441,966 104,223,734 T618 T619 NON-FUNCTIONAL T620 T621 DEBT SERVICE - STATE TREASURER T622 Debt Service 1,982,214,696 2,041,951,996 T623 UConn 2000 - Debt Service 209,033,862 213,698,862 T624 CHEFA Day Care Security 4,000,000 4,000,000 T625 Pension Obligation Bonds - TRB 268,251,771 284,364,458 T626 Municipal Restructuring 46,126,129 47,778,925 T627 AGENCY TOTAL 2,509,626,458 2,591,794,241 T628 T629 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS T630 Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 65,278,956 T631 T632 STATE COMPTROLLER - FRINGE BENEFITS T633 Unemployment Compensation 4,128,400 4,049,400 T634 Higher Education Alternative Retirement System 95,819,900 101,569,100 T635 Pensions and Retirements - Other Statutory 2,362,961 2,433,850 T636 Judges and Compensation Commissioners Retirement 30,551,644 31,587,446 T637 Insurance - Group Life 9,591,350 9,736,350 T638 Employers Social Security Tax 218,274,821 227,326,623 T639 State Employees Health Service Cost 560,587,930 708,024,030 T640 Retired State Employees Health Service Cost 790,564,000 957,183,800 T641 Tuition Reimbursement - Training and Travel 290,000 150,000 T642 Other Post Employment Benefits 63,375,498 65,073,558 T643 SERS Defined Contribution Match 18,762,859 27,991,712 T644 State Employees Retirement Contributions - Normal Cost 195,276,136 201,080,536 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 20 of 693 T645 State Employees Retirement Contributions - UAL 1,410,902,244 1,324,870,699 T646 AGENCY TOTAL 3,400,487,743 3,661,077,104 T647 T648 RESERVE FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENTS T649 Reserve For Salary Adjustments 18,165,598 186,551,369 T650 T651 WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T652 Workers' Compensation Claims 6,509,800 6,509,800 T653 Workers' Compensation Claims – University of Connecticut 2,271,228 2,271,228 T654 Claims – University of Connecticut Health Center 3,460,985 3,460,985 T655 Workers' Compensation Claims – Board of Regents Higher Ed 3,289,276 3,289,276 T656 Claims – Department of Children and Families 10,036,952 10,036,952 T657 Workers' Compensation Claims Mental Health & Addiction Serv 18,061,027 18,061,027 T658 Claim Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection 3,723,135 3,723,135 T659 Claims – Department of Developmental Services 12,073,417 12,073,417 T660 Workers' Compensation Claims – Department of Correction 37,722,823 37,722,823 T661 AGENCY TOTAL 97,148,643 97,148,643 T662 T663 TOTAL - GENERAL FUND 24,130,611,244 25,450,113,466 T664 T665 LESS: T666 T667 Unallocated Lapse -63,710,570 -73,710,570 T668 Unallocated Lapse - Judicial -5,000,000 -5,000,000 T669 Targeted Savings -25,518,692 -15,000,000 T670 T671 NET - GENERAL FUND 24,036,381,982 25,356,402,896 Sec. 2. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 4 from the SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND for the annual periods 5 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 21 of 693 indicated for the purposes described. 6 T672 2025-2026 2026-2027 T673 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T674 T675 OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT T676 Personal Services 770,498 770,498 T677 T678 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T679 Personal Services 2,937,990 2,937,990 T680 State Insurance and Risk Mgmt Operations 17,467,920 17,467,920 T681 IT Services 1,619,686 1,619,686 T682 AGENCY TOTAL 22,025,596 22,025,596 T683 T684 REGULATION AND PROTECTION T685 T686 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES T687 Personal Services 53,959,126 53,959,126 T688 Other Expenses 19,078,262 19,778,262 T689 Equipment 668,756 668,756 T690 DMV Modernization 3,000,000 3,000,000 T691 Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Project 324,676 324,676 T692 AGENCY TOTAL 77,030,820 77,730,820 T693 T694 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT T695 T696 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION T697 Personal Services 3,781,576 3,781,576 T698 Other Expenses 665,006 665,006 T699 AGENCY TOTAL 4,446,582 4,446,582 T700 T701 TRANSPORTATION T702 T703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T704 Personal Services 236,076,271 236,076,271 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 22 of 693 T705 Other Expenses 63,434,586 63,434,586 T706 Equipment 1,376,329 1,376,329 T707 Minor Capital Projects 449,639 449,639 T708 Highway Planning And Research 3,060,131 3,060,131 T709 Rail Operations 316,004,297 318,803,218 T710 Bus Operations 296,608,656 301,407,448 T711 ADA Para-transit Program 51,982,687 51,982,687 T712 Non-ADA Dial-A-Ride Program 576,361 576,361 T713 Pay-As-You-Go Transportation Projects 18,054,208 18,054,208 T714 Transportation Asset Management 3,004,254 3,004,254 T715 Transportation to Work 2,370,629 2,370,629 T716 AGENCY TOTAL 992,998,048 1,000,595,761 T717 T718 NON-FUNCTIONAL T719 T720 DEBT SERVICE - STATE TREASURER T721 Debt Service 914,650,787 1,025,610,574 T722 T723 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS T724 Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 5,337,671 T725 T726 STATE COMPTROLLER - FRINGE BENEFITS T727 Unemployment Compensation 360,000 360,000 T728 Insurance - Group Life 395,600 401,600 T729 Employers Social Security Tax 20,862,731 21,697,231 T730 State Employees Health Service Cost 66,798,800 65,927,200 T731 Other Post Employment Benefits 4,215,697 4,321,112 T732 SERS Defined Contribution Match 1,229,898 1,835,222 T733 State Employees Retirement Contributions - Normal Cost 22,660,619 23,334,444 T734 State Employees Retirement Contributions - UAL 145,173,898 136,192,810 T735 AGENCY TOTAL 261,697,243 254,069,619 T736 T737 RESERVE FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENTS T738 Reserve For Salary Adjustments 10,868,037 19,864,541 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 23 of 693 T739 T740 WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T741 Workers' Compensation Claims 6,723,297 6,723,297 T742 T743 TOTAL - SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND 2,291,210,908 2,417,174,959 T744 T745 LESS: T746 T747 Unallocated Lapse -12,000,000 -12,000,000 T748 T749 NET - SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND 2,279,210,908 2,405,174,959 Sec. 3. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 7 from the MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT AND MOHEGAN FUND for the 8 annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 9 T750 2025-2026 2026-2027 T751 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T752 T753 OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT T754 Grants To Towns 52,541,796 52,541,796 Sec. 4. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 10 from the BANKING FUND for the annual periods indicated for the 11 purposes described. 12 T755 2025-2026 2026-2027 T756 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T757 T758 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T759 Personal Services 413,105 413,105 T760 Fringe Benefits 307,747 307,747 T761 IT Services 360,334 360,334 T762 AGENCY TOTAL 1,081,186 1,081,186 T763 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 24 of 693 T764 REGULATION AND PROTECTION T765 T766 DEPARTMENT OF BANKING T767 Personal Services 15,476,809 15,496,809 T768 Other Expenses 1,378,010 1,375,510 T769 Equipment 44,900 44,900 T770 Fringe Benefits 12,383,403 12,399,055 T771 Indirect Overhead 1,404,178 1,404,178 T772 AGENCY TOTAL 30,687,300 30,720,452 T773 T774 LABOR DEPARTMENT T775 Opportunity Industrial Centers 738,708 738,708 T776 Customized Services 965,689 965,689 T777 AGENCY TOTAL 1,704,397 1,704,397 T778 T779 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT T780 T781 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING T782 Fair Housing 670,000 670,000 T783 T784 JUDICIAL T785 T786 JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT T787 Foreclosure Mediation Program 2,158,656 2,158,656 T788 T789 NON-FUNCTIONAL T790 T791 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS T792 Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 261,199 T793 T794 TOTAL - BANKING FUND 36,301,539 36,595,890 Sec. 5. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 13 from the INSURANCE FUND for the annual periods indicated for the 14 purposes described. 15 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 25 of 693 T795 2025-2026 2026-2027 T796 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T797 T798 OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT T799 Personal Services 374,039 374,039 T800 Other Expenses 6,012 6,012 T801 Fringe Benefits 277,130 277,130 T802 AGENCY TOTAL 657,181 657,181 T803 T804 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T805 Personal Services 905,796 905,796 T806 Fringe Benefits 656,984 656,984 T807 IT Services 514,136 514,136 T808 AGENCY TOTAL 2,076,916 2,076,916 T809 T810 REGULATION AND PROTECTION T811 T812 INSURANCE DEPARTMENT T813 Personal Services 17,428,950 17,428,950 T814 Other Expenses 1,609,489 1,609,489 T815 Equipment 62,500 62,500 T816 Fringe Benefits 13,071,712 13,071,712 T817 Indirect Overhead 1,594,604 1,594,604 T818 AGENCY TOTAL 33,767,255 33,767,255 T819 T820 OFFICE OF THE HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE T821 Personal Services 1,947,836 1,947,836 T822 Other Expenses 392,991 292,991 T823 Equipment 5,000 5,000 T824 Fringe Benefits 1,831,655 1,831,655 T825 Indirect Overhead 79,775 79,775 T826 AGENCY TOTAL 4,257,257 4,157,257 T827 T828 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT T829 T830 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING Bill No. LCO No. 10178 26 of 693 T831 Crumbling Foundations 182,977 182,977 T832 T833 HEALTH T834 T835 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH T836 Needle and Syringe Exchange Program 513,515 513,515 T837 Children's Health Initiatives 3,389,838 3,389,838 T838 AIDS Services 5,366,231 5,366,231 T839 Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection and Treatment 2,563,100 2,563,100 T840 Immunization Services 49,176,811 50,845,097 T841 X-Ray Screening and Tuberculosis Care 971,849 971,849 T842 Venereal Disease Control 203,256 203,256 T843 AGENCY TOTAL 62,184,600 63,852,886 T844 T845 OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY T846 Personal Services 1,487,574 1,487,574 T847 Other Expenses 10,646,454 10,398,780 T848 Equipment 10,000 10,000 T849 Fringe Benefits 1,406,339 1,406,339 T850 AGENCY TOTAL 13,550,367 13,302,693 T851 T852 DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES T853 Managed Service System 462,699 462,699 T854 T855 HUMAN SERVICES T856 T857 OFFICE OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCATE T858 Personal Services 387,000 387,000 T859 Other Expenses 65,500 65,500 T860 Fringe Benefits 401,000 401,000 T861 Indirect Overhead 22,500 22,500 T862 AGENCY TOTAL 876,000 876,000 T863 T864 DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES Bill No. LCO No. 10178 27 of 693 T865 Fall Prevention 382,660 382,660 T866 T867 NON-FUNCTIONAL T868 T869 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS T870 Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 391,026 T871 T872 TOTAL - INSURANCE FUND 118,397,912 120,109,550 Sec. 6. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 16 from the CONSUMER COUNSEL AND PUBLIC UTILITY CONTROL 17 FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 18 T873 2025-2026 2026-2027 T874 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T875 T876 OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT T877 Personal Services 200,396 200,396 T878 Other Expenses 2,000 2,000 T879 Fringe Benefits 196,074 196,074 T880 AGENCY TOTAL 398,470 398,470 T881 T882 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T883 Personal Services 96,173 96,173 T884 Fringe Benefits 88,135 88,135 T885 AGENCY TOTAL 184,308 184,308 T886 T887 REGULATION AND PROTECTION T888 T889 OFFICE OF CONSUMER COUNSEL T890 Personal Services 2,288,944 2,288,944 T891 Other Expenses 461,482 461,482 T892 Equipment 2,200 2,200 T893 Fringe Benefits 1,724,601 1,724,601 T894 Indirect Overhead 157,648 157,648 T895 AGENCY TOTAL 4,634,875 4,634,875 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 28 of 693 T896 T897 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT T898 T899 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION T900 Personal Services 17,340,038 17,340,038 T901 Other Expenses 1,479,367 1,479,367 T902 Equipment 19,500 19,500 T903 Fringe Benefits 12,689,262 12,689,262 T904 Indirect Overhead 489,330 489,330 T905 AGENCY TOTAL 32,017,497 32,017,497 T906 T907 NON-FUNCTIONAL T908 T909 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS T910 Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 284,112 T911 T912 TOTAL - CONSUMER COUNSEL AND PUBLIC UTILITY CONTROL FUND 37,235,150 37,519,262 Sec. 7. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 19 from the WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND for the annual periods 20 indicated for the purposes described. 21 T913 2025-2026 2026-2027 T914 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T915 T916 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES T917 Personal Services 663,688 663,688 T918 Fringe Benefits 528,600 528,600 T919 IT Services 199,938 199,938 T920 AGENCY TOTAL 1,392,226 1,392,226 T921 T922 DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE T923 Personal Services 474,947 474,947 T924 Other Expenses 10,428 10,428 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 29 of 693 T925 Fringe Benefits 489,396 489,396 T926 AGENCY TOTAL 974,771 974,771 T927 T928 REGULATION AND PROTECTION T929 T930 LABOR DEPARTMENT T931 Occupational Health Clinics 708,113 708,113 T932 T933 WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION T934 Personal Services 9,841,921 9,841,921 T935 Other Expenses 2,476,091 2,476,091 T936 Equipment 1 1 T937 Fringe Benefits 8,561,814 8,561,814 T938 Indirect Overhead 1,586,205 1,586,205 T939 AGENCY TOTAL 22,466,032 22,466,032 T940 T941 HUMAN SERVICES T942 T943 DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES T944 Personal Services 634,783 634,783 T945 Other Expenses 48,440 48,440 T946 Rehabilitative Services 595,631 595,631 T947 Fringe Benefits 467,987 467,987 T948 AGENCY TOTAL 1,746,841 1,746,841 T949 T950 NON-FUNCTIONAL T951 T952 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS T953 Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 149,142 T954 T955 TOTAL - WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND 27,287,983 27,437,125 Sec. 8. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 22 from the CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION FUND for the 23 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 30 of 693 annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 24 T956 2025-2026 2026-2027 T957 JUDICIAL T958 T959 JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT T960 Criminal Injuries Compensation 2,934,088 2,934,088 Sec. 9. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 25 from the TOURISM FUND for the annual periods indicated for the 26 purposes described. 27 T961 2025-2026 2026-2027 T962 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT T963 T964 DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT T965 Statewide Marketing 4,500,000 4,500,000 T966 Hartford Urban Arts Grant 242,371 242,371 T967 New Britain Arts Council 39,380 39,380 T968 Westville Village Renaissance Alliance 145,000 145,000 T969 Neighborhood Music School 200,540 200,540 T970 Greater Hartford Community Foundation Travelers Championship 150,000 150,000 T971 CT Convention & Sports Bureau 500,000 T972 Nutmeg Games 40,000 40,000 T973 Discovery Museum 196,895 196,895 T974 National Theatre of the Deaf 78,758 78,758 T975 Connecticut Science Center 546,626 546,626 T976 CT Flagship Producing Theaters Grant 360,000 360,000 T977 Performing Arts Centers 787,571 787,571 T978 Performing Theaters Grant 900,600 900,600 T979 Arts Commission 1,497,298 1,497,298 T980 Art Museum Consortium 887,313 887,313 T981 Litchfield Jazz Festival 29,000 29,000 T982 Arte Inc. 20,735 20,735 T983 CT Virtuosi Orchestra 15,250 15,250 T984 Barnum Museum 50,000 50,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 31 of 693 T985 Various Grants 1,090,000 1,090,000 T986 Creative Youth Productions 300,000 300,000 T987 Music Haven 100,000 100,000 T988 West Hartford Pride 80,000 80,000 T989 Amistad Center for Arts and Culture 100,000 100,000 T990 Leffingwell House Museum 50,000 50,000 T991 CT Main Street Center 350,000 350,000 T992 Norwalk International Cultural Exchange – NICE Festival 50,000 50,000 T993 Ball & Socket Arts 300,000 300,000 T994 Greater Hartford Arts Council 74,079 74,079 T995 Stepping Stones Museum for Children 80,863 80,863 T996 Maritime Center Authority 803,705 803,705 T997 Connecticut Humanities Council 1,185,000 1,360,000 T998 Amistad Committee for the Freedom Trail 36,414 36,414 T999 New Haven Festival of Arts and Ideas 414,511 414,511 T1000 New Haven Arts Council 77,000 77,000 T1001 Beardsley Zoo 400,000 400,000 T1002 Mystic Aquarium 322,397 472,397 T1003 Northwestern Tourism 400,000 400,000 T1004 Eastern Tourism 400,000 400,000 T1005 Central Tourism 400,000 400,000 T1006 Twain/Stowe Homes 81,196 81,196 T1007 Cultural Alliance of Fairfield 52,000 52,000 T1008 Stamford Downtown Special Services District 50,000 50,000 T1009 AGENCY TOTAL 17,884,502 18,709,502 Sec. 10. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 28 from the CANNABIS PREVENTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES 29 FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 30 T1010 2025-2026 2026-2027 T1011 HEALTH T1012 T1013 DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES T1014 Fringe Benefits 221,000 221,000 T1015 Cannabis Prevention 3,144,268 3,144,268 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 32 of 693 T1016 AGENCY TOTAL 3,365,268 3,365,268 Sec. 11. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 31 from the CANNABIS REGULATORY FUND for the annual periods 32 indicated for the purposes described. 33 T1017 2025-2026 2026-2027 T1018 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T1019 T1020 DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SERVICES T1021 Personal Services 484,188 484,188 T1022 T1023 ATTORNEY GENERAL T1024 Personal Services 407,309 407,309 T1025 T1026 REGULATION AND PROTECTION T1027 T1028 DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION T1029 Personal Services 509,758 509,758 T1030 Other Expenses 124,000 124,000 T1031 AGENCY TOTAL 633,758 633,758 T1032 T1033 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES T1034 Personal Services 540,135 540,135 T1035 T1036 DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION T1037 Personal Services 5,335,317 5,335,317 T1038 Other Expenses 348,769 348,769 T1039 AGENCY TOTAL 5,684,086 5,684,086 T1040 T1041 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT T1042 T1043 DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT T1044 Personal Services 104,305 104,305 T1045 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 33 of 693 T1046 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION T1047 Personal Services 259,067 259,067 T1048 Other Expenses 65,000 65,000 T1049 AGENCY TOTAL 324,067 324,067 T1050 T1051 HEALTH T1052 T1053 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH T1054 Personal Services 192,520 192,520 T1055 Other Expenses 275,700 275,700 T1056 AGENCY TOTAL 468,220 468,220 T1057 T1058 TRANSPORTATION T1059 T1060 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T1061 Other Expenses 550,000 550,000 T1062 T1063 EDUCATION T1064 T1065 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CENTER T1066 Operating Expenses 178,385 178,385 T1067 T1068 TOTAL - CANNABIS REGULATORY FUND 9,374,453 9,374,453 Sec. 12. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated 34 from the MUNICIPAL REVENUE SHARING FUND for the annual 35 periods indicated for the purposes described. 36 T1069 2025-2026 2026-2027 T1070 GENERAL GOVERNMENT T1071 T1072 OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT T1073 Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grants 85,932,470 85,932,470 T1074 Motor Vehicle Tax Grants 127,496,890 127,496,890 T1075 Tiered PILOT 345,980,314 345,980,314 T1076 AGENCY TOTAL 559,409,674 559,409,674 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 34 of 693 Sec. 13. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Secretary of the Office of Policy 37 and Management may make reductions in allotments for the executive 38 branch for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, in 39 order to achieve (1) budget savings in the General Fund of $63,710,570 40 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and $73,710,570 during the 41 fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and (2) targeted savings in the General 42 Fund of $25,518,692 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and 43 $15,000,000 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. 44 (b) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may make 45 reductions in allotments for the judicial branch for the fiscal years 46 ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, in order to achieve budget 47 savings in the General Fund of $5,000,000 during each such fiscal year. 48 Such reductions shall be achieved as determined by the Chief Justice 49 and Chief Public Defender. 50 Sec. 14. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Secretary of the Office of Policy 51 and Management may transfer amounts appropriated for Personal 52 Services in sections 1 to 12, inclusive, of this act from agencies to the 53 Reserve for Salary Adjustments account to specifically provide for the 54 impact of collective bargaining and related costs. 55 (b) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may 56 transfer funds appropriated in section 1 of this act, for Reserve for Salary 57 Adjustments, to any agency in any appropriated fund to give effect to 58 salary increases, other employee benefits, agency costs related to staff 59 reductions, including accrual payments, achievement of agency 60 personal services reductions, or other personal services adjustments 61 authorized by this act, any other act or other applicable statute. 62 Sec. 15. (Effective from passage) (a) That portion of unexpended funds, 63 as determined by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, 64 appropriated in public act 23-204, as amended by public act 24-81, that 65 relate to collective bargaining agreements and related costs, shall not 66 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 35 of 693 lapse on June 30, 2025, and such funds shall continue to be available for 67 such purpose during the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 68 2027. 69 (b) That portion of unexpended funds, as determined by the Secretary 70 of the Office of Policy and Management, appropriated in section 1 of this 71 act, that relate to collective bargaining agreements and related costs for 72 the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall not lapse on June 30, 2026, and 73 such funds shall continue to be available for such purpose during the 74 fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. 75 Sec. 16. (Effective July 1, 2025) Any appropriation, or portion thereof, 76 made to any agency, under sections 1 to 12, inclusive, of this act, may be 77 transferred at the request of such agency to any other agency by the 78 Governor, with the approval of the Finance Advisory Committee, to 79 take full advantage of federal matching funds, provided both agencies 80 shall certify that the expenditure of such transferred funds by the 81 receiving agency will be for the same purpose as that of the original 82 appropriation or portion thereof so transferred. Any federal funds 83 generated through the transfer of appropriations between agencies may 84 be used for reimbursing appropriated expenditures or for expanding 85 program services or a combination of both as determined by the 86 Governor, with the approval of the Finance Advisory Committee. 87 Sec. 17. (Effective July 1, 2025) Any appropriation, or portion thereof, 88 made to any agency under sections 1 to 12, inclusive, of this act, may be 89 adjusted by the Governor, with approval of the Finance Advisory 90 Committee, in order to maximize federal funding available to the state, 91 consistent with the relevant federal provisions of law. 92 Sec. 18. (Effective July 1, 2025) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, 93 and June 30, 2027, the Department of Social Services and the Department 94 of Children and Families may, with the approval of the Office of Policy 95 and Management, and in compliance with any advanced planning 96 document approved by the federal Department of Health and Human 97 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 36 of 693 Services, establish receivables for the reimbursement anticipated from 98 approved projects. 99 Sec. 19. (Effective July 1, 2025) Any appropriation, or portion thereof, 100 made to The University of Connecticut Health Center in section 1 of this 101 act may be transferred by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and 102 Management to the Medicaid account in the Department of Social 103 Services for the purpose of maximizing federal reimbursement. 104 Sec. 20. (Effective July 1, 2025) All funds appropriated to the 105 Department of Social Services for DMHAS – Disproportionate Share 106 shall be expended by the Department of Social Services in such amounts 107 and at such times as prescribed by the Office of Policy and Management. 108 The Department of Social Services shall make disproportionate share 109 payments to hospitals in the Department of Mental Health and 110 Addiction Services for operating expenses and for related fringe benefit 111 expenses. Funds received by the hospitals in the Department of Mental 112 Health and Addiction Services, for fringe benefits, shall be used to 113 reimburse the Comptroller. All other funds received by the hospitals in 114 the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall be 115 deposited to grants - other than federal accounts. All disproportionate 116 share payments not expended in grants - other than federal accounts 117 shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year. 118 Sec. 21. (Effective July 1, 2025) Notwithstanding the provisions of 119 section 4-85 of the general statutes, the Secretary of the Office of Policy 120 and Management shall not allot funds appropriated in sections 1 to 12, 121 inclusive, of this act for Nonfunctional – Change to Accruals. 122 Sec. 22. (Effective July 1, 2025) During the fiscal years ending June 30, 123 2026, and June 30, 2027, $1,000,000 of the federal funds received by the 124 Department of Education, from Part B of the Individuals with 125 Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), shall be transferred to the Office of 126 Early Childhood in each such fiscal year, for the Birth-to-Three program, 127 in order to carry out Part B responsibilities consistent with the IDEA. 128 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 37 of 693 Sec. 23. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 129 2026, the distribution of priority school district grants, pursuant to 130 subsection (a) of section 10-266p of the general statutes, shall be as 131 follows: (1) For priority school districts in the amount of $30,818,778, (2) 132 for extended school building hours in the amount of $2,919,883, and (3) 133 for school accountability in the amount of $3,412,207. 134 (b) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the distribution of priority 135 school district grants, pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10-266p of 136 the general statutes, shall be as follows: (1) For priority school districts 137 in the amount of $30,818,778, (2) for extended school building hours in 138 the amount of $2,919,883, and (3) for school accountability in the amount 139 of $3,412,207. 140 Sec. 24. (Effective July 1, 2025) Notwithstanding the provisions of 141 section 17a-17 of the general statutes, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 142 2026, and June 30, 2027, the provisions of said section shall not be 143 considered in any increases or decreases to residential rates or allowable 144 per diem payments to private residential treatment centers licensed 145 pursuant to section 17a-145 of the general statutes. 146 Sec. 25. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) Notwithstanding any provision of 147 the general statutes, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 148 30, 2027, the total grants paid to municipalities from the moneys 149 available in the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund established 150 pursuant to section 3-55i of the general statutes shall be as follows: 151 T1077 Grantee Grant Amount For Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Amount For Fiscal Year 2027 T1078 T1079 Andover 6,680 6,680 T1080 Ansonia 113,045 113,045 T1081 Ashford 12,010 12,010 T1082 Avon - - T1083 Barkhamsted 6,728 6,728 T1084 Beacon Falls 12,467 12,467 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 38 of 693 T1085 Berlin - - T1086 Bethany 881 881 T1087 Bethel - - T1088 Bethlehem 4,125 4,125 T1089 Bloomfield 94,314 94,314 T1090 Bolton 3,244 3,244 T1091 Bozrah 9,143 9,143 T1092 Branford - - T1093 Bridgeport 5,606,925 5,606,925 T1094 Bridgewater 3,734 3,734 T1095 Bristol 400,282 400,282 T1096 Brookfield - - T1097 Brooklyn 191,703 191,703 T1098 Burlington - - T1099 Canaan 6,202 6,202 T1100 Canterbury 15,208 15,208 T1101 Canton - - T1102 Chaplin 73,052 73,052 T1103 Cheshire 1,962,440 1,962,440 T1104 Chester 3,278 3,278 T1105 Clinton - - T1106 Colchester 23,167 23,167 T1107 Colebrook 6,045 6,045 T1108 Columbia 4,857 4,857 T1109 Cornwall 4,434 4,434 T1110 Coventry 13,336 13,336 T1111 Cromwell - - T1112 Danbury 678,398 678,398 T1113 Darien - - T1114 Deep River 4,490 4,490 T1115 Derby 207,304 207,304 T1116 Durham 1,003 1,003 T1117 Eastford 7,529 7,529 T1118 East Granby 987 987 T1119 East Haddam 3,042 3,042 T1120 East Hampton 6,742 6,742 T1121 East Hartford 156,898 156,898 T1122 East Haven 82,006 82,006 T1123 East Lyme 270,204 270,204 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 39 of 693 T1124 Easton - - T1125 East Windsor 1,015,432 1,015,432 T1126 Ellington 4,081 4,081 T1127 Enfield 1,224,751 1,224,751 T1128 Essex - - T1129 Fairfield 114,941 114,941 T1130 Farmington - - T1131 Franklin 9,738 9,738 T1132 Glastonbury - - T1133 Goshen 2,687 2,687 T1134 Granby - - T1135 Greenwich - - T1136 Griswold 55,478 55,478 T1137 Groton 1,232,069 1,232,069 T1138 Guilford - - T1139 Haddam 908 908 T1140 Hamden 725,946 725,946 T1141 Hampton 8,881 8,881 T1142 Hartford 6,136,523 6,136,523 T1143 Hartland 6,593 6,593 T1144 Harwinton 3,676 3,676 T1145 Hebron 3,350 3,350 T1146 Kent 1,298 1,298 T1147 Killingly 94,184 94,184 T1148 Killingworth - - T1149 Lebanon 13,139 13,139 T1150 Ledyard 1,391,000 1,391,000 T1151 Lisbon 11,287 11,287 T1152 Litchfield - - T1153 Lyme 1,997 1,997 T1154 Madison - - T1155 Manchester 412,450 412,450 T1156 Mansfield 179,151 179,151 T1157 Marlborough 1,807 1,807 T1158 Meriden 698,609 698,609 T1159 Middlebury - - T1160 Middlefield 5,616 5,616 T1161 Middletown 1,060,747 1,060,747 T1162 Milford 236,690 236,690 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 40 of 693 T1163 Monroe - - T1164 Montville 1,446,162 1,446,162 T1165 Morris 5,059 5,059 T1166 Naugatuck 147,899 147,899 T1167 New Britain 1,980,822 1,980,822 T1168 New Canaan - - T1169 New Fairfield - - T1170 New Hartford 822 822 T1171 New Haven 5,503,352 5,503,352 T1172 Newington 164,924 164,924 T1173 New London 1,667,837 1,667,837 T1174 New Milford 2,049 2,049 T1175 Newtown 829,098 829,098 T1176 Norfolk 8,899 8,899 T1177 North Branford 2,647 2,647 T1178 North Canaan 12,383 12,383 T1179 North Haven 86,789 86,789 T1180 North Stonington 880,690 880,690 T1181 Norwalk 577,059 577,059 T1182 Norwich 2,360,229 2,360,229 T1183 Old Lyme - - T1184 Old Saybrook - - T1185 Orange 6,408 6,408 T1186 Oxford - - T1187 Plainfield 82,099 82,099 T1188 Plainville 27,635 27,635 T1189 Plymouth 33,955 33,955 T1190 Pomfret 9,172 9,172 T1191 Portland 2,902 2,902 T1192 Preston 1,165,290 1,165,290 T1193 Prospect 1,085 1,085 T1194 Putnam 75,902 75,902 T1195 Redding - - T1196 Ridgefield - - T1197 Rocky Hill 213,545 213,545 T1198 Roxbury 2,188 2,188 T1199 Salem 7,370 7,370 T1200 Salisbury - - T1201 Scotland 11,620 11,620 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 41 of 693 T1202 Seymour 24,111 24,111 T1203 Sharon 2,001 2,001 T1204 Shelton - - T1205 Sherman 109 109 T1206 Simsbury - - T1207 Somers 1,564,515 1,564,515 T1208 Southbury - - T1209 Southington 7,160 7,160 T1210 South Windsor - - T1211 Sprague 17,479 17,479 T1212 Stafford 60,839 60,839 T1213 Stamford 625,635 625,635 T1214 Sterling 24,317 24,317 T1215 Stonington 30,000 30,000 T1216 Stratford 30,567 30,567 T1217 Suffield 2,760,598 2,760,598 T1218 Thomaston 16,872 16,872 T1219 Thompson 38,307 38,307 T1220 Tolland - - T1221 Torrington 196,642 196,642 T1222 Trumbull - - T1223 Union 19,013 19,013 T1224 Vernon 79,820 79,820 T1225 Voluntown 80,641 80,641 T1226 Wallingford 33,058 33,058 T1227 Warren 4,369 4,369 T1228 Washington - - T1229 Waterbury 2,637,435 2,637,435 T1230 Waterford - - T1231 Watertown 11,631 11,631 T1232 Westbrook - - T1233 West Hartford 27,820 27,820 T1234 West Haven 807,097 807,097 T1235 Weston - - T1236 Westport - - T1237 Wethersfield 137,556 137,556 T1238 Willington 17,399 17,399 T1239 Wilton - - T1240 Winchester 49,474 49,474 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 42 of 693 T1241 Windham 793,155 793,155 T1242 Windsor - - T1243 Windsor Locks 387,713 387,713 T1244 Wolcott 16,939 16,939 T1245 Woodbridge - - T1246 Woodbury - - T1247 Woodstock 5,694 5,694 T1248 Golden Hill Paugussett 20,000 20,000 T1249 Paucatuck Eastern Pequot 20,000 20,000 T1250 Schaghticoke 20,000 20,000 T1251 TOTALS 52,532,789 52,532,789 Sec. 26. (Effective July 1, 2025) The amounts appropriated in section 1 152 of this act to the Department of Economic and Community 153 Development, for MRDA, shall be used to support the personal services 154 and fringe benefits costs for staff and operating costs at the Connecticut 155 Municipal Redevelopment Authority during the fiscal years ending 156 June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027. 157 Sec. 27. (Effective from passage) Notwithstanding the provisions of 158 subsection (j) of section 45a-82 of the general statutes, any balance in the 159 Probate Court Administration Fund on June 30, 2025, shall remain in 160 said fund and shall not be transferred to the General Fund. 161 Sec. 28. (Effective from passage) (a) Not later than June 30, 2026, the 162 Comptroller shall negotiate with nongovernmental licensed short-term 163 general hospitals in the state to revise rates of reimbursement for 164 inpatient and outpatient care provided at such hospitals for current state 165 employees and retired state employees who are not eligible for 166 Medicare. Adjusted rates may vary between the active state employee 167 health plan and the retired state employee health plan. If one or more of 168 such hospitals do not agree to revise rates pursuant to negotiations with 169 the Comptroller under this subsection, the hospital's existing contract 170 for in-network participation shall continue to apply. 171 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 43 of 693 (b) Any such hospital that agrees to reduced rates, in accordance with 172 terms negotiated with the Comptroller pursuant to this section, shall 173 accept such reduced payments from the Comptroller's contracted 174 administrative services organization as full payment for services, and 175 such hospital shall not balance bill members of the active state employee 176 health plan or the retired state employee health plan beyond the amount 177 of cost share required by the member's benefit design or seek additional 178 reimbursement from the Comptroller's contracted administrative 179 services organization. 180 (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the 181 Comptroller to adjust hospital reimbursement rates for any plan offered 182 pursuant to sections 3-123aaa to 3-123yyy, inclusive, of the general 183 statutes. Such plan premiums shall be calculated using the contracted 184 hospital reimbursement rates of the contracted administrative services 185 organization without regard to any rate revision negotiated pursuant to 186 subsection (a) of this section, and shall not reflect the reduced costs to 187 the active state employee health plan or retired state employee health 188 plan that result from such rate revision. 189 (d) If, prior to July 1, 2026, the Comptroller estimates that reductions 190 to rates of reimbursement will be achieved for the fiscal year ending 191 June 30, 2027, as a result of negotiations conducted in accordance with 192 subsection (a) of this section, the amount of hospital supplemental 193 payments paid under subdivision (3) of subsection (c) of section 17b- 194 239e of the general statutes shall be increased by an amount not less than 195 the amount of such reductions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. 196 In no event shall supplemental payments be made in a manner that fails 197 to comply with applicable federal requirements and required federal 198 approvals, including, but not limited to, the requirement that 199 supplemental payments shall not be paid in a manner that causes total 200 hospital payments in an applicable category to exceed the upper 201 payment limit, as defined in subdivision (1) of subsection (k) of section 202 17b-239 of the general statutes. 203 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 44 of 693 Sec. 29. (Effective from passage) Up to $3,500,000 of the amount 204 appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Housing for 205 the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and up to $5,000,000 of such 206 appropriated amount for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be 207 used to maintain cold weather response service, but need not be used to 208 provide continuous call center service. Applications for grants-in-aid for 209 the purpose of maintaining cold weather response shall be submitted in 210 the form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Housing. 211 Sec. 30. (Effective from passage) Up to $100,000 of the unexpended 212 balance of funds appropriated to Legislative Management, for Statues, 213 in section 1 of public act 23-204, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, 214 and carried forward in section 9 of public act 24-81, for the fiscal year 215 ending June 30, 2025, shall not lapse on June 30, 2025, and shall be made 216 available during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to support removal 217 of the John Mason statue from the state Capitol building. 218 Sec. 31. (Effective July 1, 2025) The sum of $500,000 of the amount 219 appropriated in section 1 of this act to the State Library, for Other 220 Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30 221 2027, shall be made available for grants in equal amounts to the 222 following library-related programs: (1) United Way of Central and 223 Northeastern Connecticut, for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library; (2) 224 Read to Grow; and (3) Reach Out and Read. 225 Sec. 32. (Effective July 1, 2025) That portion of unexpended funds, as 226 determined by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, 227 appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Judicial Department, for 228 Youth Services Prevention and Youth Violence Initiative, for the fiscal 229 years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall not lapse on June 30, 230 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively, and such funds shall continue to be 231 available to the Judicial Department for juvenile justice system needs, as 232 determined by the Chief Court Administrator, during the fiscal years 233 ending June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028. 234 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 45 of 693 Sec. 33. (Effective July 1, 2025) The amounts appropriated in section 1 235 of this act to the Judicial Department, for Youth Services Prevention, for 236 the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal 237 year for the following grants: 238 T1252 Grantee Grant T1253 Friends of Bethel Parks and Recreation, Inc. 75,000 T1254 Kind Works, Inc. 75,000 T1255 United Way of Greenwich, Inc. 40,000 T1256 Barbara's House, Inc. 60,000 T1257 Family Centers, Inc. 25,000 T1258 Greenwich Alliance for Education Foundation, Inc. 25,000 T1259 East End NRZ Market & Cafe 45,000 T1260 Building Leaders Across Communities, Inc. 15,000 T1261 ACCESS Educational Services, Inc. 50,000 T1262 The Walter E. Luckett, Jr. Foundation, Inc. 50,000 T1263 Business Industry Foundation 10,000 T1264 Police Activity League of Middletown, Inc. 40,000 T1265 Middletown Youth Services Bureau 8,000 T1266 The Hart Wellness Collaborative, Inc. 30,000 T1267 YMCA of Northern Middlesex County, Inc. 142,000 T1268 Mental Health Connecticut 60,000 T1269 From Quicksand Unto Solid Ground 10,000 T1270 Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, Inc. 30,000 T1271 Color A Positive Thought Organization 30,000 T1272 North End Little League 15,000 T1273 Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc. 20,000 T1274 Aluminum Falcon Robotics, Inc. 5,000 T1275 New England Science & Sailing Foundation 7,500 T1276 Groton Mystic Youth Football League 10,000 T1277 Groton Little League 15,000 T1278 Inter District Committee for Project Oceanology ('Project Oceanology') 25,000 T1279 Mystic Community Bikes, Inc. 5,000 T1280 Project LEARN 7,500 T1281 Denison Pequotsepous Nature Center 5,000 T1282 Ocean Community YMCA 15,000 T1283 Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed 7,500 T1284 Yellow Farmhouse Education Center, Inc. 2,500 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 46 of 693 T1285 University of Connecticut 7,500 T1286 Community Speaks Out, Inc. 7,500 T1287 Arte, Inc. 40,000 T1288 Bregamos Community Theater Company 25,000 T1289 Puerto Ricans United 30,000 T1290 Edgewood PTA Child Care Program, Inc. 35,000 T1291 City Angels Baseball Academy 20,000 T1292 Hartford Stage Company, Inc. 50,000 T1293 Charter Oak Temple Restoration Association, Inc. 50,000 T1294 The Police Activities League of Hartford, Inc. 50,000 T1295 Hoops 4 All, Inc. 40,000 T1296 Intempo Organization, Inc. 40,000 T1297 100 Black Men of Stamford, Inc. (100 BMOS) 30,000 T1298 Six Love Tennis 25,000 T1299 Stamford Alumni Diamond Foundation, Inc. 40,000 T1300 The Bridge Family Center, Inc. 150,000 T1301 Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders 160,000 T1302 Cook and Grow, LLC 20,000 T1303 Village Initiative Project, Inc. 80,000 T1304 East End Baptist Tabernacle Church 25,000 T1305 Summerfield United Methodist Church - Youth With A Purpose 40,000 T1306 The Legacy Foundation of Hartford, Inc. 175,000 T1307 Park Street Public Library 30,000 T1308 Charter Oak Boxing Academy 30,000 T1309 Hispanic Health Council 10,000 T1310 Friends of Pope Park, Inc. 30,000 T1311 Youth Challenge of Connecticut, Inc. 20,000 T1312 Boys and Girls Club of Hartford, Inc. 30,000 T1313 Hartford Health Initiative, Inc. 14,500 T1314 Hartford Communities That Care, Inc. 28,000 T1315 Harford Lions Soccer Academy, Inc. 7,500 T1316 Mothers United Against Violence, Inc. 15,000 T1317 Second Chance Re-entry Initiative Program (SCRIP) 10,000 T1318 Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. 80,000 T1319 Hartford Premier & Development League 10,000 T1320 Artists Collective, Inc. 10,000 T1321 Blue Hills Civic Association, Inc. 20,000 T1322 The Gifted Onez, Inc. 50,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 47 of 693 T1323 Athletes R Us, Inc. 50,000 T1324 Iron Sharpens Iron Mentor Ministries, Inc. 5,500 T1325 West Haven Board of Education 8,000 T1326 Ray Teller Midget Football League, Inc. 4,000 T1327 The Bread Room, Inc. 17,000 T1328 Good Shepherd Ministries 13,000 T1329 Ready, Inc. 40,000 T1330 Christ Christian Church, Inc. 12,500 T1331 Teach Kids Music, Inc. 20,000 T1332 Team West Haven, Inc. 30,000 T1333 New London Soccer Club 10,000 T1334 Safe Futures 10,000 T1335 The Center - A Drop in Community Learning & Resource Center, Inc. 10,000 T1336 Higher Edge, Inc. 20,000 T1337 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund 30,000 T1338 New London NAACP Youth Council 10,000 T1339 New London Little League 10,000 T1340 New London Babe Ruth 10,000 T1341 New London Football League, Inc. 15,000 T1342 Garde Arts Center, Inc. 25,000 T1343 C.O.R.N.E.R.S, Inc. 5,000 T1344 Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, Inc. 30,000 T1345 My Architecture Workshops, Inc. 25,000 T1346 The Ferguson Library 12,500 T1347 Future 5, Inc. 15,000 T1348 Domus Kids, Inc. 12,500 T1349 Mill River Collaborative, Inc. 25,000 T1350 God Provides Ministries International, Inc. 10,000 T1351 Rivera Memorial Foundation, Inc. 70,000 T1352 C. O. Sports Academy, Inc. 5,000 T1353 Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury, Inc. 20,000 T1354 Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterbury 80,000 T1355 CT Rebound, Inc. 10,000 T1356 Hoops 4 Life, Inc. 5,000 T1357 Jeep Enthusiasts of Connecticut 5,000 T1358 BAGS Foundation CT, Inc. 5,000 T1359 Park Central, Inc. 10,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 48 of 693 T1360 Walnut-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, Inc. 80,000 T1361 Black Girls Get LegalTee, Inc. 75,000 T1362 EJ'S HEART 60,000 T1363 The Open Door Shelter, Inc. 15,000 T1364 Town of East Hartford Health & Human Services Department 75,000 T1365 Town of Manchester Youth Service Bureau 75,000 T1366 Mcgivney Community Center, Inc. 10,000 T1367 Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County 20,000 T1368 Hip Hop 1001 10,000 T1369 New Britain Fire Explorers 15,000 T1370 Human Resource Agency of New Britain, Inc. 30,000 T1371 New Life 11 Teaching You Another Way 25,000 T1372 New Britain ROOTS, Inc. 30,000 T1373 Meriden-New Britain-Berlin Young Men's Christian Association, Inc. 35,000 T1374 New Britain Police Athletic League 25,000 T1375 Boys and Girls Club of New Britain 40,000 T1376 The Young Women's Christian Association of New Britain 10,000 T1377 Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, Inc. 35,000 T1378 Maria Reina de la Parish Corporation 15,000 T1379 Connecticut Scholars, Inc. 5,000 T1380 Connecticut Institute for Community Development - Puerto Rican Parade 5,000 T1381 St. George Armenian Apostolic Church/Diocese of the Armenian Church 15,000 T1382 Police Activities League of Hartford, Inc. 50,000 T1383 Angel of Edgewood, Inc. 5,000 T1384 Organized Parents Make A Difference, Inc. 55,000 T1385 Boys & Girls Club of New Britain 40,000 T1386 New Britain Legacies 25,000 T1387 Advocacy Academy Accomplish Education, Inc. 15,000 T1388 CT Riptide, LLC 5,000 T1389 Meriden Police Cadets (Meriden Police Department) 15,000 T1390 Boys & Girls Club of Meriden 10,000 T1391 Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc. 10,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 49 of 693 T1392 Ball Headz, Inc. 25,000 T1393 Women and Families Center 20,000 T1394 Beat The Street Community Center, Inc. 25,000 T1395 Silver City Girls Softball 15,000 T1396 Build A Better You Family Services, LLC 15,000 T1397 Danbury Grassroots Academy 25,000 T1398 Danbury Law Enforcement Cadets, Inc. 25,000 T1399 Danbury Youth Soccer Club, Inc. 10,000 T1400 Friends of the Danbury Museum & Historical Society 50,000 T1401 Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut 25,000 T1402 Dominican Community Center, Inc. 15,000 T1403 Youth Business Initiative 25,000 T1404 LIFT Foundation, Inc. 25,000 T1405 Basket Of Love, Inc. 25,000 T1406 Abe Prior—Keep 5 Alive, Inc. 25,000 T1407 Project 9 Foundation 25,000 T1408 Sports Academy 250,000 T1409 333 Valley Street Center Intergenerational Organization 300,000 T1410 New Haven Ecology Project 250,000 T1411 Christian Community Action, Inc. 200,000 T1412 CT Violence Intervention Program, Inc. 200,000 T1413 Integrated Day Charter School Foundation 18,000 T1414 Norwich Public Schools Education Foundation, Inc. 18,000 T1415 Norwich Free Academy 15,000 T1416 Norwich Youth Football League 15,000 T1417 DHW Athletics 5,000 T1418 Norwich Bully Busters 3,000 T1419 Night Flight Association, Inc. 8,000 T1420 Sankofa Education and Leadership, Inc. 55,000 T1421 Historically Black College Alumni, Inc. 23,000 T1422 CT Chapter of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, Inc. 30,000 T1423 Town of East Hartford 50,000 T1424 Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT 35,000 T1425 Milan Cultural Association, Inc. 60,000 T1426 Fixing Fathers One Dad at a Time, Inc. 75,000 T1427 Transcend The Trend, Inc. 75,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 50 of 693 T1428 Elevate Bridgeport, Inc. 75,000 T1429 CT State Building Trades Training Institute, Inc. 75,000 T1430 Yuke Nation, Inc. 25,000 T1431 The Sonship Institute, Inc. 25,000 T1432 Creative Youth Productions, Inc. 10,000 T1433 The Color a Positive Thought Organization 50,000 T1434 Left Hearts, Inc. 10,000 T1435 Unique & Unified New Era Youth Movement 50,000 T1436 The Dominican American Coalition of Connecticut, Inc. 25,000 T1437 Town of Stratford 25,000 T1438 Northern Middlesex YMCA 120,000 T1439 Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater 40,000 T1440 Business Industry Foundation of Middlesex County, Inc. 10,000 T1441 Hartford Hurricanes 15,000 T1442 Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative 20,000 T1443 DreamBig College 40,000 T1444 Bloomfield Jr. Warhawks, Inc. 20,000 T1445 The Archer Foundation 20,000 T1446 RF Youth Boxing 100,000 T1447 Stamford Public Education Foundation, Inc. 50,000 T1448 SoundWaters, Inc. 25,000 T1449 Project Music, Inc. 30,000 T1450 Bangladesh Society of Connecticut 50,000 T1451 Bangladesh Christian Association of Connecticut 25,000 T1452 Bangladeshi American Friends & Family of Connecticut 25,000 T1453 Bangladeshi American Association of Connecticut 25,000 T1454 Farnam-Neighborhood House, Inc. 50,000 T1455 Reentry Success Plan 300,000 T1456 Youth Continuum, Inc. 100,000 T1457 Music Haven, Inc. 100,000 Sec. 34. (Effective July 1, 2025) The amounts appropriated in section 1 239 of this act to the Judicial Department, for Youth Violence Initiative, for 240 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 241 available in each said fiscal year for the following grants: 242 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 51 of 693 T1458 Grantee Grant T1459 Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, Inc. 200,000 T1460 Bridgeport City Hall for Lighthouse Program 375,000 T1461 Ht CT, Inc. 200,000 T1462 Ralphola Taylor Community Center 200,000 T1463 City of Danbury 50,000 T1464 Danbury Police Activities League 150,000 T1465 Hartford Knights Corp. 400,000 T1466 Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury, Inc. 85,000 T1467 Meriden-New Britain-Berlin Young Men's Christian Association, Inc. 40,000 T1468 Girls Inc. of Meriden 50,000 T1469 Casa Boricua De Meriden, Inc. 70,000 T1470 New Opportunities, Inc. 5,000 T1471 Boys & Girls Club of Meriden 50,000 T1472 Beat The Street Community Center, Inc. 45,000 T1473 Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. 25,000 T1474 Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, Inc. 50,000 T1475 New Britain ROOTS, Inc. 15,000 T1476 The Young Women's Christian Association of New Britain 15,000 T1477 Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. 10,000 T1478 New Britain Little League 20,000 T1479 Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc. 10,000 T1480 Hospital for Special Care 25,000 T1481 Hospital of Central Connecticut 30,000 T1482 Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, Inc. 75,000 T1483 New Britain Football and Cheer, Inc. 15,000 T1484 Tow Youth Justice Institute 397,406 T1485 Dom Aitro Baseball League, Inc. 50,000 T1486 Marine Cadets of America, Inc. 50,000 T1487 Barack H. Obama Magnet University School 75,000 T1488 Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ Youth Program 75,000 T1489 NXTHVN, Inc. 50,000 T1490 Kiyama Movement, Inc. 60,000 T1491 Center for Family Justice 66,000 T1492 Safe Futures Family Justice Center 66,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 52 of 693 T1493 HOPE Family Justice Center 66,000 T1494 East Rock Lodge No 141 IBPOE of W, Inc. 100,000 T1495 CERCLE 100,000 T1496 Solar Youth, Inc. 75,000 T1497 Reentry Success Plan 1,000,000 T1498 New Haven Youth Soccer 25,000 T1499 Annex Little League, Inc. 30,000 T1500 Fellowship Place, Inc. 100,000 T1501 Shiloh Development Corp, Inc. 40,000 T1502 Heavy Hitters USA, Inc. 25,000 T1503 The Haitian Hub Resource Center, Inc. 30,000 T1504 Community Level Up, Inc. 50,000 T1505 Positive Adversity 20,000 T1506 The Samaritan House, Inc. 30,000 T1507 Today's Youth Tomorrow's Future 20,000 T1508 Norwich Free Academy 55,000 T1509 Kids Christmas, Inc. 10,000 T1510 Sikh Art Gallery, Inc. 20,000 T1511 Castle Church, Inc. 35,000 T1512 Sankofa Education and Leadership, Inc. 55,000 T1513 City Youth Theater, Inc. 6,000 T1514 The Leadership University, Inc. 7,500 T1515 Rivera Memorial Foundation, Inc. 40,000 T1516 Madre Latina Organization, Inc. 25,000 T1517 Connecticut Junior Republic 12,000 T1518 Greater Waterbury YMCA - Waterbury Youth Services 15,000 T1519 Shakesperience Productions, Inc. 5,000 T1520 Afro Caribbean Cultural Center, Inc. 10,000 T1521 Waterbury Patriots Football and Cheer 10,000 T1522 Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury, Inc. 20,000 T1523 We Believe Academy, Inc. 5,000 T1524 Hoops4life, Inc. 5,000 T1525 The UnGroup Society 25,000 T1526 St. Margaret Willow Plaza NRZ, Inc. 60,000 T1527 Police Activity League of Waterbury, Inc. 50,000 T1528 Park Central, Inc. 7,500 T1529 Greater Waterbury YMCA 50,000 T1530 Waterbury Knights Youth Football and Cheer, Inc. 10,000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 53 of 693 T1531 The Gathering Festival, Inc. 10,000 T1532 FreeTHEM, Inc. 5,000 T1533 Walnut-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Association, Inc. 20,000 T1534 Congregation K'tana of Waterbury 5,000 T1535 Community InReach Corp. 12,000 T1536 Teach Kids Music 35,000 T1537 Alexander Jordan Jamieson Foundation, Inc. 20,000 T1538 West Haven Seahawks 20,000 T1539 City of West Haven Youth Services 30,000 T1540 Bridges Healthcare Inc. 15,000 T1541 West Haven Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. 15,000 T1542 Umbrella Impact, Inc. 30,000 Sec. 35. (Effective from passage) (a) The Secretary of the Office of Policy 243 and Management shall identify unexpended funds totaling $258,000,000 244 from the amounts appropriated in section 1 of special act 23-204, which 245 shall not lapse on June 30, 2025, and such funds shall be transferred and 246 made available as provided in subsection (b) of this section. 247 (b) (1) To Reserve for Salary Adjustments, the sum of $100,000,000 for 248 the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $36,000,000, for the 249 fiscal year ending June 30, 2027; and 250 (2) To the State Comptroller – Fringe Benefits, for State Employees 251 Health Service Cost, the sum of $122,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 252 June 30, 2026. 253 Sec. 36. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The sum of $3,000,000 of the amount 254 appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for 255 Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made 256 available in said fiscal year to provide a grant to EastCONN Regional 257 Educational Service Center. 258 (b) The sum of $900,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 259 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 260 fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal 261 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 54 of 693 year to provide a grant to EdAdvance Regional Educational Service 262 Center. 263 (c) The sum of $20,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this 264 act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the 265 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 266 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Norwalk MLK 267 Scholarship Fund. 268 (d) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 269 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 270 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $25,000 of such amount 271 appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made 272 available in said fiscal years for robotics. 273 (e) The sum of $800,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 274 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 275 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 276 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Brother Carl 277 Institute. 278 (f) The sum of $150,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 279 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 280 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 281 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Artists 282 Collective. 283 (g) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 284 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 285 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 286 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Girls on the 287 Run Greater Hartford. 288 (h) The sum of $350,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 289 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 290 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 291 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 55 of 693 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Big Brothers 292 and Big Sisters of Connecticut for mentoring in the cities of Hartford and 293 New Haven. 294 (i) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this 295 act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the 296 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 297 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the town of 298 Middletown for youth programming. 299 (j) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this 300 act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the 301 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 302 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Boys and 303 Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley for operational support. 304 (k) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 305 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 306 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 307 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Hartford 308 Knights. 309 (l) The sum of $15,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this 310 act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the 311 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 312 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Hartford Youth 313 Programming. 314 (m) The sum of $150,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 315 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 316 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 317 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Active City for 318 youth athletics. 319 (n) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 320 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 321 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 56 of 693 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 322 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Serving All 323 Vessels Equally (SAVE), Inc. in Norwalk. 324 (o) The sum of $2,000,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 325 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 326 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 327 available in each of said fiscal years for electrical and computer 328 engineering recruitment and after school K-2 reading tutoring. 329 (p) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this 330 act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the 331 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 332 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to EdAdvance 333 School Readiness Council. 334 (q) The sum of $210,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 335 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 336 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 337 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Stamford 338 Public Education Foundation. 339 (r) The sum of $1,000,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 340 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 341 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 342 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Full Circle 343 Youth Empowerment. 344 (s) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 345 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 346 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 347 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Bridgeport 348 Youth Lacrosse. 349 (t) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 350 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 351 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 57 of 693 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 352 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to New Haven 353 Reads. 354 (u) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 355 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of 356 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 357 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Thompson 358 Alliance District. 359 (v) The sum of $150,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 360 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 361 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $200,000 of such amount 362 appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made 363 available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to Big Brothers Big 364 Sisters. 365 (w) The sum of $20,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 366 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 367 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 368 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Girls on the 369 Run Greater Connecticut. 370 (x) The sum of $450,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 371 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 372 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $350,000 of such amount 373 appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made 374 available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to Effective School 375 Solutions. 376 (y) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 377 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 378 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal 379 year to provide a grant to Athlife. 380 (z) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 381 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 58 of 693 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 382 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 383 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Connecticut 384 Association of Boards of Education for boards of education training. 385 (AA) The sum of $400,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 386 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 387 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $200,000 of such amount 388 appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made 389 available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Connecticut 390 Association of Schools / Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic 391 Conference for Curriculum Development. 392 (BB) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 393 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 394 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal 395 year to provide a grant to Free Agent Now. 396 (CC) The sum of $5,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 397 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 398 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 399 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Martin Luther 400 King Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown. 401 (DD) The sum of $175,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 402 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 403 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 404 available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to VR Sim. 405 (EE) The sum of $10,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 406 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 407 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal 408 year to provide a grant to Greenwich YMCA Scholarship Program. 409 (FF) The sum of $30,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 410 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 411 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 59 of 693 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 412 available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to the town of Waterford 413 for school lunch debt. 414 (GG) The sum of $36,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 415 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 416 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 417 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the town of 418 Montville for school lunch debt. 419 (HH) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 420 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 421 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 422 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Fairfield River- 423 Lab. 424 (II) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 425 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 426 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 427 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Bridgeport 428 Caribe Youth Leaders. 429 (JJ) The sum of $175,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 430 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 431 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 432 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Elevate 433 Bridgeport. 434 (KK) The sum of $75,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 435 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 436 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 437 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Bridgeport 438 Board of Education for the Bridgeport Public Schools Debate League. 439 (LL) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 440 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 441 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 60 of 693 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 442 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Yellow Mill 443 Scholarship Fund. 444 (MM) The sum of $1,500,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 445 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 446 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 447 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Waterbury 448 Promise. 449 (NN) The sum of $250,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 450 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 451 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 452 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Meriden Boys 453 and Girls Club. 454 (OO) The sum of $10,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 455 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 456 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 457 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Newington 458 Public Schools for diverse library circulation materials. 459 (PP) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 460 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 461 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 462 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Boys and Girls 463 Club of Milford for AI training. 464 (QQ) The sum of $500,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 465 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 466 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 467 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to New London 468 Public Schools Pre-K and early childhood, including transitional 469 kindergarten. 470 (RR) The sum of $90,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 471 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 61 of 693 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 472 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 473 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Stamford 474 Public Education Foundation. 475 (SS) The sum of $50,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 476 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 477 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 478 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Sound Waters 479 Summer Camp. 480 (TT) The sum of $250,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of 481 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the 482 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made 483 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Windham 484 Public Schools. 485 Sec. 37. (Effective from passage) Up to $100,000 of the amount 486 appropriated to the Labor Department, for Cradle to Career, in section 487 1 of public act 23-204, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, shall not 488 lapse on June 30, 2025, and shall be transferred to the Office of Early 489 Childhood, for Other Expenses, and made available during the fiscal 490 year ending June 30, 2026, as a grant to the United Way of Coastal and 491 Western Connecticut. 492 Sec. 38. (Effective July 1, 2025) The sum of $110,400 of the amount 493 appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Judicial Department, for Other 494 Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made 495 available to provide a grant-in-aid to Survivors of Homicide, Inc. 496 Sec. 39. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following amounts shall be 497 transferred from the resources of the General Fund to the Cannabis 498 Regulatory Fund: (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, ten million 499 three hundred thousand dollars, and (2) for the fiscal year ending June 500 30, 2027, ten million five hundred thousand dollars. 501 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 62 of 693 Sec. 40. (Effective July 1, 2025) Notwithstanding the provisions of 502 section 10-183z of the general statutes, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 503 2026, the portion of the actuarially determined employer contribution 504 representing the unfunded liability of the teachers' retirement system 505 shall be $1,511,502,535. 506 Sec. 41. (Effective from passage) Not later than June 30, 2025, the 507 Comptroller shall transfer one hundred fifty million dollars of the 508 resources of the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to 509 be accounted for as revenue of the General Fund for the fiscal year 510 ending June 30, 2026. 511 Sec. 42. (Effective from passage) Not later than June 30, 2026, the 512 Comptroller shall transfer two hundred forty-four million dollars of the 513 resources of the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to 514 be accounted for as revenue of the General Fund for the fiscal year 515 ending June 30, 2027. 516 Sec. 43. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following amounts shall be 517 transferred from the resources of the General Fund to the Municipal 518 Revenue Sharing Fund: (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, 519 ninety-nine million six hundred thousand dollars, and (2) for the fiscal 520 year ending June 30, 2027, ninety-three million three hundred thousand 521 dollars. 522 Sec. 44. (Effective from passage) Not later than June 30, 2025, the 523 Comptroller shall transfer one hundred forty million dollars of the 524 resources of the Special Transportation Fund for the fiscal year ending 525 June 30, 2025, seventeen million dollars of which is to be accounted for 526 as revenue of the Special Transportation Fund for the fiscal year ending 527 June 30, 2026, and one hundred twenty-three million of which is to be 528 accounted for as revenue of the Special Transportation Fund for the 529 fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. 530 Sec. 45. (Effective from passage) (a) Whenever the federal government 531 passes into law any regular or supplemental appropriations bill, 532 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 63 of 693 continuing resolution or other legislation that reduces the amount of 533 federal funds to be provided to the state during the state fiscal years 534 ending June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2027, inclusive, as compared to the state 535 fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, the Secretary of the 536 Office of Policy and Management shall, not later than thirty days after 537 passage of such legislation, submit to the joint standing committees of 538 the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to 539 appropriations and the budget of state agencies and finance, revenue 540 and bonding a plan that (1) identifies the programs the secretary projects 541 will be affected by such reductions, including an estimate of the amount 542 by which each such program will be affected, (2) makes 543 recommendations on the feasibility, prudence and legal requirements to 544 use state resources, including, but not limited to, the funds in the Budget 545 Reserve Fund, to supplant all or a portion of any reduction in federal 546 funding, and (3) provides a draft supplemental appropriations and 547 revenue bill, if applicable, to enact such recommendations. 548 (b) If the plan submitted under subsection (a) of this section includes 549 a draft supplemental appropriations and revenue bill, such draft bill 550 shall prioritize maintenance of health care, food assistance, education, 551 state employment and arts and cultural activities. 552 Sec. 46. Section 3-123l of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective from 553 passage) 554 Sec. 47. (Effective from passage) The Legislative Commissioners' Office 555 shall, in codifying the provisions of this act, make such technical, 556 grammatical and punctuation changes as are necessary to carry out the 557 purposes of this act, including, but not limited to, correcting inaccurate 558 internal references. 559 Sec. 48. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) The Commissioner of 560 Social Services shall, within available appropriations, develop a 561 methodology and implementation plan for one or more financing 562 structures or alternative payment methodologies for hospital services in 563 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 64 of 693 the state, including, but not limited to, a global budget payment 564 methodology for licensed acute care hospitals, including, but not limited 565 to, children's hospitals, under the AHEAD federal innovation model 566 administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' 567 Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The commissioner shall, 568 not later than January 31, 2026, report, in accordance with the provisions 569 of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees 570 of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to 571 human services, public health and appropriations and the budgets of 572 state agencies regarding such methodology and implementation plan. 573 (b) Not earlier than thirty days after submitting such report, the 574 commissioner may apply for a Medicaid research and demonstration 575 waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act to implement a 576 financing structure or alternative payment methodology developed 577 pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section. If 578 implemented, such financing structure or alternative payment 579 methodology (1) shall apply to each licensed acute care hospital, 580 including, but not limited to, children's hospitals, that voluntarily 581 chooses to participate in such financing structure or alternative payment 582 methodology for all service categories included in such structure or 583 methodology, and (2) may, within available resources dedicated to the 584 implementation of such financing structure or alternative payment 585 methodology, include incentive or other enhanced payments for any 586 such licensed acute care hospital. No state agency shall (A) require any 587 licensed acute care hospital to participate in any financing structure or 588 alternative payment methodology implemented pursuant to the 589 provisions of this section, (B) require any licensed acute care hospital to 590 participate in any such financing structure or alternative payment 591 methodology as a condition of Medicaid reimbursement or approval of 592 a certificate of need application, or (C) impose any penalty or reduction 593 on any licensed acute care hospital as a result of its decision not to 594 participate in any such financing structure or alternative payment 595 methodology. 596 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 65 of 693 Sec. 49. Section 3-13i of the general statutes is repealed and the 597 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 598 (a) On and after January 1, 2001, or on and after the first adoption of 599 an investment policy statement under section 3-13b, whichever is later, 600 any contract for services related to the investment of trust funds, as 601 defined in section 3-13c, shall be subject to the investment policy 602 statement adopted under section 3-13b. No contract for services related 603 to the investment of such funds shall be awarded to a provider of such 604 services until the Treasurer's recommendation of a provider is reviewed 605 by the Investment Advisory Council. The Treasurer shall provide notice 606 of such recommendation at a meeting of the council. Not later than 607 forty-five days after such meeting, the council may file a written review 608 of the Treasurer's recommendation concerning the selection of such 609 provider with the Office of the Treasurer where it shall be available for 610 public inspection. The Treasurer may proceed to award the contract 611 after (1) such forty-five-day period, (2) receipt of the council's written 612 review, or (3) notification by the council that it does not intend to submit 613 a written review, whichever is sooner. 614 (b) The Treasurer shall establish procurement procedures for the 615 award of any such contract, in accordance with standards set forth in 616 the investment policy statement adopted under section 3-13b, that foster 617 impartial and comprehensive evaluations of potential providers and 618 encourage the selection of the most responsible provider who can 619 provide the best value to the state. Any such contract shall not be 620 considered a personal service agreement, as defined in section 4-212, or 621 a contract for contractual services, as defined in section 4a-50. 622 Sec. 50. Section 51-47 of the general statutes is repealed and the 623 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 624 (a) The judges of the Superior Court, judges of the Appellate Court 625 and judges of the Supreme Court shall receive annually salaries as 626 follows: 627 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 66 of 693 [(1) On and after July 1, 2022, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme 628 Court, two hundred twenty-six thousand seven hundred eleven dollars; 629 (B) the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme Court, 630 Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred seventeen thousand 631 eight hundred fifty-four dollars; (C) each associate judge of the Supreme 632 Court, two hundred nine thousand seven hundred seventy dollars; (D) 633 the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred seven thousand 634 four hundred fifty dollars; (E) each judge of the Appellate Court, one 635 hundred ninety-seven thousand forty-six dollars; (F) the Deputy Chief 636 Court Administrator if a judge of the Superior Court, one hundred 637 ninety-three thousand four hundred twenty dollars; and (G) each judge 638 of the Superior Court, one hundred eighty-nine thousand four hundred 639 eighty-three dollars.] 640 [(2)] (1) On and after July 1, 2023, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme 641 Court, two hundred thirty-three thousand five hundred twelve dollars; 642 (B) the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme Court, 643 Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred twenty-four thousand 644 three hundred ninety dollars; (C) each associate judge of the Supreme 645 Court, two hundred sixteen thousand sixty-three dollars; (D) the Chief 646 Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred thirteen thousand six 647 hundred seventy-four dollars; (E) each judge of the Appellate Court, 648 two hundred two thousand nine hundred fifty-seven dollars; (F) the 649 Deputy Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Superior Court, one 650 hundred ninety-nine thousand two hundred twenty-three dollars; and 651 (G) each judge of the Superior Court, one hundred ninety-five thousand 652 one hundred sixty-seven dollars. 653 [(3)] (2) On and after July 1, 2024, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme 654 Court, two hundred forty thousand five hundred eighteen dollars; (B) 655 the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme Court, 656 Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred thirty-one thousand 657 one hundred twenty-one dollars; (C) each associate judge of the 658 Supreme Court, two hundred twenty-two thousand five hundred forty- 659 five dollars; (D) the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred 660 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 67 of 693 twenty thousand eighty-four dollars; (E) each judge of the Appellate 661 Court, two hundred nine thousand forty-six dollars; (F) the Deputy 662 Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Superior Court, two hundred 663 five thousand one hundred ninety-nine dollars; and (G) each judge of 664 the Superior Court, two hundred one thousand twenty-three dollars. 665 (3) On and after July 1, 2025, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme 666 Court, two hundred forty-eight thousand nine hundred thirty-six 667 dollars; (B) the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme 668 Court, Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred thirty-nine 669 thousand two hundred ten dollars; (C) each associate judge of the 670 Supreme Court, two hundred thirty thousand three hundred thirty-four 671 dollars; (D) the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred 672 twenty-seven thousand seven hundred eighty-six dollars; (E) each judge 673 of the Appellate Court, two hundred sixteen thousand three hundred 674 thirty-six dollars; (F) the Deputy Chief Court Administrator if a judge of 675 the Superior Court, two hundred twelve thousand three hundred 676 eighty-one dollars; and (G) each judge of the Superior Court, two 677 hundred eight thousand fifty-nine dollars. 678 [(b) (1) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive under 679 subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2022, a judge 680 designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall 681 receive one thousand two hundred ninety-two dollars in additional 682 compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the 683 administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand two 684 hundred ninety-two dollars in additional compensation and each 685 Superior Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for 686 facilities, administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial 687 referees or for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the 688 Superior Court shall receive one thousand two hundred ninety-two 689 dollars in additional compensation.] 690 [(2)] (b) (1) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive 691 under subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2023, a judge 692 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 68 of 693 designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall 693 receive one thousand three hundred thirty-one dollars in additional 694 compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the 695 administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand 696 three hundred thirty-one dollars in additional compensation and each 697 Superior Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for 698 facilities, administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial 699 referees or for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the 700 Superior Court shall receive one thousand three hundred thirty-one 701 dollars in additional compensation. 702 [(3)] (2) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive 703 under subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2024, a judge 704 designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall 705 receive one thousand three hundred seventy-one dollars in additional 706 compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the 707 administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand 708 three hundred seventy-one dollars in additional compensation and each 709 Superior Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for 710 facilities, administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial 711 referees or for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the 712 Superior Court shall receive one thousand three hundred seventy-one 713 dollars in additional compensation. 714 (3) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive under 715 subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2025, a judge 716 designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall 717 receive one thousand four hundred nineteen dollars in additional 718 compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the 719 administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand four 720 hundred nineteen dollars in additional compensation and each Superior 721 Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for facilities, 722 administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial referees or 723 for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the Superior Court 724 shall receive one thousand four hundred nineteen dollars in additional 725 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 69 of 693 compensation. 726 (c) Each such judge shall be an elector and a resident of this state, 727 shall be a member of the bar of the state of Connecticut and shall not 728 engage in private practice, nor on or after July 1, 1985, be a member of 729 any board of directors or of any advisory board of any state bank and 730 trust company, state bank or savings and loan association, national 731 banking association or federal savings bank or savings and loan 732 association. [Nothing in this subsection shall preclude a senior judge 733 from participating in any alternative dispute resolution program 734 approved by STA-FED ADR, Inc.] 735 (d) Each such judge, excluding any senior judge, who has completed 736 not less than ten years of service as a judge of either the Supreme Court, 737 the Appellate Court, or the Superior Court, or of any combination of 738 such courts, or of the Court of Common Pleas, the Juvenile Court or the 739 Circuit Court, or other state service or service as an elected officer of the 740 state, or any combination of such service, shall receive semiannual 741 longevity payments based on service as a judge of any or all of such six 742 courts, or other state service or service as an elected officer of the state, 743 or any combination of such service, completed as of the first day of July 744 and the first day of January of each year, as follows: 745 (1) A judge who has completed ten or more years but less than fifteen 746 years of service shall receive one-quarter of three per cent of the annual 747 salary payable under subsection (a) of this section. 748 (2) A judge who has completed fifteen or more years but less than 749 twenty years of service shall receive one-half of three per cent of the 750 annual salary payable under subsection (a) of this section. 751 (3) A judge who has completed twenty or more years but less than 752 twenty-five years of service shall receive three-quarters of three per cent 753 of the annual salary payable under subsection (a) of this section. 754 (4) A judge who has completed twenty-five or more years of service 755 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 70 of 693 shall receive three per cent of the annual salary payable under 756 subsection (a) of this section. 757 Sec. 51. Subsection (f) of section 52-434 of the general statutes is 758 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 759 2025): 760 (f) Each judge trial referee shall receive, for acting as a referee or as a 761 single auditor or committee of any court or for performing duties 762 assigned by the Chief Court Administrator with the approval of the 763 Chief Justice, for each day the judge trial referee is so engaged, in 764 addition to the retirement salary: (1) (A) [on and after July 1, 2022, the 765 sum of two hundred eighty-five dollars, (B) on] On and after July 1, 766 2023, the sum of two hundred ninety-four dollars; [, and (C)] (B) on and 767 after July 1, 2024, the sum of three hundred two dollars; and (C) on and 768 after July, 1, 2025, the sum of three hundred twelve dollars; and (2) 769 expenses, including mileage. Such amounts shall be taxed by the court 770 making the reference in the same manner as other court expenses. 771 Sec. 52. Subsection (h) of section 46b-231 of the general statutes is 772 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 773 2025): 774 [(h) (1) On and after July 1, 2022, the Chief Family Support Magistrate 775 shall receive a salary of one hundred sixty-four thousand nine hundred 776 thirty-two dollars, and other family support magistrates shall receive an 777 annual salary of one hundred fifty-six thousand nine hundred seventy- 778 three dollars.] 779 [(2)] (h) (1) On and after July 1, 2023, the Chief Family Support 780 Magistrate shall receive a salary of one hundred sixty-nine thousand 781 eight hundred eighty dollars, and other family support magistrates shall 782 receive an annual salary of one hundred sixty-one thousand six hundred 783 eighty-two dollars. 784 [(3)] (2) On and after July 1, 2024, the Chief Family Support 785 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 71 of 693 Magistrate shall receive a salary of one hundred seventy-four thousand 786 nine hundred seventy-six dollars, and other family support magistrates 787 shall receive an annual salary of one hundred sixty-six thousand five 788 hundred thirty-three dollars. 789 (3) On and after July 1, 2025, the Chief Family Support Magistrate 790 shall receive a salary of one hundred eighty-one thousand one hundred 791 one dollars, and other family support magistrates shall receive an 792 annual salary of one hundred seventy-two thousand three hundred 793 sixty-one dollars. 794 Sec. 53. Subsection (b) of section 46b-236 of the general statutes is 795 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 796 2025): 797 (b) [(1) On and after July 1, 2022, each family support referee shall 798 receive, for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the 799 retirement salary, the sum of two hundred forty-five dollars and 800 expenses, including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so 801 engaged. 802 (2)] (1) On and after July 1, 2023, each family support referee shall 803 receive, for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the 804 retirement salary, the sum of two hundred fifty-two dollars and 805 expenses, including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so 806 engaged. 807 [(3)] (2) On and after July 1, 2024, each family support referee shall 808 receive, for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the 809 retirement salary, the sum of two hundred sixty dollars and expenses, 810 including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so engaged. 811 (3) On and after July 1, 2025, each family support referee shall receive, 812 for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the retirement 813 salary, the sum of two hundred sixty-nine dollars and expenses, 814 including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so engaged. 815 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 72 of 693 Sec. 54. Subsection (o) of section 15-31a of the general statutes is 816 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 817 passage): 818 (o) On or before January 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the board 819 of directors shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of 820 section 11-4a, to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the 821 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to 822 transportation. Such report shall include, but need not be limited to: (1) 823 A description of the projects undertaken by the authority in the 824 preceding year; (2) a list of projects which, if undertaken by the state, 825 would support the state's maritime policies and encourage maritime 826 commerce and industry; (3) a description of the authority's finances; (4) 827 recommendations for improvements to existing maritime policies, 828 programs and facilities; and (5) recommendations for legislation to 829 promote the authority's purpose. [The Commissioner of Administrative 830 Services and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall 831 jointly review and comment on each report before such report is 832 submitted to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the 833 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to 834 transportation.] 835 Sec. 55. Subsection (a) of section 12-217rr of the general statutes is 836 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 837 passage and applicable to applications filed on or after said date): 838 (a) As used in this section, "youth development organization" means 839 a nonprofit organization in this state that is exempt from taxation 840 pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or 841 any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United 842 States, as amended from time to time, and that (1) provides evidence- 843 supported interventions to high-risk youth to improve school and 844 family engagement, and (2) offers skills development, transitional 845 employment and job placement and support to assist young adults to be 846 employed and self-sufficient. 847 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 73 of 693 Sec. 56. Subsection (b) of section 14-21m of the general statutes is 848 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 849 passage): 850 (b) The moneys in said account shall be distributed [quarterly] 851 annually by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to the 852 United States Olympic Committee, a nonprofit entity. Said moneys shall 853 be expended by the United States Olympic Committee on efforts 854 dedicated to providing athletes with support and training, and 855 preparing athletes for sports competition. 856 Sec. 57. Subsection (d) of section 14-21u of the general statutes is 857 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 858 passage): 859 (d) The funds in the account shall be distributed [quarterly] annually 860 by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to Connecticut 861 Support Our Troops, Inc. 862 Sec. 58. Subsection (d) of section 14-21v of the general statutes is 863 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 864 passage): 865 (d) The funds in the account shall be distributed [quarterly] annually 866 by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to the 867 Connecticut Nurses Foundation. 868 Sec. 59. Section 12-217n of the general statutes is repealed and the 869 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage and 870 applicable to income and taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 871 2025): 872 (a) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this 873 chapter the amount determined under subsection (c) of this section in 874 respect of the research and development expenses paid or incurred 875 during any income year, subject to the limitations of this section. 876 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 74 of 693 (b) [For purposes of] As used in this section: 877 (1) "Research and development expenses" means research or 878 experimental expenditures deductible under Section 174 of the Internal 879 Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on May 28, 1993, determined without 880 regard to Section 280C(c) thereof or any elections made by a taxpayer to 881 amortize such expenses on its federal income tax return that were 882 otherwise deductible, and basic research payments as defined under 883 Section 41 of said Internal Revenue Code to the extent not deducted 884 under said Section 174, provided: (A) Such expenditures and payments 885 are paid or incurred for such research and experimentation and basic 886 research conducted in this state; and (B) such expenditures and 887 payments are not funded, within the meaning of Section 41(d)(4)(H) of 888 said Internal Revenue Code, by any grant, contract, or otherwise by a 889 person or governmental entity other than the taxpayer unless such other 890 person is included in a combined return with the person paying or 891 incurring such expenses; 892 (2) "Combined return" means a combined unitary tax return under 893 section 12-222; 894 (3) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Economic and 895 Community Development; 896 (4) "Qualified small business" means a [company] taxpayer that (A) 897 has gross income for the previous income year that does not exceed one 898 hundred million dollars, and (B) has not, in the determination of the 899 commissioner, met the gross income test through transactions with a 900 related person, as defined in section 12-217w; and 901 (5) "Taxpayer" means (A) a taxpayer, as defined in section 12-213, and 902 (B) a single member limited liability company that (i) has more than 903 three thousand employees in this state, and (ii) is engaged in 904 manufacturing, with expertise in mechatronics, alignment and sensor 905 technology and optical fabrication. For purposes of this section, if a 906 single member limited liability company is disregarded as an entity 907 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 75 of 693 separate from its owner for federal income tax purposes, the calculation 908 of the total number of employees in this state of the limited liability 909 company shall include both the employees of the limited liability 910 company and the employees of such limited liability company's owner. 911 (c) (1) The amount allowed as a credit in any income year shall be the 912 tentative credit calculated under subdivision (2) of this subsection, 913 modified as provided in subsection (e) or (f) of this section, if applicable, 914 except that in the case of a qualified small business the tentative credit 915 allowed for research and development expenses shall be equal to six per 916 cent of such expenses or in the case of any business employing over two 917 thousand five hundred people in the state of Connecticut with annual 918 revenues in excess of three billion dollars and headquartered in an 919 enterprise zone the tentative credit allowed for research and 920 development expenses shall be equal to the greater of (A) the tentative 921 credit calculated under subdivision (2), modified as provided in 922 subsection (e) or (f) of this section, if applicable, or (B) three and one- 923 half per cent of such expense. 924 (2) Where the research and development expenses paid or incurred 925 in the income year equal: (A) Fifty million dollars or less, the tentative 926 credit allowed shall be an amount equal to one per cent of such 927 expenses; (B) more than fifty million dollars but not more than one 928 hundred million dollars, the tentative credit allowed shall be equal to 929 five hundred thousand dollars plus two per cent of the excess of such 930 expenses over fifty million dollars; (C) more than one hundred million 931 dollars but not more than two hundred million dollars, the tentative 932 credit allowed shall be equal to one million five hundred thousand 933 dollars plus four per cent of the excess of such expenses over one 934 hundred million dollars; and (D) more than two hundred million 935 dollars, the tentative credit allowed shall be equal to five million five 936 hundred thousand dollars plus six per cent of the excess of such 937 expenses over two hundred million dollars. 938 (d) (1) The credit provided for by this section shall be allowed for any 939 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 76 of 693 income year commencing on or after January 1, 1993, provided any 940 credits allowed for income years commencing on or after January 1, 941 1993, and prior to January 1, 1995, may not be taken until income years 942 commencing on or after January 1, 1995, and, for the purposes of 943 subdivision (2) of this subsection, shall be treated as if the credit for each 944 such income year first became allowable in the first income year 945 commencing on or after January 1, 1995. 946 (2) No more than one-third of the amount of the credit allowable for 947 any income year may be included in the calculation of the amount of the 948 credit that may be taken in that income year. 949 (3) The total amount of the credit under subdivision (1) of this 950 subsection that may be taken for any income year may not exceed the 951 greater of (A) fifty per cent of the taxpayer's tax liability or in the case of 952 a combined return, fifty per cent of the combined tax liability, for such 953 income year, determined without regard to any credits allowed under 954 this section, and (B) the lesser of (i) two hundred per cent of the credit 955 otherwise allowed under subsection (c) of this section for such income 956 year, and (ii) ninety per cent of the taxpayer's tax liability or in the case 957 of a combined return, ninety per cent of the combined liability for such 958 income year, determined without regard to any credits allowed under 959 this section. 960 (4) (A) Credits that are allowed under this section for income years 961 commencing prior to January 1, 2021, that exceed the amount permitted 962 to be taken in an income year pursuant to the provisions of subdivision 963 (1), (2) or (3) of this subsection shall be carried forward to each of the 964 successive income years until such credits, or applicable portion thereof, 965 are fully taken. 966 (B) Credits that are allowed under this section for income years 967 commencing on or after January 1, 2021, that exceed the amount 968 permitted to be taken in an income year pursuant to the provisions of 969 subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of this subsection shall be carried forward to 970 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 77 of 693 each of the successive income years until such credits, or applicable 971 portion thereof, are fully taken. No credit or portion thereof allowed 972 under this section for income years commencing on or after January 1, 973 2021, shall be carried forward for a period of more than fifteen years. 974 (C) No credit allowed under this section shall be taken in any income 975 year until the full amount of all allowable credits carried forward to such 976 year from any prior income year, commencing with the earliest such 977 prior year, that otherwise may be taken under subdivision (2) of this 978 subsection in that income year, have been fully taken. 979 (D) If the taxpayer that pays or incurs research and development 980 expenses is a single member limited liability company that is 981 disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, the credit may be 982 claimed by such limited liability company's owner, provided such 983 owner is subject to the tax imposed under this chapter. 984 (e) In addition to the wage base test set forth in subsection (f) of this 985 section, any aerospace company or in the case of a combined return, any 986 combined group including an aerospace company, shall be subject to 987 this subsection for any income year commencing on or after January 1, 988 1993, and prior to January 1, 1996. For purposes of this subsection, an 989 aerospace company is any taxpayer, whether or not included in a 990 combined return, engaged principally in the aerospace industry whose 991 research and development expenses during each of the income years 992 beginning on or after January 1, 1990, 1991 and 1992, respectively, 993 exceeded two hundred million dollars. No aerospace company, or in the 994 case of a combined return, a combined group including an aerospace 995 company, shall be allowed any credit under this section for any income 996 year to which this subsection applies in which the aggregate transfers 997 by an aerospace company, if any, of historical economic base functions 998 outside of this state, other than to a location outside the United States, 999 since January 1, 1993, through the end of such income year, have 1000 materially reduced the historical economic base functions in this state. 1001 For purposes of this subsection, the historical economic base functions 1002 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 78 of 693 shall be those economic base functions conducted by an aerospace 1003 company, which need not be all economic base functions of the 1004 aerospace company, in this state on January 1, 1993, whose continuance 1005 in this state, as determined by the commissioner in his discretion, will 1006 further the policies set forth in section 32-221. Such historical economic 1007 base functions shall be set forth in a binding memorandum of 1008 understanding between the commissioner and an aerospace company 1009 that may be entered into at any time prior to the expiration of the first 1010 income year to which this subsection applies, with sufficient specificity 1011 to allow the commissioner and the aerospace company to determine in 1012 all income years subject to this subsection whether there has been such 1013 a reduction in said historical economic base functions. As a prerequisite 1014 to the allowance of any credit otherwise allowable under this section for 1015 any income year to which this subsection applies, each aerospace 1016 company shall obtain a certificate of eligibility issued by the 1017 commissioner to the aerospace company for such income year. The 1018 aerospace company shall not later than sixty days after the close of each 1019 income year to which this subsection applies certify to the commissioner 1020 that there has been no such aggregate material reduction in the historical 1021 economic base functions in this state for the income year just completed 1022 that otherwise has not been offset as provided below. Within sixty days 1023 thereafter, the commissioner shall review the certification and, if the 1024 commissioner determines that there has been no such net aggregate 1025 material reduction in the historical economic base functions in this state, 1026 the commissioner shall issue a certificate of eligibility for said income 1027 year. The following shall not constitute a material reduction in the 1028 historical economic base functions in this state: (1) A reduction of not 1029 more than two per cent of the historical economic base functions; (2) 1030 transfer of an historical economic base function to a person in this state; 1031 (3) transfer of a historical economic base function outside of the United 1032 States; or (4) reductions in historical economic base functions 1033 attributable to reductions in volume, productivity improvements or the 1034 discontinuance of operations due to obsolescence or the like. Any 1035 transfers that may otherwise be counted in determining if a material 1036 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 79 of 693 reduction occurred may be offset to the extent economic base functions 1037 listed in, or comparable to those listed in, the memorandum of 1038 understanding are increased in this state, transferred into this state, or 1039 established in this state. Any such increase, transfer or establishment 1040 made during an income year, or subsequent to such income year but 1041 prior to the filing of the return for such income year, shall be effective 1042 for such income year and all income years thereafter. The commissioner 1043 may issue or reissue a certificate of eligibility for the applicable income 1044 year following any such offset. The commissioner shall, upon request, 1045 provide a copy of the certificate of eligibility and memorandum of 1046 understanding to the Commissioner of Revenue Services. 1047 (f) The tentative credit allowable to the taxpayer, or in the case of a 1048 combined return, the combined group, that pays or incurs research and 1049 development expenses in excess of two hundred million dollars for the 1050 income year shall be reduced for any income year in which the 1051 workforce reductions, if any, exceed the percentages set forth below. For 1052 purposes of this subsection, workforce reductions shall be reductions of 1053 the historical Connecticut wage base of the taxpayer, or in the case of a 1054 combined return, the combined group, as a result of the transfer outside 1055 of this state, other than to a location outside the United States, of work 1056 done by employees of the taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, 1057 the combined group. Such reduction in the tentative credit shall be as 1058 follows: (1) If the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year 1059 is so reduced by not more than two per cent, the tentative credit 1060 allowable for the income year shall not be reduced; (2) if the historical 1061 Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by more than 1062 two per cent but not more than three per cent, the tentative credit 1063 allowable for the income year shall be reduced by ten per cent; (3) if the 1064 historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by 1065 more than three per cent but not more than four per cent, the tentative 1066 credit allowable for the income year shall be reduced by twenty per cent; 1067 (4) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so 1068 reduced by more than four per cent but not more than five per cent, the 1069 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 80 of 693 tentative credit allowable for the income year shall be reduced by forty 1070 per cent; (5) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year 1071 is so reduced by more than five per cent but not more than six per cent, 1072 the tentative credit allowable for the income year shall be reduced by 1073 seventy per cent; and (6) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the 1074 income year is so reduced by more than six per cent, no credit for the 1075 income year shall be allowed. The Connecticut wage base for any 1076 income year shall be the total wages assigned to Connecticut for such 1077 income year under section 12-218 excluding wages paid to the ten most 1078 highly-compensated executives of the taxpayer, or in the case of a 1079 combined return, the combined group, and any compensation that does 1080 not subject the recipient thereof to federal income tax thereon in said 1081 income year. The historical Connecticut wage base shall be the 1082 Connecticut wage base for the third full income year immediately 1083 preceding the current income year; provided the historical Connecticut 1084 wage base for the first three income years commencing on or after 1085 January 1, 1993, shall be the Connecticut wage base for May 1993, 1086 converted to an annual basis. The following shall not constitute a 1087 workforce reduction for any income year: (A) A reduction of wages 1088 attributable to the transfer of work done by a taxpayer, or in the case of 1089 a combined return, by the combined group, in this state to a party in this 1090 state; (B) a reduction of wages attributable to the transfer of work done 1091 by a taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, by the combined 1092 group, outside the United States; or (C) a reduction in wages attributable 1093 to reductions in volume, productivity improvements or the 1094 discontinuance of operations due to obsolescence or the like. Solely for 1095 purposes of determining whether the allowable credit is to be reduced 1096 under this subsection for any income year, the Connecticut wages 1097 attributable to any new jobs or jobs moved into this state by the 1098 taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, the combined group, 1099 during such income year or subsequent to such income year but prior to 1100 the filing of the return for such income year shall be an offset to any 1101 workforce reduction of a taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, 1102 the combined group, for said income year. A new job shall be a job that 1103 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 81 of 693 did not exist in the business of a taxpayer, or in the case of a combined 1104 return, a member of the combined group, in this state at the end of the 1105 income year just completed. Notwithstanding subsection (g) of this 1106 section, a taxpayer may elect for any income year to separately compute 1107 its allowable tentative credit under this subsection for any one or more 1108 business units that had gross revenues for such income year in excess of 1109 one hundred million dollars. Any taxpayer subject to this subsection 1110 shall not later than sixty days after the close of each income year certify 1111 to the commissioner whether or not there has been any workforce 1112 reduction for the income year just completed, the amount thereof, and 1113 any offsets thereto as provided above. Not later than sixty days 1114 thereafter, the commissioner shall review the certification and, if the 1115 commissioner determines that there has been no more than a six per cent 1116 workforce reduction, net of any such offsets, the commissioner shall 1117 issue a certificate of eligibility stating the amount of net workforce 1118 reduction so determined for said income year, if any. The commissioner 1119 shall not issue a certificate of eligibility for any income year in which the 1120 commissioner determines that there has been more than a six per cent 1121 net workforce reduction. The commissioner shall, upon request, provide 1122 a copy of the certificate of eligibility to the Commissioner of Revenue 1123 Services. 1124 (g) Where one or more taxpayers properly included in a combined 1125 return pays or incurs research and development expenses, all 1126 allowances and limitations under this section shall be made on an 1127 aggregate basis for all taxpayers included in such combined return, 1128 provided, the credit attributable to a qualified small business may be 1129 taken only against the combined tax liability attributable to such 1130 qualified small business. The amount of the combined tax for all 1131 corporations properly included in a combined corporation business tax 1132 return that is attributable to a qualified small business shall be in the 1133 same ratio to such combined tax that the net income apportioned to this 1134 state of the qualified small business bears to the net income, in the 1135 aggregate of all corporations included in such combined return. Solely 1136 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 82 of 693 for the purposes of computing such ratio, any net loss apportioned to 1137 this state by a corporation included in such combined return shall be 1138 disregarded. 1139 (h) Any taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, any combined 1140 group of taxpayers, that claims a credit under section 12-217j for any 1141 income year shall reduce the amount of research and development 1142 expenses that otherwise may be taken into account in computing the 1143 allowable credit under subsection (c) of this section for such income year 1144 by the amount of excess research and experimental expenditures, as 1145 computed under said section 12-217j, for which the credit thereunder is 1146 given. 1147 (i) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the 1148 provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of this section. 1149 Sec. 60. Section 12-217j of the general statutes is repealed and the 1150 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage and 1151 applicable to income and taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 1152 2025): 1153 (a) (1) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed on 1154 any [corporation] taxpayer under this chapter, with respect to income 1155 years of such corporation commencing on or after January 1, 1994, an 1156 amount equal to twenty per cent of the amount spent by such 1157 [corporation] taxpayer directly on research and experimental 1158 expenditures, as defined in Section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1159 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the 1160 United States, as from time to time amended, which are conducted in 1161 this state and which exceeds the amount spent by such [corporation] 1162 taxpayer during the preceding income year of such [corporation] 1163 taxpayer for such expenditures. 1164 (2) As used in this section, "taxpayer" means (A) a taxpayer, as 1165 defined in section 12-213, and (B) a single member limited liability 1166 company that (i) has more than three thousand employees in this state, 1167 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 83 of 693 and (ii) is engaged in manufacturing, with expertise in mechatronics, 1168 alignment and sensor technology and optical fabrication. For purposes 1169 of this section, if a single member limited liability company is 1170 disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for federal income tax 1171 purposes, the calculation of the total number of employees in this state 1172 of the limited liability company shall include both the employees of the 1173 limited liability company and the employees of such limited liability 1174 company's owner 1175 (b) (1) With respect to any income year commencing on or after 1176 January 1, 2000, a credit or any portion of a credit that is allowed under 1177 this section but that is not used by a taxpayer because the amount of the 1178 credit exceeds the tax due and owing by the taxpayer shall be carried 1179 forward to each of the successive income years until such credit, or 1180 applicable portion of the credit, is fully taken. In no case shall a credit, 1181 or any portion of a credit, that is not used by a taxpayer be carried 1182 forward for a period of more than fifteen years. 1183 (2) (A) With respect to any income year commencing on or after 1184 January 1, 1997, and prior to January 1, 2000, a credit or any portion of 1185 a credit that is allowed under this section but that is not used by a 1186 biotechnology company because the amount of the credit exceeds the 1187 tax due and owing by the taxpayer shall be carried forward to each of 1188 the successive income years until such credit, or applicable portion of 1189 the credit, is fully taken. In no case shall a credit, or any portion of a 1190 credit, that is not used by a biotechnology company be carried forward 1191 for a period of more than fifteen years. 1192 (B) For purposes of this subsection, "biotechnology company" means 1193 a company engaged in the business of applying technologies, such as 1194 recombinant DNA techniques, biochemistry, molecular and cellular 1195 biology, genetics and genetic engineering, biological cell fusion 1196 techniques, and new bioprocesses, using living organisms, or parts of 1197 organisms, to produce or modify products, to improve plants or 1198 animals, to develop microorganisms for specific uses, to identify targets 1199 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 84 of 693 for small molecule pharmaceutical development, or to transform 1200 biological systems into useful processes and products. 1201 (3) If the taxpayer that pays or incurs research and experimental 1202 expenditures is a single member limited liability company that is 1203 disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, the credit may be 1204 claimed by such limited liability company's owner, provided such 1205 owner is subject to the tax imposed under this chapter. 1206 Sec. 61. Section 5-141d of the general statutes is repealed and the 1207 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 1208 (a) The state shall save harmless and indemnify any state officer or 1209 employee, as defined in section 4-141, and any member of the Public 1210 Defender Services Commission from financial loss and expense arising 1211 out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of his alleged 1212 negligence or alleged deprivation of any person's civil rights or other act 1213 or omission resulting in damage or injury, if the officer, employee or 1214 member is found to have been acting in the discharge of his duties or 1215 within the scope of his employment and such act or omission is found 1216 not to have been wanton, reckless or malicious. As used in this section, 1217 "state officer or employee" includes any member of a state officer's or 1218 employee's immediate family who is named or included in any such 1219 claim, demand, suit or judgment solely by reason of such familial 1220 relationship; and "immediate family" has the same meaning as provided 1221 in section 1-79. 1222 (b) The state, through the Attorney General, shall provide for the 1223 defense of any such state officer, employee or member in any civil action 1224 or proceeding in any state or federal court arising out of any alleged act, 1225 omission or deprivation which occurred or is alleged to have occurred 1226 while the officer, employee or member was acting in the discharge of his 1227 duties or in the scope of his employment, except that the state shall not 1228 be required to provide for such a defense whenever the Attorney 1229 General, based on his investigation of the facts and circumstances of the 1230 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 85 of 693 case, determines that it would be inappropriate to do so and he so 1231 notifies the officer, employee or member in writing. 1232 (c) (1) The state, through the Attorney General, may provide for the 1233 defense of any such state officer, employee or member for such officer, 1234 employee or member's participation as a witness in any criminal 1235 investigation conducted if the officer, employee or member's status as a 1236 witness arises from the officer, employee or member's discharge of his 1237 duties or in the scope of his employment in any case in which the 1238 Attorney General determines, based on his investigation of the facts and 1239 circumstances of the case, that the officer, employee or member is not 1240 identified as a target, subject or person of interest in the investigation or 1241 proceeding at the time of the request. 1242 (2) If the Attorney General makes a determination that a conflict of 1243 interest exists between the individual seeking representation and the 1244 state's broader legal interests, the Attorney General shall promptly 1245 notify the individual and advise whether or not the use of outside 1246 counsel at the state's expense will be authorized. 1247 (3) Representation under this subsection shall be limited strictly to 1248 matters arising from the individual's status as a witness or their official 1249 duties and shall not extend to personal legal matters or unrelated 1250 conduct. 1251 (4) The Attorney General shall conduct a periodic review to confirm 1252 the individual's status as a witness and ensure compliance with the 1253 terms of representation. If the individual becomes a target, subject or 1254 person of interest, or is subsequently indicted or arrested, the Attorney 1255 General shall make a determination whether in his discretion, 1256 representation shall cease and the individual shall be promptly notified 1257 of such determination. 1258 (d) The state, through the Attorney General, may provide for the 1259 defense of any such state officer, employee or member in a federal 1260 criminal investigation or prosecution arising out of any alleged act, 1261 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 86 of 693 omission or deprivation which occurred or is alleged to have occurred 1262 while the officer, employee or member was acting in the discharge of 1263 such officer, employee or member's duties or in the scope of such officer, 1264 employee or member's employment in any case in which the relevant 1265 agency head or constitutional officer requests representation and the 1266 Attorney General determines, in the Attorney General's discretion, that: 1267 (1) The alleged act, omission or deprivation was consistent with such 1268 officer, employee or member's obligations under state law and the tenth 1269 amendment to the United States Constitution; and 1270 (2) The legal basis on which the federal criminal investigation or 1271 prosecution is founded is without merit. 1272 [(c)] (e) Legal fees and costs incurred as a result of the retention by 1273 any such officer, employee or member of an attorney to defend his 1274 interests in any [such] civil action or proceeding shall be borne by the 1275 state only in those cases where (1) the Attorney General has stated in 1276 writing to the officer, employee or member, pursuant to subsection (b) 1277 of this section, that the state will not provide an attorney to defend the 1278 interests of the officer, employee or member, and (2) the officer, 1279 employee or member is thereafter found to have acted in the discharge 1280 of his duties or in the scope of his employment, and not to have acted 1281 wantonly, recklessly or maliciously. Such legal fees and costs incurred 1282 by such officer, employee or member shall be paid to such officer, 1283 employee or member only after the final disposition of the suit, claim or 1284 demand and only in such amounts as shall be determined by the 1285 Attorney General to be reasonable. In determining whether such 1286 amounts are reasonable, the Attorney General may consider whether it 1287 was appropriate for a group of officers, employees or members to be 1288 represented by the same counsel. 1289 [(d)] (f) Such officer, employee or member may bring an action in the 1290 Superior Court against the state to enforce the provisions of this section. 1291 [(e)] (g) The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to any 1292 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 87 of 693 such officer, employee or member to the extent he has a right to 1293 indemnification under any other section of the general statutes. 1294 Sec. 62. Subdivision (5) of subsection (k) of section 54-56d of the 1295 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 1296 thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 1297 (5) The state shall hold harmless and indemnify any health care 1298 guardian appointed by the court pursuant to subdivision (3) of this 1299 subsection from financial loss and expense arising out of any claim, 1300 demand, suit or judgment by reason of such health care guardian's 1301 alleged negligence or alleged deprivation of any person's civil rights or 1302 other act or omission resulting in damage or injury, provided the health 1303 care guardian is found to have been acting in the discharge of his or her 1304 duties pursuant to said subdivision and such act or omission is found 1305 not to have been wanton, reckless or malicious. The provisions of 1306 subsections (b), [(c)] (e) and [(d)] (f) of section 5-141d shall apply to such 1307 health care guardian. The provisions of chapter 53 shall not apply to a 1308 claim against such health care guardian. 1309 Sec. 63. (Reserved) 1310 Sec. 64. (Reserved) 1311 Sec. 65. (Reserved) 1312 Sec. 66. (Reserved) 1313 Sec. 67. (Reserved) 1314 Sec. 68. (Reserved) 1315 Sec. 69. (Reserved) 1316 Sec. 70. (Reserved) 1317 Sec. 71. Subsection (b) of section 4-68m of the general statutes is 1318 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 1319 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 88 of 693 2025): 1320 (b) The division shall promote a more effective and cohesive state 1321 criminal justice system by: 1322 (1) Conducting an in-depth analysis of the criminal justice system; 1323 (2) Determining the long-range needs of the criminal justice system 1324 and recommending policy priorities for the system; 1325 (3) Identifying critical problems in the criminal justice system and 1326 recommending strategies to solve those problems; 1327 (4) Assessing the cost-effectiveness of the use of state and local funds 1328 in the criminal justice system; 1329 (5) Recommending means to improve the deterrent and rehabilitative 1330 capabilities of the criminal justice system; 1331 (6) Advising and assisting the General Assembly in developing plans, 1332 programs and proposed legislation for improving the effectiveness of 1333 the criminal justice system; 1334 (7) Making computations of daily costs and comparing interagency 1335 costs on services provided by agencies that are a part of the criminal 1336 justice system; 1337 (8) Reviewing the program inventories and cost-benefit analyses 1338 submitted pursuant to section 4-68s and considering incorporating such 1339 inventories and analyses in its budget recommendations to the General 1340 Assembly; 1341 (9) Making population computations for use in planning for the long- 1342 range needs of the criminal justice system; 1343 (10) Determining long-range information needs of the criminal justice 1344 system and acquiring that information; 1345 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 89 of 693 (11) Cooperating with the Office of the Victim Advocate by providing 1346 information and assistance to the office relating to the improvement of 1347 crime victims' services; 1348 (12) Serving as the liaison for the state to the United States 1349 Department of Justice on criminal justice issues of interest to the state 1350 and federal government relating to data, information systems and 1351 research; 1352 (13) Measuring the success of community-based services and 1353 programs in reducing recidivism; 1354 (14) Developing and implementing a comprehensive reentry strategy 1355 as provided in section 18-81w; [and] 1356 (15) Engaging in other activities consistent with the responsibilities of 1357 the division; and 1358 (16) Developing and implementing policies for the state-wide 1359 delivery of postsecondary educational programs in correctional 1360 facilities, including, but not limited to, policies pertaining to federal Pell 1361 grants and prison education programs. 1362 Sec. 72. Subsection (a) of section 12-211a of the general statutes is 1363 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 1364 passage): 1365 (a) (1) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, and 1366 except as otherwise provided in subdivision [(5)] (6) of this subsection 1367 or in subsection (b) of this section, the amount of tax credit or credits 1368 otherwise allowable against the tax imposed under this chapter for any 1369 calendar year shall not exceed seventy per cent of the amount of tax due 1370 from such taxpayer under this chapter with respect to such calendar 1371 year of the taxpayer prior to the application of such credit or credits. 1372 (2) For the calendar year commencing January 1, 2011, "type one tax 1373 credits" means tax credits allowable under section 12-217jj, 12-217kk or 1374 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 90 of 693 12-217ll; "type two tax credits" means tax credits allowable under section 1375 38a-88a; "type three tax credits" means tax credits that are not type one 1376 tax credits or type two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" means 1377 thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this 1378 chapter prior to the application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent 1379 threshold" means fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from a 1380 taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits; and 1381 "seventy per cent threshold" means seventy per cent of the amount of 1382 tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of 1383 tax credits. 1384 (3) For the calendar year commencing January 1, 2012, "type one tax 1385 credits" means the tax credit allowable under section 12-217ll; "type two 1386 tax credits" means tax credits allowable under section 38a-88a; "type 1387 three tax credits" means tax credits that are not type one tax credits or 1388 type two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" means thirty per cent of 1389 the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the 1390 application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent threshold" means fifty-five 1391 per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter 1392 prior to the application of tax credits; and "seventy per cent threshold" 1393 means seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under 1394 this chapter prior to the application of tax credits. 1395 (4) For calendar years commencing on or after January 1, 2013, and 1396 prior to January 1, 2025, "type one tax credits" means the tax credit 1397 allowable under sections 12-217jj, 12-217kk and 12-217ll; "type two tax 1398 credits" means tax credits allowable under section 38a-88a; "type three 1399 tax credits" means tax credits that are not type one tax credits or type 1400 two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" means thirty per cent of the 1401 amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the 1402 application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent threshold" means fifty-five 1403 per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter 1404 prior to the application of tax credits; and "seventy per cent threshold" 1405 means seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under 1406 this chapter prior to the application of tax credits. 1407 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 91 of 693 (5) For calendar years commencing on or after January 1, 2025, "type 1408 one tax credits" means the tax credit allowable under sections 12-217jj 1409 and 12-217kk; "type two tax credits" means tax credits allowable under 1410 section 38a-88a; "type three tax credits" means tax credits that are not 1411 type one tax credits or type two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" 1412 means thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under 1413 this chapter prior to the application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent 1414 threshold" means fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from a 1415 taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits; and 1416 "seventy per cent threshold" means seventy per cent of the amount of 1417 tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of 1418 tax credits. 1419 [(5)] (6) For calendar years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, 1420 and subject to the provisions of subdivisions (2), (3), [and] (4) and (5) of 1421 this subsection, the amount of tax credit or credits otherwise allowable 1422 against the tax imposed under this chapter shall not exceed: 1423 (A) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type 1424 three tax credits only, thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from such 1425 taxpayer under this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the 1426 taxpayer prior to the application of such credit or credits. 1427 (B) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type 1428 one tax credits and type three tax credits, but not type two tax credits, 1429 fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under 1430 this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to 1431 the application of such credit or credits, provided (i) type three tax 1432 credits shall be claimed before type one tax credits are claimed, (ii) the 1433 type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the thirty per cent 1434 threshold, and (iii) the sum of the type one tax credits and the type three 1435 tax credits being claimed may not exceed the fifty-five per cent 1436 threshold. 1437 (C) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type 1438 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 92 of 693 two tax credits and type three tax credits, but not type one tax credits, 1439 seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this 1440 chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to the 1441 application of such credit or credits, provided (i) type three tax credits 1442 shall be claimed before type two tax credits are claimed, (ii) the type 1443 three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the thirty per cent 1444 threshold, and (iii) the sum of the type two tax credits and the type three 1445 tax credits being claimed may not exceed the seventy per cent threshold. 1446 (D) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type 1447 one tax credits, type two tax credits and type three tax credits, seventy 1448 per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this chapter 1449 with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to the 1450 application of such credits, provided (i) type three tax credits shall be 1451 claimed before type one tax credits or type two tax credits are claimed, 1452 and the type one tax credits shall be claimed before the type two tax 1453 credits are claimed, (ii) the type three tax credits being claimed may not 1454 exceed the thirty per cent threshold, (iii) the sum of the type one tax 1455 credits and the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the 1456 fifty-five per cent threshold, and (iv) the sum of the type one tax credits, 1457 the type two tax credits and the type three tax credits being claimed may 1458 not exceed the seventy per cent threshold. 1459 (E) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type 1460 one tax credits and type two tax credits only, but not type three tax 1461 credits, seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer 1462 under this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer 1463 prior to the application of such credits, provided (i) the type one tax 1464 credits shall be claimed before type two tax credits are claimed, (ii) the 1465 type one tax credits being claimed may not exceed the fifty-five per cent 1466 threshold, and (iii) the sum of the type one tax credits and the type two 1467 tax credits being claimed may not exceed the seventy per cent threshold. 1468 Sec. 73. Subdivision (1) of subsection (h) of section 12-217jj of the 1469 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 1470 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 93 of 693 thereof (Effective from passage): 1471 (h) (1) An eligible production company shall apply to the department 1472 for a tax credit voucher on an annual basis, but not later than ninety days 1473 after the first production expenses or costs are incurred in the 1474 production of a qualified production, and shall provide with such 1475 application such information as the department may require to 1476 determine such company's eligibility to claim a credit under this section. 1477 No production expenses or costs may be listed more than once for 1478 purposes of the tax credit voucher pursuant to this section [, or pursuant 1479 to] or section 12-217kk, [or 12-217ll,] and if a production expense or cost 1480 has been included in a claim for a credit, such production expense or 1481 cost may not be included in any subsequent claim for a credit. 1482 Sec. 74. Subdivision (10) of subsection (a) of section 32-1m of the 1483 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 1484 thereof (Effective from passage): 1485 (10) An overview of the department's activities concerning digital 1486 media, motion pictures and related production activity, and an analysis 1487 of the use of the film production tax credit established under section 12- 1488 217jj [,] and the entertainment industry infrastructure tax credit 1489 established under section 12-217kk, [and the digital animation 1490 production tax credit established under section 12-217ll,] including the 1491 amount of any tax credit issued under said sections, the total amount of 1492 production expenses or costs incurred in the state by the taxpayer who 1493 was issued such a tax credit and the information submitted in the report 1494 required under subparagraph (A) of subdivision [(1)] (2) of subsection 1495 (h) of section 12-217jj. 1496 Sec. 75. Subdivision (6) of section 32-1p of the general statutes is 1497 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 1498 passage): 1499 (6) To prepare an explanatory guide showing the impact of relevant 1500 state and municipal tax statutes, regulations and administrative 1501 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 94 of 693 opinions on typical production activities and to implement the tax 1502 credits provided for in sections 12-217jj [,] and 12-217kk; [and 12-217ll;] 1503 Sec. 76. Section 3-115b of the general statutes is repealed and the 1504 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 1505 (a) Commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, the 1506 Comptroller, in the Comptroller's sole discretion, may initiate a process 1507 intended to result in the implementation of the use of generally accepted 1508 accounting principles, as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting 1509 Standards Board, with respect to the preparation and maintenance of 1510 the annual financial statements of the state pursuant to section 3-115. 1511 (b) Commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, the 1512 Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall initiate a process 1513 intended to result in the implementation of generally accepted 1514 accounting principles, as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting 1515 Standards Board, with respect to the preparation of the biennial budget 1516 of the state. 1517 [(c) The Comptroller shall establish an opening combined balance 1518 sheet for each appropriated fund as of July 1, 2013, on the basis of 1519 generally accepted accounting principles. The accumulated deficit in the 1520 General Fund on June 30, 2013, as determined on the basis of generally 1521 accepted accounting principles and identified in the annual 1522 comprehensive financial report of the state as the unassigned negative 1523 balance of the General Fund on said date, reduced by any funds 1524 deposited in the General Fund from other resources for the purpose of 1525 reducing the negative unassigned balance of the fund, shall be 1526 amortized in each fiscal year of each biennial budget, commencing with 1527 the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, and for the succeeding twelve fiscal 1528 years. The Comptroller shall, to the extent necessary to report the fiscal 1529 position of the state in accordance with generally accepted accounting 1530 principles, reconcile the unassigned balance in the General Fund at the 1531 end of each fiscal year to the unassigned balance in the General Fund on 1532 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 95 of 693 June 30, 2013, the portion already amortized and any unassigned 1533 balance created after June 30, 2013. The Secretary of the Office of Policy 1534 and Management shall annually publish a recommended amortization 1535 schedule to fully reduce such negative unassigned balance by June 30, 1536 2028. 1537 (d) The unreserved negative balance in the General Fund reported in 1538 the annual comprehensive financial report issued by the Comptroller 1539 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, reduced by (1) the negative 1540 unassigned balance in the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 1541 30, 2013, and (2) any funds from other resources deposited in the 1542 General Fund for the purpose of reducing the negative unassigned 1543 balance of the fund shall be amortized in each fiscal year of each biennial 1544 budget, commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, and for 1545 the succeeding ten fiscal years. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and 1546 Management shall annually publish a recommended amortization 1547 schedule to fully reduce such negative unassigned balance by June 30, 1548 2028.] 1549 Sec. 77. Sections 3-20i, 12-217ll and 32-41v of the general statutes are 1550 repealed. (Effective from passage) 1551 Sec. 78. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: 1552 (1) "Award" means the greater of: (A) The unpaid portion, if any, of a 1553 qualifying student's eligible institutional costs after subtracting such 1554 student's financial aid, or (B) a minimum award of five hundred dollars 1555 for a full-time student or three hundred dollars for a part-time student; 1556 (2) "Eligible institutional costs" means the tuition and required fees 1557 incurred each semester by an individual student that are established by 1558 the Board of Regents for Higher Education for the Connecticut State 1559 University System and Charter Oak State College; 1560 (3) "Financial aid" means the sum of all scholarships, grants and 1561 federal, state and institutional aid received by a qualifying student. 1562 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 96 of 693 "Financial aid" does not include any federal, state or private student 1563 loans received by a qualifying student; 1564 (4) "Qualifying student" means any person who (A) participated in 1565 the debt-free community college program, established pursuant to 1566 section 10a-174 of the general statutes, and completed not fewer than 1567 sixty credits through said program at the Connecticut State Community 1568 College, (B) enrolls as a full-time or part-time student for the fall 1569 semester of 2026, or any semester thereafter, at a state university within 1570 the Connecticut State University System or Charter Oak State College in 1571 a program leading to a bachelor's degree, (C) is classified as an in-state 1572 student pursuant to section 10a-29 of the general statutes, (D) made 1573 satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at the Connecticut State 1574 Community College and continues to make satisfactory academic 1575 progress while enrolled at such state university or Charter Oak State 1576 College, (E) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, 1577 and (F) has accepted all available financial aid; 1578 (5) "Full-time student" means a student who is enrolled at a state 1579 university within the Connecticut State University System or Charter 1580 Oak State College and (A) is carrying twelve or more credit hours in a 1581 semester, or (B) has a learning disability documented with such 1582 university in which he or she is enrolled and is enrolled in the maximum 1583 number of credit hours that is feasible for such student to attempt in a 1584 semester, as determined by such student's academic advisor; 1585 (6) "Semester" means the fall or spring semester of an academic year. 1586 "Semester" does not include a summer semester or session; and 1587 (7) "Part-time student" means a student who is enrolled at a state 1588 university within the Connecticut State University System or Charter 1589 Oak State College and is carrying not less than six but fewer than twelve 1590 credit hours in a semester. 1591 (b) The Board of Regents for Higher Education shall (1) establish a 1592 finish line scholars program to make awards to qualifying students each 1593 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 97 of 693 semester, (2) adopt rules, procedures and forms necessary to implement 1594 the finish line scholars program, and (3) submit a report outlining such 1595 rules, procedures and forms, in accordance with the provisions of 1596 section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of 1597 the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher 1598 education. 1599 (c) For the fall semester of 2026, and each semester thereafter, the 1600 Board of Regents for Higher Education shall make awards to qualifying 1601 students within available appropriations. An award shall be available 1602 to a qualifying student for the first seventy-two credit hours earned by 1603 the qualifying student at a state university within the Connecticut State 1604 University System or Charter Oak State College, as applicable, or until 1605 such qualifying student earns a bachelor's degree, whichever is earlier, 1606 provided the qualifying student meets and continues to meet the 1607 requirements of this section. The board shall not use an award to 1608 supplant any financial aid, including, but not limited to, state or 1609 institutional aid, otherwise available to a qualifying student. 1610 (d) Not later than November 1, 2026, and March 1, 2027, and each 1611 semester thereafter, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall 1612 report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general 1613 statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly 1614 having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and 1615 employment advancement and appropriations and the budgets of the 1616 state agencies regarding the finish line scholars program, including, but 1617 not limited to, (1) the number of qualifying students enrolled at a state 1618 university within the Connecticut State University System and Charter 1619 Oak State College during each semester, (2) the number of qualifying 1620 students receiving minimum awards and the number of qualifying 1621 students receiving awards for the unpaid portion of eligible institutional 1622 costs, (3) the average number of credit hours the qualifying students 1623 enrolled in each semester and the average number of credit hours the 1624 qualifying students completed each semester, (4) the average amount of 1625 the award made to qualifying students under this section for the unpaid 1626 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 98 of 693 portion of eligible institutional costs, and (5) the degree completion rates 1627 of qualifying students receiving awards under this section by subject 1628 area. 1629 Sec. 79. Section 51-9c of the general statutes is repealed and the 1630 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 1631 (a) For purposes of this section, "Project Longevity Initiative" means 1632 a comprehensive community-based initiative that is designed to reduce 1633 gun violence in state municipalities. 1634 (b) The Chief Court Administrator shall (1) provide planning and 1635 management assistance to municipal officials in the city of New Haven 1636 in order to ensure the continued implementation of the Project 1637 Longevity Initiative in said city and the Chief Court Administrator may 1638 utilize state and federal funds as may be appropriated for such purpose; 1639 and (2) do all things necessary to apply for and accept federal funds 1640 allotted to or available to the state under any federal act or program 1641 which support the continued implementation of the Project Longevity 1642 Initiative in the city of New Haven. 1643 (c) The Chief Court Administrator, or the Chief Court 1644 Administrator's designee, in consultation with the United States 1645 Attorney for the district of Connecticut, the Chief State's Attorney, the 1646 Commissioner of Correction, the executive director of the Court Support 1647 Services Division of the Judicial Branch, the mayors of the cities of 1648 Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury [, Norwich] and New London and 1649 clergy members, nonprofit service providers and community leaders 1650 from said cities shall implement the Project Longevity Initiative in said 1651 cities. 1652 (d) The Chief Court Administrator shall (1) provide planning and 1653 management assistance to municipal officials in the cities of Hartford, 1654 Bridgeport, Waterbury [, Norwich] and New London in order to ensure 1655 implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative in said cities and the 1656 Chief Court Administrator may utilize state and federal funds as may 1657 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 99 of 693 be appropriated for such purpose; and (2) do all things necessary to 1658 apply for and accept federal funds allotted to or available to the state 1659 under any federal act or program which will support implementation of 1660 the Project Longevity Initiative in said cities. 1661 (e) The Chief Court Administrator may accept and receive on behalf 1662 of the Judicial Branch, any bequest, devise or grant made to the Judicial 1663 Branch to further the objectives of the Project Longevity Initiative and 1664 may hold and use such property for the purpose specified, if any, in 1665 such bequest, devise or gift. 1666 (f) (1) Until June 30, 2022, the secretary, in consultation with the 1667 federal and state officials described in subsection (c) of this section, shall 1668 create a plan for implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative on a 1669 state-wide basis. Such plan shall, at a minimum, consider how to 1670 provide clients served by the Project Longevity Initiative with access to 1671 courses of instruction and apprentice programs provided by, but not 1672 limited to, a college, a university, a community college or the Technical 1673 Education and Career System. The secretary shall submit such plan to 1674 the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 1675 cognizance of matters relating to public safety and security in 1676 accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. 1677 (2) In the event that the secretary failed to submit the plan required 1678 under subdivision (1) of this subsection, on and after July 1, 2022, the 1679 Chief Court Administrator in consultation with the federal and state 1680 officials described in subsection (c) of this section, shall create a plan for 1681 implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative on a state-wide basis. 1682 Such plan shall, at a minimum, consider how to provide clients served 1683 by the Project Longevity Initiative with access to courses of instruction 1684 and apprentice programs provided by, but not limited to, a college, a 1685 university, a community college or the Technical Education and Career 1686 System. Not later than January 1, 2023, the Chief Court Administrator 1687 shall submit such plan to the joint standing committees of the General 1688 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public safety and 1689 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 100 of 693 security and the judiciary in accordance with the provisions of section 1690 11-4a. 1691 Sec. 80. Subdivision (13) of subsection (b) of section 12-806 of the 1692 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 1693 thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 1694 (13) To [pay the Office of Policy and Management to] reimburse the 1695 Department of Consumer Protection for the reasonable and necessary 1696 costs arising from the department's regulatory oversight of the 1697 operation of the lottery, retail sports wagering, online sports wagering 1698 and fantasy contests by the corporation, in accordance with the 1699 assessment made pursuant to section 12-806b, including costs arising 1700 directly or indirectly from the licensing of lottery agents, performance 1701 of state police background investigations, and the implementation of 1702 subsection (b) of section 12-562 and sections 12-563a, 12-568a, 12-569, 12- 1703 570, 12-570a, 12-800 to 12-818, inclusive, and sections 12-853, 12-854, 12- 1704 863 to 12-865, inclusive, 12-867 and 12-868; 1705 Sec. 81. Section 12-806b of the general statutes is repealed and the 1706 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 1707 (a) Commencing July 1, 2011, and annually thereafter, the Office of 1708 Policy and Management shall assess the Connecticut Lottery 1709 Corporation in an amount sufficient to compensate the Department of 1710 Consumer Protection for the reasonable and necessary costs incurred by 1711 the department for the regulatory activities specified in subdivision (13) 1712 of subsection (b) of section 12-806 for the preceding fiscal year ending 1713 June thirtieth. 1714 [(b) For the assessment year ending June 30, 2012, the Office of Policy 1715 and Management shall, on or before August 1, 2012, submit the total of 1716 the assessment made in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, 1717 together with a proposed assessment for the succeeding fiscal year 1718 based on the preceding fiscal year cost, to the Connecticut Lottery 1719 Corporation. The assessment for the preceding fiscal year shall be 1720 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 101 of 693 determined not later than September 15, 2011, after receiving any 1721 objections to the proposed assessments and making such changes or 1722 adjustments as the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management 1723 determines to be warranted. The corporation shall pay the total 1724 assessment in quarterly payments to the Office of Policy and 1725 Management, with the first payment commencing on October 1, 2011, 1726 and with the remaining payments to be made on January 1, 2012, April 1727 1, 2012, and June 1, 2012. The office shall deposit any such payment in 1728 the lottery assessment account established under subsection (d) of this 1729 section.] 1730 [(c)] (b) (1) For the assessment year ending June 30, 2013, and each 1731 assessment year thereafter until and including the assessment year 1732 ending June 30, 2026, the Office of Policy and Management shall, on or 1733 before May first of each year, submit the total of the assessment made in 1734 accordance with subsection (a) of this section, together with a proposed 1735 assessment for the succeeding fiscal year based on the preceding fiscal 1736 year cost, to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. The assessment for 1737 the preceding fiscal year shall be determined not later than June 1738 fifteenth of each year, after receiving any objections to the proposed 1739 assessments and making such changes or adjustments as the Secretary 1740 of the Office of Policy and Management determines to be warranted. 1741 The corporation shall pay the total assessment in quarterly payments to 1742 the Office of Policy and Management, with the first payment 1743 commencing on July first of each year, and with the remaining 1744 payments to be made on October first, January first and April first 1745 annually. The office shall deposit any such payment in the lottery 1746 assessment account established under subsection [(d)] (c) of this section. 1747 (2) For the assessment year ending June 30, 2027, and each assessment 1748 year thereafter, the Office of Policy and Management shall, on or before 1749 August first of each year, submit the total of the assessment made in 1750 accordance with subsection (a) of this section, which shall be an estimate 1751 of the current fiscal year cost based on the preceding fiscal year cost, to 1752 the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. If the actual fiscal year cost does 1753 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 102 of 693 not equal the estimated fiscal year cost used to calculate the assessment, 1754 the assessment for the succeeding fiscal year shall be adjusted 1755 accordingly. The assessment for each fiscal year shall be determined not 1756 later than September fifteenth of each year, after receiving any 1757 objections to the proposed assessments and making such changes or 1758 adjustments as the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management 1759 determines to be warranted. The corporation shall pay the total 1760 assessment in triannual payments to the Department of Consumer 1761 Protection, with the first payment commencing on October first of each 1762 year, and with the remaining payments to be made on January first and 1763 April first annually. The department shall deposit any such payment in 1764 the lottery assessment account established under subsection (c) of this 1765 section. 1766 [(d)] (c) There is established an account to be known as the "lottery 1767 assessment account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account 1768 within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys 1769 required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account 1770 shall be expended by the Department of Consumer Protection. 1771 [(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the final quarterly 1772 payment for the assessment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, shall 1773 be paid on July 1, 2011.] 1774 Sec. 82. Subsection (i) of section 4b-23 of the general statutes is 1775 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 1776 2025): 1777 (i) As used in this subsection, (1) "project" means any state program, 1778 except the downtown Hartford higher education center project, as 1779 defined in section 4b-55, requiring consultant services if the cost of such 1780 services is estimated to exceed one hundred thousand dollars or, in the 1781 case of a program of a constituent unit of the state system of higher 1782 education, [the cost of such services is estimated to exceed three 1783 hundred thousand dollars, or in the case of] a building or premises 1784 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 103 of 693 under the supervision of the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, a 1785 [or] property where the Judicial Department is the primary occupant or 1786 a program executed by the Department of Administrative Services, the 1787 cost of such services is estimated to exceed three hundred thousand 1788 dollars; (2) "consultant" means "consultant" as defined in section 4b-55; 1789 and (3) "consultant services" means "consultant services" as defined in 1790 section 4b-55. Any contracts entered into by the Commissioner of 1791 Administrative Services with any consultants for employment (A) for 1792 any project under the provisions of this section, (B) in connection with a 1793 list established under subsection (e) of section 4b-51, or (C) by task letter 1794 issued by the Commissioner of Administrative Services to any 1795 consultant on such list pursuant to which the consultant will provide 1796 services valued in excess of [one] three hundred thousand dollars, shall 1797 be subject to the approval of the Properties Review Board prior to the 1798 employment of such consultant or consultants by the commissioner. The 1799 Properties Review Board shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of 1800 such selection of or contract with any consultant, approve or disapprove 1801 the selection of or contract with any consultant made by the 1802 Commissioner of Administrative Services pursuant to sections 4b-1 and 1803 4b-55 to 4b-59, inclusive. If upon the expiration of the thirty-day period 1804 a decision has not been made, the Properties Review Board shall be 1805 deemed to have approved such selection or contract. 1806 Sec. 83. Subsection (a) of section 4b-34 of the general statutes is 1807 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 1808 2025): 1809 (a) Except as provided under subsection (e) of this section, whenever 1810 it appears from the specifications of the requesting agency or institution 1811 that the space needs equal or exceed two thousand five hundred square 1812 feet and the Commissioner of Administrative Services has determined 1813 that such needs will be met by lease of space, the commissioner shall 1814 [give public] post notice of such space needs and specifications [by 1815 advertising, at least once, in a newspaper having a substantial 1816 circulation in the area in which such space is sought,] on the Internet 1817 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 104 of 693 web site of the Department of Administrative Services no less than 1818 fifteen days prior to the date of final selection. A copy of such notice 1819 shall be sent to the regional chapter of the Connecticut Association of 1820 Realtors serving the area in which such space is sought. [The provisions 1821 of this subsection shall not be construed to require the commissioner to 1822 lease space only from persons responding to such advertisements.] 1823 Sec. 84. Subsection (a) of section 4b-24b of the general statutes is 1824 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 1825 2025): 1826 (a) Whenever realty uses designed uniquely for state use and for 1827 periods over five years are concerned, the Commissioner of 1828 Administrative Services shall, whenever practicable, attempt to 1829 construct on state-owned land. Whenever the Commissioner of 1830 Administrative Services has established specific plans and specifications 1831 for new construction on state land or new construction for sale to the 1832 state: (1) If it appears to the commissioner that the cost of the project 1833 shall be less than one million five hundred thousand dollars, contracts 1834 shall be made, where practicable, through a process of sealed bidding 1835 as provided in section 4b-91 relating to projects in excess of one million 1836 five hundred thousand dollars; (2) if it appears to the commissioner that 1837 the space needs of the requesting agency are less than five thousand 1838 square feet, the commissioner shall, whenever practicable, [carry on 1839 advertising] post online notice, in accordance with the provisions of 1840 section 4b-34 relating to projects in excess of five thousand square feet, 1841 in order to allow an equal opportunity for third parties to do business 1842 with the state without regard to political affiliation, political 1843 contributions or relationships with persons in state, federal or local 1844 governmental positions. 1845 Sec. 85. Subsection (a) of section 4b-56 of the general statutes is 1846 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 1847 2025): 1848 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 105 of 693 (a) There shall be established within the Department of 1849 Administrative Services state construction services selection panels 1850 which (1) for projects valued at [five] seven million five hundred 1851 thousand dollars or more, [shall] consist of five members, four of whom 1852 [shall be] are current or retired employees of the Department of 1853 Administrative Services appointed by the commissioner and one of 1854 whom [shall be] is appointed by the head or acting head of the user 1855 agency, and (2) for projects valued at less than [five] seven million five 1856 hundred thousand dollars, [shall] consist of three members, two of 1857 whom [shall be] are current or retired employees of the Department of 1858 Administrative Services appointed by the commissioner and one of 1859 whom [shall be] is appointed by the head or acting head of the user 1860 agency. Each member of a section panel, regardless of the appointing 1861 authority, shall serve only for deliberations involving the project for 1862 which such member is appointed. 1863 Sec. 86. Subsection (a) of section 45a-594 of the general statutes is 1864 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1865 1, 2026): 1866 (a) Compensation payable to the conservator or guardian of any 1867 person who is supported wholly or in part by the state in any humane 1868 institution, or who is receiving benefits under any of the state's 1869 programs of public assistance, shall be based upon services rendered 1870 and shall not exceed five per cent of the gross income to the estate 1871 during the period covered by any account. The conservator or guardian 1872 shall be entitled to compensation of not less than fifty dollars for any 1873 accounting period continuing for at least a year. If extraordinary 1874 services are rendered by any conservator or guardian, the court of 1875 probate, upon petition and hearing, may authorize reasonable 1876 additional compensation. [A copy of the petition and notice of hearing 1877 shall be lodged in the office of the Commissioner of Administrative 1878 Services in Hartford at least ten days before the hearing.] No 1879 commission or compensation shall be allowed on any moneys or other 1880 assets received from a prior guardian or conservator nor upon any 1881 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 106 of 693 amount received from liquidation of loans or other investments. 1882 Sec. 87. Section 45a-630 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1883 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): 1884 In the case of any application for the appointment of a guardian of 1885 the estate of a minor pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-132, 45a- 1886 593 to 45a-597, inclusive, 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, and 45a-629 to 1887 45a-638, inclusive, the application shall state that such minor either is, 1888 or is not, receiving aid or care from the state, whichever is true. [, and a 1889 copy of each application which states the minor is receiving such aid or 1890 care shall be sent by the court to the Commissioner of Administrative 1891 Services at least ten days in advance of any hearing on such application. 1892 Said commissioner or his designee may participate at any hearing on 1893 such application.] 1894 Sec. 88. Section 45a-646 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1895 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): 1896 Any person may petition the Probate Court in the district in which he 1897 or she resides, is domiciled or is located at the time the petition for 1898 voluntary representation is filed either for the appointment of a 1899 conservator of the person or a conservator of the estate, or both. If the 1900 petition excuses bond, no bond shall be required by the court unless 1901 later requested by the respondent or unless facts are brought to the 1902 attention of the court that a bond is necessary for the protection of the 1903 respondent. Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall set a time and 1904 place for hearing and shall give such notice as it may direct to the 1905 petitioner, the petitioner's spouse, if any, [the Commissioner of 1906 Administrative Services, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from 1907 the state,] and to other interested parties, if any. After seeing the 1908 respondent in person and hearing his or her reasons for the petition and 1909 after explaining to the respondent that granting the petition will subject 1910 the respondent or respondent's property, as the case may be, to the 1911 authority of the conservator, the court may grant voluntary 1912 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 107 of 693 representation and thereupon shall appoint a conservator of the person 1913 or estate or both, and shall not make a finding that the petitioner is 1914 incapable. The conservator of the person or estate or both, shall have all 1915 the powers and duties of a conservator of the person or estate of an 1916 incapable person appointed pursuant to section 45a-650. If the 1917 respondent subsequently becomes disabled or incapable, the authority 1918 of the conservator shall not be revoked as a result of such disability or 1919 incapacity. 1920 Sec. 89. Section 45a-649 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1921 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): 1922 (a) (1) Upon an application for involuntary representation, the court 1923 shall issue a citation to the following enumerated parties to appear 1924 before it at a time and place named in the citation, which shall be served 1925 on the parties at least ten days before the hearing date, or in the case of 1926 an application made pursuant to section 17a-543 or 17a-543a, at least 1927 seven days before the hearing date. Except as provided in subsection (c) 1928 of section 45a-648, or unless continued by the court for cause shown, the 1929 hearing on an application under this section shall be held not more than 1930 thirty days after the receipt of the application by the Probate Court. 1931 Notice of the hearing shall be sent not more than thirty days after receipt 1932 of the application. In addition to such notice, (A) notice for a matter 1933 brought under sections 45a-667g to 45a-667o, inclusive, shall be given in 1934 the manner provided in section 45a-667n, and (B) notice for a matter 1935 brought under section 45a-667p shall be given in the manner provided 1936 in section 45a-667q. 1937 (2) (A) The court shall direct that personal service of the citation be 1938 made, by a state marshal, constable or an indifferent person, upon the 1939 respondent and the respondent's spouse, if any, if the spouse is not the 1940 applicant. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subparagraph, in 1941 cases where the application is for involuntary representation pursuant 1942 to section 17b-456, and there is no spouse or the whereabouts of the 1943 spouse is unknown, the court shall order notice by certified mail to the 1944 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 108 of 693 children of the respondent and if none, the parents of the respondent 1945 and if none, the brothers and sisters of the respondent or their 1946 representatives, and if none, the next of kin of such respondent. (B) 1947 Except for the respondent, if the address of any other person entitled to 1948 personal service is unknown, or if personal service or service at the 1949 person's usual place of abode cannot be reasonably effected within the 1950 state, or if the person is out of the state, the judge or the clerk of the court 1951 shall order notice be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt 1952 requested, or by publication not less than ten days before the date of the 1953 hearing. Any such publication shall be in a newspaper of general 1954 circulation in the place of the last known address of the person to be 1955 notified, whether within or without this state, or if no such address is 1956 known, in the place where the petition has been filed. 1957 (3) The court shall order such notice as it directs to the following: (A) 1958 The applicant; (B) the person in charge of welfare in the town where the 1959 respondent is domiciled or resident and, if there is no such person, the 1960 first selectman or chief executive officer of the town if the respondent is 1961 receiving assistance from the town; (C) the Commissioner of Social 1962 Services, if the respondent is in a state-operated institution or receiving 1963 aid, care or assistance from the state; (D) the Commissioner of Veterans 1964 Affairs if the respondent is receiving veterans' benefits or the Veterans 1965 Residential Services facility, or both, if the respondent is receiving aid 1966 or care from said facility, or both; (E) [the Commissioner of 1967 Administrative Services, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from 1968 the state; (F)] the children of the respondent and if none, the parents of 1969 the respondent and if none, the brothers and sisters of the respondent 1970 or their representatives and if none, the next of kin of the respondent; 1971 and [(G)] (F) the person in charge of the hospital, nursing home or some 1972 other institution, if the respondent is in a hospital, nursing home or 1973 some other institution. 1974 (4) The court, in its discretion, may order such notice as it directs to 1975 other persons having an interest in the respondent and to such persons 1976 the respondent requests be notified. 1977 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 109 of 693 (5) If personal service of the notice required in subsection (b) of this 1978 section is not made as required in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the 1979 court shall be deprived of jurisdiction over the application. 1980 (b) The notice required by subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this 1981 section shall specify (1) the nature of involuntary representation sought 1982 and the legal consequences thereof, (2) the facts alleged in the 1983 application, (3) the date, time and place of the hearing, and (4) that the 1984 respondent has a right to be present at the hearing and has a right to be 1985 represented by an attorney of the respondent's choice at the 1986 respondent's own expense. The notice shall also include a statement in 1987 boldface type of a minimum size of twelve points in substantially the 1988 following form: 1989 "POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE APPOINTMENT 1990 OF A CONSERVATOR FOR YOU 1991 This court has received an application to appoint a conservator for 1992 you. A conservator is a court-appointed legal guardian who may be 1993 assigned important decision-making authority over your affairs. If the 1994 application is granted and a conservator is appointed for you, you will 1995 lose some of your rights. 1996 A permanent conservator may only be appointed for you after a court 1997 hearing. You have the right to attend the hearing on the application for 1998 appointment of a permanent conservator. If you are not able to access 1999 the court where the hearing will be held, you may request that the 2000 hearing be moved to a convenient location, even to your place of 2001 residence. 2002 You should have an attorney represent you at the hearing on the 2003 application. If you are unable to obtain an attorney to represent you at 2004 the hearing, the court will appoint an attorney for you. If you are unable 2005 to pay for representation by an attorney, the court will pay attorney fees 2006 as permitted by the court's rules. Even if you qualify for payment of an 2007 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 110 of 693 attorney on your behalf, you may choose an attorney if the attorney will 2008 accept the attorney fees permitted by the court's rules. 2009 If, after a hearing on the application, the court decides that you lack 2010 the ability to care for yourself, pay your bills or otherwise manage your 2011 affairs, the court may review any alternative plans you have to get 2012 assistance to handle your own affairs that do not require appointment 2013 of a conservator. If the court decides that there are no adequate 2014 alternatives to the appointment of a conservator, the court may appoint 2015 a conservator and assign the conservator responsibility for some or all 2016 of the duties listed below. While the purpose of a conservator is to help 2017 you, you should be aware that the appointment of a conservator limits 2018 your rights. Among the areas that may be affected are: 2019 - Accessing and budgeting your money 2020 - Deciding where you live 2021 - Making medical decisions for you 2022 - Paying your bills 2023 - Managing your real and personal property 2024 You may participate in the selection of your conservator. If you have 2025 already designated a conservator or if you inform the court of your 2026 choice for a conservator, the court must honor your request unless the 2027 court decides that the person designated by you is not appropriate. 2028 The conservator appointed for you may be a lawyer, a public official 2029 or someone whom you did not know before the appointment. The 2030 conservator will be required to make regular reports to the court about 2031 you. The conservator may charge you a fee, under the supervision of the 2032 court, for being your conservator." 2033 (c) Notice to all other persons required by this section shall only be 2034 required to state that involuntary representation is sought, the nature of 2035 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 111 of 693 the involuntary representation sought, the legal consequences of the 2036 involuntary representation and the date, time and place of the hearing 2037 on the application for involuntary representation. 2038 (d) If the respondent is unable to request or obtain an attorney for any 2039 reason, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the respondent 2040 in any proceeding under this title involving the respondent. If the 2041 respondent is unable to pay for the services of such attorney, the 2042 reasonable compensation for such attorney shall be established by, and 2043 paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department, except that if 2044 funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department 2045 for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the 2046 Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court 2047 Administration Fund. 2048 (e) If the respondent notifies the court in any manner that the 2049 respondent wants to attend the hearing on the application but is unable 2050 to do so, the court shall schedule the hearing on the application at a place 2051 that would facilitate attendance by the respondent. 2052 Sec. 90. Section 45a-652 of the general statutes is repealed and the 2053 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): 2054 In the case of any application for the appointment of a conservator of 2055 the estate, as said terms are defined in section 45a-644, and, in the case 2056 of any application for involuntary representation, as defined in 2057 subsection (d) of section 45a-644, the application shall state that the 2058 respondent, as defined in subsection (e) of section 45a-644, either is or is 2059 not, receiving such aid or care from the state, whichever is true. [, and a 2060 copy of each application which states the respondent is receiving such 2061 aid or care shall be sent by the court to the Commissioner of 2062 Administrative Services, in accordance with the provisions of 2063 subsection (a) of section 45a-649 or section 45a-646, as the case may be.] 2064 Sec. 91. Subsection (e) of section 45a-655 of the general statutes is 2065 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 2066 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 112 of 693 1, 2026): 2067 (e) Upon application of a conservator of the estate, after a hearing 2068 with notice to the [Commissioner of Administrative Services, the] 2069 Commissioner of Social Services and to all parties who may have an 2070 interest as determined by the court, the court may authorize the 2071 conservator to make gifts or other transfers of income and principal 2072 from the estate of the conserved person in such amounts and in such 2073 form, outright or in trust, whether to an existing trust or a court- 2074 approved trust created by the conservator, as the court orders to or for 2075 the benefit of individuals, including the conserved person, and to or for 2076 the benefit of charities, trusts or other institutions described in Sections 2077 2055(a) and 2522(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any 2078 corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time 2079 to time amended. Such gifts or transfers shall be authorized only if the 2080 court finds that: (1) In the case of individuals not related to the 2081 conserved person by blood or marriage, the conserved person had made 2082 a previous gift to that unrelated individual prior to being declared 2083 incapable; (2) in the case of a charity, either (A) the conserved person 2084 had made a previous gift to such charity, had pledged a gift in writing 2085 to such charity, or had otherwise demonstrated support for such charity 2086 prior to being declared incapable; or (B) the court determines that the 2087 gift to the charity is in the best interests of the conserved person, is 2088 consistent with proper estate planning, and there is no reasonable 2089 objection by a party having an interest in the conserved person's estate 2090 as determined by the court; (3) the estate of the conserved person and 2091 any proposed trust of which the conserved person is a beneficiary is 2092 more than sufficient to carry out the duties of the conservator as set forth 2093 in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, both for the present and 2094 foreseeable future, including due provision for the continuing proper 2095 care, comfort and maintenance of such conserved person in accordance 2096 with such conserved person's established standard of living and for the 2097 support of persons the conserved person is legally obligated to support; 2098 (4) the purpose of the gifts is not to diminish the estate of the conserved 2099 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 113 of 693 person so as to qualify the conserved person for federal or state aid or 2100 benefits; and (5) in the case of a conserved person capable of making an 2101 informed decision, the conserved person has no objection to such gift. 2102 The court shall give consideration to the following: (A) The medical 2103 condition of the conserved person, including the prospect of restoration 2104 to capacity; (B) the size of the conserved person's estate; (C) the 2105 provisions which, in the judgment of the court, such conserved person 2106 would have made if such conserved person had been capable, for 2107 minimization of income and estate taxes consistent with proper estate 2108 planning; and (D) in the case of a trust, whether the trust should be 2109 revocable or irrevocable, existing or created by the conservator and 2110 court approved. The court should also consider the provisions of an 2111 existing estate plan, if any. In the case of a gift or transfer in trust, any 2112 transfer to a court-approved trust created by the conservator shall be 2113 subject to continuing probate court jurisdiction in the same manner as a 2114 testamentary trust including periodic rendering of accounts pursuant to 2115 section 45a-177. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the 2116 court may authorize the creation and funding of a trust that complies 2117 with section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1396p(d)(4), as 2118 from time to time amended. The provisions of this subsection shall not 2119 be construed to validate or invalidate any gifts made by a conservator 2120 of the estate prior to October 1, 1998. 2121 Sec. 92. Section 112 of public act 23-205 is repealed. (Effective from 2122 passage) 2123 Sec. 93. Section 4a-57e of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective 2124 from passage) 2125 Sec. 94. Sections 16-331bb and 16-331hh of the general statutes are 2126 repealed. (Effective from passage) 2127 Sec. 95. Section 32-7h of the general statutes is repealed and the 2128 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 2129 (a) There is established an account to be known as the "small business 2130 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 114 of 693 express assistance account" which will be a separate, nonlapsing 2131 account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys 2132 required by law to be deposited in the account. Repayment of principal 2133 and interest on loans shall be credited to such fund and shall become 2134 part of the assets of the fund. Moneys in the account shall be expended 2135 by the Department of Economic and Community Development for (a) 2136 the purposes of the Small Business Express program established 2137 pursuant to section 32-7g, and (b) the purposes enumerated in sections 2138 32-39f and 32-39g. Except as provided in subsection (d) of section 32-7g, 2139 all moneys received for the purposes of the Small Business Express 2140 program and payments of principal and interest on any loans given 2141 under said program shall be credited to the account. 2142 (b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of section 32-7g, the 2143 Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may provide 2144 for the payment of any administrative expenses or other costs incurred 2145 by the department or its lender partners in carrying out the purposes of 2146 (1) the Small Business Express program, or (2) the purposes enumerated 2147 in, or any programs established pursuant to, sections 32-39f and 32-39g, 2148 not to exceed five per cent of funding [from this program] provided for 2149 such programs or for such enumerated purposes, from the account 2150 established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, provided one per 2151 cent shall be dedicated to develop capacity for capital construction 2152 projects for minority business enterprises. 2153 Sec. 96. Subsection (b) of section 32-39f of the general statutes is 2154 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2155 2025): 2156 (b) The department may use any funds available in the CTNext Fund 2157 established under section 32-39i and the small business express 2158 assistance account established under section 32-7h for the following 2159 purposes: 2160 (1) To foster and oversee the growth and continuous improvement of 2161 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 115 of 693 a state-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem and infrastructure that is 2162 supportive of Connecticut innovators and entrepreneurs and to initiate 2163 changes to practices that the commissioner deems to be outdated to 2164 improve such ecosystem and infrastructure; 2165 (2) To maintain an active and conspicuous presence at all nodes of 2166 such ecosystem and infrastructure and continuously increase 2167 connections between such nodes; 2168 (3) To regularly reassess the health of such ecosystem and 2169 infrastructure, identify their changing needs, adopt initiatives or adapt 2170 existing initiatives to meet such needs and regularly inform the General 2171 Assembly of such needs by proposing recommended legislation 2172 deemed necessary or desirable by the commissioner; 2173 (4) To support the growth of start-up and growth stage businesses; 2174 (5) To promote entrepreneur community-building; 2175 (6) To connect start-up and growth stage business entrepreneurs with 2176 other start-up and growth stage business entrepreneurs and with state, 2177 federal and private resources; 2178 (7) To facilitate the establishment of innovation places and incubator 2179 facilities and the development, growth and evolution of innovation 2180 places and incubator facilities individually and in mutually supportive 2181 connections to other innovation places and incubator facilities; 2182 (8) To facilitate mentorship for start-up and growth stage business 2183 entrepreneurs; 2184 (9) To provide technical training and resources to start-up and 2185 growth stage businesses and entrepreneurs; 2186 (10) To facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship at institutions of 2187 higher education; and 2188 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 116 of 693 (11) To identify areas in which current practices and policies at such 2189 institutions of higher education are not realizing their full potential. 2190 Sec. 97. Section 32-39g of the general statutes is repealed and the 2191 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 2192 For the purposes enumerated in subsection (b) of section 32-39f, the 2193 commissioner may: 2194 (1) Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or 2195 incidental to the performance of the commissioner's duties and the 2196 execution of the commissioner's powers under this section, including 2197 contracts and agreements for such professional services as the 2198 commissioner deems necessary, including, but not limited to, financial 2199 consultant and technical specialists; 2200 (2) Account for and audit funds of the department and funds of any 2201 recipients of funds from the department; 2202 (3) Establish advisory committees to provide counsel and advice on 2203 the discharge of the commissioner's duties under this section; 2204 (4) Serve as a resource to start-up and growth stage business 2205 entrepreneurs in this state by (A) providing counseling and technical 2206 assistance in the areas of entrepreneurial business planning and 2207 management, financing and marketing for start-up and growth stage 2208 businesses; and (B) conducting business workshops, seminars and 2209 conferences with local partners, including, but not limited to, in-state 2210 public and independent institutions of higher education, municipal 2211 governments, regional economic development districts, private 2212 industry, chambers of commerce, small business development 2213 organizations and economic development organizations; 2214 (5) Facilitate partnerships between innovative start-up and growth 2215 stage businesses, research institutions and venture capitalists or 2216 financial institutions; 2217 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 117 of 693 (6) Increase the quantity and availability of capital for start-up and 2218 growth stage businesses and entrepreneurs including, but not limited 2219 to, angel investors and venture capitalists; 2220 (7) Promote technology-based development in the state; 2221 (8) Encourage and promote the establishment of and, within available 2222 resources, provide financial aid to advanced technology centers; 2223 (9) Maintain an inventory of data and information concerning state 2224 and federal programs that are related to the purposes of this section and 2225 serve as a clearinghouse and referral service for such data and 2226 information; 2227 (10) Promote and encourage and, within available resources, provide 2228 financial aid for the establishment, maintenance and operation of 2229 incubator facilities and innovation places; 2230 (11) Promote and encourage the coordination of public and private 2231 resources and activities within the state in order to assist technology- 2232 based business entrepreneurs and business enterprises; 2233 (12) Promote science, engineering, mathematics and other disciplines 2234 that are essential to the development and application of technology; 2235 (13) Coordinate the department's efforts with existing business 2236 outreach centers, as described in section 32-9qq; 2237 (14) Provide financial aid to persons developing smart buildings, as 2238 defined in section 32-23d, incubator facilities or other information 2239 technology intensive office and laboratory space; 2240 (15) Coordinate the development and implementation of strategies 2241 regarding technology-based talent and innovation among state and 2242 quasi-public agencies, including the creation and administration of the 2243 Connecticut Small Business Innovation Research Office to act as a 2244 centralized clearinghouse and provide technical assistance to applicants 2245 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 118 of 693 in developing small business innovation research programs in 2246 conformity with the federal program established pursuant to the Small 2247 Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, P.L. 102- 2248 564, as amended from time to time, and other proposals; 2249 (16) Encourage the retention of younger generation start-up 2250 entrepreneurs in the state; 2251 (17) Promote entrepreneurship among students, faculty and alumni 2252 of institutions of higher education; 2253 (18) Make planning grants to entities seeking to apply for innovation 2254 place designation pursuant to section 32-39l, provided each such entity 2255 demonstrates that its proposed innovation place meets the purposes set 2256 forth in section 32-39k; 2257 (19) Encourage and promote the establishment of business 2258 accelerators; 2259 (20) Make higher education entrepreneurship grants-in-aid 2260 recommended by the Higher Education Entrepreneurship Advisory 2261 Committee pursuant to section 32-39t; 2262 (21) Implement the provisions of section 32-39x; 2263 (22) Designate innovation places pursuant to sections 32-39k to 32- 2264 39m, inclusive; 2265 (23) Establish a program to provide growth grants-in-aid to 2266 businesses in this state for the purposes of facilitating the growth of 2267 start-up businesses that have transitioned to growth stage businesses. 2268 The department shall establish an application process for such grants- 2269 in-aid and shall prioritize such grants-in-aid for uses most likely to 2270 facilitate the growth of such businesses, including, but not limited to, 2271 sales assistance, marketing, strategy, organizational development, 2272 technology assistance, bid assistance, beta testing of products for new 2273 purchasers and prototype development. Such grants-in-aid shall not 2274 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 119 of 693 exceed twenty-five thousand dollars per applicant and shall be 2275 conditioned upon a one-third match from the applicant; [and] 2276 (24) Provide grants-in-aid for the purposes enumerated in section 32- 2277 39f; and 2278 (25) Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the 2279 purposes of this section and the powers expressly granted by this 2280 section. 2281 Sec. 98. Section 2-36 of the general statutes is repealed and the 2282 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 2283 [(a) On or before the twenty-fifth day of each month, the Secretary of 2284 the Office of Policy and Management shall submit to the Governor, the 2285 Comptroller and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly 2286 having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets 2287 of state agencies, through the Legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis, a list 2288 of appropriation accounts in which a potential deficiency exists. Such 2289 list shall be accompanied by a statement which explains the reasons for 2290 each such potential deficiency. 2291 (b)] On the day the Governor submits a budget document to the 2292 General Assembly, or a report on the status of the budget enacted in the 2293 previous year, pursuant to section 4-71, the Secretary of the Office of 2294 Policy and Management shall submit to the Treasurer and [said] the 2295 joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of 2296 matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, 2297 through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, any items to be included in a 2298 deficiency bill, which may be passed by the General Assembly to pay 2299 expenses of the current fiscal year of the biennium. Each such item shall 2300 be accompanied by a statement which explains the need for a deficiency 2301 appropriation. Any agency which has an item to be included in the 2302 deficiency bill shall, on such day, submit a report to said joint standing 2303 committee, through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, concerning any steps 2304 taken by the agency to reduce or eliminate the deficiency. 2305 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 120 of 693 Sec. 99. Section 2-36b of the general statutes is repealed and the 2306 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 2307 (a) No later than December fifteenth each year, the joint standing 2308 committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters 2309 relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, 2310 revenue and bonding shall meet with the Secretary of the Office of 2311 Policy and Management, the director of the legislative Office of Fiscal 2312 Analysis, and such other persons as they deem appropriate, to consider 2313 the items submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. 2314 (b) On or before November twentieth, annually, the Secretary of the 2315 Office of Policy and Management and the director of the legislative 2316 Office of Fiscal Analysis shall each submit the following to the joint 2317 standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of 2318 matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and 2319 finance, revenue and bonding: (1) For the current biennium and the next 2320 ensuing three fiscal years, a consensus estimate of state revenues 2321 developed in accordance with subsection (a) of section 2-36c, an 2322 estimate of the level of expenditure change from current year 2323 expenditures allowable by consensus revenue estimates in each fund, 2324 any changes to current year expenditures necessitated by fixed cost 2325 drivers, and the aggregate changes to current year expenditures 2326 required to accommodate fixed cost drivers without exceeding current 2327 revenue estimates; (2) the projected tax credits to be used in the current 2328 biennium and the next ensuing three fiscal years, and the assumptions 2329 on which such projections are based; (3) a summary of any estimated 2330 deficiencies in the current fiscal year, the reasons for such deficiencies, 2331 and the assumptions upon which such estimates are based; (4) the 2332 projected balance in the Budget Reserve Fund at the end of each 2333 uncompleted fiscal year of the current biennium and the next ensuing 2334 three fiscal years; (5) the projected bond authorizations, allocations and 2335 issuances in each of the next ensuing five fiscal years and their impact 2336 on the debt service of the major funds of the state; (6) an analysis of 2337 revenue and expenditure trends and of the major cost drivers affecting 2338 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 121 of 693 state spending, including identification of any areas of concern and 2339 efforts undertaken to address such areas, including, but not limited to, 2340 efforts to obtain federal funds; and (7) an analysis of possible uses of 2341 surplus funds, including, but not limited to, the Budget Reserve Fund, 2342 debt retirement and funding of pension liabilities. For purposes of this 2343 section, "fixed cost drivers" may include costs related to debt service, 2344 pension contributions, retiree health care, entitlement programs and 2345 federal mandates. 2346 [(c) On or before November 15, 2010, and annually thereafter, the 2347 Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall submit to the 2348 joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance 2349 of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies 2350 and finance, revenue and bonding for the biennium commencing July 1, 2351 2011, and each biennium thereafter, a summary in electronic database 2352 format of all nonappropriated moneys held by each budgeted agency, 2353 which shall be an accounting of moneys received or held by the agency 2354 that are authorized or received by any manner other than as an 2355 appropriation, at the end of the last-completed fiscal year in a form 2356 consistent with accepted accounting practice.] 2357 Sec. 100. Section 4-73 of the general statutes is repealed and the 2358 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 2359 (a) The budget document shall present in detail for each fiscal year of 2360 the ensuing biennium the Governor's recommendation for 2361 appropriations to meet the expenditure needs of the state from the 2362 General Fund and from all special and agency funds classified by 2363 budgeted agencies and showing for each budgeted agency and its 2364 subdivisions: (1) A narrative summary describing the agency, the 2365 Governor's recommendations for appropriations for the agency, [and a 2366 list of agency programs,] the actual expenditure for the last-completed 2367 fiscal year, the estimated expenditure for the current fiscal year, the 2368 amount requested by the agency and the Governor's recommendations 2369 for appropriations for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium; (2) a 2370 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 122 of 693 summary of permanent full-time positions by fund, setting forth the 2371 number filled and the number vacant as of the end of the last-completed 2372 fiscal year, the total number intended to be funded by appropriations 2373 without reduction for turnover for the fiscal year in progress, the total 2374 number requested and the total number recommended for each fiscal 2375 year of the biennium to which the budget relates. 2376 [(b) In addition, programs shall be supported by: (1) The statutory 2377 authorization for the program; (2) a statement of program objectives; (3) 2378 a description of the program, including a statement of need, eligibility 2379 requirements and any intergovernmental participation in the program; 2380 (4) a statement of performance measures by which the accomplishments 2381 toward the program objectives can be assessed, which shall include, but 2382 not be limited to, an analysis of the workload, quality or level of service 2383 and effectiveness of the program; (5) program budget data broken down 2384 by major object of expenditure, showing additional federal and private 2385 funds; (6) a summary of permanent full-time positions by fund, setting 2386 forth the number filled and the number vacant as of the end of the last- 2387 completed fiscal year, the total number intended to be funded by 2388 appropriations without reduction for turnover for the fiscal year in 2389 progress, the total number requested and the total number 2390 recommended for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget 2391 relates; (7) a statement of expenditures for the last-completed and 2392 current fiscal years, the agency request and the Governor's 2393 recommendation for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium and, for 2394 any new or expanded program, estimated expenditure requirements for 2395 the fiscal year next succeeding the biennium to which the budget relates; 2396 and (8) an explanation of any significant program changes requested by 2397 the agency or recommended by the Governor. 2398 (c) There shall be a supporting schedule of total agency expenditures 2399 including a line-item, minor object breakdown of personal services, 2400 energy costs, contractual services and commodities and a total of state 2401 aid grants and equipment, showing the actual expenditures for the last- 2402 completed fiscal year, estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year 2403 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 123 of 693 and requested and recommended appropriations for each fiscal year of 2404 the ensuing biennium, classified by objects according to a standard plan 2405 of classification.] 2406 [(d)] (b) All federal funds expended or anticipated for any purpose 2407 shall be accounted for in the budget. The document shall set forth a 2408 listing of federal programs, showing the actual expenditures for the last- 2409 completed fiscal year, estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year 2410 and anticipated funds available for expenditure for each fiscal year of 2411 the ensuing biennium. Such federal funds shall be classified by each 2412 budgeted agency but shall not include research grants made to 2413 educational institutions. 2414 [(e)] (c) The budget document shall also set forth the budget 2415 recommendations for the capital program, to be supported by 2416 statements listing the agency's requests and the Governor's 2417 recommendations with the statements required by section 4-78. 2418 [(f)] (d) The appropriations recommended for the legislative branch 2419 of the state government shall be the estimates of expenditure 2420 requirements transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and 2421 Management by the Joint Committee on Legislative Management 2422 pursuant to section 4-77 and the recommended adjustments and 2423 revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended adjustments and 2424 revisions, if any, transmitted by said committee pursuant to said section. 2425 [4-77.] 2426 [(g)] (e) (1) The appropriations recommended for the Judicial 2427 Department shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements 2428 transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by 2429 the Chief Court Administrator pursuant to section 4-77 plus the 2430 estimates of expenditure requirements for the biennium transmitted by 2431 said administrator pursuant to section 51-47c, and the recommended 2432 adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended 2433 adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said administrator 2434 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 124 of 693 pursuant to section 4-77. 2435 (2) The appropriations recommended for the Division of Public 2436 Defender Services shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements 2437 transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by 2438 the Chief Public Defender pursuant to section 4-77 and the 2439 recommended adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the 2440 recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said 2441 administrator pursuant to section 4-77. 2442 Sec. 101. Subsection (c) of section 4-77 of the general statutes is 2443 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 2444 passage): 2445 (c) The administrative head of each budgeted agency shall transmit, 2446 to the Office of Fiscal Analysis, copies of the agency's monthly (1) 2447 financial status report, and (2) personnel status report. [, and (3) 2448 nonappropriated moneys status report which shall be an accounting of 2449 moneys received or held by the agency that are authorized or received 2450 by any manner other than as an appropriation. Such accounting of 2451 nonappropriated moneys shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of 2452 the status of any agency fund or account of such agency receiving or 2453 holding such moneys. Such assessments of such funds and accounts 2454 shall, at a minimum, account for all expenditures, encumbrances, 2455 liabilities, reimbursements and revenues.] 2456 Sec. 102. Subsection (b) of section 4-68m of the general statutes is 2457 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 2458 passage): 2459 (b) The division shall promote a more effective and cohesive state 2460 criminal justice system by: 2461 (1) Conducting an in-depth analysis of the criminal justice system; 2462 (2) Determining the long-range needs of the criminal justice system 2463 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 125 of 693 and recommending policy priorities for the system; 2464 (3) Identifying critical problems in the criminal justice system and 2465 recommending strategies to solve those problems; 2466 (4) Assessing the cost-effectiveness of the use of state and local funds 2467 in the criminal justice system; 2468 (5) Recommending means to improve the deterrent and rehabilitative 2469 capabilities of the criminal justice system; 2470 (6) Advising and assisting the General Assembly in developing plans, 2471 programs and proposed legislation for improving the effectiveness of 2472 the criminal justice system; 2473 (7) Making computations of daily costs and comparing interagency 2474 costs on services provided by agencies that are a part of the criminal 2475 justice system; 2476 [(8) Reviewing the program inventories and cost-benefit analyses 2477 submitted pursuant to section 4-68s and considering incorporating such 2478 inventories and analyses in its budget recommendations to the General 2479 Assembly;] 2480 [(9)] (8) Making population computations for use in planning for the 2481 long-range needs of the criminal justice system; 2482 [(10)] (9) Determining long-range information needs of the criminal 2483 justice system and acquiring that information; 2484 [(11)] (10) Cooperating with the Office of the Victim Advocate by 2485 providing information and assistance to the office relating to the 2486 improvement of crime victims' services; 2487 [(12)] (11) Serving as the liaison for the state to the United States 2488 Department of Justice on criminal justice issues of interest to the state 2489 and federal government relating to data, information systems and 2490 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 126 of 693 research; 2491 [(13)] (12) Measuring the success of community-based services and 2492 programs in reducing recidivism; 2493 [(14)] (13) Developing and implementing a comprehensive reentry 2494 strategy as provided in section 18-81w; and 2495 [(15)] (14) Engaging in other activities consistent with the 2496 responsibilities of the division. 2497 Sec. 103. Section 4-68r of the general statutes is repealed and the 2498 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 2499 For purposes of this section: [and sections 4-68s and 4-77c:] 2500 (1) "Cost-beneficial" means the cost savings and benefits realized over 2501 a reasonable period of time are greater than the costs of implementation; 2502 (2) "Program inventory" means the (A) compilation of the complete 2503 list of all agency programs and activities; (B) identification of those that 2504 are evidence-based, research-based and promising; and (C) inclusion of 2505 program costs and utilization data; 2506 (3) "Evidence-based" describes a program that (A) incorporates 2507 methods demonstrated to be effective for the intended population 2508 through scientifically based research, including statistically controlled 2509 evaluations or randomized trials; (B) can be implemented with a set of 2510 procedures to allow successful replication in the state; (C) achieves 2511 sustained, desirable outcomes; and (D) when possible, has been 2512 determined to be cost-beneficial; 2513 (4) "Research-based" describes a program or practice that has some 2514 research demonstrating effectiveness, such as one tested with a single 2515 randomized or statistically controlled evaluation, but does not meet all 2516 of the criteria of an evidence-based program; and 2517 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 127 of 693 (5) "Promising" describes a program or practice that, based on 2518 statistical analyses or preliminary research, shows potential for meeting 2519 the evidence-based or research-based criteria. 2520 Sec. 104. Sections 2-33b, 4-68s, 4-77c, 4-85d and 4-95b of the general 2521 statutes are repealed. (Effective from passage) 2522 Sec. 105. Subsection (b) of section 10a-154e of the general statutes is 2523 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 2524 1, 2025): 2525 (b) Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the 2526 Commissioner of Higher Education shall report, in accordance with the 2527 provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing [committee] committees 2528 of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public 2529 health and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies regarding 2530 the number and demographics of the adjunct professors who applied 2531 for and received incentive grants from the adjunct professor grant 2532 program established under subsection (a) of this section, the number 2533 and types of classes taught by such adjunct professors, the institutions 2534 of higher education employing such adjunct professors and any other 2535 information deemed pertinent by the commissioner. 2536 Sec. 106. Section 4-67z of the general statutes is repealed and the 2537 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 2538 [(a)] The Chief Data Officer, in consultation with the Attorney 2539 General and executive branch agency legal counsel, shall review the 2540 legal obstacles to the sharing of high value data of executive branch 2541 agencies, inventoried pursuant to section 4-67p, [among] with executive 2542 branch agencies and [with] the public. 2543 [(b) Not later than January 15, 2020, and annually thereafter, the Chief 2544 Data Officer shall submit a report, developed in consultation with the 2545 Attorney General, agency data officers and executive branch agency 2546 legal counsel, that includes any recommendations on (1) methods to 2547 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 128 of 693 facilitate the sharing of such high value data to the extent permitted 2548 under state and federal law, including, but not limited to, the 2549 preparation and execution of memoranda of understanding among 2550 executive branch agencies, and (2) any necessary legislation, to the 2551 Connecticut Data Analysis Technology Advisory Board and the joint 2552 standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of 2553 matters relating to government administration, in accordance with the 2554 provisions of section 11-4a. Concomitantly, the Chief Data Officer shall 2555 post each such report on the Office of Policy and Management's Internet 2556 web site. 2557 (c) The report submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section 2558 shall be consistent with the state data plan, created under section 4-67p. 2559 The Chief Data Officer shall update such report annually with 2560 additional information concerning the sharing of high value data and 2561 any additional recommendations, including any potential fiscal impact 2562 of any recommendations.] 2563 Sec. 107. Subsection (b) of section 8-395a of the general statutes is 2564 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 2565 passage and applicable to income and taxable years commencing on or after 2566 January 1, 2025): 2567 (b) There is established a workforce housing opportunity 2568 development program to be administered by the Department of 2569 Housing under which individuals or entities who make cash 2570 contributions to an eligible developer for an eligible workforce housing 2571 opportunity development project located in a federally designated 2572 opportunity zone may be allowed a credit against the tax due under 2573 chapter 208 or 229 in an amount equal to [the amount specified by the 2574 commissioner under this section] fifty per cent of the cash contribution. 2575 Any developer of a workforce housing opportunity development 2576 project shall be allowed an exemption from any fees under section 29- 2577 263 and any eligible workforce housing opportunity development 2578 project shall be assessed using the capitalization of net income method 2579 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 129 of 693 under subsection (b) of section 12-63b. 2580 Sec. 108. Subsection (p) of section 3-20j of the general statutes is 2581 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2582 2025): 2583 (p) (1) Prior to July 1, [2025] 2027, net earnings of investments of 2584 proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to section 3-20 or pursuant to this 2585 section and accrued interest on the issuance of such bonds and 2586 premiums on the issuance of such bonds shall be deposited to the credit 2587 of the General Fund, after (A) payment of any expenses incurred by the 2588 Treasurer or State Bond Commission in connection with such issuance, 2589 or (B) application to interest on bonds, notes or other obligations of the 2590 state. 2591 (2) On and after July 1, [2025] 2027, notwithstanding subsection (f) of 2592 section 3-20, (A) net earnings of investments of proceeds of bonds issued 2593 pursuant to section 3-20 or pursuant to this section and accrued interest 2594 on the issuance of such bonds shall be deposited to the credit of the 2595 General Fund, and (B) premiums, net of any original issue discount, on 2596 the issuance of such bonds shall, after payment of any expenses incurred 2597 by the Treasurer or State Bond Commission in connection with such 2598 issuance, be deposited at the direction of the Treasurer to the credit of 2599 an account or fund to fund all or a portion of any purpose or project 2600 authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to any bond act up 2601 to the amount authorized by the State Bond Commission, provided the 2602 bonds for such purpose or project are unissued, and provided further 2603 the certificate of determination the Treasurer files with the secretary of 2604 the State Bond Commission for such authorized bonds sets forth the 2605 amount of the deposit applied to fund each such purpose and project. 2606 Upon such filing, the Treasurer shall record bonds in the amount of net 2607 premiums credited to each purpose and project as set forth in the 2608 certificate of determination of the Treasurer as deemed issued and 2609 retired and the Treasurer shall not thereafter exercise authority to issue 2610 bonds in such amount for such purpose or project. Upon such recording 2611 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 130 of 693 by the Treasurer, such bonds shall be deemed to have been issued, 2612 retired and no longer authorized for issuance or outstanding for the 2613 purposes of section 3-21, and for the purpose of aligning the funding of 2614 such authorized purpose and project with amounts generated by net 2615 premiums, but shall not constitute an actual bond issuance or bond 2616 retirement for any other purposes including, but not limited to, financial 2617 reporting purposes. 2618 Sec. 109. Subdivision (1) of section 1-120 of the general statutes is 2619 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 2620 1, 2025): 2621 (1) "Quasi-public agency" means Connecticut Innovations, 2622 Incorporated, the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities 2623 Authority, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan 2624 Authority, the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, the Connecticut 2625 Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Housing Authority, the 2626 MIRA Dissolution Authority, the Capital Region Development 2627 Authority, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Connecticut 2628 Airport Authority, the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, the 2629 Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, the 2630 Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority, the 2631 State Education Resource Center and the Paid Family and Medical 2632 Leave Insurance Authority. 2633 Sec. 110. Section 1-124 of the general statutes is repealed and the 2634 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 2635 (a) Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, the Connecticut Health 2636 and Educational Facilities Authority, the Connecticut Higher Education 2637 Supplemental Loan Authority, the Connecticut Student Loan 2638 Foundation, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the 2639 Connecticut Housing Authority, the MIRA Dissolution Authority, the 2640 Connecticut Airport Authority, the Capital Region Development 2641 Authority, the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, the Connecticut 2642 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 131 of 693 Green Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, the Connecticut Municipal 2643 [Redevelopment] Development Authority and the State Education 2644 Resource Center shall not borrow any money or issue any bonds or 2645 notes which are guaranteed by the state of Connecticut or for which 2646 there is a capital reserve fund of any kind which is in any way 2647 contributed to or guaranteed by the state of Connecticut until and unless 2648 such borrowing or issuance is approved by the State Treasurer or the 2649 Deputy State Treasurer appointed pursuant to section 3-12. The 2650 approval of the State Treasurer or said deputy shall be based on 2651 documentation provided by the authority that it has sufficient revenues 2652 to (1) pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and notes issued, (2) 2653 establish, increase and maintain any reserves deemed by the authority 2654 to be advisable to secure the payment of the principal of and interest on 2655 such bonds and notes, (3) pay the cost of maintaining, servicing and 2656 properly insuring the purpose for which the proceeds of the bonds and 2657 notes have been issued, if applicable, and (4) pay such other costs as may 2658 be required. 2659 (b) To the extent Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, the 2660 Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, the 2661 Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, the Connecticut Housing 2662 Finance Authority, the Connecticut Housing Authority, the MIRA 2663 Dissolution Authority, the Connecticut Health and Educational 2664 Facilities Authority, the Connecticut Airport Authority, the Capital 2665 Region Development Authority, the Connecticut Health Insurance 2666 Exchange, the Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, 2667 the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority or 2668 the State Education Resource Center is permitted by statute and 2669 determines to exercise any power to moderate interest rate fluctuations 2670 or enter into any investment or program of investment or contract 2671 respecting interest rates, currency, cash flow or other similar agreement, 2672 including, but not limited to, interest rate or currency swap agreements, 2673 the effect of which is to subject a capital reserve fund which is in any 2674 way contributed to or guaranteed by the state of Connecticut, to 2675 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 132 of 693 potential liability, such determination shall not be effective until and 2676 unless the State Treasurer or his or her deputy appointed pursuant to 2677 section 3-12 has approved such agreement or agreements. The approval 2678 of the State Treasurer or his or her deputy shall be based on 2679 documentation provided by the authority that it has sufficient revenues 2680 to meet the financial obligations associated with the agreement or 2681 agreements. 2682 Sec. 111. Section 1-125 of the general statutes is repealed and the 2683 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 2684 The directors, officers and employees of Connecticut Innovations, 2685 Incorporated, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan 2686 Authority, the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, the Connecticut 2687 Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Housing Authority, the 2688 MIRA Dissolution Authority, including ad hoc members of the MIRA 2689 Dissolution Authority, the Connecticut Health and Educational 2690 Facilities Authority, the Capital Region Development Authority, the 2691 Connecticut Airport Authority, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, 2692 the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, the Connecticut Green 2693 Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, the Connecticut Municipal 2694 [Redevelopment] Development Authority, the State Education 2695 Resource Center, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance 2696 Authority and the Connecticut Pilot Commission and any person 2697 executing the bonds or notes of the agency shall not be liable personally 2698 on such bonds or notes or be subject to any personal liability or 2699 accountability by reason of the issuance thereof, nor shall any director 2700 or employee of the agency, including ad hoc members of the MIRA 2701 Dissolution Authority, be personally liable for damage or injury, not 2702 wanton, reckless, wilful or malicious, caused in the performance of his 2703 or her duties and within the scope of his or her employment or 2704 appointment as such director, officer or employee, including ad hoc 2705 members of the MIRA Dissolution Authority. The agency shall protect, 2706 save harmless and indemnify its directors, officers or employees, 2707 including ad hoc members of the MIRA Dissolution Authority, from 2708 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 133 of 693 financial loss and expense, including legal fees and costs, if any, arising 2709 out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of alleged 2710 negligence or alleged deprivation of any person's civil rights or any 2711 other act or omission resulting in damage or injury, if the director, 2712 officer or employee, including ad hoc members of the MIRA Dissolution 2713 Authority, is found to have been acting in the discharge of his or her 2714 duties or within the scope of his or her employment and such act or 2715 omission is found not to have been wanton, reckless, wilful or malicious. 2716 Sec. 112. Section 8-169hh of the general statutes is repealed and the 2717 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 2718 For purposes of this section and sections 8-169ii to 8-169vv, inclusive: 2719 (1) "As of right" has the same meaning as provided in section 8-1a; 2720 (2) "Authority" means the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] 2721 Development Authority established in section 8-169ii; 2722 (3) "Authority development project" means a project occurring within 2723 the boundaries of a Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] 2724 Development Authority development district; 2725 (4) ["Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority development 2726 district"] "Connecticut Municipal Development Authority development 2727 district" or "development district" means the area determined by a 2728 memorandum of agreement between the authority and the chief 2729 executive officer of the member municipality, or the chief executive 2730 officers of the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as 2731 applicable, where such development district is located, provided such 2732 area shall be considered a downtown or does not exceed a one-half-mile 2733 radius of a transit station; 2734 (5) "Designated tier III municipality" has the same meaning as 2735 provided in section 7-560; 2736 (6) "Designated tier IV municipality" has the same meaning as 2737 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 134 of 693 provided in section 7-560; 2738 (7) "Downtown" means a central business district or other 2739 commercial neighborhood area of a community that serves as a center 2740 of socioeconomic interaction in the community, characterized by a 2741 cohesive core of commercial and mixed-use buildings, often 2742 interspersed with civic, religious and residential buildings and public 2743 spaces, that are typically arranged along a main street and intersecting 2744 side streets and served by public infrastructure; 2745 (8) "Member municipality" means any municipality that opts to join 2746 the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority in 2747 accordance with section 8-169ll. "Member municipality" does not 2748 include the city of Hartford [or any municipality that is considered part 2749 of the capital region, as defined in section 32-600] or the Town of East 2750 Hartford; 2751 (9) "Middle housing" has the same meaning as provided in section 8- 2752 1a; 2753 (10) "Joint member entity" means two or more municipalities that 2754 together opt to join the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] 2755 Development Authority in accordance with section 8-169ll, provided no 2756 such municipality is considered part of the capital region, as defined in 2757 section 32-600; 2758 (11) "Project" means any or all of the following: (A) The design and 2759 construction of transit-oriented development, as defined in section 13b- 2760 79kk; (B) the creation of housing units through rehabilitation or new 2761 construction; (C) the demolition or redevelopment of vacant buildings; 2762 and (D) development and redevelopment; 2763 (12) "State-wide transportation investment program" means the 2764 planning document developed and updated at least every four years by 2765 the Department of Transportation in compliance with the requirements 2766 of 23 USC 135, listing all transportation projects in the state expected to 2767 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 135 of 693 receive federal funding during the four-year period covered by the 2768 program; and 2769 (13) "Transit station" means any passenger railroad station or bus 2770 rapid transit station that is operational, or for which the Department of 2771 Transportation has initiated planning or that is included in the state- 2772 wide transportation investment program. [, that is or will be located 2773 within the boundaries of a member municipality or the municipalities 2774 constituting a joint member entity.] 2775 Sec. 113. Subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, of section 8-169ii of the 2776 general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 2777 thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 2778 (a) There is hereby established and created a body politic and 2779 corporate, constituting a public instrumentality and political 2780 subdivision of the state established and created for the performance of 2781 an essential public and governmental function, to be known as the 2782 Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority. The 2783 authority shall not be construed to be a department, institution or 2784 agency of the state. 2785 (b) The powers of the authority shall be vested in and exercised by a 2786 board of directors, which shall consist of the following members: (1) One 2787 appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives who has 2788 expertise in housing development; (2) one appointed by the president 2789 pro tempore of the Senate who has expertise in planning and zoning; (3) 2790 one appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives 2791 who is a certified planner; (4) one appointed by the majority leader of 2792 the Senate who has expertise in transit-oriented development; (5) one 2793 appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives who 2794 has expertise in regional planning; (6) one appointed by the minority 2795 leader of the Senate who has expertise in economic development; (7) 2796 three appointed by the Governor; and (8) the Secretary of the Office of 2797 Policy and Management, the Labor Commissioner and the 2798 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 136 of 693 Commissioners of Transportation, Energy and Environmental 2799 Protection, Public Health, Housing and Economic and Community 2800 Development, or their designees, who shall serve as ex-officio, voting 2801 members of the board. 2802 (c) The Governor shall designate the chairperson of the board from 2803 among the members. All initial appointments shall be made not later 2804 than sixty days after October 1, 2023. All members shall be appointed by 2805 the original appointing authority for four-year terms. Any member of 2806 the board shall be eligible for reappointment. Any vacancy occurring 2807 other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as 2808 the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term. The 2809 appointing authority for any member may remove such member for 2810 misfeasance, malfeasance or wilful neglect of duty. 2811 (d) Each member of the board, before commencing such member's 2812 duties, shall take and subscribe the oath or affirmation required by 2813 section 1 of article eleventh of the Constitution of the state. A record of 2814 each such oath shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of the State. 2815 (e) The board of directors shall maintain a record of its proceedings 2816 in such form as it determines, provided such record indicates attendance 2817 and all votes cast by each member. Any appointed member who fails to 2818 attend three consecutive meetings or who fails to attend fifty per cent of 2819 all meetings held during any calendar year shall be deemed to have 2820 resigned from the board. A majority of the members of the board then 2821 in office shall constitute a quorum, and an affirmative vote by a majority 2822 of the members present at a meeting of the board shall be sufficient for 2823 any action taken by the board. No vacancy in the membership of the 2824 board shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and 2825 perform all the duties of the board. Any action taken by the board may 2826 be authorized by resolution at any regular or special meeting and shall 2827 take effect immediately unless otherwise provided in the resolution. The 2828 board may delegate to three or more of its members, or its officers, 2829 agents or employees, such board powers and duties as it may deem 2830 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 137 of 693 proper. 2831 (f) The board of directors shall annually elect one of its members as a 2832 vice-chairperson, and shall elect other of its members as officers, adopt 2833 a budget and bylaws, designate an executive committee, report 2834 semiannually to the appointing authorities with respect to operations, 2835 finances and achievement of its economic development objective, be 2836 accountable to and cooperate with the state whenever the state may 2837 audit the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development 2838 Authority or an authority development project or at any other time as 2839 the state may inquire as to either, including allowing the state 2840 reasonable access to any such project and to the records of the authority. 2841 Sec. 114. Section 8-169jj of the general statutes is repealed and the 2842 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 2843 (a) The purposes of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] 2844 Development Authority shall be to: (1) Stimulate economic and transit- 2845 oriented development, as defined in section 13b-79kk, within 2846 Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority 2847 development districts; (2) encourage residential housing development 2848 within development districts; (3) manage facilities through contractual 2849 agreement or other legal instrument; (4) stimulate new investment 2850 within development districts and provide support for the creation of 2851 vibrant, multidimensional downtowns; (5) upon request of the 2852 legislative body of a member municipality, or the legislative bodies of 2853 the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, in 2854 which a development district is located, work with such municipality or 2855 municipalities to assist in development and redevelopment efforts to 2856 stimulate the economy of such municipality or municipalities; (6) upon 2857 request of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and 2858 with the approval of the chief executive officer of a member 2859 municipality, or the chief executive officers of the municipalities 2860 constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, in which a 2861 development district is located, enter into an agreement to facilitate 2862 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 138 of 693 development or redevelopment within such development district; (7) 2863 encourage development and redevelopment of property within 2864 development districts; (8) engage residents of member municipalities, 2865 or municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, and 2866 other stakeholders in development and redevelopment efforts; (9) 2867 market and develop development districts as vibrant and 2868 multidimensional; and (10) provide financial support and technical 2869 assistance to municipalities to develop housing growth zones. 2870 (b) For the purposes enumerated in subsection (a) of this section, the 2871 authority is authorized and empowered to: 2872 (1) Have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate and to 2873 adopt procedures for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its 2874 business, as provided in section 8-169kk; 2875 (2) Adopt a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure; 2876 (3) Maintain an office at such place or places as it may designate; 2877 (4) Sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded; 2878 (5) Contract and be contracted with; 2879 (6) (A) Employ such assistants, agents and other employees as may 2880 be necessary or desirable to carry out its purposes, which employees 2881 shall be exempt from the classified service and shall not be employees, 2882 as defined in subsection (b) of section 5-270; (B) establish all necessary 2883 or appropriate personnel practices and policies, including those relating 2884 to hiring, promotion, compensation, retirement and collective 2885 bargaining, which need not be in accordance with chapter 68. For the 2886 purposes of this subdivision, the authority shall not be an employer as 2887 defined in subsection (a) of section 5-270, and for the purposes of group 2888 welfare benefits and retirement, including, but not limited to, those 2889 provided under chapter 66 and sections 5-257 and 5-259, the officers and 2890 all other employees of the authority shall be state employees; and (C) 2891 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 139 of 693 engage consultants, attorneys and appraisers as may be necessary or 2892 desirable to carry out its purposes in accordance with sections 8-169ii to 2893 8-169ss, inclusive; 2894 (7) Acquire, lease, purchase, own, manage, hold and dispose of 2895 personal property, and lease, convey or deal in or enter into agreements 2896 with respect to such property on any terms necessary or incidental to 2897 carrying out the purposes set forth in this section; 2898 (8) Procure insurance against any liability or loss in connection with 2899 its property and other assets, in such amounts and from such insurers 2900 as it deems desirable and procure insurance for employees; 2901 (9) Invest any funds not needed for immediate use or disbursement 2902 in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States or the state, 2903 including the Short Term Investment Fund, and in other obligations that 2904 are legal investments for savings banks in this state, and in-time 2905 deposits or certificates of deposit or other similar banking arrangements 2906 secured in such manner as the authority determines; 2907 (10) Enter into such memoranda of agreement as the authority deems 2908 appropriate to carry out its responsibilities under this section; and 2909 (11) Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the 2910 purposes of, and the powers expressly granted by, this section. 2911 (c) In addition to the powers enumerated in subsection (b) of this 2912 section, the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development 2913 Authority shall have the following powers with respect to authority 2914 development projects: 2915 (1) (A) To acquire by gift, purchase, lease or transfer, lands or rights- 2916 in-land and to sell and lease or sublease, as lessor or lessee or sublessor 2917 or sublessee, any portion of its real property rights, including air space 2918 above, and enter into related common area maintenance, easement, 2919 access, support and similar agreements, and own and operate facilities 2920 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 140 of 693 associated with authority development projects, provided such activity 2921 is consistent with all applicable federal tax covenants of the authority; 2922 (B) to transfer or dispose of any property or interest therein acquired by 2923 the authority at any time; and (C) to receive and accept aid or 2924 contributions from any source of money, labor, property or other thing 2925 of value, to be held, used and applied to carry out the purposes of this 2926 section, subject to the conditions upon which such grants and 2927 contributions are made, including, but not limited to, gifts or grants 2928 from any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States or 2929 this state for any purpose consistent with this section, provided (i) the 2930 authority shall provide opportunity for public comment prior to any 2931 acquisition, transfer or disposal in accordance with this subdivision, and 2932 (ii) any land or right-in-land, aid or contribution received by the 2933 authority under this subdivision shall be subject to the provisions of 2934 chapter 10; 2935 (2) To formulate plans for, acquire, finance and develop, lease, 2936 purchase, construct, reconstruct, repair, improve, expand, extend, 2937 operate, maintain and market facilities associated with authority 2938 development projects, provided such activities are consistent with all 2939 applicable federal tax covenants of the authority; 2940 (3) To contract and be contracted with, provided if management, 2941 operating or promotional contracts or agreements or other contracts or 2942 agreements are entered into with nongovernmental parties with respect 2943 to property financed with the proceeds of obligations, the interest on 2944 which is excluded from gross income for federal income taxation, the 2945 board of directors shall ensure that such contracts or agreements are in 2946 compliance with the covenants of the authority upon which such tax 2947 exclusion is conditioned; 2948 (4) To fix and revise, from time to time, and to charge and collect fees, 2949 rents and other charges for the use, occupancy or operation of authority 2950 development projects, and to establish and revise from time to time 2951 procedures concerning the use, operation and occupancy of facilities 2952 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 141 of 693 associated with such projects, including parking rates, rules and 2953 procedures, provided such arrangements are consistent with all 2954 applicable federal tax covenants of the authority, and to utilize net 2955 revenues received by the authority from the operation of such facilities, 2956 after allowance for operating expenses and other charges related to the 2957 ownership, operation or financing thereof, for other proper purposes of 2958 the authority, including, but not limited to, funding of operating 2959 deficiencies or operating or capital replacement reserves for such 2960 facilities and related parking facilities, as determined to be appropriate 2961 by the authority; 2962 (5) To engage architects, engineers, attorneys, accountants, 2963 consultants and such other independent professionals as may be 2964 necessary or desirable to carry out authority development projects; 2965 (6) To contract for construction, development, concessions and the 2966 procurement of goods and services, and to establish and modify 2967 procurement procedures from time to time in accordance with the 2968 provisions of section 8-169kk to implement the foregoing; 2969 (7) To borrow money and to issue bonds, notes and other obligations 2970 of the authority to the extent permitted under section 8-169oo, to fund 2971 and refund the same and to provide for the rights of the holders thereof 2972 and to secure the same by pledge of assets, revenues and notes; 2973 (8) To do anything necessary and desirable, including executing 2974 reimbursement agreements or similar agreements in connection with 2975 credit facilities, including, but not limited to, letters of credit or policies 2976 of bond insurance, remarketing agreements and agreements for the 2977 purpose of moderating interest rate fluctuations, to render any bonds to 2978 be issued pursuant to section 8-169oo more marketable; and 2979 (9) To engage in and contract for marketing and promotional 2980 activities for authority development projects under the operation or 2981 jurisdiction of the authority. 2982 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 142 of 693 (d) The Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development 2983 Authority and the Capital Region Development Authority, established 2984 pursuant to chapter 588x, may enter into a memorandum of agreement 2985 pursuant to which: (1) Administrative support and services, including 2986 all staff support necessary for the operations of the Connecticut 2987 Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority may be provided 2988 by the Capital Region Development Authority, and (2) provision is 2989 made for the coordination of management and operational activities 2990 that may include: (A) Joint procurement and contracting; (B) the sharing 2991 of services and resources; (C) the coordination of promotional activities; 2992 and (D) other arrangements designed to enhance revenues, reduce 2993 operating costs or achieve operating efficiencies. The terms and 2994 conditions of such memorandum of agreement, including provisions 2995 with respect to the reimbursement by the Connecticut Municipal 2996 [Redevelopment] Development Authority to the Capital Region 2997 Development Authority of the costs of such administrative support and 2998 services, shall be as the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] 2999 Development Authority and the Capital Region Development 3000 Authority determine to be appropriate. 3001 (e) The authority shall have the power to negotiate, and, with the 3002 approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, to 3003 enter into an agreement with any private developer, owner or lessee of 3004 any building or improvement located on land in a development district 3005 providing for payments to the authority in lieu of real property taxes. 3006 Such an agreement shall be made a condition of any private right of 3007 development within the development district, and shall include a 3008 requirement that such private developer, owner or lessee make good 3009 faith efforts to hire, or cause to be hired, available and qualified minority 3010 business enterprises, as defined in section 4a-60g, to provide 3011 construction services and materials for improvements to be constructed 3012 within the development district in an effort to achieve a minority 3013 business enterprise utilization goal of ten per cent of the total costs of 3014 construction services and materials for such improvements. Such 3015 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 143 of 693 payments to the authority in lieu of real property taxes shall have the 3016 same lien and priority, and may be enforced by the authority in the same 3017 manner, as provided for municipal real property taxes. Such payments 3018 as received by the authority shall be used to carry out the purposes of 3019 the authority set forth in subsection (a) of this section. 3020 (f) Nothing in sections 8-169ii to 8-169ss, inclusive, shall be construed 3021 as limiting the authority of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] 3022 Development Authority to enter into agreements to facilitate 3023 development or redevelopment of municipal property or facilities. 3024 Sec. 115. Section 8-169kk of the general statutes is repealed and the 3025 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 3026 The board of directors of the Connecticut Municipal 3027 [Redevelopment] Development Authority shall adopt written 3028 procedures, in accordance with the provisions of section 1-121, for: (1) 3029 Adopting an annual budget and plan of operations, which shall include 3030 a requirement of board approval before the budget or plan may take 3031 effect; (2) hiring, dismissing, promoting and compensating employees 3032 of the authority, which shall include an affirmative action policy and a 3033 requirement of board approval before a position may be created or a 3034 vacancy filled; (3) acquiring real and personal property and personal 3035 services, which shall include a requirement of board approval for any 3036 nonbudgeted expenditure in excess of ten thousand dollars; (4) 3037 contracting for financial, legal, bond underwriting and other 3038 professional services, including a requirement that the authority solicit 3039 proposals at least once every three years for each such service that it 3040 uses; (5) issuing and retiring bonds, notes and other obligations of the 3041 authority; (6) providing loans, grants and other financial assistance, 3042 which shall include eligibility criteria, the application process and the 3043 role played by the authority's staff and board of directors; and (7) the 3044 use of surplus funds. 3045 Sec. 116. Section 8-169ll of the general statutes is repealed and the 3046 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 144 of 693 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 3047 (a) (1) Any municipality, except the city of Hartford or [any 3048 municipality that is considered part of the capital region, as defined in 3049 section 32-600] the town of East Hartford, may, by certified resolution 3050 of the legislative body of the municipality, or by the board of selectmen 3051 in a municipality where the legislative body is the town meeting, opt to 3052 join the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development 3053 Authority as a member municipality, provided such municipality holds 3054 a public hearing or otherwise provides for public comment prior to any 3055 vote on such certified resolution. 3056 (2) Any municipality that opts to join the authority as a member 3057 municipality or that is deemed a member municipality pursuant to this 3058 subsection shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the 3059 authority for the establishment of one or more development districts. 3060 (b) (1) Any two or more municipalities, except for the city of Hartford 3061 or the town of East Hartford, may, by certified concurrent resolutions of 3062 the legislative bodies of each such municipality, or by the board of 3063 selectmen in a municipality where the legislative body is the town 3064 meeting, together opt to join the Connecticut Municipal 3065 [Redevelopment] Development Authority as a joint member entity, 3066 provided [(A) no such municipality is considered part of the capital 3067 region, as defined in section 32-600, and (B)] each such municipality 3068 holds a public hearing or otherwise provides for public comment prior 3069 to any vote on the certified resolution from such municipality. The 3070 concurrent resolutions shall set forth an agreement of such 3071 municipalities as to authority for decisions concerning projects in 3072 development districts within such municipalities. 3073 (2) Any two or more municipalities that together opt to join the 3074 authority as a joint member entity shall jointly enter into a 3075 memorandum of agreement with the authority for the establishment of 3076 one or more development districts. 3077 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 145 of 693 Sec. 117. Subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of section 8-169mm of the 3078 general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 3079 thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 3080 (a) In lieu of the report required under section 1-123, within the first 3081 ninety days of each fiscal year of the Connecticut Municipal 3082 [Redevelopment] Development Authority, the board of directors of the 3083 authority shall submit a report to the Governor, the Auditors of Public 3084 Accounts and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly 3085 having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding. 3086 Such report shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) A list 3087 of all bonds issued during the preceding fiscal year, including, for each 3088 such issue, the financial advisor and underwriters, whether the issue 3089 was competitive, negotiated or privately placed, and the issue's face 3090 value and net proceeds; (2) a description of each authority development 3091 project in which the authority is involved, its location and the amount 3092 of funds, if any, provided by the authority with respect to the 3093 construction of such project; (3) a list of all outside individuals and 3094 firms, including principal and other major stockholders, receiving in 3095 excess of five thousand dollars as payments for services; (4) an annual 3096 comprehensive financial report prepared in accordance with generally 3097 accepted accounting principles for governmental enterprises; (5) the 3098 cumulative value of all bonds issued, the value of outstanding bonds 3099 and the amount of the state's contingent liability; (6) the affirmative 3100 action policy adopted pursuant to section 8-169kk, a description of the 3101 composition of the workforce of the Connecticut Municipal 3102 [Redevelopment] Development Authority by race, sex and occupation 3103 and a description of the affirmative action efforts of the authority; and 3104 (7) a description of planned activities for the current fiscal year. 3105 (b) The board of directors of the authority shall annually contract 3106 with a person, firm or corporation for a compliance audit of the 3107 authority's activities during the preceding authority fiscal year. The 3108 audit shall determine whether the authority has complied with the 3109 authority's policies and procedures concerning affirmative action, 3110 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 146 of 693 personnel practices, the purchase of goods and services and the use of 3111 surplus funds. The board shall submit the audit report to the Governor, 3112 the Auditors of Public Accounts and the joint standing committee of the 3113 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, 3114 revenue and bonding. 3115 (c) The board of directors of the authority shall annually contract with 3116 a firm of certified public accountants to undertake an independent 3117 financial audit of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] 3118 Development Authority in accordance with generally accepted auditing 3119 standards. The board shall submit the audit report to the Governor, the 3120 Auditors of Public Accounts and the joint standing committee of the 3121 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, 3122 revenue and bonding. 3123 Sec. 118. Section 8-169nn of the general statutes is repealed and the 3124 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 3125 (a) Any person, including, but not limited to, a state or municipal 3126 agency, requesting funds from the state, including, but not limited to, 3127 any authority created by the general statutes or any public or special act, 3128 with respect to any authority development project shall, at the time it 3129 makes such request for funds from the state, present a full and complete 3130 copy of its application or request along with any supporting documents 3131 or exhibits to the authority for its recommendation and to the Secretary 3132 of the Office of Policy and Management. The Connecticut Municipal 3133 [Redevelopment] Development Authority shall, not later than ninety 3134 days after receipt of such application or request, prepare and adopt an 3135 economic development statement summarizing its recommendations 3136 with respect to such application or request and deliver such statement 3137 to the state officer, official, employee or agent of the state or authority to 3138 whom such application or request was made. The recommendations in 3139 such statement shall include contract provisions regarding performance 3140 standards, including, but not limited to, project timelines. 3141 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 147 of 693 (b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, public or 3142 special acts, any regulation or procedure or any other law, no officer, 3143 official, employee or agent of the state or any authority created by the 3144 general statutes or any public or special act shall expend any funds on 3145 any authority development project, unless such officer, official, 3146 employee or agent has received an economic development statement 3147 prepared by the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development 3148 Authority pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, except that if no 3149 such statement is received by the ninetieth day after the date of the 3150 initial application or request for such funds, such funds may be 3151 expended. If funds are expended pursuant to this subsection in a 3152 manner not consistent with the recommendations contained in an 3153 economic development statement for such expenditure, the officer, 3154 official, employee or agent of the state expending such funds shall 3155 respond in writing to the authority, providing an explanation of the 3156 decision with respect to such expenditure. 3157 (c) The Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development 3158 Authority shall coordinate the use of all state, municipal and quasi- 3159 public agency planning and financial resources that are made available 3160 for any authority development project in which the authority is 3161 involved, including any resources available from any quasi-public 3162 agency. 3163 (d) All state agencies, departments, boards, commissions and 3164 councils and all quasi-public agencies shall cooperate with the 3165 Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority in 3166 carrying out the purposes enumerated in section 8-169jj. 3167 Sec. 119. Subsection (a) of section 8-169oo of the general statutes is 3168 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 3169 1, 2025): 3170 (a) The board of directors of the Connecticut Municipal 3171 [Redevelopment] Development Authority is authorized from time to 3172 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 148 of 693 time to issue its bonds, notes and other obligations in such principal 3173 amounts as in the opinion of the board shall be necessary to provide 3174 sufficient funds for carrying out the purposes set forth in section 8-169jj, 3175 including the payment, funding or refunding of the principal of, or 3176 interest or redemption premiums on, any bonds, notes and other 3177 obligations issued by it, whether the bonds, notes or other obligations 3178 or interest to be funded or refunded have or have not become due, the 3179 establishment of reserves to secure such bonds, notes and other 3180 obligations, loans made by the authority and all other expenditures of 3181 the authority incident to and necessary or convenient to carry out the 3182 purposes set forth in section 8-169jj. 3183 Sec. 120. Section 8-169pp of the general statutes is repealed and the 3184 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 3185 The state of Connecticut does hereby pledge to and agree with the 3186 holders of any bonds, notes and other obligations issued under section 3187 8-169oo and with those parties who may enter into contracts with the 3188 Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority or its 3189 successor agency, that the state will not limit or alter the rights hereby 3190 vested in the authority or in the holders of any bonds, notes or other 3191 obligations of the authority to which contract assistance is pledged 3192 pursuant to this section until such bonds, notes or obligations, together 3193 with the interest thereon, are fully met and discharged and such 3194 contracts are fully performed on the part of the authority, provided 3195 nothing contained herein shall preclude such limitation or alteration if 3196 and when adequate provision shall be made by law for the protection of 3197 the holders of such bonds, notes and other obligations of the authority 3198 or those entering into contracts with the authority. The authority is 3199 authorized to include this pledge and undertaking for the state in such 3200 bonds, notes and other obligations or contracts. 3201 Sec. 121. Subsection (a) of section 8-169qq of the general statutes is 3202 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 3203 1, 2025): 3204 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 149 of 693 (a) For the purposes of this section, "required minimum capital 3205 reserve" means the maximum amount permitted to be deposited in a 3206 special capital reserve fund by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or 3207 any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United 3208 States, as amended from time to time, to permit the interest on the bonds 3209 of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority 3210 secured by such special capital reserve fund to be excluded from gross 3211 income for federal tax purposes. 3212 Sec. 122. Subsection (b) of section 8-169tt of the general statutes is 3213 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 3214 1, 2025): 3215 (b) Notwithstanding section 8-169jj, prior to the execution of any 3216 memorandum of agreement that establishes a development district, any 3217 chief executive officer of a member municipality, or the chief executive 3218 officers of the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, shall 3219 create a proposal for a housing growth zone and submit such proposal, 3220 including proposed zoning regulations applicable to such zone, for the 3221 Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority's 3222 review and approval. 3223 Sec. 123. Subparagraph (D) of subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of 3224 section 54-56q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is 3225 substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3226 (D) If the court finds that a person is indigent and unable to pay for 3227 the substance use treatment component of the program, the court may 3228 waive all or any portion of the program fee for that component and the 3229 costs of such treatment, provided that such person participates in such 3230 treatment at a substance use treatment provider licensed by and located 3231 in this state. If such person has health insurance coverage through 3232 private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, any eligible costs 3233 waived under this subparagraph shall be paid by such insurance for any 3234 covered benefit. Any costs waived under this subparagraph that are not 3235 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 150 of 693 covered by such person's private health insurance, Medicare or 3236 Medicaid, including, but not limited to, any copay, coinsurance, 3237 deductible or other out-of-pocket expense attributable to such person's 3238 private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, shall be paid by the 3239 Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. 3240 Sec. 124. Subparagraph (D) of subdivision (3) of subsection (f) of 3241 section 54-56r of the general statutes is repealed and the following is 3242 substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3243 (D) If the court finds that a person is indigent and unable to pay for 3244 the substance use treatment component of the program, the court may 3245 waive all or any portion of the program fee for that component and the 3246 costs of such treatment, provided that such person participates in such 3247 treatment at a substance use treatment provider licensed by and located 3248 in this state. If such person has health insurance coverage through 3249 private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, any eligible costs 3250 waived under this subparagraph shall be paid by such insurance for any 3251 covered benefit. Any costs waived under this subparagraph that are not 3252 covered by such person's private health insurance, Medicare or 3253 Medicaid, including, but not limited to, any copay, coinsurance, 3254 deductible or other out-of-pocket expense attributable to such person's 3255 private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, shall be paid by the 3256 Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. 3257 Sec. 125. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 17a-674d of the general 3258 statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof 3259 (Effective from passage): 3260 (a) There is established an Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee to 3261 ensure (1) that proceeds received by the state pursuant to section 17a- 3262 674c are allocated and spent on substance use disorder abatement 3263 infrastructure, programs, services, supports and resources for 3264 prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction, and (2) robust 3265 public involvement, accountability and transparency in allocating and 3266 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 151 of 693 accounting for the moneys in the fund. 3267 (b) The committee shall consist of the following members: 3268 (1) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the 3269 secretary's designee; 3270 (2) The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee; 3271 (3) The Commissioners of Children and Families, Mental Health and 3272 Addiction Services and Public Health, or said commissioners' designees, 3273 who shall serve as ex-officio members; 3274 (4) The president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House 3275 of Representatives, the majority leaders of the Senate and House of 3276 Representatives, the minority leaders of the Senate and House of 3277 Representatives, the Senate and House chairpersons and ranking 3278 members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly 3279 having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets 3280 of state agencies and public health, or their designees, provided such 3281 persons have experience living with a substance use disorder or are the 3282 family member of a person who has experience living with a substance 3283 use disorder; 3284 (5) [Twenty-three] Twenty-five individuals representing 3285 municipalities, who shall be appointed by the Governor; 3286 (6) The executive director of the Commission on Racial Equity in 3287 Public Health, or a representative of the commission designated by the 3288 executive director; and 3289 (7) Eight individuals appointed by the commissioner as follows: (A) 3290 A provider of community-based substance use treatment services for 3291 adults, who shall be a nonvoting member; (B) a provider of community- 3292 based substance use treatment services for adolescents, who shall be a 3293 nonvoting member; (C) an addiction medicine licensed health care 3294 professional with prescribing ability, who shall be a nonvoting member; 3295 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 152 of 693 (D) three individuals with experience living with a substance use 3296 disorder or family members of an individual with experience living 3297 with a substance use disorder; and (E) two individuals with experience 3298 supporting infants and children affected by the opioid crisis. 3299 Sec. 126. Subsection (c) of section 19a-906 of the general statutes is 3300 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 3301 passage): 3302 (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20, no 3303 telehealth provider shall prescribe any schedule I, II or III controlled 3304 substance through the use of telehealth, except a schedule II or III 3305 controlled substance [other than an opioid drug, as defined in section 3306 20-14o,] used (1) as part of medication-assisted treatment, or (2) for the 3307 treatment of persons with psychiatric disabilities or substance use 3308 disorders, as defined in section 17a-458, provided such prescription is 3309 provided in a manner fully consistent with the Ryan Haight Online 3310 Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, 21 USC 829(e), as amended from 3311 time to time. [, for the treatment of a person with a psychiatric disability 3312 or substance use disorder, as defined in section 17a-458, including, but 3313 not limited to, medication-assisted treatment.] A telehealth provider 3314 using telehealth to prescribe a schedule II or III controlled substance 3315 pursuant to this subsection shall electronically submit the prescription 3316 pursuant to section 21a-249. 3317 Sec. 127. Subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 17a-674h of the 3318 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 3319 thereof (Effective from passage): 3320 (4) "Opioid drug" has the same meaning as provided in [42 CFR 8.2, 3321 as amended from time to time] section 20-14o; 3322 Sec. 128. Subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 20-14o of the 3323 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 3324 thereof (Effective from passage): 3325 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 153 of 693 (1) "Opioid drug" [has the same meaning as provided in 42 CFR 8.2] 3326 means "opioid", as defined in 21 USC 802, as amended from time to time; 3327 Sec. 129. Subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 20-14r of the 3328 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 3329 thereof (Effective from passage): 3330 (1) "Opioid drug" has the same meaning as provided in [42 CFR 8.2, 3331 as amended from time to time] section 20-14o; 3332 Sec. 130. Subsection (a) of section 20-633d of the general statutes is 3333 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 3334 passage): 3335 (a) A prescribing practitioner, as defined in section 20-14c, who is 3336 authorized to prescribe an opioid antagonist, as defined in section 17a- 3337 714a, and a pharmacy may enter into an agreement for a medical 3338 protocol standing order at such pharmacy allowing a pharmacist 3339 licensed under part II of this chapter to dispense an opioid antagonist 3340 that is (1) administered by an intranasal application delivery system or 3341 an auto-injection delivery system, (2) approved by the federal Food and 3342 Drug Administration, and (3) dispensed to any person at risk of 3343 experiencing an overdose of an opioid drug, as defined in [42 CFR 8.2] 3344 section 20-14o, or to a family member, friend or other person in a 3345 position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an overdose of an 3346 opioid drug. 3347 Sec. 131. Subsections (d) to (f), inclusive, of section 7-395 of the 3348 general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 3349 thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3350 (d) The secretary shall refer to the Municipal Finance Advisory 3351 Commission any municipality that has not been previously referred to 3352 said commission pursuant to subsection (b) of this section or section 7- 3353 576, 7-576a or 7-576c, provided the municipality has: 3354 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 154 of 693 (1) A negative fund balance percentage; 3355 (2) Reported a fund balance percentage of less than five per cent in 3356 the three immediately preceding fiscal years; 3357 (3) Reported an operating deficit in the two immediately preceding 3358 fiscal years and a fund balance percentage of less than five per cent in 3359 the immediately preceding fiscal year, as determined by the statement 3360 of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balance of the general 3361 fund of the audited financial statements of the municipality; 3362 (4) Issued tax or revenue anticipation notes in the three immediately 3363 preceding fiscal years to meet cash liquidity; 3364 (5) Did not file an annual audit report in the twelve months after the 3365 end of the fiscal year; 3366 (6) Reported an annual audit that included at least one material or 3367 significant audit finding that was reported in the annual audits of the 3368 two immediately preceding fiscal years; [or] 3369 (7) Received a bond rating below A from a bond rating agency; or 3370 (8) Been a distressed municipality, as defined in section 32-9p, for 3371 fifteen or more consecutive years, provided such municipality has a 3372 population of greater than fifteen thousand but less than twenty 3373 thousand, as determined by the most recent decennial census. 3374 (e) The secretary may, at the secretary's discretion and based upon 3375 the review conducted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, refer to 3376 the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission any municipality that has 3377 not been previously referred to said commission pursuant to subsection 3378 (b) of this section or section 7-576, 7-576a or 7-576c. 3379 (f) For the purposes of this section, "deficit", "fund balance" and "fund 3380 balance percentage" have the same meanings as provided in section 7- 3381 560. 3382 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 155 of 693 Sec. 132. Section 7-576a of the general statutes is repealed and the 3383 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3384 The Municipal Finance Advisory Commission (1) shall designate as 3385 a tier I municipality, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 3386 30, 2027, any municipality that has been a distressed municipality for 3387 fifteen or more consecutive years, provided such municipality has a 3388 population of greater than fifteen thousand but less than twenty 3389 thousand, as determined by the most recent decennial census, and (2) 3390 may designate any other municipality referred to said commission 3391 pursuant to subsection (d) of section 7-395 as a tier I municipality, based 3392 on an evaluation of such municipality's financial condition and financial 3393 practices. The chief elected official of any municipality that does not 3394 meet the conditions identified under subsection (d) of section 7-395 may 3395 apply to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission for designation 3396 as a tier I municipality, provided such official [(1)] (A) expects that such 3397 municipality will meet one or more such conditions in the following 3398 twenty-four month period, and [(2)] (B) submits a report to the 3399 Municipal Finance Advisory Commission, in a form and manner 3400 prescribed by the commission, that confirms that such condition or 3401 conditions will be met in such period. [Each decision to designate a 3402 municipality as a tier I municipality pursuant to this section shall be 3403 based on an evaluation of such municipality's financial condition and 3404 financial practices.] In addition to the requirements of section 7-394b, 3405 each municipality designated as a tier I municipality shall prepare and 3406 present a five-year financial plan to the Municipal Finance Advisory 3407 Commission for its review and approval. 3408 Sec. 133. Section 12-18b of the general statutes is amended by adding 3409 subsection (g) as follows (Effective July 1, 2025): 3410 (NEW) (g) Any amount due under this section to a district, as defined 3411 in section 7-324, located wholly within the town of Windham, shall be 3412 paid to the town of Windham. 3413 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 156 of 693 Sec. 134. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Commissioner of 3414 Public Health shall convene an advisory committee to establish 3415 quantitative metrics, qualitative measures and an assessment 3416 methodology for an annual maternity care report card for birth centers, 3417 licensed pursuant to section 19a-566 of the general statutes, and 3418 hospitals, licensed pursuant to chapter 368v of the general statutes, that 3419 provide obstetric care that will evaluate maternity care provided at such 3420 birth centers and hospitals. Such assessment methodology shall reflect 3421 disparities in obstetric care and outcomes across patient demographics 3422 using valid statistical principles and other widely accepted data science 3423 methodologies to ensure data sufficiency. The advisory committee shall 3424 include (1) at least one representative of (A) an association of hospitals 3425 in the state, (B) a medical society of physicians in the state, (C) a 3426 professional membership organization for obstetrician-gynecologists, 3427 (D) a hospital in the state that has a significant percentage of high-risk 3428 births, (E) an independent hospital in the state that is not part of a 3429 multihospital health care system, (F) birth centers, and (G) an 3430 organization in the state established to promote equity and address 3431 health disparities for vulnerable communities through research, 3432 advocacy and culturally resonant services, and (2) a person with 3433 expertise in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 3434 1996, P.L. 104-191. Not later than February 1, 2026, the commissioner 3435 shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a 3436 of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General 3437 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health 3438 regarding the quantitative metrics, qualitative measures and an 3439 assessment methodology established by the advisory committee. 3440 (b) On or after July 1, 2026, the commissioner shall establish an annual 3441 maternity care report card based on the quantitative metrics, qualitative 3442 measures and an assessment methodology established by the advisory 3443 committee. The commissioner shall identify and collect any available 3444 data necessary to complete such report card. Such report card shall 3445 include, but need not be limited to, quantitative metrics, qualitative 3446 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 157 of 693 measures based on patient-reported experiences and, to the extent 3447 recommended by the advisory committee, an equity assessment of care 3448 received by patients at each birth center and hospital disaggregated by 3449 race, ethnicity and income level. The commissioner shall adjust the 3450 report card based on factors identified by the advisory committee and 3451 the acuity level of obstetric patients served by each birth center and 3452 hospital to ensure fair comparisons between facilities. The 3453 commissioner shall post the report card not later than January 1, 2027, 3454 and annually thereafter, on the Department of Public Health's Internet 3455 web site. The commissioner shall, in consultation with the advisory 3456 committee, revise the report card criteria at least once every three years 3457 and may consult experts regarding the revision of any such criteria. The 3458 report card shall comply with the Health Insurance and Portability Act 3459 of 1996, P.L. 104-191, as amended from time to time, and the Centers for 3460 Medicare and Medicaid Services' cell suppression policy, or a stricter 3461 policy, with respect to any data made available to the public. 3462 Sec. 135. Subsection (a) of section 32-605 of the general statutes is 3463 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 3464 2025): 3465 (a) In lieu of the report required under section 1-123, within the first 3466 [ninety] one hundred twenty days of each fiscal year of the Capital 3467 Region Development Authority, the board of directors of the authority 3468 shall submit a report to the Governor, the Auditors of Public Accounts 3469 and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 3470 cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding. Such 3471 report shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) A list of all 3472 bonds issued during the preceding fiscal year, including, for each such 3473 issue, the financial advisor and underwriters, whether the issue was 3474 competitive, negotiated or privately placed, and the issue's face value 3475 and net proceeds; (2) a description of the capital city project or any 3476 economic development project in the capital region in which the 3477 authority is involved, its location and the amount of funds, if any, 3478 provided by the authority with respect to the construction of such 3479 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 158 of 693 project; (3) a list of all outside individuals and firms, including principal 3480 and other major stockholders, receiving in excess of five thousand 3481 dollars as payments for services; (4) an annual comprehensive financial 3482 report prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting 3483 principles for governmental enterprises; (5) the cumulative value of all 3484 bonds issued, the value of outstanding bonds and the amount of the 3485 state's contingent liability; (6) the affirmative action policy statement, a 3486 description of the composition of the work force of the authority by race, 3487 sex and occupation and a description of the affirmative action efforts of 3488 the authority; (7) a description of planned activities for the current fiscal 3489 year; (8) a list of all private investments made or committed for 3490 commercial development within the capital city economic development 3491 district; and (9) an analysis of the authority's success in achieving the 3492 purposes stated in section 32-602. 3493 Sec. 136. Section 32-610 of the general statutes is repealed and the 3494 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3495 The exercise of the powers granted by section 32-602 constitute the 3496 performance of an essential governmental function and the Capital 3497 Region Development Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes 3498 or assessments upon or in respect of the convention center or the 3499 convention center project, as defined in section 32-600, or any land or 3500 improvements owned or leased by the authority, levied by any 3501 municipality or political subdivision or special district having taxing 3502 powers of the state and such project and the principal and interest of 3503 any bonds and notes issued under the provisions of section 32-607, their 3504 transfer and the income therefrom, including revenues derived from the 3505 sale thereof, shall at all times be free from taxation of every kind by the 3506 state of Connecticut or under its authority, except for estate or 3507 succession taxes but the interest on such bonds and notes shall be 3508 included in the computation of any excise or franchise tax. 3509 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the convention center and the related 3510 parking facilities owned by the authority shall be deemed to be state- 3511 owned real property for purposes of sections 12-18b and 12-19b and the 3512 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 159 of 693 state shall make grants in lieu of taxes with respect to the convention 3513 center and such related parking facilities to the municipality in which 3514 the convention center and such related parking facilities are located as 3515 otherwise provided in sections 12-18b and 12-19b and with respect to 3516 any land or improvements owned or leased by the authority not 3517 otherwise exempt from taxation. 3518 Sec. 137. Section 21a-420f of the general statutes is repealed and the 3519 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3520 [(a) (1) There is established an account to be known as the "cannabis 3521 regulatory and investment account" which shall be a separate, 3522 nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain 3523 any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in 3524 the account shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and 3525 Management, in consultation with the Social Equity Council, as defined 3526 in section 21a-420, to state agencies for the purpose of paying costs 3527 incurred to implement the activities authorized under RERACA, as 3528 defined in section 21a-420. 3529 (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 21a-420e, for the fiscal 3530 years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the following shall be 3531 deposited in the cannabis regulatory and investment account: (A) All 3532 fees received by the state pursuant to section 21a-421b and subdivisions 3533 (1) to (11), inclusive, of subsection (c) of section 21a-420e; (B) the tax 3534 received by the state under section 12-330ll; and (C) the tax received by 3535 the state under chapter 219 from a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or 3536 micro-cultivator, as those terms are defined in section 12-330ll. 3537 (3) At the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, all moneys 3538 remaining in the cannabis regulatory and investment account shall be 3539 transferred to the General Fund. 3540 (b) (1) There is established an account to be known as the "social 3541 equity and innovation account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing 3542 account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys 3543 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 160 of 693 required by law to be deposited in the account. 3544 (A) During the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, 3545 moneys in the account shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office 3546 of Policy and Management, in consultation with the Social Equity 3547 Council, to state agencies for the purpose of (i) paying costs incurred by 3548 the Social Equity Council, (ii) administering programs under RERACA 3549 to provide (I) access to capital for businesses, (II) technical assistance for 3550 the start-up and operation of a business, (III) funding for workforce 3551 education, and (IV) funding for community investments, and (iii) 3552 paying costs incurred to implement the activities authorized under 3553 RERACA. 3554 (B) During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, moneys in the account 3555 shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and 3556 Management for purposes that the Social Equity Council determines, in 3557 the Social Equity Council's sole discretion, further the principles of 3558 equity, as defined in section 21a-420, which purposes may include, but 3559 need not be limited to, providing (i) access to capital for businesses in 3560 any industry, (ii) technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a 3561 business in any industry, (iii) funding for workforce education in any 3562 industry, (iv) funding for community investments, and (v) funding for 3563 investments in disproportionately impacted areas. 3564 (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 21a-420e and 21a- 3565 420o, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the 3566 following shall be deposited in the social equity and innovation account: 3567 All fees received by the state pursuant to sections 21a-420l, 21a-420o and 3568 21a-420u and subdivisions (12) and (13) of subsection (c) of section 21a- 3569 420e. 3570 (3) At the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, five million 3571 dollars shall be transferred from the social equity and innovation 3572 account to the General Fund, or, if the account contains less than five 3573 million dollars, all remaining moneys in the account. At the end of the 3574 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 161 of 693 fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, all remaining moneys in the account 3575 shall be transferred to the Social Equity and Innovation Fund 3576 established under subsection (c) of this section. 3577 (c) (1) On and after July 1, 2022, there is established a fund to be 3578 known as the "Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund". The fund 3579 shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the fund 3580 and shall be held by the Treasurer separate and apart from all other 3581 moneys, funds and accounts. Amounts in the fund may be expended 3582 only pursuant to appropriation by the General Assembly. Any balance 3583 remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried 3584 forward in the fund for the fiscal year next succeeding. Moneys in the 3585 fund shall be appropriated for the purposes of providing the following: 3586 Access to capital for businesses in any industry; technical assistance for 3587 the start-up and operation of a business in any industry; funding for 3588 workforce education in any industry; funding for community 3589 investments; and paying costs incurred to implement the activities 3590 authorized under RERACA. All such appropriations shall be dedicated 3591 to expenditures that further the principles of equity, as defined in 3592 section 21a-420. 3593 (2) (A) For the purposes of subdivision (1) of this subsection, for the 3594 fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, and for each fiscal year thereafter, the 3595 Social Equity Council shall transmit, for even-numbered years, 3596 estimates of expenditure requirements and for odd-numbered years, 3597 recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, of such estimates, to 3598 the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in the manner 3599 prescribed for a budgeted agency under subsection (a) of section 4-77. 3600 (B) The Office of Policy and Management may not make adjustments 3601 to any such estimates or adjustments and revisions of such estimates 3602 transmitted by the council. Notwithstanding any provision of the 3603 general statutes or any special act, the Governor shall not reduce the 3604 allotment requisitions or allotments in force pursuant to section 4-85 or 3605 make reductions in allotments in order to achieve budget savings in the 3606 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 162 of 693 General Fund, concerning any appropriations made by the General 3607 Assembly for the purposes of subdivision (1) of this subsection. 3608 (C) The estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted by the 3609 Social Equity Council to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and 3610 Management pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subdivision shall, 3611 consistent with the requirements established in subsection (a) of section 3612 4-77, include an estimate of the amount of funds required to be 3613 distributed among the permissible purposes for appropriations made 3614 from the Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund as set forth in 3615 subdivision (1) of this subsection.] 3616 (a) On and after July 1, 2025, there is established an account to be 3617 known as the "social equity and innovation account", which shall be a 3618 separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys 3619 required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account 3620 shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and 3621 Management for purposes that the Social Equity Council determines, in 3622 the Social Equity Council's sole discretion, further the principles of 3623 equity, as defined in section 21a-420, which purposes may include, but 3624 need not be limited to, providing (1) access to capital for businesses in 3625 any industry, (2) technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a 3626 business in any industry, (3) funding for workforce education in any 3627 industry, (4) funding for community investments, and (5) funding for 3628 investments in disproportionately impacted areas. 3629 [(d)] (b) On and after July 1, 2022, there is established a fund to be 3630 known as the "Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund". The 3631 fund shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the 3632 fund and shall be held by the Treasurer separate and apart from all other 3633 moneys, funds and accounts. Amounts in the fund may be expended 3634 only pursuant to appropriation by the General Assembly. Any balance 3635 remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried 3636 forward in the fund for the fiscal year next succeeding. Moneys in the 3637 fund shall be appropriated for the purposes of (1) substance abuse 3638 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 163 of 693 prevention, treatment and recovery services, which may include, but 3639 need not be limited to, the (A) provision of youth cannabis use 3640 prevention services by the local advisory councils on drug use and 3641 prevention established by municipalities pursuant to subsection (a) of 3642 Section 4126 of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, as 3643 amended from time to time, regional behavioral health action 3644 organizations described in section 17a-484f, or youth service bureaus 3645 established pursuant to section 10-19m, and (B) development of a public 3646 awareness campaign to raise awareness of the mental and physical 3647 health risks of youth cannabis use and cannabis use by pregnant 3648 persons, and (2) collection and analysis of data regarding substance use. 3649 The Social Equity Council may make recommendations to any relevant 3650 state agency regarding expenditures to be made for the purposes set 3651 forth in this subsection. 3652 [(e)] (c) On and after July 1, 2023, there is established a fund to be 3653 known as the "Cannabis Regulatory Fund" which shall be a separate, 3654 nonlapsing fund. The fund shall contain any moneys required by law to 3655 be deposited in the fund and shall be held by the Treasurer separate and 3656 apart from all other moneys, funds and accounts. Moneys in the fund 3657 shall be appropriated to state agencies for the purposes of paying costs 3658 incurred to implement the activities authorized under RERACA, as 3659 defined in section 21a-420. 3660 Sec. 138. Section 12-330ll of the general statutes is repealed and the 3661 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3662 (a) As used in this section and sections 12-330mm and 12-330nn: 3663 (1) "Cannabis" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; 3664 (2) "Cannabis concentrate" has the same meaning as provided in 3665 section 21a-420; 3666 (3) "Cannabis edible product" means a product containing cannabis 3667 or cannabis concentrate, combined with other ingredients, that is 3668 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 164 of 693 intended for use or consumption through ingestion, including 3669 sublingual or oral absorption; 3670 (4) "Cannabis plant material" has the same meaning as provided in 3671 section 21a-279a; 3672 (5) "Cannabis retailer" means "retailer", as defined in section 21a-420; 3673 (6) "Consumer" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; 3674 (7) "Cultivator" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; 3675 (8) "Delivery service" has the same meaning as provided in section 3676 21a-420; 3677 (9) "Dispensary facility" has the same meaning as provided in section 3678 21a-420; 3679 (10) "Food and beverage manufacturer" has the same meaning as 3680 provided in section 21a-420; 3681 (11) "Hybrid retailer" has the same meaning as provided in section 3682 21a-420; 3683 (12) "Micro-cultivator" has the same meaning as provided in section 3684 21a-420; 3685 (13) "Municipality" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 3686 420; 3687 (14) "Palliative use" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 3688 408; 3689 (15) "Producer" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; 3690 (16) "Product manufacturer" has the same meaning as provided in 3691 section 21a-420; 3692 (17) "Product packager" has the same meaning as provided in section 3693 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 165 of 693 21a-420; 3694 (18) "Social Equity Council" has the same meaning as provided in 3695 section 21a-420; 3696 (19) "Total THC" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 3697 240; and 3698 (20) "Transporter" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 3699 420. 3700 (b) (1) For the privilege of making any sales of cannabis in this state, 3701 a tax is hereby imposed on each cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or 3702 micro-cultivator at the following rates: 3703 (A) Cannabis plant material, at the rate of six hundred twenty-five- 3704 thousandths of one cent per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the 3705 product label; 3706 (B) Cannabis edible products, at the rate of two and seventy-five- 3707 hundredths cents per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the product 3708 label; and 3709 (C) Cannabis, other than cannabis plant material or cannabis edible 3710 products, at the rate of nine-tenths of one cent per milligram of total 3711 THC, as reflected on the product label. 3712 (2) The tax under this section: 3713 (A) Shall be collected from the consumer, except as provided under 3714 subparagraphs (B) and (D) of this subdivision, by the cannabis retailer, 3715 hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator at the time of sale and such tax 3716 reimbursement, termed "tax" in this section, shall be paid by the 3717 consumer to the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. 3718 Each cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator shall collect 3719 from the consumer the full amount of the tax imposed by this section or 3720 an amount equal to the average equivalent thereof to the nearest amount 3721 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 166 of 693 practicable. Such tax shall be a debt from the consumer to the cannabis 3722 retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator, when so added to the 3723 original sales price, and shall be recoverable at law in the same manner 3724 as other debts except as provided in section 12-432a. 3725 (B) Shall not apply to the sale of cannabis for palliative use; 3726 (C) Shall not apply to the transfer of cannabis to a transporter for 3727 transport to any other cultivator, micro-cultivator, food and beverage 3728 manufacturer, product manufacturer, product packager, dispensary 3729 facility, cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or producer; 3730 (D) Shall not apply to the sale of cannabis by a delivery service to a 3731 consumer; 3732 (E) Shall be in addition to the taxes imposed under section 12-330mm 3733 and chapter 219; and 3734 (F) When so collected, shall be deemed to be a special fund in trust 3735 for the state until remitted to the state. 3736 (c) On or before the last day of each month in which a cannabis 3737 retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator may legally sell cannabis 3738 other than cannabis for palliative use, each such cannabis retailer, 3739 hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator shall file a return with the 3740 Department of Revenue Services. Such return shall be in such form and 3741 contain such information as the Commissioner of Revenue Services 3742 prescribes as necessary for administration of the tax under this section 3743 and shall be accompanied by a payment of the amount of the tax shown 3744 to be due thereon. Each cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer and micro- 3745 cultivator shall file such return electronically with the department and 3746 make such payment by electronic funds transfer in the manner provided 3747 by chapter 228g, to the extent possible. 3748 (d) If any cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator fails to 3749 pay the amount of tax reported due on its return within the time 3750 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 167 of 693 specified under this section, there shall be imposed a penalty equal to 3751 twenty-five per cent of such amount due and unpaid, or two hundred 3752 fifty dollars, whichever is greater. Such amount shall bear interest at the 3753 rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof, from the due date of 3754 such tax until the date of payment. Subject to the provisions of section 3755 12-3a, the commissioner may waive all or part of the penalties provided 3756 under this section when it is proven to the commissioner's satisfaction 3757 that the failure to pay any tax was due to reasonable cause and was not 3758 intentional or due to neglect. Any penalty that is waived shall be applied 3759 as a credit against tax liabilities owed by the cannabis retailer, hybrid 3760 retailer or micro-cultivator. 3761 (e) Each person, other than a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or 3762 micro-cultivator, who is required, on behalf of such cannabis retailer, 3763 hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator, to collect, truthfully account for and 3764 pay over a tax imposed on such cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or 3765 micro-cultivator under this section and who wilfully fails to collect, 3766 truthfully account for and pay over such tax or who wilfully attempts in 3767 any manner to evade or defeat the tax or the payment thereof, shall, in 3768 addition to other penalties provided by law, be liable for a penalty equal 3769 to the total amount of the tax evaded, or not collected, or not accounted 3770 for and paid over, including any penalty or interest attributable to such 3771 wilful failure to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax 3772 or such wilful attempt to evade or defeat such tax, provided such 3773 penalty shall only be imposed against such person in the event that such 3774 tax, penalty or interest cannot otherwise be collected from such cannabis 3775 retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. The amount of such penalty 3776 with respect to which a person may be personally liable under this 3777 section shall be collected in accordance with the provisions of section 3778 12-555a and any amount so collected shall be allowed as a credit against 3779 the amount of such tax, penalty or interest due and owing from the 3780 cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. The dissolution of 3781 the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator shall not 3782 discharge any person in relation to any personal liability under this 3783 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 168 of 693 section for wilful failure to collect or truthfully account for and pay over 3784 such tax or for a wilful attempt to evade or defeat such tax prior to 3785 dissolution, except as otherwise provided in this section. For purposes 3786 of this section, "person" includes any individual, corporation, limited 3787 liability company or partnership and any officer or employee of any 3788 corporation, including a dissolved corporation, and a member of or 3789 employee of any partnership or limited liability company who, as such 3790 officer, employee or member, is under a duty to file a tax return under 3791 this section on behalf of a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro- 3792 cultivator or to collect or truthfully account for and pay over a tax 3793 imposed under this section on behalf of such cannabis retailer, hybrid 3794 retailer or micro-cultivator. 3795 (f) The provisions of sections 12-548, 12-551 to 12-554, inclusive, and 3796 12-555a shall apply to the provisions of this section in the same manner 3797 and with the same force and effect as if the language of said sections had 3798 been incorporated in full into this section and had expressly referred to 3799 the tax under this section, except to the extent that any provision is 3800 inconsistent with a provision in this section. 3801 (g) The commissioner shall not issue a refund of any tax paid by a 3802 cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator under this section. 3803 (h) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the 3804 provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section and 3805 sections 12-330mm and 12-330nn. Notwithstanding the provisions of 3806 sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, prior to adopting any such regulations, 3807 the commissioner shall issue policies and procedures, which shall have 3808 the force and effect of law, to implement the taxes imposed under this 3809 section and sections 12-330mm and 12-330nn. At least fifteen days prior 3810 to the effective date of any policy or procedure issued pursuant to this 3811 subsection, the commissioner shall post such policy or procedure on the 3812 department's Internet web site and submit such policy or procedure to 3813 the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System. Any 3814 such policy or procedure shall no longer be effective upon the adoption 3815 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 169 of 693 of such policy or procedure as a final regulation in accordance with the 3816 provisions of chapter 54 or forty-eight months of the effective date of 3817 this section, whichever is earlier. 3818 (i) The tax received by the state under this section shall be deposited 3819 as follows: 3820 (1) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, in the 3821 cannabis regulatory and investment account established under section 3822 21a-420f of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 3823 2025; 3824 (2) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025, [and 3825 June 30, 2026,] sixty per cent of such tax received in the Cannabis Social 3826 Equity and Innovation Fund established under section 21a-420f of the 3827 general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025, twenty-five 3828 per cent of such tax received in the Cannabis Prevention and Recovery 3829 Services Fund established under section 21a-420f of the general statutes, 3830 revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025, and fifteen per cent in the 3831 General Fund; 3832 (3) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, sixty per cent of such tax 3833 received in the social equity and innovation account established under 3834 section 21a-420f, twenty-five per cent of such tax received in the 3835 Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund established under 3836 section 21a-420f and fifteen per cent in the General Fund; 3837 [(3)] (4) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, 3838 sixty-five per cent of such tax received in the [Cannabis Social Equity 3839 and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation account established 3840 under section 21a-420f, twenty-five per cent of such tax received in the 3841 Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund established under 3842 section 21a-420f and ten per cent in the General Fund; and 3843 [(4)] (5) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2029, and each fiscal year 3844 thereafter, seventy-five per cent of such tax received in the [Cannabis 3845 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 170 of 693 Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation 3846 account established under section 21a-420f and twenty-five per cent of 3847 such tax received in the Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services 3848 Fund established under section 21a-420f. 3849 [(j) At the close of each fiscal year in which the tax imposed under the 3850 provisions of this section are received by the commissioner, the 3851 Comptroller is authorized to record as revenue for such fiscal year the 3852 amounts of such tax that are received by the commissioner not later than 3853 five business days from the July thirty-first immediately following the 3854 end of such fiscal year.] 3855 Sec. 139. (Effective July 1, 2025) After the accounts for the Social Equity 3856 and Innovation Fund, established under section 21a-420f of the general 3857 statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025, have been closed 3858 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Comptroller shall transfer 3859 the balance remaining in said fund to the social equity and innovation 3860 account established under section 21a-420f of the general statutes. 3861 Sec. 140. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) At the close of each fiscal year 3862 in which the tax imposed under the provisions of section 12-330ll of the 3863 general statutes are received by the commissioner, the Comptroller is 3864 authorized to record as revenue for such fiscal year the amounts of such 3865 tax that are received by the Commissioner of Revenue Services not later 3866 than five business days from the July thirty-first immediately following 3867 the end of such fiscal year. 3868 Sec. 141. Subsection (c) of section 21a-420d of the general statutes is 3869 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 3870 2025): 3871 (c) (1) In making the appointments in subsection (b) of this section, 3872 the appointing authority shall use best efforts to make appointments 3873 that reflect the racial, gender and geographic diversity of the population 3874 of the state. 3875 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 171 of 693 (2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve a term of four 3876 years from the time of appointment and members appointed by any 3877 other appointing authority shall serve a term of three years from the 3878 time of appointment. The appointing authority shall fill any vacancy for 3879 the unexpired term. 3880 (3) (A) The Governor shall appoint an interim executive director to 3881 operationalize and support the Social Equity Council until, 3882 notwithstanding the provisions of section 4-9a, the council appoints an 3883 executive director. Subject to the provisions of chapter 67, and within 3884 available appropriations, the council may thereafter appoint an 3885 executive director and such other employees as may be necessary for the 3886 discharge of the duties of the council. 3887 (B) Not later than July 1, 2024, the council shall adopt bylaws 3888 specifying which duties are retained by the members of the council and 3889 which duties are delegated to the executive director. 3890 (C) The council may, by a simple majority vote of the members of the 3891 council, take any formal personnel action concerning the executive 3892 director for any reason. 3893 (D) In addition to the council's authority under subparagraph (C) of 3894 this subdivision, if a final review board consisting of the chairperson 3895 and the members of the council appointed under subdivisions (1), (2), 3896 (5) and (6) of subsection (b) of this section determines, by a simple 3897 majority vote of the members of the final review board, that removing 3898 the executive director is in the best interest of serving the council's 3899 mission, such final review board shall issue a letter to the council 3900 recommending that the council remove the executive director. 3901 (4) The Governor shall appoint the chairperson of the council from 3902 among the members of the council. The chairperson shall directly 3903 supervise, establish annual goals for and conduct an annual 3904 performance review of the executive director. 3905 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 172 of 693 (5) The chairperson and executive director shall jointly develop, and 3906 the council shall review and approve, (A) [the budgetary information 3907 that the council is required to annually submit to the Secretary of the 3908 Office of Policy and Management pursuant to subdivision (2) of 3909 subsection (c) of section 21a-420f, (B)] allocations of moneys in the social 3910 equity and innovation account [,] established under section 21a-420f, for 3911 the purposes that the council determines [,] under [subparagraph (B) of 3912 subdivision (1) of subsection (b)] subsection (a) of section 21a-420f, 3913 further the principles of equity, as defined in section 21a-420, and [(C)] 3914 (B) any plans for expenditures to provide (i) access to capital for 3915 businesses, (ii) technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a 3916 business, (iii) funding for workforce education, (iv) funding for 3917 community investments, and (v) funding for investments in 3918 disproportionately impacted areas. 3919 Sec. 142. Subsection (e) of section 21a-420e of the general statutes is 3920 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 3921 2025): 3922 (e) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, and thereafter, fees 3923 collected by the department under this section shall be paid to the State 3924 Treasurer and credited to the General Fund, except that the fees 3925 collected under subdivisions (12) and (13) of subsection (c) of this 3926 section shall be deposited in the [Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation 3927 Fund] social equity and innovation account established under section 3928 21a-420f. 3929 Sec. 143. Subsection (a) of section 21a-420o of the general statutes is 3930 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 3931 2025): 3932 (a) Thirty days after the Social Equity Council posts the criteria for 3933 social equity applicants on its Internet web site, the department shall 3934 open up a three-month application period for cultivators during which 3935 a social equity applicant may apply to the department for a provisional 3936 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 173 of 693 cultivator license and final license for a cultivation facility located in a 3937 disproportionately impacted area without participating in a lottery or 3938 request for proposals. Such application for a provisional license shall be 3939 granted upon: (1) Verification by the Social Equity Council that the 3940 applicant meets the criteria for a social equity applicant; (2) the applicant 3941 submitting to and passing a criminal background check; and (3) 3942 payment of a three-million-dollar fee to be deposited in the [Cannabis 3943 Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation 3944 account established in section 21a-420f. Upon granting such provisional 3945 license, the department shall notify the applicant of the project labor 3946 agreement requirements of section 21a-421e. The department shall not 3947 grant an application for a provisional cultivator license under this 3948 subsection after December 31, 2025. 3949 Sec. 144. Subsection (e) of section 21a-420aa of the general statutes is 3950 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 3951 2025): 3952 (e) No social equity applicant that receives a micro-cultivator license 3953 under this section shall be eligible to apply for a provisional license and 3954 a final license to create more than one equity joint venture to be 3955 approved by the Social Equity Council under section 21a-420d, and no 3956 such social equity applicant shall operate any such equity joint venture 3957 unless such social equity applicant has received a micro-cultivator 3958 license under this section, commenced cultivation activities under such 3959 micro-cultivator license and submitted to the department both the 3960 application fee required under subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this 3961 section and a conversion fee in the amount of five hundred thousand 3962 dollars. The conversion fee collected pursuant to this subsection shall be 3963 deposited in the [Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social 3964 equity and innovation account established in section 21a-420f. 3965 Sec. 145. Subdivision (9) of subsection (b) of section 19a-754a of the 3966 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 3967 thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 3968 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 174 of 693 (9) Assist local and regional boards of education in enrolling 3969 paraeducators for coverage under (A) [the qualified health plans for 3970 which such paraeducator may be eligible under section 3-123l, (B)] the 3971 Covered Connecticut program, established pursuant to section 19a- 3972 754c, or [(C)] (B) Medicaid. 3973 Sec. 146. Section 3-123l of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective 3974 July 1, 2025) 3975 Sec. 147. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Department of 3976 Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with the 3977 Police Officer Standards and Training Council, shall establish a project 3978 to be known as the social work and law enforcement project to advance 3979 the ethical and effective integration of social work services into law 3980 enforcement units by preparing social workers, social work students 3981 and law enforcement professionals to collaborate in the field of police 3982 social work. The project shall be located at Southern Connecticut State 3983 University. The objectives of the project shall be to: (1) Educate and train 3984 the social work and law enforcement workforce to collaborate by using 3985 a model that integrates police and social work, (2) increase community 3986 wellness through training, research, education and policy advocacy 3987 concerning the integration of police and social work, (3) strengthen the 3988 engagement among social workers, law enforcement officers and 3989 community members, and (4) promote dialogue concerning diversity, 3990 disparities and systemic racism in criminal and juvenile justice settings. 3991 For purposes of this section, "law enforcement unit" has the same 3992 meaning as provided in section 7-294a of the general statutes. 3993 (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Emergency 3994 Services and Public Protection shall enter into a memorandum of 3995 understanding with Southern Connecticut State University for the 3996 purpose of establishing the social work and law enforcement project. 3997 Such memorandum shall include, but need not be limited to, a 3998 requirement that any use of funding for the project for a purpose other 3999 than providing training or education to a police officer shall require the 4000 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 175 of 693 commissioner's written authorization. 4001 Sec. 148. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Department of 4002 Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with the 4003 Police Officer Standards and Training Council, shall establish a police 4004 training center to train and educate police officers in crime scene 4005 processing, the collection and analysis of forensic evidence and criminal 4006 investigations. The center shall be located at Central Connecticut State 4007 University. For purposes of this section, "police officer" has the same 4008 meaning as provided in section 7-294a of the general statutes. 4009 (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Emergency 4010 Services and Public Protection shall enter into a memorandum of 4011 understanding with Central Connecticut State University for the 4012 purpose of establishing the police training center. Such memorandum 4013 shall include, but need not be limited to, a requirement that any use of 4014 funding for the center for a purpose other than providing training or 4015 education to a police officer shall require the commissioner's written 4016 authorization. 4017 Sec. 149. (Reserved) 4018 Sec. 150. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Board of Regents for 4019 Higher Education shall, in consultation with the Departments of 4020 Developmental Services, Social Services and Education, develop a plan 4021 to provide inclusive educational programs at the state universities 4022 within the Connecticut State University System for students with 4023 intellectual or developmental disabilities who are eighteen years of age 4024 or older. Such plan shall include, but need not be limited to, the (1) 4025 specification of the admission process for such students, which shall not 4026 include taking any standardized college entrance aptitude test, 4027 graduating from high school or meeting a minimum grade point 4028 average, (2) identification of one or more of the following types of 4029 academic programs or courses offered by such state university in which 4030 such students may enroll based on each student's individualized 4031 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 176 of 693 education program, if any, or other assessment-based educational or 4032 career plan for the student, provided each such program or course is 4033 offered through an inclusive learning environment open to all students 4034 and not limited to students with intellectual or developmental 4035 disabilities: (A) A degree or certificate program, (B) a program through 4036 which such a student may earn an occupational credential, or (C) a 4037 credit-bearing or noncredit course, (3) availability of inclusive academic 4038 enrichment experiences, extracurricular activities and employment and 4039 socialization opportunities, (4) provision of individualized supports 4040 and services for the unique academic, social, housing and life-skills 4041 needs, as applicable, of such students, including, but not limited to, peer 4042 mentors, assistive technology or an on-campus resource center, (5) 4043 provision of information or training for staff, faculty and peers in 4044 educating and supporting such students, as applicable, and (6) funding 4045 required to provide such inclusive educational programs and related 4046 supports and services and whether any funding is available through 4047 financial aid, federal programs, nonprofit organizations or any other 4048 resources. 4049 (b) Not later than January 1, 2027, the Board of Regents for Higher 4050 Education shall submit, in accordance with the provisions of section 11- 4051 4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General 4052 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education 4053 and employment advancement the plan developed pursuant to 4054 subsection (a) of this section. 4055 Sec. 151. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section, (1) 4056 "neuromodulation" means the alteration of nerve activity through 4057 targeted delivery of a stimulus, including, but not limited to, electrical 4058 stimulation or chemical agents, to specific neurological sites in the body, 4059 and (2) "hospital" has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-490 4060 of the general statutes. 4061 (b) The University of Connecticut Health Center shall establish a 4062 Center of Excellence for Neuromodulation Treatments. The health 4063 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 177 of 693 center may collaborate with a hospital in the state to provide 4064 neuromodulation treatments to patients at the Center of Excellence for 4065 Neuromodulation Treatments. 4066 Sec. 152. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 16a-37x of the general 4067 statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof 4068 (Effective July 1, 2025): 4069 (a) As used in this section: 4070 (1) "Energy-savings measure" means any improvement to facilities or 4071 other energy-consuming systems designed to reduce energy or water 4072 consumption and operating costs and increase the operating efficiency 4073 of facilities or systems for their appointed functions. "Energy-savings 4074 measure" includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: 4075 (A) Replacement or modification of lighting and electrical 4076 components, fixtures or systems, including daylighting systems, 4077 improvements in street lighting efficiency or computer power 4078 management software; 4079 (B) Class I renewable energy or solar thermal systems; 4080 (C) Cogeneration systems that produce steam or forms of energy, 4081 such as heat or electricity, for use primarily within a building or complex 4082 of buildings; 4083 (D) Automated or computerized energy control systems; 4084 (E) Heating, ventilation or air conditioning system modifications or 4085 replacements; 4086 (F) Indoor air quality improvements that conform to applicable 4087 building code requirements; 4088 (G) Water-conserving fixtures, appliances and equipment or the 4089 substitution of non-water-using fixtures, appliances and equipment, or 4090 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 178 of 693 water-conserving landscape irrigation equipment; 4091 (H) Changes in operation and maintenance practices; 4092 (I) Replacement or modification of windows or doors; and 4093 (J) Installation or addition of insulation. 4094 (2) "Cost effective" means the savings resulting from energy-savings 4095 measures outweigh the costs of such measures, including, but not 4096 limited to, any financing costs, provided the payback period for any 4097 financing provided pursuant to this section is less than the functional 4098 life of the proposed energy-savings measure and the payback period for 4099 the comprehensive package of measures does not exceed twenty years. 4100 (3) "Operation and maintenance cost savings" means a measurable 4101 decrease in operation and maintenance costs and future replacement 4102 expenditures that is a direct result of the implementation of one or more 4103 utility cost savings measures. Such savings shall be calculated in 4104 comparison with an established baseline of operation and maintenance 4105 costs. 4106 (4) "Qualified energy service provider" means a corporation 4107 approved by the Department of Administrative Services with a record 4108 of successful energy performance contract projects experienced in the 4109 design, implementation and installation of energy efficiency and facility 4110 improvement measures, the technical capabilities to ensure such 4111 measures generate energy and operational cost savings, and the ability 4112 to secure the financing necessary to support energy savings guarantees. 4113 (5) "Utility cost savings" means any utility expenses eliminated or 4114 avoided on a long-term basis as a result of equipment installed or 4115 modified, or services performed by a qualified energy service provider; 4116 "utility cost savings" does not include merely shifting personnel costs or 4117 similar short-term cost savings. 4118 (6) "State agency" has the same meaning as provided in section 1-79. 4119 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 179 of 693 (7) "Municipality" has the same meaning as provided in section 4-230. 4120 (8) "Participating municipality" means a municipality that voluntarily 4121 takes part in the standardized energy-savings performance contract 4122 process. 4123 (9) "Standardized energy-savings performance contract process" 4124 means standard procedures for entering into an energy-savings 4125 performance contract and standard energy-savings performance 4126 contract documents established by the Department of Energy and 4127 Environmental Protection. 4128 (10) "Investment-grade energy audit" means a study by the qualified 4129 energy services provider selected for a particular energy-savings 4130 performance contract project which includes detailed descriptions of the 4131 improvements recommended for the project, the estimated costs of the 4132 improvements, and the utility and operations and maintenance cost 4133 savings projected to result from the recommended improvements. 4134 (11) "Energy-savings performance contract" means a contract 4135 between the state agency or municipality and a qualified energy service 4136 provider for evaluation, recommendation and implementation of one or 4137 more energy-savings measures. An energy-savings performance 4138 contract shall be a guaranteed energy-savings performance contract, 4139 which shall include, but not be limited to, (A) the design and installation 4140 of equipment and, if applicable, operation and maintenance of any of 4141 the measures implemented; and (B) guaranteed annual savings that 4142 meet or exceed the total annual contract payments made by the state 4143 agency or municipality for such contract, including financing charges to 4144 be incurred by the state agency or municipality over the life of the 4145 contract. 4146 (12) "Constituent unit" has the same meaning as provided in section 4147 10a-1. 4148 (b) On or before July 1, 2012, the Commissioner of Energy and 4149 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 180 of 693 Environmental Protection, in coordination with the Energy 4150 Conservation Management Board and in consultation with the Office of 4151 Policy and Management and the Department of Administrative 4152 Services, shall, within available appropriations, establish a standardized 4153 energy-savings performance contract process for state agencies and 4154 municipalities. The standardized process shall include standard 4155 procedures for entering into an energy-savings performance contract 4156 and standard energy-savings performance contract documents, 4157 including, but not limited to, requests for qualifications, requests for 4158 proposals, investment-grade audit contracts, energy-savings 4159 performance contracts, including the form of the project savings 4160 guarantee, and project financing agreements. A municipality may use 4161 the established state standardized energy-savings performance contract 4162 process or establish its own energy-savings performance contract 4163 process. A constituent unit may establish its own energy-savings 4164 performance contract process pursuant to section 10a-151b and section 4165 153 of this act. 4166 Sec. 153. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: 4167 (1) "Energy-savings measure", "cost effective", "operation and 4168 maintenance cost savings", "qualified energy service provider", "utility 4169 cost savings", "standardized energy-savings performance contract 4170 process", "investment-grade energy audit" and "energy-savings 4171 performance contract" each have the same meaning as provided in 4172 section 16a-37x of the general statutes. 4173 (2) "Constituent unit" has the same meaning as provided in section 4174 10a-1 of the general statutes. 4175 (3) "Chief executive officer" has the same meaning as provided in 4176 section 10a-151b of the general statutes. 4177 (b) A chief executive officer may enter into an energy-savings 4178 performance contract pursuant to an energy-savings performance 4179 contract process established by such chief executive officer's constituent 4180 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 181 of 693 unit pursuant to section 16a-37x of the general statutes, provided (1) 4181 such process includes standard procedures for entering into an energy- 4182 savings performance contract and standard energy-savings 4183 performance contract documents, including, but not limited to, requests 4184 for qualifications, requests for proposals, investment-grade audit 4185 contracts, energy-savings performance contracts, including the form of 4186 the project savings guarantee, and project financing agreements, and (2) 4187 such contract is entered into in accordance with the policies adopted by 4188 the governing board of such constituent unit pursuant to subsection (a) 4189 of section 10a-151b of the general statutes. 4190 (c) The energy-savings performance contract process established by 4191 a constituent unit shall include requests for qualifications or requests for 4192 proposals as follows: 4193 (1) The constituent unit shall issue a request for qualifications from 4194 companies that can offer energy-savings performance contract services 4195 to create a list of qualified energy service providers. 4196 (2) When reviewing requests for qualifications for inclusion on the 4197 list of qualified energy service providers, the constituent unit shall 4198 consider a company's experience with (A) design, engineering, 4199 installation, maintenance and repairs associated with energy-savings 4200 performance contracts; (B) conversions to a different energy or fuel 4201 source, associated with a comprehensive energy efficiency retrofit; (C) 4202 post-installation project monitoring, data collection and reporting of 4203 savings; (D) overall project management and qualifications; (E) 4204 accessing long-term financing; (F) financial stability; (G) projects of 4205 similar size and scope; (H) in-state projects and Connecticut-based 4206 subcontractors; (I) United States Department of Energy programs; (J) 4207 professional certifications; and (K) other factors determined by the 4208 constituent unit to be relevant and appropriate. 4209 (3) Before entering into an energy-savings performance contract 4210 pursuant to this section, a constituent unit shall issue a request for 4211 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 182 of 693 proposals from three or more qualified energy service providers. A 4212 constituent unit may award the energy-savings performance contract to 4213 the qualified energy service provider that best meets the needs of the 4214 constituent unit, which need not be the lowest cost provided. A cost 4215 effective feasibility analysis shall be prepared in response to the request 4216 for proposals. 4217 (4) The cost effective feasibility analysis included in the response to 4218 the request for proposals shall serve as the selection document for 4219 purposes of selecting a qualified energy service provider to engage in 4220 final contract negotiations. Factors to be included in selecting among the 4221 qualified energy service providers shall include, but not be limited to, 4222 (A) contract terms, (B) comprehensiveness of the proposal, (C) financial 4223 stability of the qualified energy service provider, (D) 4224 comprehensiveness of cost savings measures, (E) experience and quality 4225 of technical approach, and (F) overall benefits to the constituent unit. 4226 (d) The qualified energy service provider selected as a result of the 4227 request for proposals set forth in subsection (c) of this section shall 4228 prepare an investment-grade audit, which, upon acceptance, shall be 4229 part of the final energy-savings performance contract entered into by 4230 the constituent unit. Such investment-grade energy audit shall include 4231 estimates of the amounts by which utility cost savings and operation 4232 and maintenance cost savings would increase and estimates of all costs 4233 of such utility cost savings measures or energy-savings measures, 4234 including, but not limited to, (1) itemized costs of design, (2) 4235 engineering, (3) equipment, (4) materials, (5) installation, (6) 4236 maintenance, (7) repairs, and (8) debt service. The qualified energy 4237 service provider and the constituent unit shall agree on the cost of the 4238 investment-grade audit before it is conducted. 4239 (e) The policies adopted by the governing board of the constituent 4240 unit pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10a-151b may require that the 4241 cost savings projected by the qualified provider be reviewed by a 4242 professional engineer licensed in this state who has a minimum of three 4243 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 183 of 693 years' experience in energy calculation and review, is not an officer or 4244 employee of a qualified provider for the contract under review and is 4245 not otherwise associated with the contract. In conducting the review, the 4246 engineer shall focus primarily on the proposed improvements from an 4247 engineering perspective, the methodology and calculations related to 4248 cost savings, increases in revenue and, if applicable, efficiency or 4249 accuracy of metering equipment. An engineer who reviews a contract 4250 shall maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary information the 4251 engineer acquires while reviewing the contract. 4252 (f) A guaranteed energy-savings performance contract may provide 4253 for financing, including tax exempt financing, by a third party. The 4254 contract for third-party financing may be separate from the energy- 4255 savings performance contract. A constituent unit may use designated 4256 funds, bonds, lease purchase agreements or master lease for any energy- 4257 savings performance contracts, provided its use is consistent with the 4258 purpose of the appropriation. 4259 (g) Each energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant 4260 to this section shall provide that all payments between parties, except 4261 obligations on termination of the contract before its expiration, shall be 4262 made over time and the objective of such energy-savings performance 4263 contracts is implementation of cost savings measures and energy and 4264 operational cost savings. 4265 (h) An energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant to 4266 this section, and payments provided thereunder, may extend beyond 4267 the fiscal year in which the energy-savings performance contract 4268 became effective, subject to appropriation of moneys, if required by law, 4269 for costs incurred in future fiscal years. The energy-savings performance 4270 contract may extend for a term not to exceed thirty years. The allowable 4271 length of the contract may also reflect the useful life of the cost savings 4272 measures. An energy-savings performance contract may provide for 4273 payments over a period not to exceed deadlines specified in the energy- 4274 savings performance contract from the date of the final installation of 4275 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 184 of 693 the cost savings measures. 4276 (i) The energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant to 4277 this section may provide that reconciliation of the amounts owed under 4278 the energy-savings performance contract shall occur in a period beyond 4279 one year with final reconciliation occurring within the term of the 4280 energy-savings performance contract. Such energy-savings 4281 performance contract shall include contingency provisions in the event 4282 that actual savings do not meet predicted savings. 4283 (j) The energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant to 4284 this section shall require the qualified energy service provider to 4285 provide to the constituent unit an annual reconciliation of the 4286 guaranteed energy cost savings. If the reconciliation reveals a shortfall 4287 in annual energy cost savings, the qualified energy service provider 4288 shall make payment to the constituent unit in the amount of the 4289 shortfall. If the reconciliation reveals an excess in annual energy cost 4290 savings, the excess savings shall remain with the constituent unit, and 4291 shall not be used to cover potential energy cost savings shortages in 4292 subsequent years or actual energy cost savings shortages in previous 4293 contract years. 4294 (k) During the term of each energy performance contract entered into 4295 pursuant to this section, the qualified energy service provider shall 4296 monitor the reductions in energy consumption and cost savings 4297 attributable to the cost savings measures installed pursuant to the 4298 energy-savings performance contract and shall, not less than annually, 4299 prepare and provide a report to the constituent unit documenting the 4300 performance of the cost savings measures to the constituent unit. The 4301 report shall adhere to the most current version of the International 4302 Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol. 4303 (l) The qualified energy service provider and constituent unit may 4304 agree to modify savings calculations based on any of the following: 4305 (1) Subsequent material change to the baseline energy consumption 4306 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 185 of 693 identified at the beginning of the energy-savings performance contract; 4307 (2) Changes in the number of days in the utility billing cycle; 4308 (3) Changes in the total square footage of the building; 4309 (4) Changes in the operational schedule of the facility; 4310 (5) Changes in facility temperature; 4311 (6) Material change in the weather; 4312 (7) Material changes in the amount of equipment or lighting used at 4313 the facility; or 4314 (8) Any other change which reasonably would be expected to modify 4315 energy use or energy costs. 4316 (m) A constituent unit may direct savings realized under the energy- 4317 savings performance contract to contract payment and other required 4318 expenses and may, when practicable, reinvest savings beyond that 4319 required for contract payment and other required expenses into 4320 additional energy-savings measures. 4321 (n) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a constituent 4322 unit to use the standardized energy-savings performance contract 4323 process established pursuant to section 16a-37x of the general statutes 4324 to enter into an energy-savings performance contract if such constituent 4325 unit establishes its own energy-savings performance contract process. 4326 Sec. 154. Section 7-313p of the general statutes, as amended by section 4327 1 of public act 25-4, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 4328 thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 4329 (a) For purposes of this section and section 7-313h: 4330 (1) "Firefighter" has the same meaning as provided in section 7-313g; 4331 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 186 of 693 (2) "Compensation" has the same meaning as provided in section 31- 4332 275; 4333 (3) "Municipal employer" has the same meaning as provided in 4334 section 7-467; 4335 (4) "Interior structural firefighter" means an individual who performs 4336 fire suppression, fire rescue, or both, either inside of buildings or in 4337 closed structures that are involved in a fire station beyond the incident 4338 stage; 4339 (5) "State employer" means the state of Connecticut, including any 4340 agency or department of the state, [and] any board of trustees of a state- 4341 owned or supported college or university and branches thereof, the 4342 Connecticut Airport Authority and the Tweed-New Haven Airport 4343 Authority; and 4344 (6) "Administrative law judge" has the same meaning as provided in 4345 section 31-275. 4346 (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 568, a firefighter 4347 diagnosed with any condition of cancer affecting the skin, brain, skeletal 4348 system, digestive system, endocrine system, respiratory system, 4349 lymphatic system, reproductive system, urinary system or 4350 hematological system resulting in such firefighter's death or temporary 4351 or permanent total or partial disability, or such firefighter's dependents, 4352 as the case may be, shall receive (1) compensation and benefits from the 4353 account, established pursuant to section 7-313h, in the same amount and 4354 in the same manner that would be provided under chapter 568 if such 4355 death or disability was caused by an occupational disease which arose 4356 out of and in the course of such firefighter's employment and was 4357 suffered in the line of duty and within the scope of such firefighter's 4358 employment, and (2) (A) the same retirement or survivor benefits, from 4359 the municipal or state retirement system under which such firefighter is 4360 covered, or (B) the disability benefits available from the Connecticut 4361 State Firefighters Association pursuant to section 3-123, that would have 4362 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 187 of 693 been paid under such system if such death or disability was caused by 4363 an occupational disease which arose out of and in the course of such 4364 firefighter's employment and was suffered in the line of duty and within 4365 the scope of such firefighter's employment, provided such firefighter 4366 has: 4367 (i) Submitted to a physical examination subsequent to such member's 4368 entry into service that failed to reveal any evidence of such cancer; 4369 (ii) Has not used cigarettes, as defined in section 12-285, during the 4370 fifteen-year period prior to such diagnosis; 4371 (iii) Was employed for at least five years in any combination as (I) an 4372 interior structural firefighter [at a paid municipal, state or] by a 4373 municipal employer or state employer or by a volunteer fire 4374 department, or (II) a local fire marshal, deputy fire marshal, fire 4375 investigator, fire inspector or such other class of inspectors or 4376 investigators for whom the State Fire Marshal and the Codes and 4377 Standards Committee, acting jointly, have adopted minimum standards 4378 of qualification pursuant to section 29-298; and 4379 (iv) Has submitted to annual medical health screenings as 4380 recommended by such firefighter's medical provider. 4381 (c) Any individual who is no longer actively serving as a firefighter 4382 but who otherwise would be eligible for compensation or benefits 4383 pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section may apply 4384 for such benefits or compensation not more than five years from the date 4385 such individual last served as a firefighter. 4386 (d) To apply for compensation or benefits pursuant to subsections (b) 4387 and (c) of this section, a firefighter shall provide notice to the Workers' 4388 Compensation Commission and the municipal employer or state 4389 employer of such firefighter, in the same manner as workers' 4390 compensation claims under chapter 568. 4391 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 188 of 693 (e) (1) The municipal employer or state employer that employs the 4392 firefighter applying for compensation and benefits shall administer 4393 claims submitted pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) of this section in 4394 the same manner as workers' compensation claims under chapter 568. 4395 Such municipal employer or state employer shall (A) pay to the 4396 firefighter the compensation or benefits such firefighter is entitled to, 4397 and (B) submit, in a form and manner provided by the State Treasurer, 4398 an application for reimbursement from the firefighters cancer relief 4399 account. Payments for reimbursement shall be processed not later than 4400 forty-five days after such application is received. 4401 (2) Any costs associated with a firefighter's treatment of cancer that 4402 are not covered by such firefighter's personal or group health insurance 4403 shall be reimbursed, pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, [by] 4404 from the firefighters cancer relief account to the municipal employer or 4405 state employer who applied for reimbursement pursuant to subdivision 4406 (1) of this subsection, provided such treatment complies with the 4407 provisions of section 31-294d. 4408 (3) If the firefighters cancer relief account becomes insolvent, no 4409 municipal employer or state employer shall be obligated to continue 4410 providing compensation and benefits pursuant to subdivision (1) of 4411 subsection (b) of this section and subsection (c) of this section. 4412 (f) A firefighter may request that a denial of compensation or benefits 4413 made pursuant to subsection (e) of this section be reconsidered, and an 4414 administrative law judge shall have the authority to adjudicate such 4415 claim in accordance with the provisions of section 31-278, as amended 4416 by [this act] public act 25-4, in the same manner as workers' 4417 compensation claims under chapter 568. 4418 (g) If a physical examination was required by an employer at the time 4419 of the firefighter's employment, as a condition for such employment, or 4420 required annually for means of continued employment, a firefighter 4421 shall not be required to show proof of such examination in the 4422 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 189 of 693 maintenance of a claim under subsection (b) or (c) of this section or 4423 under such municipal or state retirement system. 4424 (h) Any benefits provided under subsection (b) or (c) of this section 4425 shall be offset by any other benefits a firefighter or such firefighter's 4426 dependents may be entitled to receive from such firefighter's municipal 4427 employer or state employer under the provisions of chapter 568 or the 4428 municipal or state retirement system under which they are covered as a 4429 result of any condition or impairment of health caused by occupational 4430 cancer resulting in such firefighter's death or permanent total or partial 4431 disability. 4432 (i) The State Treasurer shall have the authority to audit 4433 reimbursements provided by the account pursuant to subsection (e) of 4434 this section. 4435 (j) No payment of compensation made under this section shall be 4436 used as evidence in support of any future claim under chapter 568. 4437 (k) Except as provided in subsections (l) and (m) of this section, any 4438 firefighter that receives compensation under this section shall be 4439 prohibited from filing a claim under chapter 568 for a diagnosis of 4440 cancer. 4441 (l) If the firefighters cancer relief account becomes insolvent, a 4442 firefighter that was receiving compensation under this section may file 4443 a claim under chapter 568, within one year of receiving notice from such 4444 firefighter's municipal employer or state employer of the firefighters 4445 cancer relief account becoming insolvent, for continuation of 4446 compensation. 4447 (m) (1) Any surviving dependents of a firefighter who has died from 4448 cancer and was receiving compensation or benefits or has applied for 4449 compensation or benefits under this section may file a claim under 4450 chapter 568 within one year of such firefighter's death. Until such claim 4451 is approved, such survivor shall continue to receive benefits from the 4452 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 190 of 693 firefighters cancer relief account. 4453 (2) If the surviving dependents of a firefighter who has died from 4454 cancer and was receiving compensation or benefits or has applied for 4455 compensation or benefits under this section do not file a claim under 4456 chapter 568 within one year of such firefighter's death, such survivors 4457 may continue to receive benefits from the firefighters cancer relief 4458 account. 4459 Sec. 155. Section 7-313h of the general statutes is repealed and the 4460 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 4461 (a) There is established an account to be known as the "firefighters 4462 cancer relief account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account 4463 within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys 4464 required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account 4465 shall be expended by (1) the cancer relief subcommittee of the 4466 Connecticut State Firefighters Association, established pursuant to 4467 section 7-313i, for the purposes of providing wage replacement benefits 4468 to firefighters who are diagnosed with a condition of cancer described 4469 in section 7-313j, and (2) by the State Treasurer for purposes of providing 4470 reimbursement to [municipalities] municipal employers and state 4471 employers that provide compensation and benefits to firefighters 4472 diagnosed with a condition of cancer in accordance with section 7-313p. 4473 (b) The State Treasurer shall invest the moneys deposited in the 4474 firefighters cancer relief account in a manner reasonable and 4475 appropriate to achieve the objectives of such account, exercising the 4476 discretion and care of a prudent person in similar circumstances with 4477 similar objectives. The State Treasurer shall give due consideration to 4478 rate of return, risk, term or maturity, diversification of the total portfolio 4479 within such account, liquidity, the projected disbursements and 4480 expenditures, and the expected payments, deposits, contributions and 4481 gifts to be received. The moneys in such account shall be continuously 4482 invested and reinvested in a manner consistent with the objectives of 4483 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 191 of 693 such account until disbursed in accordance with sections 3-123, 7-313i 4484 and 7-313p. 4485 (c) The moneys in the firefighters cancer relief account shall be used 4486 solely for the purposes of (1) providing wage replacement benefits to 4487 firefighters who are diagnosed with a condition of cancer described in 4488 section 7-313j, (2) providing reimbursement to [municipalities] 4489 municipal employers and state employers for payment of compensation 4490 and benefits as described in section 7-313p, and (3) to fund the expenses 4491 of administering the firefighters cancer relief program established 4492 pursuant to sections 7-313j and 7-313p. 4493 Sec. 156. Section 7-313g of the general statutes is repealed and the 4494 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 4495 For purposes of this section and sections 3-123, 7-313h to 7-313k 4496 inclusive, and 29-303, "firefighter" shall include any (1) local fire 4497 marshal, deputy fire marshal, fire investigator, fire inspector and such 4498 other classes of inspectors and investigators for whom the State Fire 4499 Marshal and the Codes and Standards Committee, acting jointly, have 4500 adopted minimum standards of qualification pursuant to section 29-298; 4501 and (2) uniformed member of a paid municipal, state or volunteer fire 4502 department or of the Connecticut Airport Authority or Tweed-New 4503 Haven Authority. 4504 Sec. 157. Section 20-340 of the general statutes is repealed and the 4505 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 4506 The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to: (1) Persons 4507 employed by any federal, state or municipal agency; (2) employees of 4508 any public service company regulated by the Public Utilities Regulatory 4509 Authority or of any corporate affiliate of any such company when the 4510 work performed by such affiliate is on behalf of a public service 4511 company, but in either case only if the work performed is in connection 4512 with the rendition of public utility service, including the installation or 4513 maintenance of wire for community antenna television service, or is in 4514 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 192 of 693 connection with the installation or maintenance of wire or telephone sets 4515 for single-line telephone service located inside the premises of a 4516 consumer; (3) employees of any municipal corporation specially 4517 chartered by this state; (4) employees of any contractor while such 4518 contractor is performing electrical-line or emergency work for any 4519 public service company; (5) persons engaged in the installation, 4520 maintenance, repair and service of electrical or other appliances of a size 4521 customarily used for domestic use where such installation commences 4522 at an outlet receptacle or connection previously installed by persons 4523 licensed to do the same and maintenance, repair and service is confined 4524 to the appliance itself and its internal operation; (6) employees of 4525 industrial firms whose main duties concern the maintenance of the 4526 electrical work, plumbing and piping work, solar thermal work, 4527 heating, piping, cooling work, sheet metal work, elevator installation, 4528 repair and maintenance work, automotive glass work or flat glass work 4529 of such firm on its own premises or on premises leased by it for its own 4530 use; (7) employees of industrial firms when such employees' main 4531 duties concern the fabrication of glass products or electrical, plumbing 4532 and piping, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar, heating, piping, 4533 cooling, chemical piping, sheet metal or elevator installation, repair and 4534 maintenance equipment used in the production of goods sold by 4535 industrial firms, except for products, electrical, plumbing and piping 4536 systems and repair and maintenance equipment used directly in the 4537 production of a product for human consumption; (8) persons 4538 performing work necessary to the manufacture or repair of any 4539 apparatus, appliances, fixtures, equipment or devices produced by it for 4540 sale or lease; (9) employees of stage and theatrical companies 4541 performing the operation, installation and maintenance of electrical 4542 equipment if such installation commences at an outlet receptacle or 4543 connection previously installed by persons licensed to make such 4544 installation; (10) employees of carnivals, circuses or similar transient 4545 amusement shows who install electrical work, provided such 4546 installation shall be subject to the approval of the State Fire Marshal 4547 prior to use as otherwise provided by law and shall comply with 4548 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 193 of 693 applicable municipal ordinances and regulations; (11) persons engaged 4549 in the installation, maintenance, repair and service of glass or electrical, 4550 plumbing, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar, heating, piping, 4551 cooling and sheet metal equipment in and about single-family 4552 residences owned and occupied or to be occupied by such persons; 4553 provided any such installation, maintenance and repair shall be subject 4554 to inspection and approval by the building official of the municipality 4555 in which such residence is located and shall conform to the requirements 4556 of the State Building Code; (12) persons who install, maintain or repair 4557 glass in a motor vehicle owned or leased by such persons; (13) persons 4558 or entities holding themselves out to be retail sellers of glass products, 4559 but not such persons or entities that also engage in automotive glass 4560 work or flat glass work; (14) persons who install preglazed or 4561 preassembled windows or doors in residential [or commercial] 4562 buildings; (15) persons registered under chapter 400 who install safety- 4563 backed mirror products or repair or replace flat glass in sizes not greater 4564 than thirty square feet in residential buildings; (16) sheet metal work 4565 performed in residential buildings consisting of six units or less by new 4566 home construction contractors registered pursuant to chapter 399a, by 4567 home improvement contractors registered pursuant to chapter 400 or by 4568 persons licensed pursuant to this chapter, when such work is limited to 4569 exhaust systems installed for hoods and fans in kitchens and baths, 4570 clothes dryer exhaust systems, radon vent systems, fireplaces, fireplace 4571 flues, masonry chimneys or prefabricated metal chimneys rated by 4572 Underwriters Laboratories or installation of stand-alone appliances 4573 including wood, pellet or other stand-alone stoves that are installed in 4574 residential buildings by such contractors or persons; (17) employees of 4575 or any contractor employed by and under the direction of a properly 4576 licensed solar contractor, performing work limited to the hoisting, 4577 placement and anchoring of solar collectors, photovoltaic panels, towers 4578 or turbines; (18) persons performing swimming pool maintenance and 4579 repair work authorized pursuant to section 20-417aa; and (19) any 4580 employee of the Connecticut Airport Authority covered by a state 4581 collective bargaining agreement. 4582 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 194 of 693 Sec. 158. Subdivision (7) of subsection (a) of section 22a-903c of the 4583 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 4584 thereof (Effective from passage): 4585 (7) ["Children's product"] "Juvenile product" means a product 4586 designed or marketed for use by infants and children under twelve 4587 years of age, including, but not limited to, a baby or toddler foam pillow, 4588 bassinet, bedside sleeper, booster seat, changing pad, child restraint 4589 system for use in motor vehicles and aircraft, co-sleeper, crib mattress, 4590 highchair, highchair pad, infant bouncer, infant carrier, infant seat, 4591 infant sleep positioner, infant swing, infant travel bed, infant walker, 4592 nap cot, nursing pad, nursing pillow, play mat, playpen, play yard, 4593 polyurethane foam mat, pad or pillow, portable foam nap mat, portable 4594 infant sleeper, portable hook-on chair, soft-sided portable crib, stroller 4595 or toddler mattress. ["Children's product"] "Juvenile product" does not 4596 include any children's electronic product such as a personal computer, 4597 audio and video equipment, calculator, wireless phone, game console, 4598 handheld device incorporating a video screen or any associated 4599 peripheral such as a mouse, keyboard, power supply unit or power cord 4600 or an adult mattress. 4601 Sec. 159. Subsections (b) to (d), inclusive, of section 22a-903c of the 4602 general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 4603 thereof (Effective from passage): 4604 (b) (1) On and after July 1, 2026, no person shall manufacture, sell, 4605 offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any (A) apparel; (B) carpet 4606 or rug; (C) cleaning product; (D) cookware; (E) cosmetic product; (F) 4607 dental floss; (G) fabric treatment; (H) [children's] juvenile product; (I) 4608 menstruation product; (J) textile furnishing; (K) ski wax; or (L) 4609 upholstered furniture if such product contains intentionally added 4610 PFAS, unless the manufacturer of the product provides prior 4611 notification in writing to the department in accordance with the 4612 requirements of this subsection. Such notification shall at a minimum 4613 include: (i) A brief description of the product to be offered for sale, used 4614 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 195 of 693 or distributed, including the product category and the function of PFAS 4615 in the product; (ii) all relevant chemical abstract service registry 4616 numbers or, if no such number is applicable, the molecular formulas and 4617 weights for all PFAS intentionally added to the product; (iii) for each 4618 product category: (I) The amount of each PFAS or subgroups in each 4619 category; (II) the range of PFAS in the product category by per cent 4620 weight; (III) if no analytical method exists, the amount of total fluorine 4621 present in the product category; (IV) the purpose for which the PFAS is 4622 used in the product; and (V) the name and address of the manufacturer, 4623 and the name, address and phone number of a contact person for the 4624 manufacturer. 4625 (2) A manufacturer may supply the information required in this 4626 subsection for a category or type of product that contains intentionally 4627 added PFAS rather than for each individual product. 4628 (3) The manufacturer shall update and revise information in such 4629 notification whenever there is a change in the information or when 4630 requested to do so by the department. 4631 (4) No person shall sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state 4632 any of the products listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection if the 4633 product contains intentionally added PFAS, and the manufacturer has 4634 failed to submit notification pursuant to this subsection. 4635 (c) (1) On and after January 1, 2026, no person shall distribute, sell or 4636 offer for sale in this state any new or not-previously-used outdoor 4637 apparel for severe wet conditions that contains PFAS unless such 4638 product is accompanied by a legible and easily discernable disclosure 4639 with the statement "Made with PFAS chemicals", including for any 4640 online listing of such products for sale. On and after January 1, 2026, if 4641 a manufacturer or other person sells turnout gear that contains 4642 intentionally added PFAS, the manufacturer or person shall provide 4643 written notice to the purchaser at the time of sale that indicates that the 4644 turnout gear includes intentionally added PFAS and the reason PFAS is 4645 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 196 of 693 added to the turnout gear. On and after July 1, 2026, no person shall 4646 manufacture, sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any (A) 4647 apparel; (B) carpet or rug; (C) cleaning product; (D) cookware; (E) 4648 cosmetic product; (F) dental floss; (G) fabric treatment; (H) [children's] 4649 juvenile product; (I) menstruation product; (J) textile furnishing; (K) ski 4650 wax; or (L) upholstered furniture if such product contains intentionally 4651 added PFAS, unless such product is labeled in accordance with this 4652 subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require or 4653 replace such disclosure, notice or labeling that is otherwise prohibited 4654 or prescribed by federal law. 4655 (2) Whenever a product listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection 4656 contains intentionally added PFAS and is a component of another 4657 product, the product that contains the component shall be labeled. 4658 (3) All labels shall be clearly visible prior to sale and shall inform the 4659 purchaser, using words or symbols approved by the department, that 4660 PFAS is present in the product. 4661 (4) Labels affixed to any such product shall be constructed of 4662 materials that are sufficiently durable to remain legible for the useful life 4663 of the product. 4664 (5) The manufacturer shall apply any product and package labels 4665 required under this subsection unless the wholesaler or retailer agrees 4666 with the manufacturer to accept responsibility for such application. 4667 (d) On and after January 1, 2028, no person shall manufacture, sell, 4668 offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any of the following 4669 products if the product contains intentionally added PFAS: (1) Apparel; 4670 (2) turnout gear; (3) carpets or rugs; (4) cleaning products; (5) cookware; 4671 (6) cosmetic products; (7) dental floss; (8) fabric treatments; (9) 4672 [children's] juvenile products; (10) menstruation products; (11) textile 4673 furnishings; (12) ski wax; (13) upholstered furniture; or (14) outdoor 4674 apparel for severe wet conditions. 4675 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 197 of 693 Sec. 160. Section 31-53c of the general statutes is repealed and the 4676 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 4677 (a) For purposes of this section: 4678 (1) "Business organization" means any sole proprietorship, 4679 partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, firm or 4680 other form of business, municipality, regional council of governments, 4681 Connecticut brownfield land bank or economic development agency, as 4682 defined in section 32-760, or other legal entity, but excludes any 4683 organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the 4684 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or that is a chamber of commerce under 4685 Section 501(c)(6) of said Internal Revenue Code, or any subsequent 4686 corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended 4687 from time to time, and that (A) accepts financial assistance for a project 4688 as defined in this section, and (B) such project is valued at not more than 4689 ten million dollars and is not for the purposes described in subsection 4690 (f) of this section; 4691 (2) "Financial assistance" means any and all forms of loans, cash 4692 payments, extensions of credit, guarantees, equity investments, tax 4693 abatements or any other form of financing totaling one million dollars 4694 or more; and 4695 (3) "Project" means any construction, remodeling, refinishing, 4696 refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any property owned 4697 by a business organization. 4698 (b) On and after July 1, 2018, if the Department of Economic and 4699 Community Development provides financial assistance to any business 4700 organization for any construction project of such business organization, 4701 the Department of Economic and Community Development shall 4702 require, as a condition of providing such financial assistance, that any 4703 contract entered into by the business organization for such project shall 4704 contain the following provision: "The wages paid on an hourly basis to 4705 any person performing the work of any mechanic, laborer or worker on 4706 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 198 of 693 the work herein contracted to be done and the amount of payment or 4707 contribution paid or payable on behalf of each such person to any 4708 employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection (i) of section 31-53, 4709 shall be at a rate equal to the rate customary or prevailing for the same 4710 work in the same trade or occupation in the town in which such 4711 construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, 4712 alteration or repair project is being undertaken. Any contractor who is 4713 not obligated by agreement to make payment or contribution on behalf 4714 of such persons to any such employee welfare fund shall pay to each 4715 mechanic, laborer or worker as part of such person's wages the amount 4716 of payment or contribution for such person's classification on each pay 4717 day." 4718 (c) Any contractor or subcontractor who knowingly or wilfully 4719 employs any mechanic, laborer or worker in any project receiving 4720 financial assistance from the Department of Economic and Community 4721 Development for such project, at a rate of wage on an hourly basis that 4722 is less than the rate customary or prevailing for the same work in the 4723 same trade or occupation in the town in which such project is located, 4724 or who fails to pay the amount of payment or contributions paid or 4725 payable on behalf of each such person to any employee welfare fund, as 4726 defined in subsection (i) of section 31-53, or in lieu thereof to the person, 4727 as provided by subsection (b) of this section, shall be fined not less than 4728 two thousand five hundred dollars but not more than five thousand 4729 dollars for each offense and (1) for the first violation, shall be 4730 disqualified from bidding on contracts for projects for which the 4731 Department of Economic and Community Development provides 4732 financial assistance until the contractor or subcontractor has made full 4733 restitution of the back wages owed to such persons and for an additional 4734 six months thereafter, and (2) for subsequent violations, shall be 4735 disqualified from bidding on contracts for projects for which the 4736 Department of Economic and Community Development provides 4737 financial assistance until the contractor or subcontractor has made full 4738 restitution of the back wages owed to such persons and for not less than 4739 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 199 of 693 an additional two years thereafter. In addition, if it is found by the 4740 contracting officer representing the business organization that any 4741 mechanic, laborer or worker employed by the contractor or any 4742 subcontractor directly on the site for the work covered by the contract 4743 has been or is being paid a rate of wages less than the rate of wages 4744 required by the contract to be paid as required by this section, the 4745 business organization may (A) by written or electronic notice to the 4746 contractor, terminate such contractor's right to proceed with the work 4747 or such part of the work as to which there has been a failure to pay said 4748 required wages and to prosecute the work to completion by contract or 4749 otherwise, and the contractor and the contractor's sureties shall be liable 4750 to the business organization for any excess costs occasioned the business 4751 organization thereby, or (B) withhold payment of money to the 4752 contractor or subcontractor. The contracting business organization shall, 4753 not later than two days after taking such action, notify the Labor 4754 Commissioner, in writing or electronically, of the name of the contractor 4755 or subcontractor, the project involved, the location of the work, the 4756 violations involved, the date the contract was terminated and steps 4757 taken to collect the required wages. 4758 (d) The Labor Commissioner may make complaint to the proper 4759 prosecuting authorities for the violation of any provision of subsection 4760 (c) of this section. 4761 (e) The Labor Commissioner shall predetermine the prevailing rate 4762 and the amount of payment or contributions paid or payable on behalf 4763 of each person to any employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection 4764 (i) of section 31-53, in each town where such contract is to be performed, 4765 in the same manner as provided in subsection (d) of section 31-53. 4766 (f) If the Department of Economic and Community Development 4767 provides financial assistance to any business organization, including 4768 any nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 4769 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent 4770 corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended 4771 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 200 of 693 from time to time, for the purpose of remediation, demolition or 4772 abatement of pollution in buildings, soil or groundwater located at a 4773 project site, only the remediation, demolition or abatement of pollution 4774 in buildings, soil or groundwater portion of the project described in the 4775 financial assistance contract between the business organization and the 4776 department shall be covered by this section. Such financial assistance 4777 contract executed by the department shall be limited to the purposes 4778 described in this subsection and shall be separate from any contract for 4779 redevelopment activities on the site. 4780 Sec. 161. Section 31-55a of the general statutes is repealed and the 4781 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 4782 Each contractor that is awarded a contract on or after October 1, 2002, 4783 for (1) the construction of a state highway or bridge that falls under the 4784 provisions of section 31-54, or (2) the construction, remodeling, 4785 refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any 4786 public works project that falls under the provisions of section 31-53, any 4787 project that falls under the provisions of section 31-53c or any covered 4788 project that falls under the provisions of section 31-53d, shall contact the 4789 Labor Commissioner on or before July first of each year, for the duration 4790 of such contract, to ascertain the prevailing rate of wages on an hourly 4791 basis and the amount of payment or contributions paid or payable on 4792 behalf of each mechanic, laborer or worker employed upon the work 4793 contracted to be done, and shall make any necessary adjustments to 4794 such prevailing rate of wages and such payment or contributions paid 4795 or payable on behalf of each such employee, effective each July first. 4796 Sec. 162. Subsection (a) of section 31-53 of the general statutes is 4797 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 4798 2025): 4799 (a) Each contract for the construction, remodeling, refinishing, 4800 refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any public works 4801 project by the state or any of its agents, or by any political subdivision 4802 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 201 of 693 of the state or any of its agents, including, on and after July 1, 2025, each 4803 contract for off-site custom fabrication for any such public works 4804 project, shall contain the following provision: "The wages paid on an 4805 hourly basis to any person performing the work of any mechanic, 4806 laborer or worker on the work herein contracted to be done and the 4807 amount of payment or contribution paid or payable on behalf of each 4808 such person to any employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection (i) 4809 of this section, shall be at a rate equal to the rate customary or prevailing 4810 for the same work in the same trade or occupation in the town in which 4811 such public works project is being constructed. Any contractor who is 4812 not obligated by agreement to make payment or contribution on behalf 4813 of such persons to any such employee welfare fund shall pay to each 4814 mechanic, laborer or worker as part of such person's wages the amount 4815 of payment or contribution for such person's classification on each pay 4816 day." For purposes of this subsection, "off-site custom fabrication" 4817 means the fabrication of systems that are fabricated at a site located 4818 within the state other than the location of a public works project, but are 4819 fabricated specifically for such public works project, including 4820 plumbing systems, heating systems, cooling systems, pipefitting 4821 systems, ventilation systems or exhaust duct systems. "Off-site custom 4822 fabrication" does not include components or materials that are stock 4823 shelf items or readily available. 4824 Sec. 163. Subsections (a) to (l), inclusive, of section 5-259 of the general 4825 statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof 4826 (Effective October 1, 2025): 4827 (a) The Comptroller, with the approval of the Attorney General and 4828 of the Insurance Commissioner, shall arrange and procure a group 4829 hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan or plans for (1) 4830 state employees, (2) members of the General Assembly who elect 4831 coverage under such plan or plans, (3) participants in an alternate 4832 retirement program who meet the service requirements of section 5-162 4833 or subsection (a) of section 5-166, (4) anyone receiving benefits under 4834 section 5-144 or from any state-sponsored retirement system, except the 4835 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 202 of 693 teachers' retirement system and the municipal employees retirement 4836 system, (5) judges of probate and Probate Court employees, (6) the 4837 surviving spouse, and any dependent children of a state police officer, a 4838 member of an organized local police department, a firefighter or a 4839 constable who performs criminal law enforcement duties who dies 4840 before, on or after June 26, 2003, as the result of injuries received while 4841 acting within the scope of such officer's or firefighter's or constable's 4842 employment and not as the result of illness or natural causes, and whose 4843 surviving spouse and dependent children are not otherwise eligible for 4844 a group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan. 4845 Coverage for a dependent child pursuant to this subdivision shall 4846 terminate no earlier than the end of the calendar year during whichever 4847 of the following occurs first, the date on which the child: Becomes 4848 covered under a group health plan through the dependent's own 4849 employment; or attains the age of twenty-six, (7) employees of the 4850 Capital Region Development Authority established by section 32-601, 4851 [and] (8) the surviving spouse and dependent children of any employee 4852 of a municipality who dies on or after October 1, 2000, as the result of 4853 injuries received while acting within the scope of such employee's 4854 employment and not as the result of illness or natural causes, and whose 4855 surviving spouse and dependent children are not otherwise eligible for 4856 a group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan, and 4857 (9) state marshals. For purposes of [this] subdivision (8) of this 4858 subsection, "employee" means any regular employee or elective officer 4859 receiving pay from a municipality, "municipality" means any town, city, 4860 borough, school district, taxing district, fire district, district department 4861 of health, probate district, housing authority, regional workforce 4862 development board established under section 31-3k, flood commission 4863 or authority established by special act or regional council of 4864 governments. For purposes of subdivision (6) of this subsection, 4865 "firefighter" means any person who is regularly employed and paid by 4866 any municipality for the purpose of performing firefighting duties for a 4867 municipality on average of not less than thirty-five hours per week. The 4868 minimum benefits to be provided by such plan or plans shall be 4869 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 203 of 693 substantially equal in value to the benefits that each such employee or 4870 member of the General Assembly could secure in such plan or plans on 4871 an individual basis on the preceding first day of July. The state shall pay 4872 for each such employee and each member of the General Assembly 4873 covered by such plan or plans the portion of the premium charged for 4874 such member's or employee's individual coverage and seventy per cent 4875 of the additional cost of the form of coverage and such amount shall be 4876 credited to the total premiums owed by such employee or member of 4877 the General Assembly for the form of such member's or employee's 4878 coverage under such plan or plans. On and after January 1, 1989, the 4879 state shall pay for anyone receiving benefits from any such state- 4880 sponsored retirement system one hundred per cent of the portion of the 4881 premium charged for such member's or employee's individual coverage 4882 and one hundred per cent of any additional cost for the form of 4883 coverage. The balance of any premiums payable by an individual 4884 employee or by a member of the General Assembly for the form of 4885 coverage shall be deducted from the payroll by the State Comptroller. 4886 The total premiums payable shall be remitted by the Comptroller to the 4887 insurance company or companies or nonprofit organization or 4888 organizations providing the coverage. The amount of the state's 4889 contribution per employee for a health maintenance organization option 4890 shall be equal, in terms of dollars and cents, to the largest amount of the 4891 contribution per employee paid for any other option that is available to 4892 all eligible state employees included in the health benefits plan, but shall 4893 not be required to exceed the amount of the health maintenance 4894 organization premium. 4895 (b) The insurance coverage procured under subsection (a) of this 4896 section for active state employees, employees of the Connecticut 4897 Institute for Municipal Studies, anyone receiving benefits from any such 4898 state-sponsored retirement system, [and] members of the General 4899 Assembly and state marshals, who are over sixty-five years of age, may 4900 be modified to reflect benefits available to such employees or members 4901 pursuant to Social Security and medical benefits programs administered 4902 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 204 of 693 by the federal government, provided any payments required to secure 4903 such benefits administered by the federal government shall be paid by 4904 the Comptroller either directly to the employee or members or to the 4905 agency of the federal government authorized to collect such payments. 4906 (c) On October 1, 1972, the Comptroller shall continue to afford 4907 payroll deduction services for employees participating in existing 4908 authorized plans covering state employees until such time as the 4909 employee elects in writing to be covered by the plan authorized by 4910 subsection (a) of this section. 4911 (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, 4912 the state shall pay for a member of any such state-sponsored retirement 4913 system, or a participant in an alternate retirement program who meets 4914 the service requirements of section 5-162 or subsection (a) of section 5- 4915 166, and who begins receiving benefits from such system or program on 4916 or after November 1, 1989, eighty per cent of the portion of the premium 4917 charged for his individual coverage and eighty per cent of any 4918 additional cost for his form of coverage. Upon the death of any such 4919 member, any surviving spouse of such member who begins receiving 4920 benefits from such system shall be eligible for coverage under this 4921 section and the state shall pay for any such spouse eighty per cent of the 4922 portion of the premium charged for his individual coverage and eighty 4923 per cent of any additional cost for his form of coverage. 4924 (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, 4925 vending stand operators eligible for membership in the state employees 4926 retirement system pursuant to section 5-175a shall be eligible for 4927 coverage under the group hospitalization and medical and surgical 4928 insurance plans procured under this section, provided the cost for such 4929 operators' insurance coverage shall be paid by the Department of Aging 4930 and Disability Services from vending machine income pursuant to 4931 section 17a-818. 4932 (f) The Comptroller, with the approval of the Attorney General and 4933 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 205 of 693 of the Insurance Commissioner, shall arrange and procure a group 4934 hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan or plans for any 4935 person who adopts a child from the state foster care system, any person 4936 who has been a foster parent for the Department of Children and 4937 Families for six months or more, and any dependent of such adoptive 4938 parent or foster parent who elects coverage under such plan or plans. 4939 The Comptroller may also arrange for inclusion of such person and any 4940 such dependent in an existing group hospitalization and medical and 4941 surgical insurance plan offered by the state. Any adoptive parent or 4942 foster parent and any dependent who elects coverage shall pay one 4943 hundred per cent of the premium charged for such coverage directly to 4944 the insurer, provided such adoptive parent or foster parent and all such 4945 dependents shall be included in such group hospitalization and medical 4946 and surgical insurance plan. A person and his dependents electing 4947 coverage pursuant to this subsection shall be eligible for such coverage 4948 until no longer an adoptive parent or a foster parent. An adoptive parent 4949 shall be eligible for such coverage until the coverage anniversary date 4950 on or after whichever of the following occurs first, the date on which the 4951 child: Becomes covered under a group health plan through the 4952 dependent's own employment; or attains the age of twenty-six. As used 4953 in this section "dependent" means a spouse or natural or adopted child 4954 if such child is wholly or partially dependent for support upon the 4955 adoptive parent or foster parent. 4956 (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, 4957 the Probate Court Administration Fund established in accordance with 4958 section 45a-82, shall pay for each probate judge and each probate court 4959 employee not more than one hundred per cent of the portion of the 4960 premium charged for the judge's or employee's individual coverage and 4961 not more than seventy per cent of any additional cost for the judge's or 4962 employee's form of coverage. The remainder of the premium for such 4963 coverage shall be paid by the probate judge or probate court employee 4964 to the State Treasurer. Payment shall be credited by the State Treasurer 4965 to the fund established by section 45a-82. The total premiums payable 4966 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 206 of 693 shall be remitted by the Probate Court Administrator directly to the 4967 insurance company or companies or nonprofit organization or 4968 organizations providing the coverage. The Probate Court Administrator 4969 shall issue regulations governing group hospitalization and medical 4970 and surgical insurance pursuant to subsection (b) of section 45a-77. 4971 (h) For the purpose of subsection (g) of this section, "probate judge" 4972 or "judge" means a duly elected probate judge who works in such 4973 judge's capacity as a probate judge at least twenty hours per week, on 4974 average, on a quarterly basis and certifies to that fact on forms provided 4975 by and filed with the Probate Court Administrator, on or before the 4976 fifteenth day of April, July, October and January, for the preceding 4977 calendar quarter; and "probate court employee" or "employee" means a 4978 person employed by a probate court for at least twenty hours per week. 4979 (i) The Comptroller may provide for coverage of employees of 4980 municipalities, nonprofit corporations, community action agencies and 4981 small employers and individuals eligible for a health coverage tax 4982 credit, retired members or members of an association for personal care 4983 assistants under the plan or plans procured under subsection (a) of this 4984 section, provided: (1) Participation by each municipality, nonprofit 4985 corporation, community action agency, small employer, eligible 4986 individual, retired member or association for personal care assistants 4987 shall be on a voluntary basis; (2) where an employee organization 4988 represents employees of a municipality, nonprofit corporation, 4989 community action agency or small employer, participation in a plan or 4990 plans to be procured under subsection (a) of this section shall be by 4991 mutual agreement of the municipality, nonprofit corporation, 4992 community action agency or small employer and the employee 4993 organization only and neither party may submit the issue of 4994 participation to binding arbitration except by mutual agreement if such 4995 binding arbitration is available; (3) no group of employees shall be 4996 refused entry into the plan by reason of past or future health care costs 4997 or claim experience; (4) rates paid by the state for its employees under 4998 subsection (a) of this section are not adversely affected by this 4999 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 207 of 693 subsection; (5) administrative costs to the plan or plans provided under 5000 this subsection shall not be paid by the state; (6) participation in the plan 5001 or plans in an amount determined by the state shall be for the duration 5002 of the period of the plan or plans, or for such other period as mutually 5003 agreed by the municipality, nonprofit corporation, community action 5004 agency, small employer, retired member or association for personal care 5005 assistants and the Comptroller; and (7) nothing in this section or section 5006 12-202a, 38a-551 or 38a-556 shall be construed as requiring a 5007 participating insurer or health care center to issue individual policies to 5008 individuals eligible for a health coverage tax credit. The coverage 5009 provided under this section may be referred to as the "Municipal 5010 Employee Health Insurance Plan". The Comptroller may arrange and 5011 procure for the employees and eligible individuals under this subsection 5012 health benefit plans that vary from the plan or plans procured under 5013 subsection (a) of this section. Notwithstanding any provision of part V 5014 of chapter 700c, the coverage provided under this subsection may be 5015 offered on either a fully underwritten or risk-pooled basis at the 5016 discretion of the Comptroller. For the purposes of this subsection, (A) 5017 "municipality" means any town, city, borough, school district, taxing 5018 district, fire district, district department of health, probate district, 5019 housing authority, regional workforce development board established 5020 under section 31-3k, regional emergency telecommunications center, 5021 tourism district established under section 32-302, flood commission or 5022 authority established by special act, regional council of governments, 5023 transit district formed under chapter 103a, or the Children's Center 5024 established by number 571 of the public acts of 1969; (B) "nonprofit 5025 corporation" means (i) a nonprofit corporation organized under 26 USC 5026 501 that has a contract with the state or receives a portion of its funding 5027 from a municipality, the state or the federal government, or (ii) an 5028 organization that is tax exempt pursuant to 26 USC 501(c)(5); (C) 5029 "community action agency" means a community action agency, as 5030 defined in section 17b-885; (D) "small employer" means a small 5031 employer, as defined in section 38a-564; (E) "eligible individuals" or 5032 "individuals eligible for a health coverage tax credit" means individuals 5033 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 208 of 693 who are eligible for the credit for health insurance costs under Section 5034 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent 5035 corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time 5036 to time amended, in accordance with the Pension Benefit Guaranty 5037 Corporation; (F) "association for personal care assistants" means an 5038 organization composed of personal care attendants who are employed 5039 by recipients of service (i) under the home-care program for the elderly 5040 under section 17b-342, (ii) under the personal care assistance program 5041 under section 17b-605a, (iii) in an independent living center pursuant to 5042 sections 17a-792 to 17a-794, inclusive, or (iv) under the program for 5043 individuals with acquired brain injury as described in section 17b-260a; 5044 and (G) "retired members" means individuals eligible for a retirement 5045 benefit from the Connecticut municipal employees' retirement system. 5046 (j) (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the 5047 existing rights and obligations of state employee organizations and the 5048 state employer under current law and contract shall not be impaired by 5049 the provisions of this section. (2) Other conditions of entry for any group 5050 into the plan or plans procured under subsection (a) of this section shall 5051 be determined by the Comptroller upon the recommendation of a 5052 coalition committee established pursuant to subsection (f) of section 5- 5053 278, except for such conditions referenced in subsection (g) of this 5054 section. (3) Additional determinations by the Comptroller on (A) issues 5055 generated by any group's actual or contemplated participation in the 5056 plan or plans, (B) modifications to the terms and conditions of any 5057 group's continued participation, (C) related matters shall be made upon 5058 the recommendation of such committee. (4) Notwithstanding any 5059 provision of law to the contrary, a municipal employer and an employee 5060 organization may upon mutual agreement reopen a collective 5061 bargaining agreement for the exclusive purpose of negotiating on the 5062 participation by such municipal employer or employee organization in 5063 the plan or plans offered under the provisions of this section. 5064 (k) The Comptroller shall submit annually to the General Assembly a 5065 review of the coverage of employees of municipalities, nonprofit 5066 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 209 of 693 corporations, community action agencies, small employers under 5067 subsection (i) of this section and eligible individuals under subsection 5068 (i) of this section beginning February 1, 2004. 5069 (l) (1) Effective July 1, 1996, any deputies or special deputies 5070 appointed pursuant to section 6-37 of the general statutes, revision of 5071 1958, revised to 1999, or section 6-43, shall be allowed to participate in 5072 the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant to subsection 5073 (a) of this section. Such participation shall be voluntary and the 5074 participant shall pay the full cost of the coverage under such plan. 5075 (2) (A) Effective [December 1, 2000] October 1, 2025, any state marshal 5076 who works as a state marshal for fewer than twenty hours per week, on 5077 average, shall be allowed to participate in the plan or plans procured by 5078 the Comptroller pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Such 5079 participation shall be voluntary and the participant shall pay the full 5080 cost of the coverage under such plan. 5081 (B) Effective October 1, 2025, any state marshal who (i) works as a 5082 state marshal at least twenty hours per week, on average, on a quarterly 5083 basis, (ii) is actively engaged in either (I) service of process under a 5084 waiver of fees issued pursuant to section 52-259b, (II) service of process 5085 of orders of protection issued pursuant to section 46b-15 or 46b-16a, or 5086 (III) service of capias mittimus orders issued by a family support 5087 magistrate pursuant to section 46b-231, (iii) certifies to those facts in 5088 clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph on forms provided by and filed 5089 with the State Marshal Commission on or before the fifteenth day of 5090 April, July, October and January for the preceding calendar quarter, and 5091 (iv) does not have access to coverage under a health benefit plan that is 5092 available (I) through the employer of such state marshal's spouse, 5093 provided such health benefit plan has an actuarial value that is 5094 equivalent to or greater than the actuarial value of the plan or plans 5095 procured by the Comptroller pursuant to subsection (a) of this section 5096 and provides similar access to in-network providers as such plan or 5097 plans procured by the Comptroller and is available at an employee 5098 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 210 of 693 premium share, with respect to each class of coverage, that is not greater 5099 than the premium shares applicable to active state employees in 5100 accordance with the provisions of the State Employees Bargaining 5101 Agent Coalition agreement, or (II) through the municipal employees' 5102 retirement system established by part II of chapter 113 shall be allowed 5103 to participate in the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant 5104 to subsection (a) of this section. Such participation shall be voluntary 5105 and the participant shall pay the same amount for the coverage under 5106 such plan under the same terms and conditions as active state 5107 employees in accordance with the provisions of the State Employees 5108 Bargaining Agent Coalition agreement. 5109 (3) Effective December 1, 2000, any judicial marshal shall be allowed 5110 to participate in the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant 5111 to subsection (a) of this section. Such participation shall be voluntary 5112 and the participant shall pay the full cost of the coverage under such 5113 plan unless and until the judicial marshals participate in the plan or 5114 plans procured by the Comptroller under this section through collective 5115 bargaining negotiations pursuant to subsection (f) of section 5-278. 5116 Sec. 164. Section 9-218 of the general statutes is repealed and the 5117 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5118 When there is no election of probate judge in any district by reason 5119 of two or more having an equal and the highest number of votes, or 5120 when a new probate district is created and no provision made for the 5121 election of a judge thereof, or whenever it is shown to the Governor that 5122 a vacancy is about to exist in said office by reason of the resignation of 5123 the incumbent to take effect at a future time or by reason of 5124 constitutional limitation, or when there is a vacancy in said office, the 5125 Governor may issue writs of election directed to the town clerk or clerks 5126 or assistant town clerk or clerks within such district, ordering an election 5127 to be held on a day named therein, other than a Saturday or Sunday, to 5128 fill such vacancy or impending vacancy, and [transmit the same to a 5129 state marshal. Such state marshal shall forthwith transmit them to such 5130 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 211 of 693 clerk or clerks, who, on receiving the same,] cause such writs to be 5131 conveyed to such clerk or clerks. On receiving such writs, such clerk or 5132 clerks shall warn elections to be held on the day appointed in such writs, 5133 in the same manner as state elections are warned. Such elections shall 5134 be organized and conducted, and the vote shall be declared and returns 5135 made, certified, directed, deposited and transmitted, in the same 5136 manner as at a state election. The Secretary of the State, Treasurer and 5137 Comptroller shall, within thirty days after any such election, count and 5138 declare the votes so returned, and notice shall be given to the person 5139 declared elected, in the same manner as is provided in the election of 5140 probate judges at state elections. The Secretary of the State shall enter 5141 the returns in tabular form in books kept by him for that purpose and 5142 present a copy of the same, with the name of, and the total number of 5143 votes received by, each of the candidates for said office, to the Governor 5144 within ten days thereafter. The Probate Court Administrator shall cite a 5145 probate judge to act as a judge in the district during any vacancy in said 5146 office in accordance with section 45a-120. 5147 Sec. 165. (Effective from passage) All amounts appropriated and 5148 remaining for the underground storage tank petroleum clean-up 5149 program shall be transferred and credited to the resources of the 5150 General Fund. 5151 Sec. 166. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Any application pending 5152 under the underground storage tank clean-up program, including, but 5153 not limited to, any application that was approved by the Commissioner 5154 of Energy and Environmental Protection but not yet paid, shall be 5155 deemed cancelled. 5156 Sec. 167. Section 22a-449m of the general statutes is repealed and the 5157 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5158 Any remediation of contaminated soil or groundwater [the cost of 5159 which is to be paid out of the program established under subsection (a) 5160 of section 22a-449c] shall be performed by or under the direct onsite 5161 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 212 of 693 supervision of a registered contractor, as defined in sections 22a-449l 5162 and 22a-449n, and shall be performed in accordance with regulations 5163 adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 22a-133k that 5164 establish direct exposure criteria for soil, pollutant mobility criteria for 5165 soil and groundwater protection criteria for GA and GAA areas. If the 5166 replacement of any such residential underground heating oil storage 5167 tank system performed pursuant to the provisions of this section 5168 involves installation of an underground petroleum storage tank, such 5169 tank shall conform to any standards which apply to new underground 5170 petroleum storage tanks. 5171 Sec. 168. Section 22a-449k of the general statutes is repealed and the 5172 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5173 No person shall remove or replace or subcontract for the removal or 5174 replacement of a residential underground heating oil storage tank 5175 system if the person finds such removal or replacement will involve 5176 remediation of contaminated soil or groundwater, unless the person is 5177 a registered contractor. To become a registered contractor, a person shall 5178 provide to the commissioner on forms prescribed by said commissioner, 5179 (1) evidence of financial assurance in the form of liability insurance 5180 coverage or liquid company assets in an amount not less than one 5181 million dollars, and (2) a written statement certifying that such person 5182 has had any training required by law for such business and that such 5183 person has (A) performed no fewer than three residential underground 5184 petroleum storage tank system removals, or (B) has contracted for at 5185 least three removals of residential underground petroleum storage tank 5186 systems. Such person shall pay a registration fee of nine hundred forty 5187 dollars to the commissioner. Each contractor holding a valid registration 5188 on July first shall, not later than August first of that year, pay a renewal 5189 fee to the commissioner of four hundred seventy dollars in order to 5190 maintain such registration. Any money collected for registration 5191 pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the General Fund. The 5192 commissioner may revoke a registration for cause and [, on and after the 5193 date the requirements for] for failure to meet any requirements 5194 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 213 of 693 concerning financial assurance, training and performance standards. 5195 [are established pursuant to subsection (b) of section 22a-449d, may 5196 reject any application for registration that does not meet such 5197 requirements.] 5198 Sec. 169. Subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of section 22a-449l of the 5199 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 5200 thereof (Effective from passage): 5201 (2) The registered contractor shall submit documentation, satisfactory 5202 to the commissioner, of any costs associated with such remediation. The 5203 commissioner may deny remediation costs of the registered contractor 5204 that the commissioner determines are unreasonable based on the 5205 guidelines established [pursuant to subsection (b) of section 22a-449d on 5206 and after the date] by the commissioner [establishes such guidelines,] 5207 and may deny remediation costs (A) in excess of five thousand dollars 5208 if the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was not 5209 notified in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this 5210 section, and (B) in excess of ten thousand dollars if the site was not 5211 inspected in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this 5212 section. The commissioner shall deny any such costs in excess of fifty 5213 thousand dollars unless the commissioner determines such additional 5214 costs are warranted to protect public health and the environment. If a 5215 registered contractor fails to submit to the commissioner documentation 5216 of costs associated with such remediation that may be eligible for 5217 payment from the residential underground heating oil storage tank 5218 system clean-up program or if the registered contractor submits 5219 documentation of such costs but the commissioner denies payment of 5220 such costs, the registered contractor shall be liable for such costs and 5221 shall have no cause of action against the owner of the underground 5222 petroleum storage tank. 5223 Sec. 170. Section 22a-449n of the general statutes is repealed and the 5224 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5225 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 214 of 693 (a) As used in this section, "registered contractor" means a person 5226 registered with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental 5227 Protection pursuant to section 22a-449k, "qualifying income" means the 5228 owner's adjusted gross income, as defined in section 12-701, for the 5229 calendar year immediately preceding the year in which costs eligible for 5230 payment were incurred under this section and "costs eligible for 5231 payment" means costs that are reasonable for payment, as determined 5232 by the guidelines established [pursuant to section 22a-449d] by the 5233 commissioner. 5234 (b) If, in the course of removing or replacing a residential 5235 underground heating oil storage tank system, a registered contractor 5236 finds that there has been a spill, as defined in section 22a-452c, 5237 attributable to such a system, or if such contractor estimates that the 5238 remediation of such spill is likely to cost more than ten thousand dollars 5239 then such contractor shall immediately notify the Department of Energy 5240 and Environmental Protection. The commissioner may assess the spill 5241 and confirm that the remediation proposed by the contractor is 5242 appropriate and necessary, or may authorize an environmental 5243 professional licensed under section 22a-133v to assess the spill and make 5244 such confirmation. Any such remediation shall be subject to approval 5245 by the commissioner. The commissioner may authorize an 5246 environmental professional licensed under section 22a-133v to make a 5247 recommendation regarding such approval. The costs of an inspection 5248 pursuant to this section shall be eligible for payment under the 5249 residential underground heating oil storage tank system clean-up 5250 program established under subsection (a) of section 22a-449c. The 5251 commissioner may revoke a registration pursuant to section 22a-449k 5252 for failure of a contractor to notify the department as required by this 5253 section. 5254 (c) On or after July 1, 2001, to be eligible for payment pursuant to this 5255 section, an owner shall submit the following information to the 5256 commissioner, in such form as the commissioner may require, prior to 5257 entering into a contract with a registered contractor for remediation of a 5258 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 215 of 693 spill attributable to a residential underground heating oil storage tank 5259 system: (1) The name and Social Security number of the property owner; 5260 (2) a verification that such tank serves the owner's primary residence; 5261 (3) a verification of the owner's qualifying income; and (4) the name of 5262 the registered contractor who will perform the remediation. The 5263 commissioner shall, not later than thirty days following receipt of such 5264 information, send a written notice to the owner that specifies whether 5265 the owner is eligible for payment under this section, whether funds are 5266 available for the owner under this section and the amount of 5267 remediation costs for which the owner is responsible prior to receiving 5268 payment under this section. 5269 (d) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, an owner 5270 may be reimbursed for all reasonable costs for work commenced on or 5271 after July 1, 2001, in accordance with the following: (1) If an owner's 5272 qualifying income is less than or equal to fifty thousand dollars, the 5273 owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of five 5274 hundred dollars; (2) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than fifty 5275 thousand dollars and less than or equal to one hundred thousand 5276 dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in 5277 excess of two thousand dollars; (3) if an owner's qualifying income is 5278 greater than one hundred thousand dollars and less than or equal to one 5279 hundred fifty thousand dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs 5280 eligible for payment in excess of four thousand dollars; (4) if an owner's 5281 qualifying income is greater than one hundred fifty thousand dollars 5282 and less than or equal to two hundred thousand dollars, the owner may 5283 be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of five thousand 5284 dollars; (5) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than two hundred 5285 thousand dollars and less than or equal to two hundred fifty thousand 5286 dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in 5287 excess of seven thousand five hundred dollars; (6) if an owner's 5288 qualifying income is greater than two hundred fifty thousand dollars 5289 and less than or equal to five hundred thousand dollars, the owner may 5290 be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of ten thousand 5291 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 216 of 693 dollars; (7) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than five hundred 5292 thousand dollars, the owner is not eligible for payment of costs. No 5293 registered contractor or any subcontractor of a registered contractor 5294 shall accept payment for any costs eligible for payment from said 5295 program until it has provided the owner with the information necessary 5296 to apply for a disbursement pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. 5297 (e) (1) On or after July 1, 2001, an owner shall submit to the 5298 commissioner an application that is postmarked no later than December 5299 31, 2001, for a disbursement from the residential underground heating 5300 oil storage tank system clean-up program, within available resources, 5301 documentation of all costs eligible for payment for work performed 5302 pursuant to a contract with the owner for the remediation of a 5303 residential underground heating oil storage tank system for the purpose 5304 of providing payment for the costs of such remediation, provided such 5305 owner has complied with the provisions of subdivisions (1) and (2) of 5306 subsection (a) of section 22a-449j and provided such remediation was 5307 completed on or before December 1, 2001. Such payments shall be made 5308 in accordance with subsection (d) of this section. Such owner shall 5309 provide to the commissioner a statement confirming that the registered 5310 contractor has been engaged by such owner to remove or to replace such 5311 residential underground heating oil storage tank system, except that a 5312 storage tank system and any associated ancillary equipment shall not be 5313 subject to such requirement and perform the remediation and shall 5314 execute an instrument which provides for payment to the program of 5315 any amounts realized by the owner, after any costs of litigation or 5316 attorney's fees have been paid, from a judgment or settlement regarding 5317 any claim for the costs of such remediation made against an insurance 5318 policy or any person. 5319 (2) In any service contract entered into between a registered 5320 contractor and an owner for the remediation of a residential 5321 underground heating oil storage tank system, the registered contractor 5322 shall clearly identify all costs, including markup costs, that are not or 5323 may not be eligible for payment from said program. 5324 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 217 of 693 (3) The owner shall submit documentation, satisfactory to the 5325 commissioner, of any costs associated with such remediation. The 5326 commissioner may deny payment of remediation costs that the 5327 commissioner determines are unreasonable based on the guidelines 5328 established [pursuant to subsection (b) of section 22a-449d on and after 5329 the date the commissioner establishes such guidelines] by the 5330 commissioner. The commissioner shall deny any such costs if the owner 5331 fails to comply with subsection (c) of this section and any such costs in 5332 excess of fifty thousand dollars unless the commissioner determines 5333 such additional costs are warranted to protect public health and the 5334 environment. 5335 (4) A copy of the commissioner's decision shall be sent to the owner 5336 by certified mail, return receipt requested. Any owner aggrieved by a 5337 decision of the commissioner may, not more than twenty days after the 5338 date the decision was issued, request a hearing before the commissioner 5339 in accordance with chapter 54. After such hearing, the commissioner 5340 shall consider the information submitted and affirm or modify the 5341 decision. A copy of the affirmed or modified decision shall be sent to the 5342 owner by certified mail, return receipt requested. 5343 (5) No owner shall be entitled to reimbursement both under this 5344 section and section 22a-449l. 5345 Sec. 171. Section 51-344b of the general statutes is repealed and the 5346 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5347 Whenever the term "judicial district of Hartford" is used or referred 5348 to in the following sections of the general statutes, the term "judicial 5349 district of New Britain" shall be substituted in lieu thereof: Subsection 5350 (b) of section 3-70a, sections 3-71a and 4-164, subsection (c) of section 4- 5351 183, subdivision (4) of subsection (g) of section 10-153e, subparagraph 5352 (C) of subdivision (4) of subsection (e) of section 10a-109n, sections 12- 5353 3a, 12-89, 12-103, 12-208, 12-237, 12-242hh, 12-242ii, 12-242kk, 12-268l, 5354 12-307, 12-312, 12-330m, 12-405k, 12-422, 12-448, 12-454, 12-463, 12-489, 5355 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 218 of 693 12-522, 12-554, 12-586g and 12-597, subsection (b) of section 12-638i, 5356 sections 12-730, 14-57, 14-66, 14-195, 14-324, 14-331 and 19a-85, 5357 subsection (f) of section 19a-332e, sections 20-156, 20-247, 20-307, 20-373, 5358 20-583 and 21a-55, subsection (e) of section 22-7, sections 22-320d and 5359 22-386, subsection (e) of section 22a-6b, section 22a-30, subsection (a) of 5360 section 22a-34, subsection (b) of section 22a-34, section 22a-182a, 5361 subsection (f) of section 22a-225, sections 22a-227, 22a-344, 22a-374, and 5362 22a-408, [and 22a-449g,] subsection (f) of section 25-32e, section 29-158, 5363 subsection (f) of section 29-161z, sections 36b-30 and 36b-76, subsection 5364 (f) of section 38a-41, section 38a-52, subsection (c) of section 38a-150, 5365 sections 38a-185, 38a-209 and 38a-225, subdivision (3) of section 38a- 5366 226b, sections 38a-241, 38a-337 and 38a-657, subsection (c) of section 38a- 5367 774, section 38a-776, subsection (c) of section 38a-817 and section 38a- 5368 994. 5369 Sec. 172. Sections 22a-449c to 22a-449g, inclusive, and sections 22a- 5370 449r and 22aa-449t of the general statutes are repealed. (Effective from 5371 passage) 5372 Sec. 173. Subsection (a) of section 19a-202 of the general statutes is 5373 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 5374 passage): 5375 (a) Upon application to the Department of Public Health prior to July 5376 1, 2026, any municipal health department shall annually receive from 5377 the state an amount equal to one dollar and ninety-three cents per 5378 capita, and upon such application on and after July 1, 2026, any 5379 municipal health department shall annually receive from the state an 5380 amount equal to two dollars and thirteen cents per capita, provided 5381 such municipality (1) employs a full-time director of health, except that 5382 if a vacancy exists in the office of director of health or the office is filled 5383 by an acting director for more than three months, such municipality 5384 shall not be eligible for funding unless the Commissioner of Public 5385 Health waives this requirement; (2) submits a public health program 5386 and budget which is approved by the Commissioner of Public Health; 5387 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 219 of 693 (3) appropriates not less than one dollar per capita, from the annual tax 5388 receipts, for health department services; (4) has a population of fifty 5389 thousand or more; and (5) meets the requirements of section 19a-207a, 5390 within available appropriations. Such municipal department of health 5391 may use additional funds, which the Department of Public Health may 5392 secure from federal agencies or any other source and which it may allot 5393 to such municipal department of health. The money so received shall be 5394 disbursed upon warrants approved by the chief executive officer of such 5395 municipality. The Comptroller shall annually in July and upon a 5396 voucher of the Commissioner of Public Health, draw the Comptroller's 5397 order on the State Treasurer in favor of such municipal department of 5398 health for the amount due in accordance with the provisions of this 5399 section and under rules prescribed by the commissioner. Any moneys 5400 remaining unexpended at the end of a fiscal year shall be included in 5401 the budget of such municipal department of health for the ensuing year. 5402 This aid shall be rendered from appropriations made from time to time 5403 by the General Assembly to the Department of Public Health for this 5404 purpose. 5405 Sec. 174. Subsection (a) of section 19a-245 of the general statutes is 5406 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 5407 passage): 5408 (a) Upon application to the Department of Public Health prior to July 5409 1, 2026, each health district that has a total population of fifty thousand 5410 or more, or serves three or more municipalities irrespective of the 5411 combined total population of such municipalities, shall annually receive 5412 from the state an amount equal to two dollars and sixty cents per capita 5413 for each town, city and borough of such district, and upon such 5414 application on and after July 1, 2026, each such health district shall 5415 annually receive from the state an amount equal to three dollars per 5416 capita for each town, city and borough of such district, provided (1) the 5417 Commissioner of Public Health approves the public health program and 5418 budget of such health district, (2) the towns, cities and boroughs of such 5419 district appropriate for the maintenance of the health district not less 5420 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 220 of 693 than one dollar per capita from the annual tax receipts, and (3) the health 5421 district meets the requirements of section 19a-207a, within available 5422 appropriations. Such district departments of health are authorized to 5423 use additional funds, which the Department of Public Health may 5424 secure from federal agencies or any other source and which it may allot 5425 to such district departments of health. The district treasurer shall 5426 disburse the money so received upon warrants approved by a majority 5427 of the board and signed by its chairman and secretary. The Comptroller 5428 shall quarterly, in July, October, January and April, upon such 5429 application and upon the voucher of the Commissioner of Public 5430 Health, draw the Comptroller's order on the State Treasurer in favor of 5431 such district department of health for the amount due in accordance 5432 with the provisions of this section and under rules prescribed by the 5433 commissioner. Any moneys remaining unexpended at the end of a fiscal 5434 year shall be included in the budget of the district for the ensuing year. 5435 This aid shall be rendered from appropriations made from time to time 5436 by the General Assembly to the Department of Public Health for this 5437 purpose. 5438 Sec. 175. Section 21a-420h of the general statutes is repealed and the 5439 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5440 The Social Equity Council shall adopt regulations, in accordance with 5441 the provisions of chapter 54, to prevent the sale or change in ownership 5442 or control of a cannabis establishment license awarded to a social equity 5443 applicant to someone other than another qualifying social equity 5444 applicant during the period of provisional licensure, and for three years 5445 following the issuance of a final license, unless the backer of such 5446 licensee has died or has a condition, including, but not limited to, a 5447 physical illness or loss of skill or deterioration due to the aging process, 5448 emotional disorder or mental illness that would interfere with the 5449 backer's ability to operate. Notwithstanding the requirements of 5450 sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate this section, prior 5451 to adopting such regulations and not later than October 1, 2021, the 5452 council shall issue policies and procedures to implement the provisions 5453 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 221 of 693 of this section that shall have the force and effect of law. The council 5454 shall post all policies and procedures on its Internet web site and submit 5455 such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on 5456 the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date 5457 of any policy or procedure. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer 5458 be effective upon the earlier of either the adoption of the policy or 5459 procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] sixty- 5460 three months from July 1, 2021. [, if such regulations have not been 5461 submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for 5462 consideration under section 4-170.] Any violation of such policies and 5463 procedures or any violation of such regulations related to the sale or 5464 change in ownership may be referred by the Social Equity Council to the 5465 department for administrative enforcement action, which may result in 5466 a fine of not more than ten million dollars or action against the 5467 establishment's license. 5468 Sec. 176. Section 21a-420q of the general statutes is repealed and the 5469 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5470 The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the 5471 provisions of chapter 54, to establish the maximum grow space 5472 permitted by a cultivator and micro-cultivator. In adopting such 5473 regulations, the commissioner shall seek to ensure an adequate supply 5474 of cannabis for the market. Notwithstanding the requirements of 5475 sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate this section, prior 5476 to adopting such regulations, the commissioner shall issue policies and 5477 procedures to implement the provisions of this section that shall have 5478 the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all policies and 5479 procedures on the department's Internet web site and submit such 5480 policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the 5481 eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of 5482 any policy or procedure. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer 5483 be effective upon the earlier of either the adoption of the policy or 5484 procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] sixty- 5485 three months from July 1, 2021. [, if such regulations have not been 5486 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 222 of 693 submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for 5487 consideration under section 4-170.] 5488 Sec. 177. Subsection (e) of section 21a-420z of the general statutes is 5489 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 5490 passage): 5491 (e) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with 5492 chapter 54, to implement the provisions of RERACA. Notwithstanding 5493 the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to 5494 effectuate the purposes of RERACA and protect public health and 5495 safety, prior to adopting such regulations the commissioner shall issue 5496 policies and procedures to implement the provisions of this section that 5497 shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all 5498 policies and procedures on the department's Internet web site, and 5499 submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for 5500 posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the 5501 effective date of any policy or procedure. Any such policy or procedure 5502 shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either adoption of such 5503 policy or procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty- 5504 eight] sixty-three months from July 1, 2021. [, if such final regulations 5505 have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee 5506 for consideration under section 4-170.] The commissioner shall issue 5507 policies and procedures, and thereafter adopt final regulations, 5508 requiring that: (1) The delivery service and transporter meet certain 5509 security requirements related to the storage, handling and transport of 5510 cannabis, the vehicles employed, the conduct of employees and agents, 5511 and the documentation that shall be maintained by the delivery service, 5512 transporter and its drivers; (2) a delivery service that delivers cannabis 5513 to consumers maintain an online interface that verifies the age of 5514 consumers ordering cannabis for delivery and meets certain 5515 specifications and data security standards; and (3) a delivery service that 5516 delivers cannabis to consumers, qualifying patients or caregivers, and 5517 all employees and agents of such licensee, to verify the identity of the 5518 qualifying patient, caregiver or consumer and the age of the consumer 5519 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 223 of 693 upon delivery of cannabis to the end consumer, qualifying patient or 5520 caregiver, in a manner acceptable to the commissioner. The individual 5521 placing the cannabis order shall be the individual accepting delivery of 5522 the cannabis except, in the case of a qualifying patient, the individual 5523 accepting the delivery may be the caregiver of such qualifying patient. 5524 Sec. 178. Subsection (b) of section 21a-421j of the general statutes is 5525 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 5526 passage): 5527 (b) The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with 5528 chapter 54 to implement the provisions of RERACA. Notwithstanding 5529 the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to 5530 effectuate the purposes of RERACA and protect public health and 5531 safety, prior to adopting such regulations the commissioner shall issue 5532 policies and procedures to implement the provisions of RERACA that 5533 shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all 5534 policies and procedures on the department's Internet web site and 5535 submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for 5536 posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the 5537 effective date of any policy or procedure. The commissioner shall also 5538 provide such policies and procedures, in a manner prescribed by the 5539 commissioner, to each licensee. Any such policy or procedure shall no 5540 longer be effective upon the earlier of either the adoption of the policy 5541 or procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] 5542 sixty-three months from June 22, 2021. [, if such regulations have not 5543 been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for 5544 consideration under section 4-170.] The commissioner shall issue 5545 policies and procedures and thereafter final regulations that include, but 5546 are not limited to, the following: 5547 (1) Setting appropriate dosage, potency, concentration and serving 5548 size limits and delineation requirements for cannabis, provided a 5549 standardized serving of edible cannabis product or beverage, other than 5550 a medical marijuana product, shall contain not more than five 5551 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 224 of 693 milligrams of THC. 5552 (2) Requiring that each single standardized serving of cannabis 5553 product in a multiple-serving edible product or beverage is physically 5554 demarked in a way that enables a reasonable person to determine how 5555 much of the product constitutes a single serving and a maximum 5556 amount of THC per multiple-serving edible cannabis product or 5557 beverage. 5558 (3) Requiring that, if it is impracticable to clearly demark every 5559 standardized serving of cannabis product or to make each standardized 5560 serving easily separable in an edible cannabis product or beverage, the 5561 product, other than cannabis concentrate or medical marijuana product, 5562 shall contain not more than five milligrams of THC per unit of sale. 5563 (4) Establishing, in consultation with the Department of Mental 5564 Health and Addiction Services, consumer health materials that shall be 5565 posted or distributed, as specified by the commissioner, by cannabis 5566 establishments to maximize dissemination to cannabis consumers. 5567 Consumer health materials may include pamphlets, packaging inserts, 5568 signage, online and printed advertisements and advisories and printed 5569 health materials. 5570 (5) Imposing labeling and packaging requirements for cannabis sold 5571 by a cannabis establishment that include, but are not limited to, the 5572 following: 5573 (A) Inclusion of universal symbols to indicate that cannabis, or a 5574 cannabis product, contains THC and is not legal or safe for individuals 5575 younger than twenty-one years of age, and prescribe how such product 5576 and product packaging shall utilize and exhibit such symbols. 5577 (B) A disclosure concerning the length of time it typically takes for 5578 the cannabis to affect an individual, including that certain forms of 5579 cannabis take longer to have an effect. 5580 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 225 of 693 (C) A notation of the amount of cannabis the cannabis product is 5581 considered the equivalent to. 5582 (D) A list of ingredients and all additives for cannabis. 5583 (E) Except as provided in subdivision (3) of subsection (f) of section 5584 21a-420p, child-resistant, tamper-resistant and light-resistant 5585 packaging. For the purposes of this subparagraph, packaging shall be 5586 deemed to be (i) child-resistant if the packaging satisfies the standard 5587 for special packaging established in 16 CFR 1700.1(b)(4), as amended 5588 from time to time, (ii) tamper-resistant if the packaging has at least one 5589 barrier to, or indicator of, entry that would preclude the contents of such 5590 packaging from being accessed or adulterated without indicating to a 5591 reasonable person that such packaging has been breached, and (iii) 5592 light-resistant if the packaging is entirely and uniformly opaque and 5593 protects the entirety of the contents of such packaging from the effects 5594 of light. 5595 (F) Except as provided in subdivision (3) of subsection (f) of section 5596 21a-420p, (i) packaging for cannabis intended for multiple servings to 5597 be resealable in such a manner so as to render such packaging 5598 continuously child-resistant, as described in subparagraph (E)(i) of this 5599 subdivision, and preserve the integrity of the contents of such 5600 packaging, and (ii) if packaging for cannabis intended for multiple 5601 servings contains any edible cannabis product, for each single 5602 standardized serving to be easily discernible and (I) individually 5603 wrapped, or (II) physically demarked and delineated as required under 5604 this subsection. 5605 (G) Impervious packaging that protects the contents of such 5606 packaging from contamination and exposure to any toxic or harmful 5607 substance, including, but not limited to, any glue or other adhesive or 5608 substance that is incorporated in such packaging. 5609 (H) Product tracking information sufficient to determine where and 5610 when the cannabis was grown and manufactured such that a product 5611 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 226 of 693 recall could be effectuated. 5612 (I) A net weight statement. 5613 (J) A recommended use by or expiration date. 5614 (K) Standard and uniform packaging and labeling, including, but not 5615 limited to, requirements (i) regarding branding or logos, (ii) that all 5616 packaging be opaque, and (iii) that amounts and concentrations of THC 5617 and cannabidiol, per serving and per package, be clearly marked on the 5618 packaging or label of any cannabis product sold. 5619 (L) For any cannabis concentrate cannabis product that contains a 5620 total THC percentage greater than thirty per cent, a warning that such 5621 cannabis product is a high-potency product and may increase the risk 5622 of psychosis. 5623 (M) Chemotypes, which shall be displayed as (i) "High THC, Low 5624 CBD" where the ratio of THC to CBD is greater than five to one and the 5625 total THC percentage is at least fifteen per cent, (ii) "Moderate THC, 5626 Moderate CBD" where the ratio of THC to CBD is at least one to five but 5627 not greater than five to one and the total THC percentage is greater than 5628 five per cent but less than fifteen per cent, (iii) "Low THC, High CBD" 5629 where the ratio of THC to CBD is less than one to five and the total THC 5630 percentage is not greater than five per cent, or (iv) the chemotype 5631 described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph that most closely 5632 fits the cannabis or cannabis product, as determined by mathematical 5633 analysis of the ratio of THC to CBD, where such cannabis or cannabis 5634 product does not fit a chemotype described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of 5635 this subparagraph. 5636 (N) A requirement that, prior to being sold and transferred to a 5637 consumer, qualifying patient or caregiver, cannabis packaging be 5638 clearly labeled, whether printed directly on such packaging or affixed 5639 by way of a separate label, other than an extended content label, with: 5640 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 227 of 693 (i) A unique identifier generated by a cannabis analytic tracking 5641 system maintained by the department and used to track cannabis under 5642 the policies and procedures issued, and final regulations adopted, by 5643 the commissioner pursuant to this section; and 5644 (ii) The following information concerning the cannabis contained in 5645 such packaging, which shall be in legible English, black lettering, Times 5646 New Roman font, flat regular typeface, on a contrasting background 5647 and in uniform size of not less than one-tenth of one inch, based on a 5648 capital letter "K", which information shall also be available on the 5649 Internet web site of the cannabis establishment that sells and transfers 5650 such cannabis: 5651 (I) The name of such cannabis, as registered with the department 5652 under the policies and procedures issued, and final regulations adopted, 5653 by the commissioner pursuant to this section. 5654 (II) The expiration date, which shall not account for any refrigeration 5655 after such cannabis is sold and transferred to the consumer, qualifying 5656 patient or caregiver. 5657 (III) The net weight or volume, expressed in metric and imperial 5658 units. 5659 (IV) The standardized serving size, expressed in customary units, and 5660 the number of servings included in such packaging, if applicable. 5661 (V) Directions for use and storage. 5662 (VI) Each active ingredient comprising at least one per cent of such 5663 cannabis, including cannabinoids, isomers, esters, ethers and salts and 5664 salts of isomers, esters and ethers, and all quantities thereof expressed 5665 in metric units and as a percentage of volume. 5666 (VII) A list of all known allergens, as identified by the federal Food 5667 and Drug Administration, contained in such cannabis, or the denotation 5668 "no known FDA identified allergens" if such cannabis does not contain 5669 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 228 of 693 any allergen identified by the federal Food and Drug Administration. 5670 (VIII) The following warning statement within, and outlined by, a red 5671 box: 5672 "This product is not FDA-approved, may be intoxicating, cause long- 5673 term physical and mental health problems, and have delayed side 5674 effects. It is illegal to operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence 5675 of cannabis. Keep away from children." 5676 (IX) At least one of the following warning statements, rotated 5677 quarterly on an alternating basis: 5678 "Warning: Frequent and prolonged use of cannabis can contribute to 5679 mental health problems over time, including anxiety, depression, 5680 stunted brain development and impaired memory." 5681 "Warning: Consumption while pregnant or breastfeeding may be 5682 harmful." 5683 "Warning: Cannabis has intoxicating effects and may be habit- 5684 forming and addictive." 5685 "Warning: Consuming more than the recommended amount may 5686 result in adverse effects requiring medical attention.". 5687 (X) All information necessary to comply with labeling requirements 5688 imposed under the laws of this state and federal law, including, but not 5689 limited to, sections 21a-91 to 21a-120, inclusive, and 21a-151 to 21a-159, 5690 inclusive, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 USC 301 et seq., 5691 as amended from time to time, and the federal Fair Packaging and 5692 Labeling Act, 15 USC 1451 et seq., as amended from time to time, for 5693 similar products that do not contain cannabis. 5694 (XI) Such additional warning labels for certain cannabis products as 5695 the commissioner may require and post on the department's Internet 5696 web site. 5697 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 229 of 693 (6) Establishing laboratory testing standards, consumer disclosures 5698 concerning mold and yeast in cannabis and permitted remediation 5699 practices. 5700 (7) Restricting forms of cannabis products and cannabis product 5701 delivery systems to ensure consumer safety and deter public health 5702 concerns. 5703 (8) Prohibiting certain manufacturing methods, or inclusion of 5704 additives to cannabis products, including, but not limited to, (A) added 5705 flavoring, terpenes or other additives unless approved by the 5706 department, or (B) any form of nicotine or other additive containing 5707 nicotine. 5708 (9) Prohibiting cannabis product types that appeal to children. 5709 (10) Establishing physical and cyber security requirements related to 5710 build out, monitoring and protocols for cannabis establishments as a 5711 requirement for licensure. 5712 (11) Placing temporary limits on the sale of cannabis in the adult-use 5713 market, if deemed appropriate and necessary by the commissioner, in 5714 response to a shortage of cannabis for qualifying patients. 5715 (12) Requiring retailers and hybrid retailers to make best efforts to 5716 provide access to (A) low-dose THC products, including products that 5717 have one milligram and two and a half milligrams of THC per dose, and 5718 (B) high-dose CBD products. 5719 (13) Requiring producers, cultivators, micro-cultivators, product 5720 manufacturers and food and beverage manufacturers to register brand 5721 names for cannabis, in accordance with the policies and procedures and 5722 subject to the fee set forth in, regulations adopted under chapter 420f. 5723 (14) Prohibiting a cannabis establishment from selling, other than the 5724 sale of medical marijuana products between cannabis establishments 5725 and the sale of cannabis to [qualified] qualifying patients and caregivers, 5726 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 230 of 693 (A) cannabis flower or other cannabis plant material with a total THC 5727 concentration greater than thirty per cent on a dry-weight basis, and (B) 5728 any cannabis product other than cannabis flower and cannabis plant 5729 material with a total THC concentration greater than sixty per cent on a 5730 dry-weight basis, except that the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this 5731 subdivision shall not apply to the sale of prefilled cartridges for use in 5732 an electronic cannabis delivery system, as defined in section 19a-342a 5733 and the department may adjust the percentages set forth in 5734 subparagraph (A) or (B) of this subdivision in regulations adopted 5735 pursuant to this section for purposes of public health or to address 5736 market access or shortage. As used in this subdivision, "cannabis plant 5737 material" means material from the cannabis plant, as defined in section 5738 21a-279a. 5739 (15) Permitting the outdoor cultivation of cannabis. 5740 (16) Prohibiting packaging that is (A) visually similar to any 5741 commercially similar product that does not contain cannabis, or (B) used 5742 for any good that is marketed to individuals reasonably expected to be 5743 younger than twenty-one years of age. 5744 (17) Allowing packaging to include a picture of the cannabis product 5745 and contain a logo of one cannabis establishment, which logo may be 5746 comprised of not more than three colors and provided neither black nor 5747 white shall be considered one of such three colors. 5748 (18) Requiring packaging to (A) be entirely and uniformly one color, 5749 and (B) not incorporate any information, print, embossing, debossing, 5750 graphic or hidden feature, other than any permitted or required label. 5751 (19) Requiring that packaging and labeling for an edible cannabis 5752 product, excluding the warning labels required under this subsection 5753 and a picture of the cannabis product described in subdivision (17) of 5754 this subsection but including, but not limited to, the logo of the cannabis 5755 establishment, shall only be comprised of black and white or a 5756 combination thereof. 5757 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 231 of 693 (20) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, 5758 requiring that delivery device cartridges be labeled, in a clearly legible 5759 manner and in as large a font as the size of the device reasonably allows, 5760 with only the following information (i) the name of the cannabis 5761 establishment where the cannabis is grown or manufactured, (ii) the 5762 cannabis brand, (iii) the total THC and total CBD content contained 5763 within the delivery device cartridge, (iv) the expiration date, and (v) the 5764 unique identifier generated by a cannabis analytic tracking system 5765 maintained by the department and used to track cannabis under the 5766 policies and procedures issued, and final regulations adopted, by the 5767 commissioner pursuant to this section. 5768 (B) A cannabis establishment may emboss, deboss or similarly print 5769 the name of the cannabis establishment's business entity, and one logo 5770 with not more than three colors, on a delivery device cartridge. 5771 (21) Prescribing signage to be prominently displayed at dispensary 5772 facilities, retailers and hybrid retailers disclosing (A) possible health 5773 risks related to mold, and (B) the use and possible health risks related to 5774 the use of mold remediation techniques. 5775 Sec. 179. Subsection (b) of section 21a-421k of the general statutes is 5776 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from 5777 passage): 5778 (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, 5779 inclusive, in order to effectuate the purposes of RERACA and protect 5780 public health and safety, prior to adopting such regulations the 5781 commissioner shall implement policies and procedures to implement 5782 the provisions of RERACA that shall have the force and effect of law. 5783 The commissioner shall post all such policies and procedures on the 5784 department's Internet web site and submit such policies and procedures 5785 to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at 5786 least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure. 5787 Any such policies and procedures shall no longer be effective upon the 5788 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 232 of 693 earlier of either adoption of such policies and procedures as a final 5789 regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] sixty-three months from 5790 June 22, 2021. [, if such regulations have not been submitted to the 5791 legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 5792 4-170.] 5793 Sec. 180. Section 17a-886 of the general statutes is repealed and the 5794 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): 5795 (a) As used in this section, (1) "authorized representative" means a 5796 person designated by a home care client, in writing, to act on such 5797 client's behalf, including, but not limited to, a health care representative 5798 appointed pursuant to section 19a-575a or 19a-577; (2) "home care" 5799 means long-term services and supports provided to adults in a home or 5800 community-based program administered by the Department of Social 5801 Services; (3) "home care provider" means a person or organization, 5802 including, but not limited to, (A) a home health agency or hospice 5803 agency, as defined in section 19a-490, [or] (B) a homemaker-companion 5804 agency, as defined in section 20-670, or (C) any individual offering home 5805 and community-based long-term services and supports directly, 5806 whether formally or informally; and (4) ["long-term services and 5807 supports" means (A) health, health-related, personal care and social 5808 services provided to persons with physical, cognitive or mental health 5809 conditions or disabilities to facilitate optimal functioning and quality of 5810 life, or (B) hospice care provided to persons who may be nearing the end 5811 of their lives] "home and community-based long-term services and 5812 supports" means a comprehensive array of health, personal care and 5813 supportive services, including, but not limited to, services and supports 5814 offered through (A) community-based programs administered by the 5815 Department of Social Services, and (B) a home care provider to a person 5816 with physical, cognitive or mental health conditions to (i) enhance such 5817 person's quality of life, (ii) facilitate optimal functioning, and (iii) 5818 support independent living in the setting of such person's choice. 5819 (b) There is established a Community Ombudsman program within 5820 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 233 of 693 the independent Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, 5821 established pursuant to section 17a-405. Not later than October 1, 2022, 5822 the State Ombudsman appointed pursuant to said section shall, within 5823 available appropriations, appoint a Community Ombudsman who shall 5824 have access to data pertaining to home and community-based long-term 5825 services and supports provided [by a home care provider] to a client, 5826 including, but not limited to, medical, social and other data relating to 5827 such client, provided (1) such client or such client's authorized 5828 representative provides written consent to such access, (2) if such client 5829 is incapable of providing such consent due to a physical, cognitive or 5830 mental health condition or disability, the client communicates consent 5831 orally, visually or through the use of auxiliary aids and services, or (3) 5832 if such client is incapable of providing such consent as described in 5833 subdivision (2) of this subsection, and has no authorized representative, 5834 the Community Ombudsman determines the data is necessary to 5835 investigate a complaint concerning such client's care. 5836 (c) The Community Ombudsman program may: 5837 (1) Identify, investigate, refer and help resolve complaints about 5838 home [care services] and community-based long-term services and 5839 supports; 5840 (2) Raise public awareness about home [care and the program] and 5841 community-based long-term services and supports; 5842 (3) Promote access to home [care services] and community-based 5843 long-term services and supports; 5844 (4) Advocate for long-term care options; 5845 (5) Coach individuals in self advocacy; and 5846 (6) Provide referrals to [home care] clients receiving home and 5847 community-based long-term services and supports for legal, housing 5848 and social services. 5849 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 234 of 693 (d) The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall oversee the 5850 Community Ombudsman program and provide administrative and 5851 organizational support by: 5852 (1) Developing and implementing a public awareness strategy about 5853 the Community Ombudsman program; 5854 (2) Applying for, or working in collaboration with other state 5855 agencies to apply for, available federal funding for Community 5856 Ombudsman services; 5857 (3) Collaborating with persons administering other state programs 5858 and services to design and implement an agenda to promote the rights 5859 of elderly persons and persons with disabilities; 5860 (4) Providing information to public and private agencies, elected and 5861 appointed officials, the media and other persons regarding the problems 5862 and concerns of older adults and people with disabilities receiving home 5863 care; 5864 (5) Advocating for improvements in the home and community-based 5865 long-term services and supports system; and 5866 (6) Recommending changes in federal, state and local laws, 5867 regulations, policies and actions pertaining to the health, safety, welfare 5868 and rights of people receiving home care. 5869 (e) Not later than December 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the State 5870 Ombudsman shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of 5871 section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly 5872 having cognizance of matters relating to aging, human services and 5873 public health on (1) implementation of the public awareness strategy 5874 relating to the Community Ombudsman program, (2) the number of 5875 persons served in the program, (3) the number of complaints regarding 5876 home [care] and community-based long-term services and supports 5877 filed with the program, (4) the disposition of such complaints, and (5) 5878 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 235 of 693 any gaps in services and resources needed to address such gaps. 5879 (f) The State Ombudsman and the Community Ombudsman shall 5880 ensure that any health data obtained pursuant to subsection (b) of this 5881 section relating to a [home care] client receiving home and community- 5882 based long-term services and supports is protected in accordance with 5883 the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 5884 104-191, as amended from time to time. 5885 (g) The State Ombudsman may assign a regional community 5886 ombudsman the duties and responsibilities of a regional ombudsman 5887 for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, as deemed necessary 5888 by the State Ombudsman. 5889 Sec. 181. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 17b-340d of the 5890 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 5891 thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 5892 (2) Beginning July 1, 2022, facilities will be required to comply with 5893 collection and reporting of quality metrics as specified by the 5894 Department of Social Services, after consultation with the nursing home 5895 industry, consumers, employees and the Department of Public Health. 5896 Rate adjustments based on performance on quality metrics will be 5897 phased in, beginning July 1, 2022, with a period of reporting only. 5898 Effective July 1, 2023, the Department of Social Services shall issue 5899 individualized reports annually to each nursing home facility showing 5900 the impact to the Medicaid rate for such home based on the quality 5901 metrics program. A nursing home facility receiving an individualized 5902 quality metrics report may use such report to evaluate the impact of the 5903 quality metrics program on said facility's Medicaid reimbursement. 5904 [Not later than June 30, 2025, the department shall submit a report, in 5905 accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing 5906 committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters 5907 relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and human 5908 services on the quality metrics program. Such report shall include 5909 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 236 of 693 information regarding individualized reports and the anticipated 5910 impact on nursing homes if the state were to implement a rate withhold 5911 on nursing homes that fail to meet certain quality metrics] On or after 5912 October 1, 2026, the Department of Social Services may establish a 5913 quality metrics program, within available appropriations designated for 5914 such purpose, to provide payments to nursing home facilities (A) for 5915 high-quality outcomes based on performance in the quality metrics 5916 program, and (B) designed to incentivize the provision of high-quality 5917 services to nursing home residents who are Medicaid beneficiaries, as 5918 indicated in the individualized report issued to each nursing home 5919 facility pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision. Such quality 5920 metrics program shall evaluate nursing home facilities based on 5921 national quality measures for nursing home facilities issued by the 5922 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state-administered 5923 consumer satisfaction measures. Such quality measures may be 5924 weighted higher for desired outcomes, as determined by the 5925 department. Not later than February 1, 2027, the department shall 5926 submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to 5927 the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having 5928 cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state 5929 agencies and human services on the implementation of the quality 5930 metrics program. 5931 Sec. 182. Section 63 of substitute senate bill 1377 of the current session, 5932 as amended by Senate Amendment Schedule "A", is repealed. (Effective 5933 from passage) 5934 Sec. 183. Section 19a-38 of the general statutes is repealed and the 5935 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 5936 A water company, as defined in section 25-32a, shall add a measured 5937 amount of fluoride to the water supply of any water system that it owns 5938 and operates and that serves twenty thousand or more persons so as to 5939 maintain an average monthly fluoride content that is not more or less 5940 than [0.15 of a milligram per liter different than the United States 5941 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 237 of 693 Department of Health and Human Services' most recent 5942 recommendation for optimal fluoride levels in drinking water to 5943 prevent tooth decay] 0.7 of a milligram of fluoride per liter of water 5944 provided such average monthly fluoride content shall not deviate 5945 greater or less than 0.15 of a milligram per liter. 5946 Sec. 184. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Commissioner of 5947 Public Health may establish an advisory committee to advise the 5948 commissioner on matters relating to recommendations by the Centers 5949 for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal Food and Drug 5950 Administration using evidence-based data from peer-reviewed 5951 literature and studies. 5952 (b) The advisory committee may include, but need not be limited to, 5953 the following members: 5954 (1) The dean of a school of public health at an independent institution 5955 of higher education in the state; 5956 (2) The dean of a school of public health at a public institution of 5957 higher education in the state; 5958 (3) A physician specializing in primary care who (A) has not less than 5959 ten years of clinical practice experience, and (B) is a professor at a 5960 medical school in the state; 5961 (4) An infectious disease specialist who (A) has not less than ten years 5962 of clinical practice experience, and (B) is a professor at an institution of 5963 higher education in the state; 5964 (5) A pediatrician who (A) has not less than ten years of clinical 5965 practice experience and expertise in children's health and vaccinations, 5966 and (B) is a professor at an institution of higher education in the state; 5967 and 5968 (6) Any other individuals determined to be a beneficial member of 5969 the advisory committee by the Commissioner of Public Health. 5970 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 238 of 693 (c) The advisory committee shall serve in a nonbinding advisory 5971 capacity, providing guidance solely at the discretion of the 5972 Commissioner of Public Health. 5973 Sec. 185. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) (1) In cases in which there 5974 is a serious risk to a patient's life or health, each emergency department 5975 of a hospital licensed pursuant to chapter 368v of the general statutes 5976 shall include as part of the care required of such emergency departments 5977 the reproductive health care services related to complications of 5978 pregnancy that are legal in this state and necessary to treat the patient, 5979 including, but not limited to, services related to miscarriage 5980 management and treatment for ectopic pregnancies. 5981 (2) When providing emergency care, no such emergency department 5982 or health care provider providing care at such emergency department 5983 shall discriminate against a patient based upon the following factors or 5984 categories: The person's ethnicity, citizenship, age, preexisting medical 5985 condition, insurance status, economic status, ability to pay for medical 5986 services, sex, race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, marital 5987 status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, primary 5988 language or immigration status. It shall not be discrimination for a 5989 health care provider providing care at an emergency department to 5990 consider any such factor or category if the health care provider believes 5991 that such factor or category is medically significant to the provision of 5992 appropriate medical care to the patient. 5993 (b) Each emergency department of a hospital licensed pursuant to 5994 chapter 368v of the general statutes shall meet the requirements of (1) 5995 the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, 42 USC 5996 1395dd, as amended from time to time, including, but not limited to, any 5997 federal regulations adopted pursuant to said act governing the transfer 5998 of patients by emergency departments, the capabilities of emergency 5999 departments and on-call professional staff of emergency departments, 6000 or (2) any regulations of Connecticut state agencies adopted pursuant to 6001 section 186 of this act. 6002 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 239 of 693 (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impact accepted 6003 medical standards of care. 6004 (d) Each hospital licensed pursuant to chapter 368v of the general 6005 statutes that provides emergency care shall (1) adopt policies and 6006 procedures to implement the provisions of this section, and (2) make 6007 such policies and procedures available to the Department of Public 6008 Health upon request. 6009 (e) The Commissioner of Public Health may investigate each alleged 6010 violation of this section or section 186 of this act unless the commissioner 6011 concludes that the allegation does not include facts requiring further 6012 investigation or is otherwise unmeritorious. 6013 (f) The Commissioner of Public Health may take any action 6014 authorized by sections 19a-494 and 19a-494a of the general statutes 6015 against a hospital, or authorized by section 19a-17 of the general statutes 6016 against a licensed health provider, for a violation of this section or 6017 section 186 of this act. 6018 Sec. 186. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) If the federal Emergency 6019 Medical Treatment and Labor Act, 42 USC 1395dd, as it existed as of the 6020 effective date of this section, in whole or in part, (1) is revoked, (2) fails 6021 to be adequately enforced, or (3) otherwise becomes inapplicable in this 6022 state, the Commissioner of Public Health shall adopt regulations, in 6023 accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 of the general statutes, to 6024 implement the provisions of said act concerning operational 6025 requirements for hospitals that are set forth in Appendix V to the State 6026 Operations Manual for hospitals published by the Centers for Medicare 6027 and Medicaid Services, as said manual existed on December 31, 2024. 6028 Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the 6029 commissioner to request or otherwise involve the participation by any 6030 federal government entity in the oversight or enforcement of any 6031 regulations adopted pursuant to this subsection. If the commissioner 6032 finds, pursuant to subsection (g) of section 4-168 of the general statutes, 6033 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 240 of 693 that adoption of such regulations upon fewer than thirty days' notice is 6034 required due to an imminent peril to the public health, safety or welfare, 6035 the commissioner shall adopt such regulations without prior notice, 6036 public comment period or hearing, or upon any abbreviated notice, 6037 public comment period and hearing, pursuant to said subsection, if 6038 feasible. 6039 (b) The Commissioner of Public Health shall have the sole discretion 6040 to determine whether an event described in subdivisions (1) to (3), 6041 inclusive, of subsection (a) of this section has occurred. The 6042 commissioner may consult with the office of the Attorney General in 6043 making such determination. 6044 (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the 6045 commissioner to adopt the regulations described in subsection (a) of this 6046 section based on routine changes to the federal Emergency Medical 6047 Treatment and Labor Act, 42 USC 1395dd, as described in subsection (a) 6048 of this section, that do not result in a material loss of patient rights. 6049 (d) If the commissioner adopts regulations pursuant to this section, 6050 the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 6051 cognizance of matters relating to public health shall annually (1) review 6052 such regulations, and (2) make a recommendation to the commissioner 6053 as to whether the commissioner should maintain or repeal such 6054 regulations. 6055 Sec. 187. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: 6056 (1) "Collateral costs" means any out-of-pocket costs, other than the 6057 cost of the procedure itself, necessary to receive reproductive health care 6058 services or gender-affirming health care services in the state, including, 6059 but not limited to, costs for travel, lodging and meals; 6060 (2) "Gender-affirming health care services" means all medical care 6061 relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria, as set forth in the most 6062 recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and 6063 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 241 of 693 Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", and gender incongruence, as 6064 defined in the most recent revision of the "International Statistical 6065 Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems"; 6066 (3) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization that is exempt 6067 from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 6068 of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the 6069 United States, as amended from time to time; 6070 (4) "Patient-identifiable data" means any information that identifies, 6071 or may reasonably be used as a basis to identify, an individual patient; 6072 and 6073 (5) "Reproductive health care services" means all medical, surgical, 6074 counseling or referral services relating to the human reproductive 6075 system, including, but not limited to, services relating to fertility, 6076 pregnancy, contraception and abortion. 6077 (b) There is established an account to be known as the "safe harbor 6078 account", which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account of the State 6079 Treasurer. The account shall contain any funds received from any 6080 private contributions, gifts, grants, donations, bequests or devises to the 6081 account and all earnings on such funds. The State Treasurer shall invest 6082 the moneys deposited in the account in a manner that is reasonable and 6083 appropriate to achieve the objectives of such account while exercising 6084 the discretion and care of a prudent person in similar circumstances 6085 with similar objectives. The State Treasurer shall give due consideration 6086 to the rate of return risk, term or maturity, the diversification of the total 6087 portfolio within such account, the liquidity of funds, the projected 6088 disbursements and expenditures of funds, and the expected payments, 6089 deposits, contributions and gifts to be received. The moneys in the 6090 account shall be continuously invested and reinvested in a manner 6091 consistent with the objectives of the account until disbursed in 6092 accordance with this subsection. Any administrative costs associated 6093 with maintenance or disbursement of moneys in the account shall be 6094 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 242 of 693 paid from the account and no taxpayer funds shall pay for such 6095 administrative costs, except nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the 6096 State Treasurer from utilizing available staff resources to administer the 6097 account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the board of 6098 trustees, established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, for the 6099 purpose of providing grants to (1) nonprofit organizations that provide 6100 funding for reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health 6101 care services or the collateral costs incurred by individuals in receiving 6102 such services in the state, or (2) nonprofit organizations that serve 6103 LGBTQ+ youth or families in the state for the purpose of reimbursing 6104 or paying directly to such youth or family members for the collateral 6105 costs incurred by such youth or family members in receiving 6106 reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care 6107 services in the state. 6108 (c) The safe harbor account shall be administered by a board of 6109 trustees consisting of the following members: 6110 (1) The Treasurer, or the Treasurer's designee, who shall serve as 6111 chairperson of the board of trustees; and 6112 (2) Four members appointed by the Treasurer, (A) one of whom shall 6113 be a provider of reproductive health care services in the state, (B) one of 6114 whom shall have experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ 6115 community, (C) one of whom shall have experience working with 6116 providers of reproductive health care services, and (D) one of whom 6117 shall have experience working with providers of health care or mental 6118 health services to members of the LGBTQ+ community. When making 6119 such appointments, the Treasurer shall use the Treasurer's best efforts 6120 to ensure that the board of trustees reflects the racial, gender and 6121 geographic diversity of the state. 6122 (d) Not later than September 1, 2025, the board of trustees shall adopt 6123 policies and procedures concerning the awarding of grants pursuant to 6124 the provisions of this section. Such policies and procedures shall 6125 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 243 of 693 include, but need not be limited to, (1) grant application procedures, 6126 including procedures regarding subgrants, (2) eligibility criteria for 6127 applicant nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, 6128 subgrantees, and for individuals served by such grants, (3) eligibility 6129 criteria for collateral costs, (4) consideration of need of the individuals 6130 served by such grants, including, but not limited to, the urgency or time 6131 sensitivity of the circumstances and financial need, and (5) procedures 6132 to coordinate with any national network created to perform similar 6133 functions to those of the safe harbor account, including, but not limited 6134 to, procedures for the acceptance of funding transferred to the safe 6135 harbor account for a particular use. Such policies and procedures shall 6136 not require the collection or retention of patient-identifiable data in 6137 order to receive a grant. Such policies and procedures may be updated 6138 as deemed necessary by the board of trustees. In the event that the board 6139 of trustees determines that the policies and procedures adopted 6140 pursuant to the provisions of this subsection are inadequate with respect 6141 to (A) determining the eligibility of a certain health care provider or 6142 nonprofit organization for a grant, or (B) whether a certain health care 6143 service received by or collateral cost incurred by an individual is eligible 6144 to be reimbursed or paid by a health care provider or nonprofit 6145 organization using grant moneys received pursuant to this section, the 6146 board of trustees may make a fact-based determination as to such 6147 eligibility. 6148 Sec. 188. (NEW) (Effective from passage) It is hereby declared that 6149 opioid use disorder constitutes a public health crisis in this state and will 6150 continue to constitute a public health crisis until each goal reported by 6151 the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council pursuant to 6152 subsection (f) of section 17a-667a of the general statutes is attained. 6153 Sec. 189. Section 17a-667a of the general statutes is amended by 6154 adding subsection (f) as follows (Effective from passage): 6155 (NEW) (f) The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council shall 6156 convene a working group to establish one or more goals for the state to 6157 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 244 of 693 achieve in its efforts to combat the prevalence of opioid use disorder in 6158 the state. Not later than July 1, 2026, the council shall report, in 6159 accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing 6160 committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters 6161 relating to public health regarding each goal established by the working 6162 group. 6163 Sec. 190. (NEW) (Effective from passage) There is established an account 6164 to be known as the "public health urgent communication account", 6165 which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain 6166 any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in 6167 the account shall be expended by the Department of Public Health for 6168 the purposes of providing timely, effective communication to members 6169 of the general public, health care providers and other relevant 6170 stakeholders during a public health emergency, as described in section 6171 19a-131a of the general statutes. 6172 Sec. 191. (NEW) (Effective from passage) There is established an account 6173 to be known as the "emergency public health financial safeguard 6174 account", which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account 6175 shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. 6176 Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Department of Public 6177 Health for the purposes of addressing unexpected shortfalls in public 6178 health funding and ensuring the Department of Public Health's ability 6179 to respond to the health care needs of state residents and provide a 6180 continuity of essential public health services. Said department shall not 6181 expend any moneys in the account for any of the purposes described in 6182 subsection (b) of section 187 of this act. 6183 Sec. 192. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: 6184 (1) "Advanced practice registered nurse" means an individual 6185 licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse pursuant to chapter 6186 378 of the general statutes; 6187 (2) "Physician" means an individual licensed as a physician pursuant 6188 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 245 of 693 to chapter 370 of the general statutes; 6189 (3) "Physician assistant" means an individual licensed as a physician 6190 assistant pursuant to chapter 370 of the general statutes; and 6191 (4) "Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy" means the death of a 6192 person with epilepsy that is not caused by injury, drowning or other 6193 known causes unrelated to epilepsy. 6194 (b) On and after October 1, 2025, each physician, advanced practice 6195 registered nurse and physician assistant who regularly treats patients 6196 with epilepsy shall provide each such patient with information 6197 concerning the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and 6198 methods to mitigate such risk. 6199 Sec. 193. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: 6200 (1) "Automated external defibrillator" means a device that: (A) Is used 6201 to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart; (B) 6202 contains internal decision-making electronics, microcomputers or 6203 special software that allows it to interpret physiologic signals, make 6204 medical diagnoses and, if necessary, apply therapy; (C) guides the user 6205 through the process of using the device by audible or visual prompts; 6206 and (D) does not require the user to employ any discretion or judgment 6207 in its use; 6208 (2) "Managed residential community" means a for-profit or not-for- 6209 profit facility consisting of private residential units that provides a 6210 managed group living environment consisting of housing and services 6211 for persons who are primarily fifty-five years of age or older. "Managed 6212 residential community" does not include (A) any state-funded 6213 congregate housing facility, (B) any elderly housing complex receiving 6214 assistance and funding through the United States Department of 6215 Housing and Urban Development's Assisted Living Conversion 6216 Program, or (C) any affordable housing unit subsidized under the 6217 assisted living demonstration project established pursuant to section 6218 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 246 of 693 17b-347e of the general statutes; and 6219 (3) "Nursing home" means (A) any chronic and convalescent nursing 6220 home or any rest home with nursing supervision that provides nursing 6221 supervision under a medical director twenty-four hours per day; or (B) 6222 any chronic and convalescent nursing home that provides skilled 6223 nursing care under medical supervision and direction to carry out 6224 nonsurgical treatment and dietary procedures for chronic diseases, 6225 convalescent stages, acute diseases or injuries. 6226 (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the administrator of each nursing 6227 home and each managed residential community shall (1) provide and 6228 maintain an automated external defibrillator in a central location on the 6229 premises of the nursing home or managed residential community, (2) 6230 make such central location known and accessible to staff members and 6231 residents of the home or community and family members of such 6232 residents who visit the home or community, and (3) maintain and test 6233 the automatic external defibrillator in accordance with the 6234 manufacturer's guidelines. 6235 Sec. 194. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: 6236 (1) "Pancreatic cancer screening and referral services" means 6237 necessary pancreatic cancer screening services and referral services for 6238 a procedure intended to treat cancer of the human pancreas. 6239 (2) "Unserved or underserved populations" means patients who are: 6240 (A) At or below two hundred fifty per cent of the federal poverty level 6241 for individuals; (B) without health coverage for pancreatic cancer 6242 screening services; and (C) of an age at which pancreatic cancer 6243 screening services are deemed appropriate by medical professionals. 6244 (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Public Health 6245 shall establish, within available appropriations, a pancreatic cancer 6246 screening and treatment referral program within the Department of 6247 Public Health to (1) promote screening and detection of pancreatic 6248 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 247 of 693 cancer among persons who may be susceptible to the disease due to 6249 higher risk factors, (2) educate the public, including unserved and 6250 underserved populations, regarding pancreatic cancer and the benefits 6251 of early detection, and (3) provide referrals to appropriate pancreatic 6252 screening and counseling services and treatment referral services. 6253 (c) The program shall include, but need not be limited to: 6254 (1) The establishment of a public education and outreach initiative to 6255 publicize (A) pancreatic cancer screening services and the extent of 6256 health coverage that may be available for such services; (B) the benefits 6257 of early detection of pancreatic cancer and the recommended frequency 6258 of screening services, including clinical examinations; and (C) the 6259 medical assistance program and any other public or private program 6260 that patients may use to access such services; 6261 (2) Linkage to and coordination with pancreatic screening and 6262 counseling services and treatment referral services offered by health 6263 systems, health care entities and providers of such services that are 6264 recognized by the Department of Public Health; and 6265 (3) The use and dissemination of professional education programs 6266 concerning the benefits of early detection of pancreatic cancer and the 6267 recommended frequency of pancreatic cancer screenings. 6268 Sec. 195. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section: 6269 (1) "Emergency medical services personnel" means (A) any 6270 emergency medical responder certified pursuant to sections 20-206ll 6271 and 20-206mm of the general statutes, (B) any class of emergency 6272 medical technician certified pursuant to sections 20-206ll and 20-206mm 6273 of the general statutes, including, but not limited to, any advanced 6274 emergency medical technician, and (C) any paramedic licensed 6275 pursuant to sections 20-206ll and 20-206mm of the general statutes; and 6276 (2) "Glucagon nasal powder" means a class of medications (A) 6277 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 248 of 693 referred to as glycogenolytic agents that cause the liver to reduce stored 6278 sugar to the blood and are intended for the treatment of severe 6279 hypoglycemia in persons with diabetes who are treated with insulin, 6280 and (B) administered intranasally. 6281 (b) Any emergency medical services personnel who has been trained 6282 in the administration of injectable glucagon may administer glucagon 6283 nasal powder when the use of glucagon is deemed necessary by the 6284 emergency medical services personnel for the treatment of a patient. All 6285 emergency medical services personnel shall receive such training from 6286 an organization designated by the commissioner. 6287 (c) All licensed or certified ambulances may be equipped with 6288 glucagon nasal powder to be administered as described in subsection 6289 (b) of this section. 6290 Sec. 196. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section, (1) 6291 "hospital" has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-490 of the 6292 general statutes; and (2) "hospital financial assistance" means any 6293 program administered by a hospital that reduces, in whole or in part, a 6294 patient's liability for the cost of providing services, as defined in section 6295 19a-673 of the general statutes. 6296 (b) The Office of the Healthcare Advocate shall contract with a 6297 vendor to develop an online hospital financial assistance portal for use 6298 by patients and family members. Such portal shall serve as a navigation 6299 tool to help patients and family members identify and apply for hospital 6300 financial assistance at hospitals in the state. The portal may include, but 6301 need not be limited to, (1) technical assistance and tools that streamline 6302 the application process for hospital financial assistance, (2) a screening 6303 tool to help determine whether patients may be eligible for hospital 6304 financial assistance, and (3) information to assist patients and family 6305 members in avoiding future medical debt. 6306 (c) The Office of the Healthcare Advocate may, (1) in consultation 6307 with the Office of Policy and Management, publish on the Office of the 6308 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 249 of 693 Healthcare Advocate's Internet web site information regarding the 6309 state's medical debt erasure initiative authorized pursuant to section 48 6310 of public act 23-204, as amended by section 1 of public act 24-81, and (2) 6311 in consultation with relevant organizations, develop recommendations 6312 concerning such initiative that may assist patients and family members 6313 in avoiding future medical debt, including, but not limited to, methods 6314 to streamline the application process for hospital financial assistance. 6315 (d) On and after July 1, 2026, any hospital maintaining a financial 6316 assistance program shall provide the Office of the Healthcare Advocate 6317 with the (1) links for each Internet web site for such program, and (2) 6318 telephone number and electronic mail address for the hospital's 6319 financial assistance referral contact. If a hospital revises its hospital 6320 financial assistance application form, changes its financial assistance 6321 referral contact or establishes a new hospital financial assistance 6322 program, the hospital shall notify the Office of the Healthcare Advocate 6323 of such revisions, changes or new program and provide said office with 6324 any new links for each Internet web site or the telephone number and 6325 electronic mail address of the new referral contact for such program not 6326 later than thirty days after making such revisions or changes or 6327 establishing a new program. 6328 Sec. 197. Section 19a-36h of the general statutes is repealed and the 6329 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 6330 (a) Not later than January 1, 2023, the commissioner shall adopt and 6331 administer by reference the United States Food and Drug 6332 Administration's Food Code [, as amended from time to time,] and any 6333 revision thereto issued on or before December 31, 2024. The 6334 commissioner may adopt any Food Code Supplement published by said 6335 administration as the state's food code for the purpose of regulating 6336 food establishments. 6337 (b) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the 6338 provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section and 6339 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 250 of 693 sections 19a-36i to 19a-36m, inclusive. 6340 Sec. 198. Section 19a-491f of the general statutes is repealed and the 6341 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 6342 (a) Each home health care agency and home health aide agency, as 6343 such terms are defined in section 19a-490, except any such agency that 6344 is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of Public Health 6345 pursuant to section 19a-122b or that operates solely as a hospice agency, 6346 a hospice program, as defined in subsection (b) of section 19-13-D72 of 6347 the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, a hospice-based home care 6348 program, as described in subsection (o) of section 19a-495-5b of the 6349 regulations of Connecticut state agencies, or a hospice inpatient facility, 6350 as defined in section 19a-495-6a of the regulations of Connecticut state 6351 agencies, shall, during intake of a prospective client who will be 6352 receiving services from the agency, collect and provide to any employee 6353 assigned to provide services to such client, to the extent feasible and 6354 consistent with state and federal laws, information regarding: (1) The 6355 client, including, if applicable, (A) the client's history of violence toward 6356 health care workers; (B) the client's history of substance use; (C) the 6357 client's history of domestic abuse; (D) a list of the client's diagnoses, 6358 including, but not limited to, psychiatric history; (E) whether the client's 6359 diagnoses or symptoms thereof have remained stable over time; and (F) 6360 any information concerning violent acts involving the client that is 6361 contained in judicial records or any sex offender registry information 6362 concerning the client; and (2) the location where the employee will 6363 provide services, including, if known to the agency, the (A) crime rate 6364 for the municipality in which the employee will provide services, as 6365 determined by the most recent annual report concerning crime in the 6366 state issued by the Department of Emergency Services and Public 6367 Protection pursuant to section 29-1c, (B) presence of any hazardous 6368 materials at the location, including, but not limited to, used syringes, (C) 6369 presence of firearms or other weapons at the location, (D) status of the 6370 location's fire alarm system, and (E) presence of any other safety hazards 6371 at the locations. 6372 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 251 of 693 (b) To facilitate compliance with subparagraph (A) of subdivision (2) 6373 of subsection (a) of this section, each such agency shall annually review 6374 the annual report issued by the department pursuant to section 29-1c to 6375 collect crime-related data regarding the locations in the state where such 6376 agency's employees provide services. 6377 (c) Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (a) or (b) of this 6378 section, no such agency shall deny the provision of services to a client 6379 solely based on (1) the inability or refusal of the client to provide the 6380 information described in subsection (a) of this section, or (2) the 6381 information collected from the client pursuant to subsection (a) of this 6382 section. 6383 (d) Any health care provider, as defined in section 19a-17b, who 6384 refers or transfers a patient to a home health care agency, home health 6385 aide agency or hospice agency shall, at the time of such referral and to 6386 the extent feasible and consistent with state and federal laws, provide 6387 any documentation or information in such health care provider's 6388 possession relating to the topics described in subdivision (1) of 6389 subsection (a) of this section. 6390 Sec. 199. Section 19a-491g of the general statutes is repealed and the 6391 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 6392 (a) Each home health care agency, [and] home health aide agency and 6393 hospice agency, as such terms are defined in section 19a-490, [except any 6394 such agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the 6395 Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] shall (1) (A) 6396 adopt and implement a health and safety training curriculum for home 6397 care workers that is consistent with the health and safety training 6398 curriculum for such workers that is endorsed by the Centers for Disease 6399 Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and 6400 Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 6401 including, but not limited to, training to recognize hazards commonly 6402 encountered in home care workplaces and applying practical solutions 6403 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 252 of 693 to manage risks and improve safety, and (B) provide annual staff 6404 training consistent with such health and safety curriculum; and (2) 6405 [conduct monthly safety assessments with direct care staff at the 6406 agency's monthly staff meeting] establish a system by which staff may 6407 promptly report an incidence of violence or potential threat of violence 6408 in conjunction with monthly safety assessments conducted with direct 6409 care staff, which assessments may occur through in-person or virtual 6410 staff meetings or other communication methods, including, but not 6411 limited to, electronic mail, text messages, telephone calls, a hotline or a 6412 reporting portal. 6413 (b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall require any home 6414 health care agency, [and] home health aide agency [, except any such 6415 agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of 6416 Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] and hospice agency that 6417 receives reimbursement for services rendered under the Connecticut 6418 medical assistance program, as defined in section 17b-245g, to provide 6419 evidence of adoption and implementation of such health and safety 6420 training curriculum pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this 6421 section, or, at the commissioner's discretion, an alternative workplace 6422 safety training program applicable to such agency to obtain 6423 reimbursement for services provided under the medical assistance 6424 program. 6425 (c) The commissioner may, within available appropriations, provide 6426 a rate enhancement under the Connecticut medical assistance program 6427 for any home health care agency, [or] home health aide agency [, except 6428 any such agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the 6429 Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] or hospice 6430 agency for timely reporting of any workplace violence incident. For 6431 purposes of this section, "timely reporting" means reporting such 6432 incident not later than seven calendar days after its occurrence to the 6433 Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Health. 6434 Sec. 200. Subsection (a) of section 19a-491h of the general statutes is 6435 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 253 of 693 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 6436 1, 2025): 6437 (a) Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, each home 6438 health care agency, [and] home health aide agency and hospice agency, 6439 as such terms are defined in section 19a-490, [except any such agency 6440 that is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of Public 6441 Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] shall report, in a form and manner 6442 prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Health, each instance of 6443 verbal abuse that is perceived as a threat or danger by a staff member of 6444 such agency, physical abuse, sexual abuse or any other abuse by an 6445 agency client or any other person against a staff member [of] relating to 6446 such staff member's employment with such agency and the actions 6447 taken by the agency to ensure the safety of the staff member. 6448 Sec. 201. Section 18-81qq of the general statutes is repealed and the 6449 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 6450 (a) (1) There is, within the Office of Governmental Accountability 6451 established under section 1-300, the Office of the Correction Ombuds for 6452 the provision of ombuds services. The Correction Ombuds appointed 6453 pursuant to section 18-81jj shall be the head of said office. 6454 (2) For purposes of this section, "ombuds services" includes: 6455 (A) Evaluating the delivery of services to [incarcerated] persons who 6456 are incarcerated by the Department of Correction; 6457 (B) Reviewing periodically the nonemergency procedures 6458 established by the department to carry out the provisions of title 18 and 6459 evaluating whether such procedures conflict with the rights of 6460 [incarcerated] persons who are incarcerated; 6461 (C) Receiving communications from persons in the custody of the 6462 Commissioner of Correction regarding decisions, actions, omissions, 6463 policies, procedures, rules or regulations of the department; 6464 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 254 of 693 (D) Conducting site visits of correctional facilities administered by 6465 the department; 6466 (E) Reviewing the operation of correctional facilities and 6467 nonemergency procedures employed at such facilities. Nonemergency 6468 procedures include, but are not limited to, the department's use of force 6469 procedures; 6470 (F) Recommending procedure and policy revisions to the 6471 department; 6472 (G) Taking all possible actions, including, but not limited to, 6473 conducting programs of public education, undertaking legislative 6474 advocacy and making proposals for systemic reform and formal legal 6475 action in order to secure and ensure the rights of persons in the custody 6476 of the commissioner. The Correction Ombuds shall exhaust all other 6477 means to reach a resolution before initiating litigation; [and] 6478 (H) Publishing on an Internet web site operated by the Office of the 6479 Correction Ombuds a semiannual summary of all ombuds services and 6480 activities during the six-month period before such publication; and 6481 (I) Evaluating the provision of health care services, including, but not 6482 limited to, medical care, dental care, mental health care and substance 6483 use disorder treatment services, to persons who are incarcerated by the 6484 Department of Correction. 6485 (b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the 6486 Correction Ombuds shall act independently of any department in the 6487 performance of the office's duties. 6488 (c) The Correction Ombuds may, within available funds, appoint 6489 such staff as may be deemed necessary. The duties of the staff may 6490 include the duties and powers of the Correction Ombuds if performed 6491 under the direction of the Correction Ombuds. 6492 (d) The General Assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as 6493 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 255 of 693 necessary for the payment of the salaries of the staff and for the payment 6494 of office expenses and other actual expenses incurred by the Correction 6495 Ombuds in the performance of the Correction Ombuds' duties. Any 6496 legal or court fees obtained by the state in actions brought by the 6497 Correction Ombuds shall be deposited in the General Fund. 6498 (e) In the course of investigations, the Correction Ombuds shall rely 6499 on a variety of sources to corroborate matters raised by [incarcerated] 6500 persons who are incarcerated or others. Where such matters turn on 6501 validation of particular incidents, the Correction Ombuds shall 6502 endeavor to rely on communications from [incarcerated] persons who 6503 are incarcerated who have reasonably pursued a resolution of the 6504 complaint through any existing internal grievance procedures of the 6505 Department of Correction. In all events, the Correction Ombuds shall 6506 make good faith efforts to provide an opportunity to the Commissioner 6507 of Correction to investigate and to respond to such concerns prior to 6508 making such matters public. 6509 (f) All oral and written communications, and records relating to such 6510 communications between a person in the custody of the Commissioner 6511 of Correction and the Correction Ombuds or a member of the Office of 6512 the Correction Ombuds staff, including, but not limited to, the identity 6513 of a complainant, the details of the communications and the Correction 6514 Ombuds' findings shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed 6515 without the consent of such person, except that the Correction Ombuds 6516 may disclose without the consent of such person general findings or 6517 policy recommendations based on such communications, provided no 6518 individually identifiable information is disclosed. The Correction 6519 Ombuds shall disclose sufficient information to the Commissioner of 6520 Correction or the commissioner's designee as is necessary to respond to 6521 the Correction Ombuds' inquiries or to carry out recommendations, but 6522 such information may not be further disclosed outside of the 6523 Department of Correction. 6524 (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, 6525 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 256 of 693 whenever in the course of carrying out the Correction Ombuds' duties, 6526 the Correction Ombuds or a member of the Office of the Correction 6527 Ombuds staff becomes aware of the commission or planned commission 6528 of a criminal act or threat that the Correction Ombuds reasonably 6529 believes is likely to result in death or substantial bodily harm, the 6530 Correction Ombuds shall notify the Commissioner of Correction or an 6531 administrator of any correctional facility housing the perpetrator or 6532 potential perpetrator of such act or threat and the nature and target of 6533 the act or threat. 6534 (h) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes concerning 6535 the confidentiality of records and information, the Correction Ombuds 6536 shall have access to, including the right to inspect and copy, any records 6537 necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Correction Ombuds, as 6538 provided in this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not be 6539 construed to compel access to any record protected by the attorney- 6540 client privilege or attorney-work product doctrine or any record related 6541 to a pending internal investigation, external criminal investigation or 6542 emergency procedures. For purposes of this subsection, "emergency 6543 procedures" are procedures the Department of Correction uses to 6544 manage control of tools, keys and armories and concerning department 6545 emergency plans, emergency response units, facility security levels and 6546 standards and radio communications. 6547 (i) In the performance of the responsibilities provided for in this 6548 section, the Correction Ombuds may communicate privately with any 6549 person in the custody of the commissioner. Such communications shall 6550 be confidential except as provided in subsections (e) and (f) of this 6551 section. 6552 (j) The Correction Ombuds may apply for and accept grants, gifts and 6553 bequests of funds from other states, federal and interstate agencies, for 6554 the purpose of carrying out the Correction Ombuds' responsibilities. 6555 There is established within the General Fund a Correction Ombuds 6556 account which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. Any funds 6557 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 257 of 693 received under this subsection shall, upon deposit in the General Fund, 6558 be credited to said account and may be used by the Correction Ombuds 6559 in the performance of the Correction Ombuds' duties. 6560 (k) The name, address and other personally identifiable information 6561 of a person who makes a complaint to the Correction Ombuds, 6562 information obtained or generated by the Office of the Correction 6563 Ombuds in the course of an investigation and all confidential records 6564 obtained by the Correction Ombuds or the office shall be confidential 6565 and shall not be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information 6566 Act, as defined in section 1-200, or otherwise except as provided in 6567 subsections (f) and (g) of this section. 6568 (l) No state or municipal agency shall discharge, or in any manner 6569 discriminate or retaliate against, any employee who in good faith makes 6570 a complaint to the Correction Ombuds or cooperates with the Office of 6571 the Correction Ombuds in an investigation. 6572 (m) The Correction Ombuds may perform the following functions in 6573 the evaluation of the provision of health care services pursuant to 6574 subparagraph (I) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section: 6575 (1) Receive, investigate and respond to complaints regarding access 6576 to or quality of health care services within the Department of Correction; 6577 (2) Employ or contract with licensed health care professionals to 6578 provide independent clinical reviews of such complaints, when 6579 necessary; 6580 (3) Collect and analyze health-related data across correctional 6581 facilities, including, but not limited to: 6582 (A) Medical appointment wait times; 6583 (B) Mental health care access; 6584 (C) Medication access and continuity; and 6585 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 258 of 693 (D) Incidences of hospitalizations and mortalities; and 6586 (4) Make recommendations to the Departments of Correction and 6587 Public Health and the joint standing committees of the General 6588 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and the 6589 judiciary regarding necessary improvements in the delivery of health 6590 care services within correctional facilities. 6591 [(m)] (n) Not later than December [1, 2023, and] first, annually, 6592 [thereafter,] the Correction Ombuds shall submit a report, in accordance 6593 with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of 6594 the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the 6595 Department of Correction regarding the conditions of confinement in 6596 the state's correctional facilities and halfway houses, including, but not 6597 limited to, the delivery of health care services in such facilities and 6598 halfway houses. Such report shall detail the Correction Ombuds' 6599 findings and recommendations, including, but not limited to, 6600 recommendations for any improvements in the delivery of such 6601 services. 6602 Sec. 202. (Effective from passage) The Probate Court Administrator and 6603 the Commissioner of Social Services shall evaluate the feasibility of 6604 establishing an expedited process for the appointment of a conservator 6605 for patients of hospital emergency departments who lack the capacity to 6606 consent to receive health care services from the hospital to ensure such 6607 patients receive such services in a timely fashion and help alleviate 6608 emergency department boarding and crowding. Not later than January 6609 1, 2026, said administrator and commissioner shall jointly report, in 6610 accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, 6611 to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 6612 cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding such 6613 evaluation and any recommendations for legislation necessary to 6614 establish an expedited conservator process for emergency department 6615 patients. As used in this section, "emergency department boarding" 6616 means holding patients who have been admitted to the hospital after 6617 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 259 of 693 presenting to the emergency department in the emergency department 6618 while awaiting an inpatient bed. 6619 Sec. 203. Section 19a-490ii of the general statutes is repealed and the 6620 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): 6621 (a) Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter until 6622 January 1, 2029, each hospital in the state with an emergency 6623 department shall, and each hospital operated exclusively by the state 6624 may, directly or in consultation with a hospital association in the state, 6625 analyze the following data from the previous calendar year concerning 6626 its emergency department: (1) The number of patients who received 6627 treatment in the emergency department; (2) the number of emergency 6628 department patients who were admitted to the hospital; (3) for patients 6629 admitted to the hospital after presenting to the emergency department, 6630 the average length of time from the patient's first presentation to the 6631 emergency department until the patient's admission to the hospital; and 6632 (4) the percentage of patients who were admitted to the hospital after 6633 presenting to the emergency department but were transferred to an 6634 available bed located in a physical location other than the emergency 6635 department more than four hours after an admitting order for the 6636 patient was completed. Each such hospital shall utilize such analysis 6637 with the goals of (A) developing policies or procedures to reduce wait 6638 times for admission to the hospital after a patient presents to the 6639 emergency department, (B) informing potential methods to improve 6640 admission efficiencies, and (C) examining root causes for delays in 6641 admission times. 6642 (b) Not later than March 1, 2025, and annually thereafter until March 6643 1, 2029, each hospital that conducts an analysis pursuant to subsection 6644 (a) of this section shall submit a report, in accordance with the 6645 provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the 6646 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public 6647 health and, not later than March 1, 2026, and annually thereafter until 6648 March 1, 2029, shall also submit such report to the Commissioners of 6649 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 260 of 693 Public Health and Health Strategy and the Healthcare Advocate, 6650 regarding its findings and any recommendations for achieving the goals 6651 described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of subdivision (4) of 6652 subsection (a) of this section. 6653 Sec. 204. (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a working 6654 group to evaluate hospital discharge challenges, including, but not 6655 limited to, hospital discharge practices, and propose strategies to reduce 6656 discharge delays, improve transitions of care and alleviate emergency 6657 department boarding. 6658 (b) The working group shall consist of the following members, who 6659 shall be appointed by the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint 6660 standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of 6661 matters relating to public health: 6662 (1) Two hospital administrators, who shall be a chief operating officer 6663 or vice president of care coordination, one of whom shall be from an 6664 urban hospital and one of whom shall be from a rural hospital; 6665 (2) Two emergency department physicians, who shall be nominated 6666 by a college of emergency physicians in the state; 6667 (3) One practicing hospitalist with experience in discharge planning; 6668 (4) Two executives of health systems, one of whom shall be from a 6669 community hospital; 6670 (5) One representative of a commercial health insurer licensed in the 6671 state; 6672 (6) One representative of a care management organization under a 6673 Medicaid care management contract with the state; 6674 (7) One representative of a skilled nursing facility; 6675 (8) One representative of a home health or community-based care 6676 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 261 of 693 organization; 6677 (9) One behavioral health provider involved in discharge transitions; 6678 (10) One primary care physician affiliated with a clinically integrated 6679 network; 6680 (11) One representative of a patient advocacy organization with 6681 expertise in transitions of care; 6682 (12) One representative of an association of hospitals in the state; 6683 (13) One academic or public health policy expert from an institution 6684 of higher education in the state; 6685 (14) The Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's 6686 designee; 6687 (15) The Commissioner of Health Strategy, or the commissioner's 6688 designee; 6689 (16) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's 6690 designee; 6691 (17) The Insurance Commissioner, or the commissioner's designee; 6692 and 6693 (18) One member of the joint standing committee of the General 6694 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and 6695 one member of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly 6696 having cognizance of matters relating to human services, who shall be 6697 nonvoting members of the working group. 6698 (c) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the 6699 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public 6700 health shall serve as the administrative staff of the working group. 6701 (d) Not later than January 15, 2026, the working group shall submit a 6702 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 262 of 693 report of its findings and recommendations, in accordance with the 6703 provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing 6704 committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters 6705 relating to public health and human services. 6706 Sec. 205. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section, 6707 "reserve fund" means a fund established for the purpose of holding 6708 funds not needed for immediate use or disbursement and does not 6709 include any special capital reserve fund or other debt service reserve 6710 fund. 6711 (b) There is established a working group to oversee and monitor 6712 expenditures from each reserve fund of the Connecticut State Colleges 6713 and Universities, or the institutions of higher education within the 6714 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, for the fiscal years ending 6715 2026 to 2030, inclusive. The working group's responsibilities shall 6716 include, but need not be limited to, (1) monitoring expenditures from 6717 such reserve fund to ensure not less than thirteen per cent of such 6718 reserve funds are spent each year on educational and student services; 6719 (2) make recommendations to the Connecticut State Colleges and 6720 Universities on reserve fund expenditures; and (3) inform the General 6721 Assembly of the need for increased General Fund contributions for 6722 ongoing expenses. The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities shall 6723 regularly report to the working group, in the form and manner 6724 prescribed by the working group, the information necessary for the 6725 working group to fulfill its responsibilities. 6726 (c) The working group shall consist of the following members: 6727 (1) The chairpersons, vice chairpersons and ranking members of the 6728 joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of 6729 matters relating to higher education and employment advancement, or 6730 their designees shall serve as nonvoting, ex-officio members of the 6731 working group, provided (A) if such member is selected to serve as a 6732 chairperson of the working group pursuant to subsection (e) of this 6733 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 263 of 693 section, such member shall be a voting member of the working group, 6734 and (B) any designee of a chairperson or ranking member, who is not a 6735 member of the General Assembly, shall be a voting member of the 6736 working group; 6737 (2) Two appointed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and 6738 Management, who shall be representatives from the Office of Policy and 6739 Management; 6740 (3) Two appointed by the chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges 6741 and Universities, who shall be representatives from the Connecticut 6742 State Colleges and Universities; 6743 (4) The chairperson of the Board of Regents, or the chairperson's 6744 designee; 6745 (5) Seven appointed by the faculty advisory committee, established 6746 pursuant to section 10a-3a of the general statutes, who shall be 6747 representatives from labor organizations representing employees who 6748 work at the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. 6749 (6) One student representative appointed jointly by the chairpersons 6750 of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 6751 cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment 6752 advancement, who shall be enrolled at the Connecticut State 6753 Community College or the Charter Oak State College; and 6754 (7) One student representative appointed jointly by the chairpersons 6755 of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 6756 cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment 6757 advancement, who shall be enrolled at a Connecticut state university. 6758 (d) All initial appointments to the working group shall be made not 6759 later than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy 6760 shall be filled by the appointing authority. 6761 (e) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General 6762 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 264 of 693 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education 6763 and employment advancement shall select two members of the General 6764 Assembly, appointed to the working group pursuant to subdivision (1) 6765 of subsection (c) of this section, to act as the chairpersons of the working 6766 group. Such chairpersons of the working group shall schedule the first 6767 meeting of the working group, which shall be held not later than sixty 6768 days after the effective date of this section. The working group shall 6769 meet not less than once every two months and at such other times as 6770 may be necessary upon the call of the chairpersons of the working 6771 group. 6772 (f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the 6773 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher 6774 education and employment advancement shall serve as administrative 6775 staff of the working group. 6776 (g) Not later than February 1, 2027, and each year thereafter until and 6777 including February 1, 2031, the working group shall submit a report on 6778 its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the 6779 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher 6780 education and employment advancement, in accordance with the 6781 provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes. The working group 6782 shall terminate after it submits its final report. 6783 Sec. 206. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) As used in this section and 6784 sections 207 to 209, inclusive, of this act: 6785 (1) "Lactation consultant" means a person who holds and maintains 6786 certification in good standing as an international board certified 6787 lactation consultant with the International Board of Lactation 6788 Consultant Examiners and is licensed pursuant to section 208 of this act; 6789 and 6790 (2) "Lactation consulting" means clinical application of scientific 6791 principles and a multidisciplinary body of evidence for evaluation, 6792 problem identification, treatment, education and consultation to 6793 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 265 of 693 families regarding the course of lactation and feeding, including, but not 6794 limited to, the following services: 6795 (A) Taking maternal, child and feeding histories; 6796 (B) Performing clinical assessments related to breastfeeding and 6797 human lactation through the systematic collection of subjective and 6798 objective information; 6799 (C) Analyzing relevant information and data; 6800 (D) Developing an unbiased lactation management and child feeding 6801 plan with demonstration and instruction to parents; 6802 (E) Providing lactation and feeding education, including, but not 6803 limited to, recommendations for and training in the use of assistive 6804 devices for lactation and breastfeeding; 6805 (F) Communicating to a primary health care practitioner and 6806 referring to other health care practitioners, as necessary; 6807 (G) Conducting appropriate follow-up appointments and evaluating 6808 outcomes; and 6809 (H) Documenting patient encounters in a patient record. 6810 Sec. 207. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) No person may practice 6811 lactation consulting, for compensation, unless licensed pursuant to 6812 section 208 of this act. 6813 (b) No person shall (1) hold himself or herself out to the public as 6814 being licensed as a lactation consultant, (2) use, in connection with such 6815 person's name or business, the title "licensed lactation consultant" or 6816 "lactation consultant" or the designation "IBCLC" or "L.C.", or (3) make 6817 use of any title, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia that may 6818 reasonably be confused with licensure as a lactation consultant, unless 6819 such person is licensed pursuant to section 208 of this act. 6820 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 266 of 693 (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who (1) 6821 is licensed or certified by the Department of Public Health pursuant to 6822 title 20 of the general statutes or by the Department of Consumer 6823 Protection pursuant to chapter 400j of the general statutes and providing 6824 lactation consulting while acting within the scope of practice of the 6825 person's license or certification, provided the person does not refer to 6826 himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (2) is a student 6827 enrolled in a lactation consulting educational program or an accredited 6828 education program the completion of which is required for licensure or 6829 certification by the Department of Public Health pursuant to title 20 of 6830 the general statutes or by the Department of Consumer Protection 6831 pursuant to chapter 400j of the general statutes, lactation consulting is a 6832 part of the student's course of study and the student is performing such 6833 consulting under appropriate program supervision, provided the 6834 student does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation 6835 consultant", (3) provides lactation education and support through the 6836 federal Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and 6837 Children, administered pursuant to section 19a-59c of the general 6838 statutes, or any other federally funded nutrition assistance program 6839 administered in the state, to participants in such program while acting 6840 within the person's job description and training, provided the person 6841 does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (4) 6842 is certified as a community health worker, as defined in section 20-195ttt 6843 of the general statutes, and providing lactation support to a HUSKY 6844 Health program member, provided the community health worker does 6845 not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (5) 6846 provides education, social support, peer support, peer counseling or 6847 nonclinical services relating to lactation and feeding, provided the 6848 person does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation 6849 consultant", (6) is a doula or midwife and providing services within the 6850 doula's or midwife's scope of practice and for which the doula or 6851 midwife is trained, provided the doula or midwife does not refer to 6852 himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", or (7) is a public 6853 health professional and engaging in outreach, engagement, education, 6854 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 267 of 693 coaching, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, care 6855 coordination or research related to social determinants of health or a 6856 basic screening or assessment of any risk associated with social 6857 determinants of health, provided the professional does not refer to 6858 himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant". 6859 Sec. 208. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) The Commissioner of Public 6860 Health shall grant a license as a lactation consultant to any applicant 6861 who furnishes evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such 6862 applicant has earned a certification as an international board certified 6863 lactation consultant from the International Board of Lactation 6864 Consultant Examiners, or any successor of said board. The 6865 commissioner shall develop and provide application forms. The 6866 application fee shall be two hundred dollars. 6867 (b) Any license issued under this section shall expire in accordance 6868 with the provisions of section 19a-88 of the general statutes and may be 6869 renewed every two years, for a fee of one hundred dollars. Each licensed 6870 lactation consultant applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence 6871 satisfactory to the commissioner of having a current certification as an 6872 international board certified lactation consultant with the International 6873 Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, or any successor of said 6874 board, and having obtained continuing education units for such 6875 certification as required by said board. 6876 Sec. 209. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) The Commissioner of Public 6877 Health may deny an application of an individual or take any 6878 disciplinary action set forth in section 19a-17 of the general statutes 6879 against a lactation consultant for any of the following reasons: (1) 6880 Failure to conform to the accepted standards of the profession; (2) 6881 conviction of a felony, provided any action taken is based upon (A) the 6882 nature of the conviction and its relationship to the license holder's ability 6883 to safely or competently practice as a lactation consultant, (B) 6884 information pertaining to the degree of rehabilitation of the license 6885 holder, and (C) the time elapsed since the conviction or release; (3) fraud 6886 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 268 of 693 or deceit in obtaining or seeking reinstatement of a license to practice 6887 lactation consulting; (4) fraud or deceit in the practice of lactation 6888 consulting; (5) negligent, incompetent or wrongful conduct in 6889 professional activities; (6) physical, mental or emotional illness or 6890 disorder resulting in an inability to conform to the accepted standards 6891 of the profession; (7) alcohol or substance abuse; (8) wilful falsification 6892 of entries in any hospital, patient or other record pertaining to lactation 6893 consulting; or (9) failure to maintain certification in good standing as an 6894 international board certified lactation consultant with the International 6895 Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. The commissioner may order 6896 a license holder to submit to a reasonable physical or mental 6897 examination if his or her physical or mental capacity to practice safely is 6898 the subject of an investigation. The commissioner may petition the 6899 superior court for the judicial district of Hartford to enforce such order 6900 or any action taken pursuant to section 19a-17 of the general statutes. 6901 The commissioner shall give notice and an opportunity to be heard on 6902 any contemplated action under section 19a-17 of the general statutes. 6903 Sec. 210. Subsection (c) of section 19a-14 of the general statutes is 6904 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 6905 2026): 6906 (c) No board shall exist for the following professions that are licensed 6907 or otherwise regulated by the Department of Public Health: 6908 (1) Speech and language pathologist and audiologist; 6909 (2) Hearing instrument specialist; 6910 (3) Nursing home administrator; 6911 (4) Environmental health specialist; 6912 (5) Subsurface sewage system installer or cleaner; 6913 (6) Marital and family therapist and marriage and family therapist 6914 associate; 6915 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 269 of 693 (7) Nurse-midwife; 6916 (8) Licensed clinical social worker; 6917 (9) Respiratory care practitioner; 6918 (10) Asbestos contractor, asbestos consultant and asbestos training 6919 provider; 6920 (11) Massage therapist; 6921 (12) Registered nurse's aide; 6922 (13) Radiographer; 6923 (14) Dental hygienist; 6924 (15) Dietitian-Nutritionist; 6925 (16) Asbestos abatement worker; 6926 (17) Asbestos abatement site supervisor; 6927 (18) Licensed or certified alcohol and drug counselor; 6928 (19) Professional counselor and professional counselor associate; 6929 (20) Acupuncturist; 6930 (21) Occupational therapist and occupational therapist assistant; 6931 (22) Lead abatement contractor, lead consultant contractor, lead 6932 consultant, lead abatement supervisor, lead abatement worker, lead 6933 training provider, lead inspector, lead inspector risk assessor and lead 6934 planner-project designer; 6935 (23) Emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical 6936 technician, emergency medical responder and emergency medical 6937 services instructor; 6938 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 270 of 693 (24) Paramedic; 6939 (25) Athletic trainer; 6940 (26) Perfusionist; 6941 (27) Master social worker subject to the provisions of section 20-195v; 6942 (28) Radiologist assistant, subject to the provisions of section 20-74tt; 6943 (29) Homeopathic physician; 6944 (30) Certified water treatment plant operator, certified distribution 6945 system operator, certified small water system operator, certified 6946 backflow prevention device tester and certified cross connection survey 6947 inspector, including certified limited operators, certified conditional 6948 operators and certified operators in training; 6949 (31) Tattoo technician; 6950 (32) Genetic counselor; 6951 (33) Behavior analyst; 6952 (34) Art therapist; 6953 (35) Esthetician; 6954 (36) Eyelash technician; [and] 6955 (37) Nail technician; and 6956 (38) Lactation consultant. 6957 The department shall assume all powers and duties normally vested 6958 with a board in administering regulatory jurisdiction over such 6959 professions. The uniform provisions of sections 206 to 209, inclusive, of 6960 this act, this chapter and chapters 368v, 369 to 381a, inclusive, 383 to 388, 6961 inclusive, 393a, 395, 398, 399, 400a and 400c, including, but not limited 6962 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 271 of 693 to, standards for entry and renewal; grounds for professional discipline; 6963 receiving and processing complaints; and disciplinary sanctions, shall 6964 apply, except as otherwise provided by law, to the professions listed in 6965 this subsection. 6966 Sec. 211. Subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of section 19a-88 of the 6967 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 6968 thereof (Effective July 1, 2026): 6969 (2) Each person holding a license or certificate issued under section 6970 19a-514, sections 206 to 209, inclusive, of this act and chapters 384a, 384c, 6971 384d, 386, 387, 388 and 398 shall apply for renewal of such license or 6972 certificate once every two years, during the month of such person's 6973 birth, giving such person's name in full, such person's residence and 6974 business address and such other information as the department 6975 requests. 6976 Sec. 212. Section 46a-68b of the general statutes is repealed and the 6977 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 6978 As used in this section and sections [4a-60, 4a-60a,] 46a-56 and 46a- 6979 68c to 46a-68k, inclusive, (1) "Public works contract" means any 6980 agreement [between any individual, firm or corporation and the state or 6981 any political subdivision of the state other than a municipality] (A) for 6982 construction, rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair 6983 of [a public building, highway or other] changes or improvements in 6984 real property, [or which] and (B) that is financed in whole or in part by 6985 the state, including, but not limited to, matching expenditures, grants, 6986 loans, insurance or guarantees, [and "municipal public works contract", 6987 "quasi-public agency project" and] where such funding equals one 6988 hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, (2) "awarding agency" [have] 6989 has the same [meanings] meaning as provided in section 4a-60g, and (3) 6990 "construction manager" means a construction professional with primary 6991 responsibility for the day-to-day management of all construction or 6992 engineering activities for a project in accordance with a public works 6993 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 272 of 693 contract or other agreement with an awarding agency. 6994 Sec. 213. Section 4a-60 of the general statutes is repealed and the 6995 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 6996 (a) As used in this section: 6997 (1) "Contract" includes any extension or modification of the contract, 6998 but does not include a contract where each contractor is (A) a political 6999 subdivision of the state, including, but not limited to, a municipality, 7000 unless the contract is a public works contract, (B) any other state, as 7001 defined in section 1-267, (C) the federal government, (D) a foreign 7002 government, or (E) an agency of a subdivision, state or government 7003 described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C) or (D) of this subdivision; 7004 (2) "Contractor" includes any successors or assigns of the contractor; 7005 (3) "Public works contract" has the same meaning as provided in 7006 section 46a-68b; 7007 (4) "Marital status" means being single, married as recognized by the 7008 state of Connecticut, widowed, separated or divorced; 7009 (5) "Mental disability" means one or more mental disorders, as 7010 defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric 7011 Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", 7012 or a record of or regarding a person as having one or more such 7013 disorders; 7014 (6) "Minority business enterprise" has the same meaning as provided 7015 in section 4a-60g; 7016 (7) "Good faith" means that degree of diligence which a reasonable 7017 person would exercise in the performance of legal duties and 7018 obligations; 7019 (8) "Good faith efforts" includes, but is not limited to, those 7020 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 273 of 693 reasonable initial efforts necessary to comply with statutory or 7021 regulatory requirements and additional or substituted efforts when it is 7022 determined that such initial efforts will not be sufficient to comply with 7023 such requirements; and 7024 (9) "Awarding agency" has the same meaning as provided in section 7025 4a-60g. 7026 [(a)] (b) Except as provided in section 10a-151i, every contract to 7027 which an awarding agency is a party [, every quasi-public agency 7028 project contract and every municipal public works contract] shall 7029 contain the following provisions: 7030 (1) The contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the 7031 contract such contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination 7032 against any person or group of persons on the grounds of race, color, 7033 religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual 7034 orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as 7035 a victim of domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or 7036 physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is 7037 shown by such contractor that such disability prevents performance of 7038 the work involved, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United 7039 States or of the state of Connecticut; and the contractor further agrees to 7040 take affirmative action to ensure that applicants with job-related 7041 qualifications are employed and that employees are treated when 7042 employed without regard to their race, color, religious creed, age, 7043 marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or 7044 expression, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, status as a victim of 7045 domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical 7046 disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by 7047 such contractor that such disability prevents performance of the work 7048 involved; 7049 (2) The contractor agrees, in all solicitations or advertisements for 7050 employees placed by or on behalf of the contractor, to state that it is an 7051 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 274 of 693 "affirmative action-equal opportunity employer" in accordance with 7052 regulations adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and 7053 Opportunities; 7054 (3) The contractor agrees to provide each labor union or 7055 representative of workers with which such contractor has a collective 7056 bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding and each 7057 vendor with which such contractor has a contract or understanding, a 7058 notice to be provided by the Commission on Human Rights and 7059 Opportunities advising the labor union or workers' representative of the 7060 contractor's commitments under this section, and to post copies of the 7061 notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 7062 employment; 7063 (4) The contractor agrees to comply with each provision of this 7064 section and sections 46a-68e and 46a-68f and with each regulation or 7065 relevant order issued by said commission pursuant to sections 46a-56, 7066 46a-68e, 46a-68f and 46a-86; and 7067 (5) The contractor agrees to provide the Commission on Human 7068 Rights and Opportunities with such information requested by the 7069 commission, and permit access to pertinent books, records and 7070 accounts, concerning the employment practices and procedures of the 7071 contractor as relate to the provisions of this section and section 46a-56. 7072 [(b)] (c) If the contract is a public works contract, [municipal public 7073 works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project,] the 7074 contractor agrees and warrants that he or she will make good faith 7075 efforts to employ minority business enterprises as subcontractors and 7076 suppliers of materials on such public works [or quasi-public agency] 7077 project. 7078 [(c)] (d) Except as provided in section 10a-151i: 7079 (1) Any contractor who has one or more contracts with an awarding 7080 agency or who is a party to a [municipal public works contract or a 7081 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 275 of 693 contract for a quasi-public agency project] public works contract shall 7082 include a nondiscrimination affirmation provision certifying that the 7083 contractor understands the obligations of this section and will maintain 7084 a policy for the duration of the contract to assure that the contract will 7085 be performed in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements 7086 of subsection [(a)] (b) of this section. The authorized signatory of the 7087 contract shall demonstrate his or her understanding of this obligation 7088 by (A) initialing the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the 7089 body of the contract, (B) providing an affirmative response in the 7090 required online bid or response to a proposal question which asks if the 7091 contractor understands its obligations, or (C) signing the contract. 7092 (2) No awarding agency [, or in the case of a municipal public works 7093 contract, no municipality, or in the case of a quasi-public agency project 7094 contract, no entity,] shall award a contract to a contractor that has not 7095 included the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the contract 7096 and demonstrated its understanding of such provision as required 7097 under subdivision (1) of this subsection. 7098 [(d) For the purposes of this section, "contract" includes any extension 7099 or modification of the contract, "contractor" includes any successors or 7100 assigns of the contractor, "marital status" means being single, married 7101 as recognized by the state of Connecticut, widowed, separated or 7102 divorced, and "mental disability" means one or more mental disorders, 7103 as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric 7104 Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", 7105 or a record of or regarding a person as having one or more such 7106 disorders. For the purposes of this section, "contract" does not include a 7107 contract where each contractor is (1) a political subdivision of the state, 7108 including, but not limited to, a municipality, unless the contract is a 7109 municipal public works contract or quasi-public agency project contract, 7110 (2) any other state, as defined in section 1-267, (3) the federal 7111 government, (4) a foreign government, or (5) an agency of a subdivision, 7112 state or government described in subdivision (1), (2), (3) or (4) of this 7113 subsection. 7114 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 276 of 693 (e) For the purposes of this section, "minority business enterprise" 7115 means any small contractor or supplier of materials fifty-one per cent or 7116 more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which is owned by a person 7117 or persons: (1) Who are active in the daily affairs of the enterprise, (2) 7118 who have the power to direct the management and policies of the 7119 enterprise, and (3) who are members of a minority, as such term is 7120 defined in subsection (a) of section 32-9n; and "good faith" means that 7121 degree of diligence which a reasonable person would exercise in the 7122 performance of legal duties and obligations. "Good faith efforts" shall 7123 include, but not be limited to, those reasonable initial efforts necessary 7124 to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements and additional or 7125 substituted efforts when it is determined that such initial efforts will not 7126 be sufficient to comply with such requirements.] 7127 [(f)] (e) Determination of the contractor's good faith efforts shall 7128 include, but shall not be limited to, the following factors: The 7129 contractor's employment and subcontracting policies, patterns and 7130 practices; the timing and value of bids; affirmative advertising, 7131 recruitment and training; technical assistance activities and such other 7132 reasonable activities or efforts as the Commission on Human Rights and 7133 Opportunities may prescribe that are designed to ensure the 7134 participation of minority business enterprises in public works projects. 7135 [(g)] (f) The contractor shall develop and maintain adequate 7136 documentation, in a manner prescribed by the Commission on Human 7137 Rights and Opportunities, of its good faith efforts. 7138 [(h)] (g) The contractor shall include the provisions of subsections 7139 [(a)] (b) and [(b)] (c) of this section in every subcontract or purchase 7140 order entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a contract with the 7141 state, and in every subcontract entered into in order to fulfill any 7142 obligation of a [municipal] public works contract, [or contract for a 7143 quasi-public agency project,] and such provisions shall be binding on a 7144 subcontractor, vendor or manufacturer, unless exempted by regulations 7145 or orders of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The 7146 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 277 of 693 contractor shall take such action with respect to any such subcontract or 7147 purchase order as the commission may direct as a means of enforcing 7148 such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance in accordance 7149 with section 46a-56; provided, if such contractor becomes involved in, 7150 or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a 7151 result of such direction by the commission regarding a state contract, 7152 the contractor may request the state of Connecticut to enter into any 7153 such litigation or negotiation prior thereto to protect the interests of the 7154 state and the state may so enter. 7155 (h) The commission may adopt regulations, in accordance with the 7156 provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. 7157 Sec. 214. Section 4a-60g of the general statutes is repealed and the 7158 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7159 (a) As used in this section and sections 4a-60h to 4a-60j, inclusive, the 7160 following terms have the following meanings: 7161 (1) "Small contractor" means (A) any contractor, subcontractor, 7162 manufacturer, service company or corporation that (i) maintains its 7163 principal place of business in the state, and (ii) is registered as a small 7164 business in the federal database maintained by the United States 7165 General Services Administration, as required to do business with the 7166 federal government, or (B) any nonprofit corporation that (i) maintains 7167 its principal place of business in the state, (ii) had gross revenues not 7168 exceeding twenty million dollars in the most recently completed fiscal 7169 year prior to such application, and (iii) is independent. 7170 (2) "Independent" means the viability of the enterprise of the small 7171 contractor does not depend upon another person, as determined by an 7172 analysis of the small contractor's relationship with any other person in 7173 regards to the provision of personnel, facilities, equipment, other 7174 resources and financial support, including bonding. 7175 (3) "State agency" means each state board, commission, department, 7176 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 278 of 693 office, institution, council or other agency with the power to contract for 7177 goods or services itself or through its head. 7178 (4) "Minority business enterprise" means any small contractor (A) 7179 fifty-one per cent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which 7180 are owned by a person or persons who (i) exercise operational authority 7181 over the daily affairs of the enterprise, (ii) have the power to direct the 7182 management and policies and receive the beneficial interest of the 7183 enterprise, (iii) possess managerial and technical competence and 7184 experience directly related to the principal business activities of the 7185 enterprise, and (iv) are members of a minority, as [such term is] defined 7186 in subsection (a) of section 32-9n, or are individuals with a disability, or 7187 (B) which is a nonprofit corporation in which fifty-one per cent or more 7188 of the persons who [(i)] exercise operational authority over the 7189 enterprise, [(ii)] (i) possess managerial and technical competence and 7190 experience directly related to the principal business activities of the 7191 enterprise, [(iii)] (ii) have the power to direct the management and 7192 policies of the enterprise, and [(iv)] (iii) are members of a minority, as 7193 defined in this subsection, or are individuals with a disability. 7194 (5) "Affiliated" means the relationship in which a person directly, or 7195 indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by 7196 or is under common control with, another person. 7197 (6) "Control" means the power to direct or cause the direction of the 7198 management and policies of any person, whether through the 7199 ownership of voting securities, by contract or through any other direct 7200 or indirect means. Control [shall be] is presumed to exist if any person, 7201 directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or 7202 holds proxies representing, twenty per cent or more of any voting 7203 securities of another person. 7204 (7) "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability 7205 company, partnership, association, joint stock company, business trust, 7206 unincorporated organization or other entity. 7207 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 279 of 693 (8) "Individual with a disability" means an individual (A) having a 7208 physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of 7209 the major life activities of the individual, which mental impairment may 7210 include, but is not limited to, having one or more mental disorders, as 7211 defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric 7212 Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", 7213 or (B) having a record of such an impairment. 7214 (9) "Nonprofit corporation" means a nonstock corporation 7215 incorporated pursuant to chapter 602 or any predecessor statutes 7216 thereto, which is exempt from taxation under any provision of section 7217 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent 7218 corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended 7219 from time to time. 7220 (10) "Municipality" means any town, city, borough, consolidated 7221 town and city or consolidated town and borough. 7222 (11) "Quasi-public agency" has the same meaning as provided in 7223 section 1-120. 7224 (12) "Awarding agency" means a state agency or political subdivision 7225 of the state, [other than] including a municipality or quasi-public 7226 agency. 7227 (13) "Public works contract" has the same meaning as provided in 7228 section 46a-68b. 7229 [(14) "Municipal public works contract" means that portion of an 7230 agreement entered into on or after October 1, 2015, between any 7231 individual, firm or corporation and a municipality for the construction, 7232 rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair of a public 7233 building, highway or other changes or improvements in real property, 7234 which is financed in whole or in part by the state, including, but not 7235 limited to, matching expenditures, grants, loans, insurance or 7236 guarantees but excluding any project of an alliance district, as defined 7237 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 280 of 693 in section 10-262u, financed by state funding in an amount equal to fifty 7238 thousand dollars or less. 7239 (15) "Quasi-public agency project" means the construction, 7240 rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair of a building 7241 or other changes or improvements in real property pursuant to a 7242 contract entered into on or after October 1, 2015, which is financed in 7243 whole or in part by a quasi-public agency using state funds, including, 7244 but not limited to, matching expenditures, grants, loans, insurance or 7245 guarantees.] 7246 (b) (1) (A) It is found and determined, based on the findings of a state- 7247 wide disparity study, that there is a serious need to help small 7248 contractors, minority business enterprises, nonprofit organizations and 7249 individuals with disabilities to be considered for and awarded state 7250 contracts for the purchase of goods and services [,] and public works 7251 contracts. [, municipal public works contracts and contracts for quasi- 7252 public agency projects.] Accordingly, the necessity of awarding such 7253 contracts in compliance with the provisions of this section, sections 4a- 7254 60h to 4a-60j, inclusive, and sections 32-9i to 32-9p, inclusive, for 7255 advancement of the public benefit and good, is declared as a matter of 7256 legislative determination and with regard to the remedial measures set 7257 forth in this chapter that are necessary to address the effects of 7258 discrimination on the participation of minority business enterprises in 7259 state-funded contracting, such measures shall continue until such time 7260 as a subsequent state-validated disparity study finds that such measures 7261 are no longer necessary to correct the effects of discrimination that were 7262 found in the previous disparity study. 7263 (B) Not later than January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the 7264 Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, in collaboration with 7265 the Office of Policy and Management, the Department of Administrative 7266 Services and office of the Attorney General, shall develop and issue a 7267 request for proposals to conduct a disparity study to make 7268 determinations, including, but not limited to: (i) Whether a statistically 7269 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 281 of 693 significant level of disparity exists in state-funded contracts between the 7270 percentage of minority business enterprises certified pursuant to 7271 subsection (j) of this section that are available in each industry category 7272 and the percentage of total dollars spent that goes to such minority 7273 business enterprises as contractors or subcontractors on such contracts, 7274 (ii) if the study finds strong evidence that such a statistically significant 7275 disparity does exist, whether factors other than race and gender can be 7276 ruled out as the cause of that disparity, (iii) whether such disparity can 7277 be adequately remedied with race and gender neutral measures, (iv) if 7278 it is determined that such disparity cannot be remedied solely using race 7279 and gender neutral measures, what narrowly tailored remedies might 7280 address any statistically significant disparities identified, and (v) 7281 whether there are any changes needed to provisions of the general 7282 statutes, regulations of Connecticut state agencies, policies or 7283 procedures to implement narrowly tailored remedies that would 7284 address any statistically significant disparities identified or bring the 7285 state into conformance with federal law. 7286 (2) [Notwithstanding any provisions of the general statutes, and 7287 except as set forth in this section, the head of each awarding agency shall 7288 set aside in each fiscal year, for award to small contractors, on the basis 7289 of competitive bidding procedures, contracts or portions of contracts for 7290 the construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation of public buildings, the 7291 construction and maintenance of highways and the purchase of goods 7292 and services. The total value of such contracts or portions thereof to be 7293 set aside by each such agency shall be at least twenty-five per cent of the 7294 total value of all contracts let by the head of such agency in each fiscal 7295 year, provided a contract for any goods or services which have been 7296 determined by the Commissioner of Administrative Services to be not 7297 customarily available from or supplied by small contractors shall not be 7298 included. Contracts or portions thereof having a value of not less than 7299 twenty-five per cent of the total value of all contracts or portions thereof 7300 to be set aside shall be reserved for awards to minority business 7301 enterprises.] (A) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Chief Data Officer 7302 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 282 of 693 or a designee of the Chief Data Officer, in consultation with the 7303 Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Commission on 7304 Human Rights and Opportunities, shall create a database of available 7305 contractors in each industry category. Such database shall indicate (i) 7306 which contractors are certified as small contractors and minority 7307 business enterprises pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, (ii) the 7308 industry and geographic location of each contractor, and (iii) any other 7309 information concerning the availability of such contractors. The Chief 7310 Data Officer shall post such database on the Internet web site of the 7311 Office of Policy and Management and shall update such database, in 7312 consultation with the commissioner and commission, not less than 7313 annually thereafter. 7314 (B) Prior to July 1, 2026, awarding agencies shall make good faith 7315 efforts toward the annual goals established during the prior fiscal year, 7316 for purposes of the spending allocation program. 7317 (C) On and after July 1, 2026, (i) state agencies shall establish annual 7318 spending allocation goals for goods and services by industry category 7319 pursuant to subsection (k) of this section, and (ii) awarding agencies 7320 shall establish contract-specific spending allocation goals for public 7321 works contracts that reflect and are consistent with the percentage of 7322 available businesses in the relevant industry and geographic market 7323 area that are identified as small contractors and minority business 7324 enterprises in the database established pursuant to subparagraph (A) of 7325 this subdivision. Awarding agencies setting spending allocation goals 7326 and contractors awarded public works contracts shall make good faith 7327 efforts, as defined in section 4a-60, and consistent with state and federal 7328 law, to achieve the spending allocation goals established pursuant to 7329 this subparagraph. 7330 (3) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, and except 7331 as provided in this section, on and after [October 1, 2015] July 1, 2026, 7332 each [municipality when] awarding agency awarding a [municipal] 7333 public works contract shall state in its notice of solicitation for 7334 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 283 of 693 competitive bids or request for proposals or qualifications for such 7335 contract the agency spending allocation goals relevant to the contract 7336 and that the general or trade contractor shall be required to comply with 7337 the provisions of this section and the requirements concerning 7338 nondiscrimination and affirmative action under [sections] section 4a-60. 7339 [and 4a-60a. Any such contractor awarded a municipal public works 7340 contract shall, on the basis of competitive bidding procedures, (A) set 7341 aside at least twenty-five per cent of the total value of the state's financial 7342 assistance for such contract for award to subcontractors who are small 7343 contractors, and (B) of that portion to be set aside in accordance with 7344 subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, reserve a portion equivalent to 7345 twenty-five per cent of the total value of the contract or portion thereof 7346 to be set aside for awards to subcontractors who are minority business 7347 enterprises. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any 7348 municipality that has established a set-aside program pursuant to 7349 section 7-148u where the percentage of contracts set aside for minority 7350 business enterprises is equivalent to or exceeds the percentage set forth 7351 in this subsection. 7352 (4) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, and except 7353 as provided in this section, on and after October 1, 2015, any individual, 7354 firm or corporation that enters into a contract for a quasi-public agency 7355 project shall, prior to awarding such contract, notify the contractor to be 7356 awarded such project of the requirements of this section and the 7357 requirements concerning nondiscrimination and affirmative action 7358 under sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a. Any such contractor awarded a 7359 contract for a quasi-public agency project shall, on the basis of 7360 competitive bidding procedures, (A) set aside at least twenty-five per 7361 cent of the total value of the state's financial assistance for such contract 7362 for award to subcontractors who are small contractors, and (B) of that 7363 portion to be set aside in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this 7364 subdivision, reserve a portion equivalent to twenty-five per cent of the 7365 total value of the contract or portions thereof to be set aside for awards 7366 to subcontractors who are minority business enterprises. 7367 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 284 of 693 (5) Eligibility of nonprofit corporations under the provisions of this 7368 section shall be limited to predevelopment contracts awarded by the 7369 Commissioner of Housing for housing projects. 7370 (6) In calculating the percentage of contracts to be set aside under 7371 subdivisions (2) to (4), inclusive, of this subsection, the awarding agency 7372 or contractor] Awarding agencies and contractors shall exclude any 7373 contract from the requirements of this subdivision and subdivision (2) 7374 of this subsection that may not be [set aside] subject to spending 7375 allocation goals due to a conflict with a federal law or regulation. 7376 [(c) The head of any awarding agency may, in lieu of setting aside 7377 any contract or portions thereof, require any general or trade contractor 7378 or any other entity authorized by such agency to award contracts, to set 7379 aside a portion of any contract for subcontractors who are eligible for 7380 set-aside contracts under this section. Nothing in this subsection shall 7381 be construed to diminish the total value of contracts which are required 7382 to be set aside by any awarding agency pursuant to this section.] 7383 [(d)] (c) The head of each awarding agency shall notify the 7384 [Commissioner of Administrative Services of all contracts to be set aside 7385 pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (b) or subsection (c) of this 7386 section] Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities of its 7387 spending allocation goals for public works contracts established 7388 pursuant to subparagraph (C) of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this 7389 section at the time that bid documents for such contracts are made 7390 available to potential contractors. 7391 [(e)] (d) Prior to the award of a public works contract, a contractor 7392 shall submit to the awarding agency a signed statement from each 7393 subcontractor listed on the bid form stating that such contractor has 7394 communicated directly with each subcontractor about the work to be 7395 performed on such contract. The awarding [authority shall] agency may 7396 require that a contractor or subcontractor awarded a public works 7397 contract or a portion of such a contract [under this section] perform not 7398 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 285 of 693 less than thirty per cent of the work with the workforces of such 7399 contractor or subcontractor, [and shall require that not less than fifty per 7400 cent of the work be performed by contractors or subcontractors eligible 7401 for awards under this section] except such requirements shall not apply 7402 to construction managers, as described in section 46a-68d. A contractor 7403 awarded a contract or a portion of a contract under this section shall not 7404 subcontract with any person with whom the contractor is affiliated. No 7405 person who is affiliated with another person shall be [eligible for 7406 awards] counted towards an agency's spending allocation goal under 7407 this section if both affiliated persons considered together would not 7408 qualify as a small contractor or a minority business enterprise under 7409 subsection (a) of this section. [The awarding authority shall require that 7410 a contractor awarded a contract pursuant to this section submit, in 7411 writing, an explanation of any subcontract to such contract that is 7412 entered into with any person that is not eligible for the award of a 7413 contract pursuant to this section, prior to the performance of any work 7414 pursuant to such subcontract.] 7415 [(f)] (e) The awarding [authority] agency may require that a 7416 contractor or subcontractor awarded a public works contract or a 7417 portion of such a contract under this section furnish the following 7418 documentation: (1) A copy of the certificate of incorporation, certificate 7419 of limited partnership, partnership agreement or other organizational 7420 documents of the contractor or subcontractor; (2) a copy of federal 7421 income tax returns filed by the contractor or subcontractor for the 7422 previous year; (3) evidence of payment of fair market value for the 7423 purchase or lease by the contractor or subcontractor of property or 7424 equipment from another contractor who is not eligible [for set-aside 7425 contracts] to be counted towards an agency's spending allocation goals 7426 under this section; (4) evidence that the principal place of business of 7427 the contractor or subcontractor is located in the state; and (5) for any 7428 contractor or subcontractor certified under subsection [(k)] (j) of this 7429 section on or after October 1, 2021, evidence of registration as a small 7430 business in the federal database maintained by the United States 7431 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 286 of 693 General Services Administration, as required to do business with the 7432 federal government. 7433 [(g)] (f) The [awarding authority or the Commissioner of 7434 Administrative Services or the] Commission on Human Rights and 7435 Opportunities may conduct an audit of the financial, corporate and 7436 business records and conduct an investigation of any [small contractor 7437 or minority business enterprise which applies for or is awarded a set- 7438 aside] contractor that is awarded a public works contract for the purpose 7439 of determining [eligibility for awards or] compliance with the 7440 requirements established under this section and section 4a-60. The 7441 commission shall publish the results of any such audit on the 7442 commission's Internet web site. 7443 [(h)] (g) The provisions of this section shall not apply to [(1)] any 7444 awarding agency for which the total value of all contracts [or portions 7445 of contracts of the types enumerated in subdivision (2) of subsection (b) 7446 of this section] is anticipated to be equal to ten thousand dollars or less, 7447 or [(2)] any [municipal] public works contract [or contract for] of a 7448 municipality or a quasi-public agency [project] for which the total value 7449 of the contract is anticipated to be equal to fifty thousand dollars or less. 7450 [(i)] (h) In lieu of a performance, bid, labor and materials or other 7451 required bond, a [contractor or subcontractor awarded a] small 7452 contractor or minority business enterprise awarded a public works 7453 contract under this section may provide to the awarding [authority] 7454 agency, and the awarding [authority] agency shall accept, a letter of 7455 credit. Any such letter of credit shall be in an amount equal to ten per 7456 cent of the contract for any contract that is less than one hundred 7457 thousand dollars and in an amount equal to twenty-five per cent of the 7458 contract for any contract that exceeds one hundred thousand dollars. 7459 [(j)] (i) (1) Whenever the awarding agency has reason to believe that 7460 any contractor or subcontractor awarded a state [set-aside] contract has 7461 wilfully violated any provision of this section or section 4a-60, the 7462 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 287 of 693 awarding agency shall send a notice to such contractor or subcontractor. 7463 [by certified mail, return receipt requested.] Such notice shall include: 7464 (A) A reference to the provision alleged to be violated; (B) a short and 7465 plain statement of the matter asserted; (C) the maximum civil penalty 7466 that may be imposed for such violation; and (D) the time and place for 7467 the hearing. Such hearing shall be fixed for a date not earlier than 7468 fourteen days after the notice is mailed. The awarding agency shall send 7469 a copy of such notice to the Commission on Human Rights and 7470 Opportunities. 7471 (2) The awarding agency shall hold a hearing on the violation 7472 asserted unless such contractor or subcontractor fails to appear. The 7473 hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. If, 7474 after the hearing, the awarding agency finds that the contractor or 7475 subcontractor has wilfully violated any provision of this section or 7476 section 4a-60, the awarding agency shall suspend all [set-aside] contract 7477 payments to the contractor or subcontractor and may, in its discretion, 7478 order that a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars per 7479 violation be imposed on the contractor or subcontractor. If such 7480 contractor or subcontractor fails to appear for the hearing, the awarding 7481 agency may, as the facts require, order that a civil penalty not exceeding 7482 ten thousand dollars per violation be imposed on the contractor or 7483 subcontractor. The awarding agency shall send a copy of any order 7484 issued pursuant to this subsection by certified mail, return receipt 7485 requested, to the contractor or subcontractor named in such order. The 7486 awarding agency may cause proceedings to be instituted by the 7487 Attorney General for the enforcement of any order imposing a civil 7488 penalty issued under this subsection. 7489 [(k)] (j) (1) [On or before January 1, 2000, the] The Commissioner of 7490 Administrative Services shall establish a process for certification of 7491 small contractors and minority business enterprises as eligible [for set- 7492 aside contracts] for contracts under the spending allocation program in 7493 accordance with the requirements of this section and available for state 7494 contracts. Each certification shall be valid for a period not to exceed two 7495 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 288 of 693 years, unless the Commissioner of Administrative Services determines 7496 that an extension of such certification is warranted, provided any such 7497 extension shall not exceed a period of six months from such 7498 certification's original expiration date. Any certification issued prior to 7499 October 1, 2021, shall remain valid for the term listed on such 7500 certification unless revoked pursuant to subdivision (2) of this 7501 subsection. The Department of Administrative Services shall maintain 7502 on its Internet web site an updated directory of small contractors and 7503 minority business enterprises certified under this section. 7504 (2) The Commissioner of Administrative Services may deny an 7505 application for the initial issuance or renewal of such certification after 7506 issuing a written decision to the applicant setting forth the basis for such 7507 denial. The commissioner may revoke such certification for cause after 7508 notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the 7509 provisions of chapter 54. Any person aggrieved by the commissioner's 7510 decision to deny the issuance or renewal of or to revoke such 7511 certification may appeal such decision to the Superior Court, in 7512 accordance with the provisions of section 4-183. 7513 (3) Whenever the Commissioner of Administrative Services has 7514 reason to believe that a small contractor or minority business enterprise 7515 who has applied for or received certification under this section has 7516 included a materially false statement in his or her application, the 7517 commissioner may impose a penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars 7518 after notice and a hearing held in accordance with chapter 54. Such 7519 notice shall include (A) a reference to the statement or statements 7520 contained in the application alleged to be false, (B) the maximum civil 7521 penalty that may be imposed for such misrepresentation, and (C) the 7522 time and place of the hearing. Such hearing shall be fixed for a date not 7523 later than fourteen days from the date such notice is sent. The 7524 commissioner shall send a copy of such notice to the Commission on 7525 Human Rights and Opportunities. 7526 (4) The commissioner shall hold a hearing prior to such revocation or 7527 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 289 of 693 denial or the imposition of a penalty, unless such contractor or 7528 subcontractor fails to appear. If, after the hearing, the commissioner 7529 finds that the contractor or subcontractor has wilfully included a 7530 materially false statement in his or her application for certification under 7531 this subsection, the commissioner shall revoke or deny the certification 7532 and may order that a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars 7533 be imposed on the contractor or subcontractor. If such contractor or 7534 subcontractor fails to appear for the hearing, the commissioner may, as 7535 the facts require, revoke or deny the certification and order that a civil 7536 penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars be imposed on the 7537 contractor or subcontractor. The commissioner shall send a copy of any 7538 order issued pursuant to this subsection to the contractor or 7539 subcontractor named in such order. The commissioner may cause 7540 proceedings to be instituted by the Attorney General for the 7541 enforcement of any order imposing a civil penalty issued under this 7542 subsection. 7543 [(l)] (k) On or before June thirtieth of each year, the Commissioner of 7544 Administrative Services shall provide each [awarding] state agency 7545 [setting aside contracts or portions of contracts] establishing annual 7546 spending allocation goals for goods and services under subdivision (2) 7547 of subsection (b) of this section a preliminary report establishing small 7548 contractor and minority business [state set-aside program goals] 7549 enterprise goals by industry based on the database established pursuant 7550 to subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section for the twelve-month 7551 period beginning July first in the same year. On or before September 7552 thirtieth of each year, each such [awarding] state agency shall submit a 7553 final version of such report to the Commissioner of Administrative 7554 Services, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the 7555 cochairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees 7556 of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to 7557 planning and development and government administration. 7558 [(m)] (l) On or before November first of each year and on a quarterly 7559 basis thereafter, each [awarding] state agency setting [aside contracts or 7560 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 290 of 693 portions of contracts] annual and contract-specific spending allocation 7561 goals under subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section shall prepare 7562 a status report on the [implementation and results of] progress made 7563 towards achieving its small [business] contractor and minority business 7564 enterprise [state set-aside program] goals during the three-month 7565 period ending one month before the due date for the report. Each report 7566 shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Administrative Services and 7567 the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Any [awarding] 7568 state agency that achieves less than fifty per cent of its small contractor 7569 and minority business enterprise [state set-aside program] goals by the 7570 end of the second reporting period in any twelve-month period 7571 beginning on July first shall provide a written explanation to the 7572 Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Commission on 7573 Human Rights and Opportunities [detailing how the awarding agency 7574 will achieve] reporting the good faith efforts it will employ towards 7575 achieving its goals in the final reporting period. The Commission on 7576 Human Rights and Opportunities shall: (1) Monitor the achievement of 7577 the annual and contract-specific goals established by each [awarding] 7578 state agency; and (2) prepare a quarterly report concerning such goal 7579 achievement. The report shall be submitted to each [awarding] state 7580 agency that submitted a report, the Commissioner of Economic and 7581 Community Development, the Commissioner of Administrative 7582 Services and the cochairpersons and ranking members of the joint 7583 standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of 7584 matters relating to planning and development and government 7585 administration. Failure by any awarding agency to submit any reports 7586 required by this section shall be a violation of section 46a-77. 7587 [(n)] (m) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the 7588 janitorial or service contracts awarded pursuant to subsections (b) to (d), 7589 inclusive, of section 4a-82. 7590 [(o)] (n) The Commissioner of Administrative Services may adopt 7591 regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to 7592 implement the provisions of this section. 7593 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 291 of 693 Sec. 215. Section 4a-60h of the general statutes is repealed and the 7594 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7595 (a) The Commissioner of Administrative Services shall [be 7596 responsible for the administration of the set-aside program for public 7597 works contracts and state contracts for goods and services, as described 7598 in subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 4a-60g. The commissioner 7599 shall] conduct regular training sessions, as often as the commissioner 7600 deems necessary, for state agencies to explain the state [set-aside] 7601 spending allocation program and to specify the factors that [must] shall 7602 be addressed in calculating awarding agency goals under the program. 7603 The commissioner shall conduct informational workshops to inform 7604 businesses of [state set-aside] related opportunities and responsibilities. 7605 (b) The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities shall be 7606 responsible for the administration of the [set-aside] spending allocation 7607 program for [municipal] public works contracts. [and contracts for 7608 quasi-public agency projects, as described in subdivisions (3) and (4) of 7609 subsection (b) of section 4a-60g.] The commission shall conduct regular 7610 training sessions, as often as the commission deems necessary, for 7611 [municipalities, quasi-public agencies and] contractors to explain the 7612 [municipal and quasi-public agency project set-aside program. The 7613 commission may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of 7614 chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of sections 4a-60g to 4a-60j, 7615 inclusive, in regard to the municipal and quasi-public agency project 7616 set-aside program] spending allocation program. 7617 [(c) In any case where an individual contract is both a public works 7618 contract of an awarding agency and a quasi-public agency project 7619 contract, the provisions of this chapter governing awarding agency 7620 public works contracts shall apply to such contract.] 7621 [(d)] (c) The Commissioner of Administrative Services shall adopt 7622 regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out 7623 the purposes of sections 4a-60g to 4a-60j, inclusive. [, in regard to the 7624 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 292 of 693 state set-aside program.] Such regulations shall include (1) provisions 7625 concerning the application of the spending allocation program to 7626 individuals with a disability; (2) guidelines for a legally acceptable 7627 format for, and content of, letters of credit authorized under subsection 7628 [(j)] (h) of section 4a-60g; (3) procedures for random site visits to the 7629 place of business of an applicant for certification at the time of 7630 application and at subsequent times, as necessary, to ensure the 7631 integrity of the application process; and (4) time limits for approval or 7632 disapproval of applications. 7633 [(e) On or before January 1, 1994, the Commissioner of 7634 Administrative Services shall, by regulations adopted in accordance 7635 with chapter 54, establish a process to ensure that small contractors, 7636 small businesses and minority business enterprises have fair access to 7637 all competitive state contracts outside of the state set-aside program.] 7638 Sec. 216. Section 46a-68c of the general statutes is repealed and the 7639 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7640 [(a) In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, each contractor with 7641 fifty or more employees awarded a public works contract, municipal 7642 public works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project in 7643 excess of fifty thousand dollars in any fiscal year, but not subject to the 7644 provisions of section 46a-68d, shall develop and file an affirmative 7645 action plan with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities 7646 which shall comply with regulations adopted by the commission. The 7647 executive director or the executive director's designee shall review and 7648 formally approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the content of 7649 the affirmative action plan not later than one hundred twenty days 7650 following the date of the submission of the plan to the commission. If 7651 the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to 7652 approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a plan within such one- 7653 hundred-twenty-day period, the plan shall be deemed to be either 7654 approved or deficient without consequence. The executive director or 7655 the executive director's designee shall, not later than fifteen days after 7656 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 293 of 693 the date of deeming an affirmative action plan approved or deficient 7657 without consequence, provide the contractor with written notification 7658 of the action taken with respect to such plan. Failure to develop an 7659 affirmative action plan that is either approved or deficient without 7660 consequence shall act as a bar to bidding on or the award of future 7661 contracts until such requirement has been met. 7662 (b) When the executive director or the executive director's designee 7663 approves an affirmative action plan pursuant to this section, the 7664 executive director or the executive director's designee shall issue a 7665 certificate of compliance to the contractor. Such certificate shall be prima 7666 facie proof of the contractor's eligibility to bid or be awarded contracts 7667 for a period of two years from the date of the certificate. Such certificate 7668 shall not excuse the contractor from monitoring by the commission or 7669 from the reporting and record-keeping requirements of sections 46a-68e 7670 and 46a-68f. The executive director or the executive director's designee 7671 may revoke the certificate of a contractor if the contractor does not 7672 implement its affirmative action plan in compliance with this section 7673 and sections 4a-60, 4a-60g, 46a-56, 46a-68b, 46a-68d, and 46a-68e to 46a- 7674 68k, inclusive.] 7675 (a) In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, each contractor 7676 awarded a public works contract of more than one hundred fifty 7677 thousand dollars, but not subject to the provisions of section 46a-68d, or 7678 a first-tier contractor who has entered into an agreement with a 7679 construction manager subject to the provisions of section 46a-68d, that 7680 is valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, shall develop 7681 and file a good faith efforts plan with the Commission on Human Rights 7682 and Opportunities, which shall comply with the regulations adopted by 7683 the commission. Any plan filed pursuant to this section shall be filed not 7684 later than forty-five days from the date the contract or agreement is 7685 awarded. The commission may grant one fifteen-day extension for such 7686 filing to a contractor upon the request of the contractor. 7687 (b) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall 7688 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 294 of 693 review and formally approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the 7689 content of the good faith efforts plan not later than one hundred twenty 7690 days following the date of the submission of the plan to the commission. 7691 If the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to 7692 approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a plan within such one- 7693 hundred-twenty-day period, the plan shall be deemed to be either 7694 approved or deficient without consequence. If a plan is disapproved, the 7695 contractor shall have forty-five days from the notice of disapproval to 7696 resubmit an amended plan in order to remedy the reasons for 7697 disapproval. The executive director or the executive director's designee 7698 shall have thirty days to approve or disapprove the resubmitted plan. If 7699 the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to review 7700 the resubmitted plan within such thirty-day period, the plan shall be 7701 deemed deficient without consequence. If the contractor fails to 7702 resubmit a plan or to remedy the reasons for disapproval, the plan shall 7703 receive a final disapproval from the executive director or the executive 7704 director's designee. 7705 (c) Any failure to submit a plan as required by this section or receipt 7706 of a final disapproval of a plan shall constitute a discriminatory practice, 7707 as defined in section 46a-51. Any contractor who has received a final 7708 disapproval may request reconsideration of the disapproval according 7709 to the procedures for reconsideration set forth in subsection (h) of 7710 section 46a-83. 7711 Sec. 217. Section 46a-68d of the general statutes is repealed and the 7712 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7713 [In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, every public works 7714 contract, municipal public works contract or contract for a quasi-public 7715 agency project subject to the provisions of part II of chapter 60 shall also 7716 be subject to the provisions of this section. After a bid has been accepted 7717 but before a contract is awarded, the successful bidder shall file with 7718 and have obtained the approval of the executive director or the 7719 executive director's designee for an affirmative action plan. The 7720 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 295 of 693 executive director or the executive director's designee may provide for 7721 conditional acceptance of an affirmative action plan provided written 7722 assurances are given by the contractor that it will amend its plan to 7723 conform to affirmative action requirements. In the case of a public works 7724 contract, the state shall withhold two per cent of the total contract price 7725 per month from any payment made to such contractor until such time 7726 as the contractor has developed an affirmative action plan, and received 7727 the approval of the executive director or the executive director's 7728 designee. In the case of a municipal public works contract or contract 7729 for a quasi-public agency project, the municipality or entity, as 7730 applicable, shall withhold two per cent of the total contract price per 7731 month from any payment made to such contractor until such time as the 7732 contractor has developed an affirmative action plan and received the 7733 approval of the commission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this 7734 section, a contractor subject to the provisions of this section may file a 7735 plan in advance of or at the same time as its bid. The executive director 7736 or the executive director's designee shall review plans submitted 7737 pursuant to this section within sixty days of receipt and either approve, 7738 approve with conditions or reject such plan. When the executive 7739 director or the executive director's designee approves an affirmative 7740 action plan pursuant to this section, the executive director or the 7741 executive director's designee shall issue a certificate of compliance to the 7742 contractor as provided in section 46a-68c.] 7743 (a) In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, a contractor 7744 awarded a public works contract valued at one million dollars or more 7745 or a construction manager which has entered into a contract providing 7746 for a guaranteed maximum price and has been awarded a public works 7747 contract valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, shall 7748 develop and file a good faith efforts action plan with the Commission 7749 on Human Rights and Opportunities which shall comply with 7750 regulations adopted by the commission. Any such plan shall be filed not 7751 later than forty-five days from the date the contract is awarded or, in the 7752 case of a construction manager, the date the guaranteed maximum price 7753 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 296 of 693 agreement is executed. The commission may grant one fifteen-day 7754 extension for such filing to a contractor upon written request of the 7755 contractor. 7756 (b) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall 7757 review and formally approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the 7758 content of the good faith efforts plan not later than one hundred twenty 7759 days following the date of the submission of the plan to the commission. 7760 If the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to 7761 approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a plan within such one- 7762 hundred-twenty-day period, the plan shall be deemed to be either 7763 approved or deficient without consequence. If a plan is disapproved, the 7764 contractor shall have thirty days from the notice of disapproval to 7765 resubmit an amended plan in order to remedy the reasons for 7766 disapproval. If the contractor fails to resubmit a plan or to remedy the 7767 reasons for disapproval, the plan shall receive a final disapproval from 7768 the executive director or the executive director's designee. 7769 (c) Any failure to submit a plan as required by this section or receipt 7770 of a final disapproval of a plan shall constitute a discriminatory practice, 7771 as defined in section 46a-51. Any contractor who has received a final 7772 disapproval may request reconsideration of the disapproval according 7773 to the procedures for reconsideration set forth in subsection (h) of 7774 section 46a-83. 7775 Sec. 218. Section 46a-68e of the general statutes is repealed and the 7776 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7777 (a) Each contractor shall file, and shall cause each of [his] such 7778 contractor's subcontractors to file, with the commission such 7779 compliance reports at such times as the commission may direct. 7780 Compliance reports shall contain such information as to the practices, 7781 policies, programs and employment policies, employment programs, 7782 and employment statistics of the contractor and each subcontractor and 7783 be in such form as the commission may prescribe. 7784 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 297 of 693 (b) All compliance reports shall be submitted not later than forty-five 7785 days after the substantial completion of the contract. The executive 7786 director or the executive director's designee shall have thirty days from 7787 the date of submission of a compliance report to review and formally 7788 approve or disapprove the compliance report. If the executive director 7789 or the executive director's designee fails to approve, conditionally 7790 approve or disapprove a plan within such thirty-day period, the plan 7791 shall be deemed to be either approved or deficient without consequence. 7792 (c) In the case of a public works contract subject to the provisions of 7793 section 46a-68d, the awarding agency shall withhold two per cent of the 7794 total contract price per month from any payment made to such 7795 contractor until such time as the contractor has submitted all compliance 7796 reports required by the commission and the reports have been approved 7797 by the executive director or the executive director's designee or deemed 7798 deficient without consequence. 7799 Sec. 219. Section 46a-68g of the general statutes is repealed and the 7800 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7801 No awarding agency [, or in the case of a municipal public works 7802 contract, no municipality, or in the case of a quasi-public agency project 7803 contract, no entity,] shall enter into a contract with any bidder or 7804 prospective contractor unless the bidder or prospective contractor has 7805 satisfactorily complied with the provisions of sections 4a-60, 4a-60g, 7806 46a-56 and 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, or submits a program for 7807 compliance acceptable to the commission. 7808 Sec. 220. Section 46a-68k of the general statutes is repealed and the 7809 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7810 (a) If the commission determines an awarding agency [or in the case 7811 of a municipal public works contract, a municipality,] has a contract 7812 compliance program which is at least equivalent to the requirements 7813 and responsibilities of sections 4a-60 and 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, 7814 such agency, [or municipality,] subject to the approval of the 7815 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 298 of 693 commission, may use its own compliance program. Any contractor who 7816 is a party to a public works contract with such agency [or municipality] 7817 may be relieved of the requirements and responsibilities of said sections, 7818 provided such contractor complies with the requirements of such 7819 agency's [or municipality's] contract compliance program. 7820 (b) The commission shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the 7821 provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of this section, 7822 including, but not limited to, establishing a procedure for such 7823 determination and approval. 7824 Sec. 221. Subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of section 4-68cc of the 7825 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 7826 thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7827 (2) Before awarding a contract for a Neighborhood Security project, 7828 the state or the municipality shall state in its notice of solicitation for 7829 competitive bids or request for proposals or qualifications for such 7830 contract that the bidder is required to comply with the provisions of 7831 section 4a-60g, the requirements concerning nondiscrimination and 7832 affirmative action under [sections] section 4a-60 [and 4a-60a] and the 7833 provisions under subdivision (1) of this subsection regarding the hiring 7834 of a subcontractor. The state or the municipality may inquire whether a 7835 bidder is a business enterprise that participates in the Neighborhood 7836 Security Fellowship Program and may award preference points to such 7837 bidder. 7838 Sec. 222. Section 10a-151i of the general statutes is repealed and the 7839 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 7840 For any qualified contract described in subdivision (1) of subsection 7841 (b) of section 10a-151f, and any revenue contract or nonmonetary 7842 contract that is not a qualified contract, as such terms are defined in 7843 section 10a-151f, that is entered into or amended on or after July 1, [2017] 7844 2026, by the chief executive officer of the Board of Regents for Higher 7845 Education or the chief executive officer of an institution within the 7846 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 299 of 693 jurisdiction of the Board of Regents for Higher Education or by the chief 7847 executive officer of The University of Connecticut, the chief executive 7848 officer shall require such contract to either (1) comply with the 7849 provisions of subsection [(c)] (d) of section 4a-60, [and subsection (b) of 7850 section 4a-60a,] and set forth the full text of subdivisions (1) to (5), 7851 inclusive, of subsection [(a)] (b) of section 4a-60, [and subdivisions (1) to 7852 (4), inclusive, of subsection (a) of section 4a-60a,] or (2) set forth the 7853 following affirmation: "Each party agrees, as required by [sections] 7854 section 4a-60 [and 4a-60a] of the Connecticut General Statutes, not to 7855 discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religious 7856 creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity 7857 or expression, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, status as a victim 7858 of domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical 7859 disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by 7860 such party that such disability prevents performance of the work 7861 involved. Each party agrees to comply with all applicable federal and 7862 state of Connecticut nondiscrimination and affirmative action laws, 7863 including, but not limited to, [sections] section 4a-60 [and 4a-60a] of the 7864 Connecticut General Statutes.". 7865 Sec. 223. Subsection (d) of section 31-51q of the general statutes is 7866 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 7867 1, 2025): 7868 (d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a religious 7869 corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society that is 7870 exempt from the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 7871 pursuant to 42 USC 2000e-1(a) or is exempt from [sections 4a-60a,] the 7872 provisions of section 4a-60, concerning sexual orientation, sections 46a- 7873 81b to 46a-81o, inclusive, pursuant to section 46a-81p, with respect to 7874 speech on religious matters to employees who perform work connected 7875 with the activities undertaken by such religious corporation, entity, 7876 association, educational institution or society. 7877 Sec. 224. Subsection (b) of section 32-235 of the general statutes is 7878 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 300 of 693 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 7879 1, 2025): 7880 (b) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount 7881 stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Department 7882 of Economic and Community Development: 7883 (1) [for] For the purposes of sections 32-220 to 32-234, inclusive, 7884 including economic cluster-related programs and activities, and for the 7885 Connecticut job training finance demonstration program pursuant to 7886 sections 32-23uu and 32-23vv, provided (A) three million dollars shall 7887 be used by said department solely for the purposes of section 32-23uu, 7888 (B) not less than one million dollars shall be used for an educational 7889 technology grant to the deployment center program and the nonprofit 7890 business consortium deployment center approved pursuant to section 7891 32-41l, (C) not less than two million dollars shall be used by said 7892 department for the establishment of a pilot program to make grants to 7893 businesses in designated areas of the state for construction, renovation 7894 or improvement of small manufacturing facilities, provided such grants 7895 are matched by the business, a municipality or another financing entity. 7896 The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall 7897 designate areas of the state where manufacturing is a substantial part of 7898 the local economy and shall make grants under such pilot program 7899 which are likely to produce a significant economic development benefit 7900 for the designated area, (D) five million dollars may be used by said 7901 department for the manufacturing competitiveness grants program, (E) 7902 one million dollars shall be used by said department for the purpose of 7903 a grant to the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, for the 7904 purposes of subdivision (5) of subsection (a) of section 32-7f, (F) fifty 7905 million dollars shall be used by said department for the purpose of 7906 grants to the United States Department of the Navy, the United States 7907 Department of Defense or eligible applicants for projects related to the 7908 enhancement of infrastructure for long-term, on-going naval operations 7909 at the United States Naval Submarine Base-New London, located in 7910 Groton, which will increase the military value of said base. Such projects 7911 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 301 of 693 shall not be subject to the provisions of [sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a] 7912 section 4a-60, (G) two million dollars shall be used by said department 7913 for the purpose of a grant to the Connecticut Center for Advanced 7914 Technology, Inc., for manufacturing initiatives, including aerospace and 7915 defense, and (H) four million dollars shall be used by said department 7916 for the purpose of a grant to companies adversely impacted by the 7917 construction at the Quinnipiac Bridge, where such grant may be used to 7918 offset the increase in costs of commercial overland transportation of 7919 goods or materials brought to the port of New Haven by ship or vessel; 7920 [,] 7921 (2) [for] For the purposes of the small business assistance program 7922 established pursuant to section 32-9yy, provided fifteen million dollars 7923 shall be deposited in the small business assistance account established 7924 pursuant to said section 32-9yy; [,] 7925 (3) [to] To deposit twenty million dollars in the small business express 7926 assistance account established pursuant to section 32-7h; [,] 7927 (4) [to] To deposit four million nine hundred thousand dollars per 7928 year in each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2019, 7929 inclusive, and June 30, 2021, and nine million nine hundred thousand 7930 dollars in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, in the CTNext Fund 7931 established pursuant to section 32-39i, which shall be used by the 7932 Department of Economic and Community Development to provide 7933 grants-in-aid to designated innovation places, as defined in section 32- 7934 39f, planning grants-in-aid pursuant to section 32-39l, and grants-in-aid 7935 for projects that network innovation places pursuant to subsection (b) of 7936 section 32-39m, provided not more than three million dollars be used 7937 for grants-in-aid for such projects, and further provided any portion of 7938 any such deposit that remains unexpended in a fiscal year subsequent 7939 to the date of such deposit may be used by the Department of Economic 7940 and Community Development for any purpose described in subsection 7941 (e) of section 32-39i; [,] 7942 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 302 of 693 (5) [to] To deposit two million dollars per year in each of the fiscal 7943 years ending June 30, 2019, to June 30, 2021, inclusive, in the CTNext 7944 Fund established pursuant to section 32-39i, which shall be used by the 7945 Department of Economic and Community Development for the purpose 7946 of providing higher education entrepreneurship grants-in-aid pursuant 7947 to section 32-39g, provided any portion of any such deposit that remains 7948 unexpended in a fiscal year subsequent to the date of such deposit may 7949 be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development 7950 for any purpose described in subsection (e) of section 32-39i; [,] 7951 (6) [for] For the purpose of funding the costs of the Technology Talent 7952 Advisory Committee established pursuant to section 32-7p, provided 7953 not more than ten million dollars may be used on or after July 1, 2023, 7954 for such purpose; [,] 7955 (7) [to] To provide (A) a grant-in-aid to the Connecticut Supplier 7956 Connection in an amount equal to two hundred fifty thousand dollars 7957 in each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2021, 7958 inclusive, and (B) a grant-in-aid to the Connecticut Procurement 7959 Technical Assistance Program in an amount equal to three hundred 7960 thousand dollars in each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 7961 30, 2021, inclusive; [,] 7962 (8) [to] To deposit four hundred fifty thousand dollars per year, in 7963 each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2021, inclusive, 7964 in the CTNext Fund established pursuant to section 32-39i, which shall 7965 be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development 7966 to provide growth grants-in-aid pursuant to section 32-39g, provided 7967 any portion of any such deposit that remains unexpended in a fiscal year 7968 subsequent to the date of such deposit may be used by the Department 7969 of Economic and Community Development for any purpose described 7970 in subsection (e) of section 32-39i; [,] 7971 (9) [to] To transfer fifty million dollars to the Labor Department 7972 which shall be used by said department for the purpose of funding 7973 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 303 of 693 workforce pipeline programs selected pursuant to section 31-11rr, 7974 provided, notwithstanding the provisions of section 31-11rr, (A) not less 7975 than five million dollars shall be provided to the workforce 7976 development board in Bridgeport serving the southwest region, for 7977 purposes of such program, and the board shall distribute such money 7978 in proportion to population and need, and (B) not less than five million 7979 dollars shall be provided to the workforce development board in 7980 Hartford serving the north central region, for purposes of such program; 7981 [,] 7982 (10) [to] To transfer twenty million dollars to Connecticut 7983 Innovations, Incorporated, provided ten million dollars shall be used by 7984 Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated for the purpose of the proof of 7985 concept fund established pursuant to subsection (b) of section 32-39x 7986 and ten million dollars shall be used by Connecticut Innovations, 7987 Incorporated for the purpose of the venture capital fund program 7988 established pursuant to section 32-41oo; [,] 7989 (11) [to] To provide a grant to The University of Connecticut of eight 7990 million dollars for the establishment, development and operation of a 7991 center for sustainable aviation pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10a- 7992 110o; [,] and 7993 (12) [for] For up to twenty million dollars in investments in federally 7994 designated opportunity zones through an impact investment firm 7995 including, subject to the approval of the Governor, funding from the 7996 Economic Assistance Revolving Fund, established pursuant to section 7997 32-231. 7998 Sec. 225. Section 46a-51 of the general statutes is repealed and the 7999 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8000 As used in [section 4a-60a and] this chapter: 8001 (1) "Blind" refers to an individual whose central visual acuity does 8002 not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses, or whose 8003 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 304 of 693 visual acuity is greater than 20/200 but is accompanied by a limitation 8004 in the fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field 8005 subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees; 8006 (2) "Commission" means the Commission on Human Rights and 8007 Opportunities created by section 46a-52; 8008 (3) "Commission legal counsel" means a member of the legal staff 8009 employed by the commission pursuant to section 46a-54; 8010 (4) "Commissioner" means a member of the commission; 8011 (5) "Court" means the Superior Court or any judge of said court; 8012 (6) "Discrimination" includes segregation and separation; 8013 (7) "Discriminatory employment practice" means any discriminatory 8014 practice specified in subsection (b), (d), (e) or (f) of section 31-51i or 8015 section 46a-60 or 46a-81c; 8016 (8) "Discriminatory practice" means a violation of section 4a-60, [4a- 8017 60a,] 4a-60g, 19a-498c, 31-40y, subsection (b), (d), (e) or (f) of section 31- 8018 51i, subparagraph (C) of subdivision (15) of section 46a-54, subdivisions 8019 (16) and (17) of section 46a-54, section 46a-58, 46a-59, 46a-60, 46a-64, 46a- 8020 64c, 46a-66 or 46a-68, sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, sections 46a- 8021 70 to 46a-78, inclusive, subsection (a) of section 46a-80, sections 46a-81b 8022 to 46a-81o, inclusive, sections 46a-80b to 46a-80e, inclusive, or sections 8023 46a-80k to 46a-80m, inclusive, or section [19a-498c] 49-41c; 8024 (9) "Employee" means any person employed by an employer but shall 8025 not include any individual employed by such individual's parents, 8026 spouse or child. "Employee" includes any elected or appointed official 8027 of a municipality, board, commission, counsel or other governmental 8028 body; 8029 (10) "Employer" includes the state and all political subdivisions 8030 thereof and means any person or employer with one or more persons in 8031 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 305 of 693 such person's or employer's employ; 8032 (11) "Employment agency" means any person undertaking with or 8033 without compensation to procure employees or opportunities to work; 8034 (12) "Labor organization" means any organization which exists for the 8035 purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining or of dealing with 8036 employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, 8037 or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment; 8038 (13) "Intellectual disability" means intellectual disability as defined in 8039 section 1-1g; 8040 (14) "Person" means one or more individuals, partnerships, 8041 associations, corporations, limited liability companies, legal 8042 representatives, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and the state 8043 and all political subdivisions and agencies thereof; 8044 (15) "Physically disabled" refers to any individual who has any 8045 chronic physical handicap, infirmity or impairment, whether congenital 8046 or resulting from bodily injury, organic processes or changes or from 8047 illness, including, but not limited to, epilepsy, deafness or being hard of 8048 hearing or reliance on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or 8049 device; 8050 (16) "Respondent" means any person alleged in a complaint filed 8051 pursuant to section 46a-82 to have committed a discriminatory practice; 8052 (17) "Discrimination on the basis of sex" includes, but is not limited 8053 to, discrimination related to pregnancy, child-bearing capacity, 8054 sterilization, fertility or related medical conditions; 8055 (18) "Discrimination on the basis of religious creed" includes, but is 8056 not limited to, discrimination related to all aspects of religious 8057 observances and practice as well as belief, unless an employer 8058 demonstrates that the employer is unable to reasonably accommodate 8059 to an employee's or prospective employee's religious observance or 8060 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 306 of 693 practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's 8061 business; 8062 (19) "Learning disability" refers to an individual who exhibits a severe 8063 discrepancy between educational performance and measured 8064 intellectual ability and who exhibits a disorder in one or more of the 8065 basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using 8066 language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in a diminished 8067 ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical 8068 calculations; 8069 (20) "Mental disability" refers to an individual who has a record of, or 8070 is regarded as having one or more mental disorders, as defined in the 8071 most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's 8072 "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"; 8073 (21) "Gender identity or expression" means a person's gender-related 8074 identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related 8075 identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally 8076 associated with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth, which 8077 gender-related identity can be shown by providing evidence including, 8078 but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender- 8079 related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related 8080 identity or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is 8081 sincerely held, part of a person's core identity or not being asserted for 8082 an improper purpose; 8083 (22) "Veteran" [means veteran as defined] has the same meaning as 8084 provided in subsection (a) of section 27-103; 8085 (23) "Race" is inclusive of ethnic traits historically associated with 8086 race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles; 8087 (24) "Protective hairstyles" includes, but is not limited to, wigs, 8088 headwraps and hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, 8089 twists, Bantu knots, afros and afro puffs; 8090 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 307 of 693 (25) "Domestic violence" has the same meaning as provided in 8091 subsection (b) of section 46b-1; and 8092 (26) "Sexual orientation" means a person's identity in relation to the 8093 gender or genders to which they are romantically, emotionally or 8094 sexually attracted, inclusive of any identity that a person (A) may have 8095 previously expressed, or (B) is perceived by another person to hold. 8096 Sec. 226. Section 46a-56 of the general statutes is repealed and the 8097 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8098 (a) The commission shall: 8099 (1) Investigate the possibilities of affording equal opportunity of 8100 profitable employment to all persons, with particular reference to job 8101 training and placement; 8102 (2) Compile facts concerning discrimination in employment, 8103 violations of civil liberties and other related matters; 8104 (3) Investigate and proceed in all cases of discriminatory practices 8105 under this chapter and noncompliance with the provisions of section 4a- 8106 60, [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, provided, the 8107 commission, whenever it has reason to believe that a person who is a 8108 party to a discriminatory practice case has engaged or is engaged in 8109 conduct that constitutes a violation of part VI, of chapter 952, may refer 8110 such matter to the Office of the Chief State's Attorney and said office 8111 shall conduct a further investigation as deemed necessary; 8112 (4) From time to time, but not less than once a year, report to the 8113 Governor as provided in section 4-60, making recommendations for the 8114 removal of such injustices as it may find to exist and such other 8115 recommendations as it deems advisable and describing the 8116 investigations, proceedings and hearings it has conducted and their 8117 outcome, the decisions it has rendered and the other work it has 8118 performed; 8119 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 308 of 693 (5) Monitor state contracts to determine whether they are in 8120 compliance with [sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a] section 4a-60, and those 8121 provisions of the general statutes which prohibit discrimination; 8122 (6) Compile data concerning state contracts with female and minority 8123 business enterprises and submit a report annually to the General 8124 Assembly concerning the employment of such business enterprises as 8125 contractors and subcontractors; 8126 (7) Develop and include on the commission's Internet web site a link 8127 concerning the illegality of sexual harassment, as defined in section 46a- 8128 60, and the remedies available to victims of sexual harassment; 8129 (8) Develop and make available at no cost to employers an online 8130 training and education video or other interactive method of training and 8131 education that fulfills the requirements prescribed in subdivision (15) of 8132 section 46a-54; 8133 (9) Develop, in conjunction with organizations that advocate on 8134 behalf of victims of domestic violence, and include on the commission's 8135 Internet web site a link concerning domestic violence and the resources 8136 available to victims of domestic violence; and 8137 (10) Develop, in conjunction with organizations that advocate on 8138 behalf of victims of domestic violence, and make available at no cost to 8139 each state agency an online training and education video or other 8140 interactive method of training and education that fulfills the 8141 requirements prescribed in subdivision (19) of section 46a-54. 8142 (b) The commission may, when it is deemed in the best interests of 8143 the state, exempt a contractor from the requirements of complying with 8144 any or all of the provisions of section 4a-60, [4a-60a,] 46a-68c, 46a-68d or 8145 46a-68e in any specific contract. Exemptions under the provisions of this 8146 section may include, but not be limited to, the following instances: (1) If 8147 the work is to be or has been performed outside the state and no 8148 recruitment of workers within the limits of the state is involved; (2) those 8149 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 309 of 693 involving less than specified amounts of money or specified numbers of 8150 workers; (3) to the extent that they involve subcontracts below a 8151 specified tier. The commission may also exempt facilities of a contractor 8152 which are in all respects separate and distinct from activities of the 8153 contractor related to the performance of the contract, provided such an 8154 exemption shall not interfere with or impede the effectuation of the 8155 purposes of this section and sections 4a-60, [4a-60a,] 4a-60g and 46a-68b 8156 to 46a-68k, inclusive. 8157 (c) (1) If the commission determines through its monitoring and 8158 compliance procedures that a contractor or subcontractor is not 8159 complying with antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions 8160 required under section 4a-60, [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, 8161 inclusive, the commission may issue a complaint pursuant to subsection 8162 (c) of section 46a-82. Such complaint shall be scheduled for a hearing 8163 before a human rights referee appointed by the chief referee to act as a 8164 presiding officer. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with chapter 8165 54 and section 46a-84. If, after such hearing, the presiding officer makes 8166 a finding of noncompliance with antidiscrimination statutes or contract 8167 provisions required under section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c 8168 to 46a-68f, inclusive, the presiding officer shall order such relief as is 8169 necessary to achieve full compliance with any antidiscrimination statute 8170 and required contract provisions. 8171 (2) The presiding officer may: 8172 [(1) (A) In the case of a state contract, order the state] (A) Order the 8173 awarding agency to retain two per cent of the total contract price per 8174 month on any existing contract with such contractor that the [state] 8175 agency withheld pursuant to section [46a-68d and] 46a-68e and in the 8176 case of a state contract, transfer the funds to the State Treasurer for 8177 deposit in the special fund described in subsection (e) of this section; [, 8178 or (B) in the case of a municipal public works or quasi-public agency 8179 contract, order the municipality or entity to retain two per cent of the 8180 total contract price per month on any existing contract with such 8181 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 310 of 693 contractor; (2) prohibit] 8182 (B) Prohibit the contractor from participation in any further [contracts 8183 with state agencies or any further municipal public works contracts or 8184 quasi-public agency project contracts, as applicable] public works 8185 contracts until: [(A)] (i) The expiration of a period of two years from the 8186 date of the finding of noncompliance, or [(B)] (ii) the presiding officer 8187 determines that the contractor has adopted policies consistent with such 8188 statutes, provided the presiding officer shall make such determination 8189 not later than forty-five days after such finding of noncompliance; [(3) 8190 publish] 8191 (C) Publish, or cause to be published, the names of contractors or 8192 unions that the presiding officer has found to be in noncompliance with 8193 such provisions; [(4) notify] 8194 (D) Notify the Attorney General that, in cases in which there is 8195 substantial violation or the threat of substantial violation of section 4a- 8196 60, [or 4a-60a,] appropriate proceedings should be brought to enforce 8197 such provisions, including the enjoining of organizations, individuals or 8198 groups that prevent, or seek to prevent, compliance with section 4a-60; 8199 [or 4a-60a; (5) recommend] 8200 (E) Recommend to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 8201 or the Department of Justice that appropriate proceedings be instituted 8202 under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or related laws when 8203 necessary; [(6) recommend] 8204 (F) Recommend to the appropriate prosecuting authority that 8205 criminal proceedings be brought for the furnishing of false information 8206 to any awarding agency or to the commission; [(7) order] 8207 (G) Order the contractor to bring itself into compliance with 8208 antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions required under 8209 section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, not 8210 later than a period of thirty days after the issuance of such order or, for 8211 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 311 of 693 good cause shown, within an additional period of thirty days, and, if 8212 such contractor fails to bring itself into such compliance within such 8213 time period and such noncompliance is substantial or there is a pattern 8214 of noncompliance, recommend to the awarding agency that such agency 8215 declare the contractor to be in breach of the contract and that such 8216 agency pursue all available remedies; [or, in the case of a municipal 8217 public works or quasi-public agency project contract, recommend the 8218 municipality or entity to make such a declaration and pursue all 8219 available remedies; (8) order] 8220 (H) Order the awarding agency [or, in the case of a municipal public 8221 works or quasi-public agency project contract, the municipality or 8222 entity,] to refrain from entering into further contracts, or extensions or 8223 other modifications of existing contracts, with any noncomplying 8224 contractor, until such contractor has satisfied the commission that such 8225 contractor has established and will carry out personnel and 8226 employment policies in compliance with antidiscrimination statutes 8227 and section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] and sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive; 8228 or [(9) order] 8229 (I) Order two or more remedies or other relief designed to achieve 8230 full compliance with antidiscrimination statutes and required contract 8231 provisions. 8232 (3) The commission shall adopt regulations, in accordance with 8233 chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. 8234 (d) If the commission determines, through its monitoring and 8235 compliance procedures, that, with respect to a [state contract, municipal 8236 public works contract or quasi-public agency project] public works 8237 contract, a contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier of 8238 materials has (1) fraudulently qualified as a minority business 8239 enterprise, or (2) performed services or supplied materials on behalf of 8240 another contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier of 8241 materials knowing (A) that such other contractor, subcontractor, service 8242 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 312 of 693 provider or supplier has fraudulently qualified as a minority business 8243 enterprise in order to appear to comply with antidiscrimination statutes 8244 or contract provisions required under section 4a-60, [or 4a-60a,] and (B) 8245 that such services or materials are to be used in connection with a 8246 contract entered into pursuant to subsection (b) of section 4a-60g, the 8247 commission may issue a complaint pursuant to subsection (c) of section 8248 46a-82. Such complaint shall be scheduled for a hearing before a referee 8249 assigned by the chief referee to act as a presiding officer. Such hearing 8250 shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 and section 8251 46a-84. If, after such hearing, the presiding officer makes a finding that 8252 a contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier of materials has 8253 violated this subsection, the presiding officer shall assess a civil penalty 8254 of not more than ten thousand dollars upon such contractor, 8255 subcontractor, service provider or supplier of materials. 8256 (e) The Attorney General, upon complaint of the commission, shall 8257 institute a civil action in the superior court for the judicial district of 8258 Hartford to recover any penalty assessed pursuant to subsection (d) of 8259 this section. Any penalties recovered pursuant to this subsection shall 8260 be deposited in a special fund and shall be held by the State Treasurer 8261 separate and apart from all other moneys, funds and accounts. The 8262 resources in such fund shall, pursuant to regulations adopted by the 8263 commission, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, be used to 8264 assist minority business enterprises. As used in this section, "minority 8265 business enterprise" means any contractor, subcontractor or supplier of 8266 materials fifty-one per cent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets 8267 of which is owned by a person or persons: (1) Who are active in the daily 8268 affairs of the enterprise; (2) who have the power to direct the 8269 management and policies of the enterprise; and (3) who are members of 8270 a minority, as defined in subsection (a) of section 32-9n. 8271 Sec. 227. Section 4b-95 of the general statutes is repealed and the 8272 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8273 (a) The awarding authority shall furnish to every person applying 8274 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 313 of 693 therefor a form for general bid. 8275 (b) Every general bid submitted for a contract subject to this chapter 8276 shall be submitted on a form furnished by the awarding authority. The 8277 form provided by the awarding authority shall provide a place for 8278 listing the names and prices of subcontractors for the four classes of 8279 work specified in subsection (a) of section 4b-93, and for each other class 8280 of work included by the awarding authority pursuant to said subsection 8281 and state that: (1) The undersigned agrees that if selected as general 8282 contractor, he shall, within five days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal 8283 holidays excluded, after presentation thereof by the awarding authority, 8284 execute a contract in accordance with the terms of the general bid; (2) 8285 the undersigned agrees and warrants that he has made good faith efforts 8286 to employ minority business enterprises as subcontractors and suppliers 8287 of materials under such contract and shall provide the Commission on 8288 Human Rights and Opportunities with such information as is requested 8289 by the commission concerning his employment practices and 8290 procedures as they relate to the provisions of the general statutes 8291 governing contract requirements; and (3) the undersigned agrees that 8292 each of the subcontractors listed on the bid form will be used for the 8293 work indicated at the amount stated, unless a substitution is permitted 8294 by the awarding authority. General bids shall also include a signed 8295 statement from each subcontractor listed on the bid form that such 8296 subcontractor has communicated directly with the general bidder about 8297 the work to be performed on the specific contract prior to the submittal 8298 of the general bid. The awarding authority may require in the bid form 8299 that the general contractor agree to perform a stated, minimum 8300 percentage of work with his own forces. 8301 (c) General bids shall be for the complete work as specified and shall 8302 include the names of any subcontractors for the four classes of work 8303 specified in subsection (a) of section 4b-93, and for each other class of 8304 work for which the awarding authority has required a separate section 8305 pursuant to said subsection and the dollar amounts of their 8306 subcontracts, and the general contractor shall be selected on the basis of 8307 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 314 of 693 such general bids. It shall be presumed that the general bidder intends 8308 to perform with its own employees all work in such four classes and 8309 such other classes, for which no subcontractor is named. The general 8310 bidder's qualifications for performing such work shall be subject to 8311 review under section 4b-92. Every general bid which is conditional or 8312 obscure, or which contains any addition not called for, shall be invalid; 8313 and the awarding authority shall reject every such general bid. The 8314 awarding authority shall be authorized to waive minor irregularities 8315 which [he] the awarding authority considers in the best interest of the 8316 state, provided the reasons for any such waiver are stated in writing by 8317 the awarding authority and made a part of the contract file. No such 8318 general bid shall be rejected because of the failure to submit prices for, 8319 or information relating to, any item or items for which no specific space 8320 is provided in the general bid form furnished by the awarding authority, 8321 but this sentence shall not be applicable to any failure to furnish prices 8322 or information required by this section to be furnished in the form 8323 provided by the awarding authority. General bids shall be publicly 8324 opened and read by the awarding authority forthwith. The awarding 8325 authority shall not permit substitution of a subcontractor for one named 8326 in accordance with the provisions of this section or substitution of a 8327 subcontractor for any designated subtrade work bid to be performed by 8328 the general contractor's own forces, except for good cause. The term 8329 "good cause" includes, but is not limited to, a subcontractor's or, where 8330 appropriate, a general contractor's: (1) Death or physical disability, if the 8331 listed subcontractor is an individual; (2) dissolution, if a corporation or 8332 partnership; (3) bankruptcy; (4) inability to furnish any performance 8333 and payment bond shown on the bid form; (5) inability to obtain, or loss 8334 of, a license necessary for the performance of the particular category of 8335 work; (6) failure or inability to comply with a requirement of law 8336 applicable to contractors, subcontractors, or construction, alteration, or 8337 repair projects; (7) failure to perform his agreement to execute a 8338 subcontract under section 4b-96. 8339 (d) The general bid price shall be the price set forth in the space 8340 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 315 of 693 provided on the general bid form. No general bid shall be rejected (1) 8341 because of error in setting forth the name of a subcontractor as long as 8342 the subcontractor or subcontractors designated are clearly identifiable, 8343 or (2) because the plans and specifications do not accompany the bid or 8344 are not submitted with the bid. Failure to correctly state a 8345 subcontractor's price shall be cause for rejection of the general bidder's 8346 bid. 8347 (e) Any general contractor who violates any provision of this section 8348 shall be disqualified from bidding on other contracts that are subject to 8349 the provisions of this chapter for a period not to exceed twenty-four 8350 months, commencing from the date on which the violation is 8351 discovered, for each violation. The awarding authority shall 8352 periodically review the general contractor's subcontracts to insure 8353 compliance with such provisions, and shall after each such review 8354 prepare a written report setting forth its findings and conclusions. 8355 Sec. 228. Section 49-41c of the general statutes is repealed and the 8356 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8357 Any person contracting with the state shall make payment to any 8358 subcontractor employed by such contractor within [thirty] fifteen days 8359 of payment by the state to the contractor for any work performed or, in 8360 the case of any contract entered into on or after October 1, 1986, for 8361 materials furnished by such subcontractor, provided such contractor 8362 may withhold such payment if such contractor has a bona fide reason 8363 for such withholding and if such contractor notifies the affected 8364 subcontractor, in writing, of his reasons for withholding such payment 8365 and provides the state board, commission, department, office, 8366 institution, council or other agency through which such contractor had 8367 made the contract, with a copy of the notice, within such [thirty-day] 8368 fifteen-day period. 8369 Sec. 229. Subsection (a) of section 46a-68 of the general statutes is 8370 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 8371 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 316 of 693 1, 2025): 8372 (a) Each state agency, department, board and commission with 8373 twenty-five [,] or more [,] full-time employees shall develop and 8374 implement, in cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights and 8375 Opportunities, an affirmative action plan that commits the agency, 8376 department, board or commission to a program of affirmative action in 8377 all aspects of personnel and administration. Such plan shall be 8378 developed pursuant to regulations adopted by the Commission on 8379 Human Rights and Opportunities in accordance with chapter 54 to 8380 ensure that affirmative action is undertaken as required by state and 8381 federal law to provide equal employment opportunities and to comply 8382 with all responsibilities under the provisions of sections 4-61u to 4-61w, 8383 inclusive, sections 46a-54 to 46a-64, inclusive, section 46a-64c and 8384 sections 46a-70 to 46a-78, inclusive. The executive head of each such 8385 agency, department, board or commission shall be directly responsible 8386 for the development, filing and implementation of such affirmative 8387 action plan. The Metropolitan District of Hartford County shall be 8388 deemed to be a state agency for purposes of this section and sections 4a- 8389 60 [, 4a-60a] and 4a-60g. 8390 Sec. 230. Subsection (d) of section 46a-81i of the general statutes is 8391 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 8392 1, 2025): 8393 (d) Every state contract or subcontract for construction on public 8394 buildings or for other public work or for goods and services shall 8395 conform to the intent of section [4a-60a] 4a-60. 8396 Sec. 231. Section 46a-81p of the general statutes is repealed and the 8397 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8398 The provisions of [sections 4a-60a and] section 4a-60 concerning 8399 sexual orientation and sections 46a-81b to 46a-81o, inclusive, shall not 8400 apply to a religious corporation, entity, association, educational 8401 institution or society with respect to the employment of individuals to 8402 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 317 of 693 perform work connected with the carrying on by such corporation, 8403 entity, association, educational institution or society of its activities, or 8404 with respect to matters of discipline, faith, internal organization or 8405 ecclesiastical rule, custom or law which are established by such 8406 corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society. 8407 Sec. 232. Section 46a-81q of the general statutes is repealed and the 8408 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8409 The provisions of [sections 4a-60a and] section 4a-60 concerning 8410 sexual orientation and sections 46a-81b to 46a-81o, inclusive, shall not 8411 apply to the conduct and administration of a ROTC program established 8412 and maintained pursuant to 10 USC Sections 2101 to 2111, inclusive, as 8413 amended from time to time, and the regulations thereunder, at an 8414 institution of higher education. For purposes of this section, "ROTC" 8415 means the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. 8416 Sec. 233. Subsection (c) of section 46a-82 of the general statutes is 8417 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 8418 1, 2025): 8419 (c) The commission, whenever it has reason to believe that any 8420 contractor or subcontractor is not complying with antidiscrimination 8421 statutes or contract provisions required under section 4a-60, [4a-60a] or 8422 4a-60g or the provisions of sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, may 8423 issue a complaint. 8424 Sec. 234. Subsection (e) of section 46a-86 of the general statutes is 8425 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 8426 1, 2025): 8427 (e) In addition to any other action taken under this section, upon a 8428 finding of noncompliance with antidiscrimination statutes or contract 8429 provisions required under section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] or the provisions of 8430 sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, the presiding officer shall file with 8431 the commission and serve on the respondent an order with respect to 8432 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 318 of 693 any remedial action imposed pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) of section 8433 46a-56. 8434 Sec. 235. Section 46a-81aa of the general statutes is repealed and the 8435 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8436 The provisions of subsection [(a)] (b) of section 4a-60, subsection (c) 8437 of section 8-169s, section 8-265c, subsection (c) of section 8-294, section 8438 8-315, subsection (a) of section 10-15c, section 10-153, subsection (b) of 8439 section 10a-6, subsection (a) of section 11-24b, sections 16-245r and 16- 8440 247r, subsection (b) of section 28-15, section 31-22p, subsection (e) of 8441 section 31-57e, sections 32-277, 38a-358 and 42-125a, subsection (c) of 8442 section 42-125b, subsection (a) of section 46a-58, subsection (a) of section 8443 46a-59, subsection (b) of section 46a-60, subsection (a) of section 46a-64, 8444 subsections (a) and (e) of section 46a-64c, subsection (a) of section 46a- 8445 66, subsection (a) of section 46a-70, subsection (a) of section 46a-71, 8446 subsection (b) of section 46a-72, subsection (a) of section 46a-73, 8447 subsection (a) of section 46a-75, subsection (a) of section 46a-76, 8448 subsections (b) and (c) of section 52-571d and section 53-37a that 8449 prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression 8450 shall not apply to a religious corporation, entity, association, 8451 educational institution or society with respect to the employment of 8452 individuals to perform work connected with the carrying on by such 8453 corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society of its 8454 activities, or with respect to matters of discipline, faith, internal 8455 organization or ecclesiastical rule, custom or law which are established 8456 by such corporation, entity, association, educational institution or 8457 society. 8458 Sec. 236. Subsection (b) of section 4-261 of the general statutes is 8459 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 8460 1, 2025): 8461 (b) Each project shall comply with: (1) The state's environmental 8462 policy requirements as set forth in sections 22a-1 and 22a-1a, (2) the 8463 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 319 of 693 requirements of the [set-aside] spending allocation program for small 8464 contractors as set forth in section 4a-60g, and (3) any applicable 8465 permitting or inspection requirements for projects of a similar type, 8466 scope and size as set forth in the general statutes or the local ordinances 8467 of the municipality where the project is to be located. 8468 Sec. 237. Subsection (e) of section 4a-52a of the general statutes is 8469 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 8470 1, 2025): 8471 (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 4a-51 and 4a-52, the 8472 Commissioner of Administrative Services may delegate authority to any 8473 state agency to purchase supplies, materials, equipment and contractual 8474 services, consistent with section 4a-67c, if the commissioner determines, 8475 in writing, that (1) such delegation would reduce state purchasing costs 8476 or result in more efficient state purchasing, and (2) the agency has 8477 employees with experience and expertise in state purchasing statutes, 8478 regulations and procedures. In determining which agencies to delegate 8479 such purchasing authority to, the commissioner shall give preference to 8480 agencies which have exceeded the [set-aside] spending allocation 8481 requirements of section 4a-60g. An agency to whom such authority is 8482 delegated shall comply with all such statutes, regulations and 8483 procedures. The Commissioner of Administrative Services or his or her 8484 designee shall periodically review each such delegation of purchasing 8485 authority and may revoke or modify a delegation upon determining 8486 that the agency has violated any provision of the delegation or that there 8487 is evidence of insufficient competition in the competitive bidding or 8488 competitive negotiation process. 8489 Sec. 238. Subsection (d) of section 8-169mm of the general statutes is 8490 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 8491 1, 2025): 8492 (d) The authority shall designate a contract compliance officer from 8493 its staff to monitor compliance of the operations of facilities and parking 8494 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 320 of 693 facilities associated with authority development projects that are under 8495 the management or control of the authority, with (1) the provisions of 8496 state law applicable to such operations, and (2) applicable requirements 8497 of contracts entered into by the authority relating to [set-asides] 8498 spending allocation goals for small contractors and minority business 8499 enterprises and required efforts to hire available and qualified members 8500 of minorities, as defined in section 32-9n. Each year during the period of 8501 operations of facilities associated with authority development projects, 8502 such officer shall file a written report with the authority as to findings 8503 and recommendations regarding such compliance. 8504 Sec. 239. Section 13b-20o of the general statutes is repealed and the 8505 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8506 Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the 8507 Department of Transportation may set aside any contract or portions 8508 thereof, or require any general or trade contractor or any other entity 8509 authorized by the department to award contracts to set aside a portion 8510 of any contract for contractors or subcontractors that had gross revenues 8511 not exceeding three million dollars in the most recently completed fiscal 8512 year prior to the contract award. Nothing in this section shall be 8513 construed to diminish the total value of contracts that are required to 8514 [be set aside by] comply with spending allocation goals of the 8515 department pursuant to section 4a-60g. 8516 Sec. 240. Section 4e-15 of the general statutes is repealed and the 8517 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8518 Nothing in sections 4e-1 to 4e-14, inclusive, and 4e-16 shall be 8519 construed to affect the requirements of subsection (g) of section 4a-57, 8520 subsection [(p)] (m) of section 4a-60g, sections 4a-82 and 17a-796 and 8521 subsection (c) of section 31-57g. 8522 Sec. 241. Section 4a-60a of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective 8523 October 1, 2025) 8524 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 321 of 693 Sec. 242. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Comptroller shall 8525 conduct a study on the compensation of transportation network 8526 company drivers and third-party delivery company drivers in the state. 8527 In conducting such study, the Comptroller shall obtain and analyze data 8528 and information related to income earned by transportation network 8529 company drivers and third-party delivery company drivers for services 8530 provided by such drivers in the state and costs directly attributable to 8531 providing such services. Such data and information shall be aggregated 8532 in a manner that does not report personally identifiable information and 8533 shall exclude any proprietary, trade secret, competitively sensitive or 8534 otherwise confidential commercial information that is not publicly 8535 available. The Comptroller may enter into a contract with a consultant 8536 in order to conduct such study. Not later than July 1, 2026, the 8537 Comptroller shall file a report on such data and information, in 8538 accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, 8539 with the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 8540 cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees. 8541 (b) The Comptroller shall, within available appropriations, spend not 8542 more than one hundred thousand dollars on conducting such study. 8543 Sec. 243. (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a working 8544 group to study the working conditions and compensation of 8545 transportation network company and third-party delivery company 8546 drivers. Such study shall include, but need not be limited to, a review of 8547 the report submitted pursuant to section 242 of this act. The working 8548 group shall provide recommendations relating to (1) minimum pay for 8549 transportation network company drivers and third-party delivery 8550 company drivers, and (2) the fair treatment of transportation network 8551 company and third-party delivery company drivers. 8552 (b) The working group shall consist of the following members: 8553 (1) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General 8554 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public 8555 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 322 of 693 employees, or their designees; 8556 (2) Two appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, 8557 one of whom shall have experience working with transportation 8558 network company drivers, and one of whom shall be a representative of 8559 a third-party delivery company; 8560 (3) Two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one of 8561 whom shall be a transportation network company driver, and one of 8562 whom shall be a representative of third-party delivery company drivers; 8563 (4) Two appointed by the majority leader of the House of 8564 Representatives, one of whom has experience working with 8565 transportation network company drivers and one of whom shall be a 8566 transportation network company driver; 8567 (5) Two appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, one of whom 8568 has experience working with transportation network company drivers 8569 and one of whom shall be a transportation network company driver; 8570 (6) Two appointed by the minority leader of the House of 8571 Representatives, one of whom is a representative of a transportation 8572 network company and one of whom is a representative of a third party 8573 delivery company; 8574 (7) Two appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, one of whom 8575 is a representative of a transportation network company and one of 8576 whom is a representative from an association representing business and 8577 industry in the state; 8578 (8) The Labor Commissioner, or the Labor Commissioner's designee; 8579 (9) The Commissioner of Transportation, or the commissioner's 8580 designee; and 8581 (10) The Comptroller, or the Comptroller's designee. 8582 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 323 of 693 (c) Any member of the working group appointed under subdivision 8583 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7) of subsection (b) of this section may be a 8584 member of the General Assembly. 8585 (d) All initial appointments to the working group shall be made not 8586 later than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy 8587 shall be filled by the appointing authority. 8588 (e) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General 8589 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public 8590 employee's shall be the chairpersons of the working group. Such 8591 chairpersons shall schedule the first meeting of the working group, 8592 which shall be held not later than sixty days after the effective date of 8593 this section. The working group shall meet not less than once per month 8594 and such other times as the chairpersons deem necessary. 8595 (f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the 8596 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and 8597 public employees shall serve as administrative staff of the working 8598 group. 8599 (g) Not later than January 1, 2027, the working group shall submit a 8600 report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing 8601 committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters 8602 relating to labor and public employees, in accordance with the 8603 provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes. The working group 8604 shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January 1, 2027, 8605 whichever is later. 8606 Sec. 244. Section 2 of number 70 of the special acts of 1899 is amended 8607 to read as follows (Effective July 1, 2025): 8608 Said corporation may receive, purchase [,] and hold or lease any real 8609 or personal estate. [, provided that it shall not hold any property the 8610 value of which shall exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars.] 8611 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 324 of 693 Sec. 245. Section 12-195h of the general statutes is repealed and the 8612 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8613 (a) Any municipality, by resolution of its legislative body, as defined 8614 in section 1-1, may assign, for consideration, any and all liens filed by 8615 the tax collector to secure unpaid taxes on real property as provided 8616 under the provisions of this chapter. The consideration received by the 8617 municipality shall be negotiated between the municipality and the 8618 assignee. 8619 (b) The assignee or assignees of such liens shall have and possess the 8620 same powers and rights at law or in equity that such municipality and 8621 municipality's tax collector would have had if the lien had not been 8622 assigned with regard to the precedence and priority of such lien, the 8623 accrual of interest and the fees and expenses of collection and of 8624 preparing and recording the assignment, except that: (1) For 8625 assignments executed on or after July 1, 2026, commencing on the date 8626 of the assignment, interest shall accrue on the delinquent portion of the 8627 principal of the assigned tax obligation at the rate of twelve per cent per 8628 annum; and (2) any such assignee [(1)] (A) shall not be insulated from 8629 liability for its conduct by virtue of the provisions of section 42-110c, and 8630 [(2)] (B) shall be obligated to provide a payoff statement, as defined in 8631 section 49-8a, in the same manner as a mortgagee in accordance with the 8632 requirements of section 49-10a. The assignee shall have the same rights 8633 to enforce such liens as any private party holding a lien on real property 8634 including, but not limited to, foreclosure and a suit on the debt. 8635 (c) (1) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2022, shall be 8636 valid or enforceable unless memorialized in a contract executed by the 8637 municipality and the assignee that is in writing and provides: [(1)] (A) 8638 The manner in which the assignee will provide to the owner of the real 8639 property that is the subject of the assignment one or more addresses and 8640 telephone numbers that may be used for correspondence with the 8641 assignee about the debt and payment thereof; [(2)] (B) the earliest and 8642 latest dates by which the assignee shall commence any foreclosure or 8643 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 325 of 693 suit on the debt or the manner for determining such dates, except as may 8644 be impacted by any payment arrangement, bankruptcy petition or other 8645 circumstance, provided in no event shall the assignee commence a 8646 foreclosure suit before one year has elapsed since the assignee's 8647 purchase of the lien; [(3)] (C) the structure and rates of attorney's fees 8648 that the assignee may claim against the owner or owners of such real 8649 property in any foreclosure, suit on the debt or otherwise, and a 8650 prohibition from using as foreclosure counsel any attorney or law office 8651 that is owned by, employs or contracts with any person having an 8652 interest in such assignee; [(4)] (D) confirmation that the owner of the real 8653 property for which the lien has been filed shall be a third-party 8654 beneficiary entitled to enforce the covenants and responsibilities of the 8655 assignee as contained in the contract; [(5)] (E) a prohibition on the 8656 assignee assigning the lien without the municipality's prior written 8657 consent; [(6)] (F) the detail and frequency of reports provided to the 8658 municipality's tax collector regarding the status of the assigned liens; 8659 [(7)] (G) confirmation that the assignee is not ineligible, pursuant to 8660 section 31-57b, to be assigned the lien because of occupational safety and 8661 health law violations; [(8)] (H) disclosure of [(A)] (i) all resolved and 8662 pending arbitrations and litigation matters in which the assignee or any 8663 of its principals have been involved within the last ten years, except 8664 foreclosure actions involving liens purchased from or assigned by 8665 governmental entities, [(B)] (ii) all criminal proceedings that the 8666 assignee or any of its principals has ever been the subject, [(C)] (iii) any 8667 interest in the subject property held by the assignee or any of its 8668 principals, officers or agents, and [(D)] (iv) each instance in which the 8669 assignee or any of its principals was found to have violated any state or 8670 local ethics law, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or standard, or to 8671 have committed any other offense arising out of the submission of 8672 proposals or bids or the performance of work on public contract; and 8673 [(9)] (I) such additional terms to which the municipality and the assignee 8674 mutually agree, consistent with applicable law. 8675 (2) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2026, shall be valid 8676 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 326 of 693 or enforceable unless such assignment is memorialized in a written 8677 contract that: (A) Is executed by the municipality and the assignee; (B) 8678 includes a requirement that no attorney's fees shall be received, claimed 8679 or collected until the commencement of a foreclosure or suit on the debt; 8680 and (C) includes the provisions set forth in subparagraphs (A) to (I), 8681 inclusive, of subdivision (1) of this subsection. 8682 (d) The assignee, or any subsequent assignee, shall provide written 8683 notice of an assignment, not later than sixty days after the date of such 8684 assignment, to the owner and any holder of a mortgage, on the real 8685 property that is the subject of the assignment, provided such owner or 8686 holder is of record as of the date of such assignment. Such notice shall 8687 include information sufficient to identify: (1) [the] The property that is 8688 subject to the lien and in which the holder has an interest; [,] (2) the name 8689 and addresses of the assignee; [,] and (3) the amount of unpaid taxes, 8690 interest and fees being assigned relative to the subject property as of the 8691 date of the assignment. 8692 (e) Not less than sixty days prior to commencing an action to foreclose 8693 a lien under this section, the assignee shall provide a written notice, by 8694 first-class mail, to the holders of all first or second security interests on 8695 the property subject to the lien that were recorded before the date the 8696 assessment the lien sought to be enforced became delinquent. Such 8697 notice shall set forth: (1) The amount of unpaid debt owed to the 8698 assignee as of the date of the notice; (2) the amount of any attorney's fees 8699 and costs incurred by the assignee in the enforcement of the lien as of 8700 the date of the notice; (3) a statement of the assignee's intention to 8701 foreclose the lien if the amounts set forth pursuant to subdivisions (1) 8702 and (2) of this subsection are not paid to the assignee on or before sixty 8703 days after the date the notice is provided; (4) the assignee's contact 8704 information, including, but not limited to, the assignee's name, mailing 8705 address, telephone number and electronic mail address, if any; and (5) 8706 instructions concerning the acceptable means of making a payment on 8707 the amounts owed to the assignee as set forth pursuant to subdivisions 8708 (1) and (2) of this subsection. Any notice required under this subsection 8709 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 327 of 693 shall be effective upon the date such notice is provided. 8710 (f) When providing the written notice required under subsection (e) 8711 of this section, the assignee may rely on the last recorded security 8712 interest of record in identifying the name and mailing address of the 8713 holder of such interest, unless the holder of such interest is the plaintiff 8714 in an action pending in Superior Court to enforce such interest, in which 8715 case the assignee shall provide the written notice to the attorney 8716 appearing on behalf of the plaintiff. 8717 (g) Each aspect of a foreclosure, sale or other disposition under this 8718 section, including, but not limited to, the costs, [attorney] attorney's fees, 8719 method, advertising, time, date, place and terms, shall be commercially 8720 reasonable, and, for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2026, such 8721 attorney's fees shall not exceed fifteen per cent of the amount of any 8722 judgment that is entered. 8723 Sec. 246. Section 7-254 of the general statutes is repealed and the 8724 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): 8725 (a) Any assessment of benefits or any installment thereof, not paid 8726 within thirty days after the due date, shall be delinquent and shall be 8727 subject to interest from such due date at the interest rate and in the 8728 manner provided by the general statutes for delinquent property taxes. 8729 Each addition of interest shall be collectible as a part of such assessment. 8730 (b) Whenever any installment of an assessment becomes delinquent, 8731 the interest on such delinquent installment shall be as provided in 8732 subsection (a) of this section or five dollars, whichever is greater. Any 8733 unpaid assessment and any interest due thereon shall constitute a lien 8734 upon the real estate against which the assessment was levied from the 8735 date of such levy. Each such lien may be continued, recorded and 8736 released in the manner provided by the general statutes for continuing, 8737 recording and releasing property tax liens. Each such lien shall take 8738 precedence over all other liens and encumbrances except taxes and may 8739 be enforced in the same manner as property tax liens. The tax collector 8740 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 328 of 693 of the municipality may collect such assessments in accordance with any 8741 mandatory provision of the general statutes for the collection of 8742 property taxes and the municipality may recover any such assessment 8743 in a civil action against any person liable therefor. 8744 (c) Any municipality, by resolution of its legislative body, may assign, 8745 for consideration, any and all liens filed by the tax collector to secure 8746 unpaid sewer assessments as provided under the provisions of this 8747 chapter. The consideration received by the municipality shall be 8748 negotiated between the municipality and the assignee. 8749 (d) The assignee or assignees of such liens shall have and possess the 8750 same powers and rights at law or in equity as such municipality and 8751 municipality's tax collector would have had if the lien had not been 8752 assigned with regard to the precedence and priority of such lien, the 8753 accrual of interest and the fees and expenses of collection, except that 8754 any such assignee: (1) [shall] Shall not be insulated from liability by 8755 virtue of the provisions of section 42-110c; [,] and (2) shall be obligated 8756 to provide a payoff statement, as defined in section 49-8a, in the same 8757 manner as a mortgagee in accordance with the requirements of section 8758 49-10a. The assignee shall have the same rights to enforce such liens as 8759 any private party holding a lien on real property, including, but not 8760 limited to, foreclosure and a suit on the debt. 8761 (e) (1) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2022, shall be 8762 valid or enforceable unless memorialized in a contract executed by the 8763 authority and the assignee that is in writing and provides: [(1)] (A) The 8764 manner in which the assignee will provide to the owner of the real 8765 property that is the subject of the assignment one or more addresses and 8766 telephone numbers that may be used for correspondence with the 8767 assignee about the debt and payment thereof; [(2)] (B) the earliest and 8768 latest dates by which the assignee shall commence any foreclosure or 8769 suit on the debt or the manner for determining such dates, except as may 8770 be impacted by any payment arrangement, bankruptcy petition or other 8771 circumstance, provided in no event shall the assignee commence a 8772 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 329 of 693 foreclosure suit before one year has elapsed since the assignee's 8773 purchase of the lien; [(3)] (C) the structure and rates of attorney's fees 8774 that the assignee may claim against the owner or owners of such real 8775 property in any foreclosure, suit on the debt or otherwise, and a 8776 prohibition from using as foreclosure counsel any attorney or law office 8777 that is owned by, employs or contracts with any person having an 8778 interest in such assignee; [(4)] (D) confirmation that the owner of the real 8779 property for which the lien has been filed shall be a third-party 8780 beneficiary entitled to enforce the covenants and responsibilities of the 8781 assignee as contained in the contract; [(5)] (E) a prohibition on the 8782 assignee assigning the lien without the municipality's prior written 8783 consent; [(6)] (F) the detail and frequency of reports provided to the 8784 municipality's tax collector regarding the status of the assigned liens; 8785 [(7)] (G) confirmation that the assignee is not ineligible, pursuant to 8786 section 31-57b, to be assigned the lien because of occupational safety and 8787 health law violations; [(8)] (H) disclosure of [(A)] (i) all resolved and 8788 pending arbitrations and litigation matters in which the assignee or any 8789 of its principals have been involved within the last ten years, except 8790 foreclosure actions involving liens purchased from or assigned by 8791 governmental entities, [(B)] (ii) all criminal proceedings that the 8792 assignee or any of its principals has ever been the subject, [(C)] (iii) any 8793 interest in the subject property held by the assignee or any of its 8794 principals, officers or agents, and [(D)] (iv) each instance in which the 8795 assignee or any of its principals was found to have violated any state or 8796 local ethics law, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or standard, or to 8797 have committed any other offense arising out of the submission of 8798 proposals or bids or the performance of work on public contract; and 8799 [(9)] (I) such additional terms to which the municipality and the assignee 8800 mutually agree, consistent with applicable law. 8801 (2) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2026, shall be valid 8802 or enforceable unless such assignment is memorialized in a written 8803 contract that: (A) Is executed by the authority and the assignee; (B) 8804 includes a requirement that no attorney's fees shall be received, claimed 8805 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 330 of 693 or collected until the commencement of a foreclosure or suit on the debt; 8806 and (C) includes the provisions set forth in subparagraphs (A) to (I), 8807 inclusive, of subdivision (1) of this subsection. 8808 (f) The assignee, or any subsequent assignee, shall provide written 8809 notice of an assignment, not later than sixty days after the date of such 8810 assignment, to the owner and any holder of a mortgage on the real 8811 property that is the subject of the assignment, provided such owner or 8812 holder is of record as of the date of such assignment. Such notice shall 8813 include information sufficient to identify: (1) [the] The property that is 8814 subject to the lien and in which the holder has an interest; [,] (2) the name 8815 and addresses of the assignee; [,] and (3) the amount of unpaid taxes, 8816 interest and fees being assigned relative to the subject property as of the 8817 date of the assignment. 8818 (g) Not less than sixty days prior to commencing an action to 8819 foreclose a lien under this section, the assignee shall provide a written 8820 notice, by first-class mail, to the holders of all first or second security 8821 interests on the property subject to the lien that were recorded before 8822 the date the assessment of the lien sought to be enforced became 8823 delinquent. Such notice shall set forth: (1) The amount of unpaid debt 8824 owed to the assignee as of the date of the notice; (2) the amount of any 8825 attorney's fees and costs incurred by the assignee in the enforcement of 8826 the lien as of the date of the notice; (3) a statement of the assignee's 8827 intention to foreclose the lien if the amounts set forth pursuant to 8828 subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection are not paid to the assignee 8829 on or before sixty days after the date on which the notice is provided; 8830 (4) the assignee's contact information, including, but not limited to, the 8831 assignee's name, mailing address, telephone number and electronic mail 8832 address, if any; and (5) instructions concerning the acceptable means of 8833 making a payment on the amounts owed to the assignee as set forth 8834 pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection. Any notice 8835 required under this subsection shall be effective upon the date such 8836 notice is provided. 8837 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 331 of 693 (h) When providing the written notice required under subsection (g) 8838 of this section, the assignee may rely on the last recorded security 8839 interest of record in identifying the name and mailing address of the 8840 holder of such interest, unless the holder of such interest is the plaintiff 8841 in an action pending in Superior Court to enforce such interest, in which 8842 case the assignee shall provide the written notice to the attorney 8843 appearing on behalf of the plaintiff. 8844 (i) Each aspect of a foreclosure, sale or other disposition under this 8845 section, including, but not limited to, the costs, [attorney] attorney's fees, 8846 method, advertising, time, date, place and terms, shall be commercially 8847 reasonable, and, for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2026, such 8848 attorney's fees shall not exceed fifteen per cent of the amount of any 8849 judgment that is entered. 8850 Sec. 247. Subdivision (83) of section 12-81 of the general statutes, as 8851 amended by section 4 of public act 25-2, is repealed and the following is 8852 substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and applicable to 8853 assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): 8854 (83) (A) (i) [A] That fractional share of a dwelling, including a 8855 condominium, as defined in section 47-68a, [and] a unit in a common 8856 interest community, as defined in section 47-202, [that is (I) owned by] 8857 and a mobile manufactured home, as defined in section 12-63a, (I) that 8858 belongs to or is held in trust for any resident of this state who has served 8859 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space 8860 Force of the United States and has been determined by the United States 8861 Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled 8862 based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent, 8863 or that is possessed by such a resident as a tenant for life or tenant for a 8864 term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48, and (II) that is 8865 occupied by such resident as the resident's primary residence, or (ii) 8866 lacking such residence, one motor vehicle [owned by] that belongs to or 8867 is held in trust for such resident and is garaged in this state. As used in 8868 this subdivision, "dwelling" does not include any portion of the unit or 8869 Bill No. LCO No. 10178 332 of 693 structure used by such resident for commercial purposes or from which 8870 such resident derives any rental income. 8871 (B) If such resident lacks such dwelling or motor vehicle in such 8872 resident's name, the dwelling or motor vehicle, as applicable, belonging 8873 to or held in trust for such resident's spouse, or possessed by such 8874 resident's spouse as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable 8875 for property tax under section 12-48, who is domiciled with such 8876 resident, shall be so exempt. When any resident entitled to an exemption 8877 under the provisions of this subdivision has died, the dwelling or motor 8878 vehicle, as applicable, belonging to [,] or held in trust for [,] such 8879 deceased resident's surviving spouse, or possessed by such deceased 8880 resident's spouse as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable 8881 for property tax under section 12-48, while such spouse remains a 8882 widow or widower, or belonging to or held in trust for such deceased 8883 resident's minor children during their minority, or both, while they are 8884 residents of this state, shall be so exempt as that to which such resident 8885 was or would have been entitled at the time of such resident's death. 8886 (C) No individual entitled to the exemption under this subdivision 8887 and under one or more of subdivisions (19), (22), (23), (25) and (26) of 8888 this section or sections 254 and 255 of this act shall receive more than 8889 one exemption. 8890 (D) (i) No individual shall receive any exemption to which such 8891 individual is entitled under this subdivision until such individual has 8892 complied with section 12-95, and has submitted proof of such 8893 individual's determination by the United States Department of Veterans 8894 Affairs, to the assessor of the town in which the exemption is sought. If 8895 there is no change to an individual's determination, such proof shall not 8896 be required for any assessment year following that for which the 8897 exemption under this subdivision is granted initially. If the United 8898

House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THEREFOR, AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO REVENUE AND OTHER ITEMS IMPLEMENTING THE STATE BUDGET. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: Section 1. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the GENERAL FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 LEGISLATIVE LEGISLATIVE MANAGEMENT Personal Services 60,694,802 64,296,079 Other Expenses 22,660,836 24,954,131 Equipment 3,295,000 3,295,000 Flag Restoration 65,000 65,000 Minor Capital Improvements 4,000,000 4,000,000 Interim Salary/Caucus Offices 750,556 591,748 Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering 219,000 226,000 Old State House 850,000 900,000 Translators 150,000 150,000 Wall of Fame 10,000 10,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 2 of 745 Interstate Conference Fund 502,701 529,095 New England Board of Higher Education 218,988 226,488 AGENCY TOTAL 93,416,883 99,243,541 AUDITORS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS Personal Services 15,401,961 16,701,328 Other Expenses 451,727 451,727 AGENCY TOTAL 15,853,688 17,153,055 COMMISSION ON WOMEN, CHILDREN, SENIORS, EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY Personal Services 1,127,850 1,227,933 Other Expenses 60,000 60,000 AGENCY TOTAL 1,187,850 1,287,933 GENERAL GOVERNMENT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE Personal Services 3,983,704 3,983,704 Other Expenses 635,401 635,401 National Governors' Association 115,735 121,522 AGENCY TOTAL 4,734,840 4,740,627 SECRETARY OF THE STATE Personal Services 5,011,011 5,402,637 Other Expenses 3,144,562 3,517,936 Commercial Recording Division 5,419,159 5,419,159 Early Voting 3,320,000 1,320,000 Bridgeport Election Monitor 150,000 150,000 AGENCY TOTAL 17,044,732 15,809,732 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE Personal Services 865,598 865,598 Other Expenses 46,323 46,323 AGENCY TOTAL 911,921 911,921 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 3 of 745 ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION Elections Enforcement Commission 4,257,796 4,255,296 OFFICE OF STATE ETHICS Office of State Ethics 2,069,345 2,059,779 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION Freedom of Information Commission 2,283,813 2,283,813 STATE TREASURER Personal Services 3,543,056 3,543,056 Other Expenses 359,854 359,854 AGENCY TOTAL 3,902,910 3,902,910 STATE COMPTROLLER Personal Services 30,478,063 30,478,063 Other Expenses 18,417,000 18,417,000 AGENCY TOTAL 48,895,063 48,895,063 DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SERVICES Personal Services 54,602,016 54,700,984 Other Expenses 4,617,358 4,617,358 AGENCY TOTAL 59,219,374 59,318,342 OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY Other Expenses 25,098 25,098 Child Fatality Review Panel 139,183 139,183 Contracting Standards Board 858,234 859,334 Judicial Review Council 191,511 191,511 Judicial Selection Commission 117,678 117,678 Office of the Child Advocate 1,032,892 1,032,892 Office of the Victim Advocate 519,674 519,674 Board of Firearms Permit Examiners 148,193 148,193 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 4 of 745 Office of the Correction Ombuds 790,799 763,692 Office of the Educational Ombudsperson 180,000 180,000 AGENCY TOTAL 4,003,262 3,977,255 OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Personal Services 21,379,691 21,379,691 Other Expenses 6,841,422 3,305,422 Automated Budget System and Data Base Link 20,438 20,438 Justice Assistance Grants 865,967 865,967 Tax Relief For Elderly Renters 25,020,226 25,020,226 Private Providers 50,000,000 156,000,000 Reimbursement Property Tax - Disability Exemption 364,713 364,713 Distressed Municipalities 1,500,000 1,500,000 Property Tax Relief Elderly Freeze Program 4,000 4,000 Property Tax Relief for Veterans 2,708,107 2,708,107 Municipal Restructuring 300,000 300,000 AGENCY TOTAL 109,004,564 211,468,564 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS Personal Services 23,565,623 23,687,289 Other Expenses 4,086,113 4,106,113 SSMF Administration 560,345 560,345 Veterans’ Opportunity Pilot 245,047 245,047 Veterans' Rally Point 512,764 512,764 Burial Expenses 6,666 6,666 Headstones 307,834 307,834 AGENCY TOTAL 29,284,392 29,426,058 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Personal Services 100,780,339 100,780,339 Other Expenses 31,251,286 31,251,286 Loss Control Risk Management 88,003 88,003 Employees' Review Board 32,611 32,611 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 5 of 745 Refunds Of Collections 20,381 20,381 Rents and Moving 4,136,035 4,136,035 W. C. Administrator 5,562,120 5,562,120 State Insurance and Risk Mgmt Operations 21,825,088 21,830,588 IT Services 67,732,158 67,732,158 Firefighters Fund 400,000 400,000 Office of the Claims Commissioner 460,499 460,499 State Properties Review Board 337,113 337,113 State Marshal Commission 330,556 365,556 AGENCY TOTAL 232,956,189 232,996,689 ATTORNEY GENERAL Personal Services 40,164,183 40,234,183 Other Expenses 1,054,810 1,054,810 AGENCY TOTAL 41,218,993 41,288,993 DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE Personal Services 57,461,166 58,219,053 Other Expenses 5,102,201 5,102,201 Witness Protection 200,000 200,000 Training And Education 147,398 147,398 Expert Witnesses 135,413 135,413 Medicaid Fraud Control 1,509,942 1,509,942 Criminal Justice Commission 409 409 Cold Case Unit 292,041 292,041 Shooting Taskforce 1,427,286 1,427,286 AGENCY TOTAL 66,275,856 67,033,743 REGULATION AND PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION Personal Services 183,361,731 180,361,731 Other Expenses 34,749,783 34,715,572 Fleet Purchase 7,449,099 7,782,053 Criminal Justice Information System 4,763,320 4,763,320 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 6 of 745 CRISIS 400,000 1,800,000 Law Enforcement Training Partnerships 850,000 2,050,000 Fire Training School - Willimantic 242,176 242,176 Maintenance of County Base Fire Radio Network 19,528 19,528 Maintenance of State-Wide Fire Radio Network 12,997 12,997 Police Association of Connecticut 172,353 172,353 Connecticut State Firefighter's Association 176,625 176,625 Fire Training School - Torrington 172,267 172,267 Fire Training School - New Haven 108,364 108,364 Fire Training School - Derby 50,639 50,639 Fire Training School - Wolcott 171,162 171,162 Fire Training School - Fairfield 127,501 127,501 Fire Training School - Hartford 176,836 176,836 Fire Training School - Middletown 70,970 70,970 Fire Training School - Stamford 75,541 75,541 Volunteer Firefighter Training 140,000 140,000 AGENCY TOTAL 233,290,892 233,189,635 MILITARY DEPARTMENT Personal Services 3,305,492 3,305,492 Other Expenses 2,144,823 2,144,823 Honor Guards 561,600 561,600 Veteran's Service Bonuses 61,800 379,500 JEEP Program 169,600 338,600 Governor's Guards 330,000 330,000 AGENCY TOTAL 6,573,315 7,060,015 DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION Personal Services 16,096,179 16,807,275 Other Expenses 719,940 757,940 AGENCY TOTAL 16,816,119 17,565,215 LABOR DEPARTMENT House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 7 of 745 Personal Services 17,414,340 17,911,298 Other Expenses 4,808,285 4,693,827 CETC Workforce 606,460 606,460 Workforce Investment Act 29,938,610 29,938,610 Job Funnels Projects 712,857 712,857 Connecticut's Youth Employment Program 7,768,488 10,268,488 Jobs First Employment Services 13,173,620 13,173,620 Apprenticeship Program 604,369 604,369 Connecticut Career Resource Network 152,112 152,112 STRIVE 88,779 88,779 Opportunities for Long Term Unemployed 5,121,184 5,121,184 Second Chance Initiative 327,038 327,038 Cradle To Career 100,000 100,000 New Haven Jobs Funnel 750,000 750,000 Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative 4,627,698 4,627,698 Domestic Workers Education and Training Grant Program 400,000 400,000 AGENCY TOTAL 86,593,840 89,476,340 COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Personal Services 8,543,283 8,768,241 Other Expenses 668,527 398,527 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission 5,977 5,977 AGENCY TOTAL 9,217,787 9,172,745 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Personal Services 4,413,414 4,713,414 Other Expenses 2,373,332 2,373,332 Senior Food Vouchers 518,418 518,418 Dairy Farmer - Agriculture Sustainability 1,000,000 1,000,000 WIC Coupon Program for Fresh Produce 247,938 247,938 AGENCY TOTAL 8,553,102 8,853,102 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 8 of 745 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Personal Services 23,865,954 23,865,954 Other Expenses 1,372,261 1,602,261 Mosquito and Tick Control 284,240 284,240 State Superfund Site Maintenance 399,577 399,577 Laboratory Fees 122,565 122,565 Dam Maintenance 151,902 151,902 Emergency Spill Response 7,657,024 7,657,024 Solid Waste Management 4,078,312 4,078,312 Underground Storage Tank 1,085,420 Clean Air 4,449,309 4,449,309 Environmental Conservation 4,893,567 4,893,567 Environmental Quality 7,056,504 7,056,504 Fish Hatcheries 3,004,540 3,004,540 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 278,315 278,315 Interstate Environmental Commission 3,333 3,333 New England Interstate Water Pollution Commission 26,554 26,554 Northeast Interstate Forest Fire Compact 3,082 3,082 Connecticut River Valley Flood Control Commission 30,295 30,295 Thames River Valley Flood Control Commission 45,151 45,151 AGENCY TOTAL 57,722,485 59,037,905 DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Personal Services 9,532,248 9,842,148 Other Expenses 1,611,278 611,278 Spanish-American Merchants Association 442,194 442,194 Office of Military Affairs 181,521 181,521 CCAT-CT Manufacturing Supply Chain 2,585,000 2,585,000 Capital Region Development Authority 10,845,022 10,845,022 Manufacturing Growth Initiative 178,133 178,133 Hartford 2000 20,000 20,000 Office of Workforce Strategy 1,303,046 1,303,046 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 9 of 745 Black Business Alliance 442,194 442,194 Hartford Economic Development Corporation 442,194 442,194 CONNSTEP 500,000 500,000 Various Grants 18,651,000 20,176,930 MRDA 1,100,000 1,300,000 AdvanceCT 2,000,000 2,000,000 Futures Inc 85,000 85,000 Forge City Works 365,000 300,000 CT Community Empowerment Foundation 100,000 100,000 City Seed 300,000 300,000 AGENCY TOTAL 50,683,830 51,654,660 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING Personal Services 2,649,343 2,649,343 Other Expenses 157,210 157,210 Elderly Rental Registry and Counselors 1,011,170 1,011,170 Homeless Youth 3,235,121 3,235,121 Outreach Services for Norwich 250,000 250,000 Subsidized Assisted Living Demonstration 3,200,000 3,402,000 Congregate Facilities Operation Costs 12,642,659 12,864,700 Elderly Congregate Rent Subsidy 2,172,786 2,172,786 Housing/Homeless Services 101,198,923 114,398,923 Project Longevity - Housing 2,491,355 2,491,355 Housing/Homeless Services - Municipality 692,651 692,651 AGENCY TOTAL 129,701,218 143,325,259 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Personal Services 7,197,533 7,197,533 Other Expenses 1,081,499 1,081,499 Mosquito and Tick Disease Prevention 857,623 857,623 Wildlife Disease Prevention 133,357 133,357 AGENCY TOTAL 9,270,012 9,270,012 HEALTH House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 10 of 745 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH Personal Services 40,620,559 40,640,559 Other Expenses 8,132,228 8,939,228 Gun Violence Prevention 4,404,299 4,404,299 Lung Cancer Detection and Referrals 479,137 479,137 Pancreatic Cancer Screening 106,996 127,161 Public Health Response 868,858 720,931 Community Health Services 2,398,494 2,398,494 Rape Crisis 616,233 616,233 Local and District Departments of Health 6,509,802 8,213,916 School Based Health Clinics 13,540,721 14,400,721 AGENCY TOTAL 77,677,327 80,940,679 OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY Personal Services 3,370,606 3,370,606 Other Expenses 1,170,255 1,170,255 Covered Connecticut Program 500,000 AGENCY TOTAL 5,040,861 4,540,861 OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER Personal Services 9,036,394 9,036,394 Other Expenses 2,479,935 2,479,935 Equipment 24,846 24,846 Medicolegal Investigations 22,150 22,150 AGENCY TOTAL 11,563,325 11,563,325 DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES Personal Services 224,654,418 224,654,418 Other Expenses 20,119,245 21,019,245 Housing Supports and Services 1,400,000 1,400,000 Family Support Grants 3,700,840 3,700,840 Clinical Services 2,337,724 2,337,724 Behavioral Services Program 12,857,593 12,857,593 Supplemental Payments for Medical Services 2,558,132 2,558,132 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 11 of 745 ID Partnership Initiatives 2,528,138 2,528,138 Emergency Placements 5,980,932 5,980,932 Rent Subsidy Program 5,262,312 5,262,312 Employment Opportunities and Day Services 393,563,096 407,451,072 Community Residential Services 887,265,294 938,815,100 AGENCY TOTAL 1,562,227,724 1,628,565,506 DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES Personal Services 259,328,417 257,078,417 Other Expenses 37,421,895 37,617,895 Housing Supports and Services 29,153,945 29,716,445 Managed Service System 74,687,785 77,687,785 Legal Services 764,660 764,660 Connecticut Mental Health Center 9,229,406 9,229,406 Professional Services 23,400,697 23,400,697 Behavioral Health Recovery Services 26,592,864 26,407,864 Nursing Home Screening 652,784 652,784 Young Adult Services 95,902,326 95,902,326 TBI Community Services 9,443,717 9,443,717 Behavioral Health Medications 8,170,754 8,170,754 Medicaid Adult Rehabilitation Option 4,419,683 4,419,683 Discharge and Diversion Services 43,157,991 43,157,991 Home and Community Based Services 25,657,158 26,723,158 Nursing Home Contract 1,152,856 1,152,856 Katie Blair House 17,016 17,016 Forensic Services 11,544,887 11,544,887 Grants for Substance Abuse Services 37,103,118 37,103,118 Grants for Mental Health Services 77,117,159 77,117,159 Employment Opportunities 9,873,631 9,873,631 AGENCY TOTAL 784,792,749 787,182,249 PSYCHIATRIC SECURITY REVIEW BOARD Personal Services 367,270 367,270 Other Expenses 24,943 24,943 AGENCY TOTAL 392,213 392,213 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 12 of 745 HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Personal Services 158,758,860 159,660,660 Other Expenses 165,050,000 168,068,200 Genetic Tests in Paternity Actions 81,906 81,906 HUSKY B Program 31,550,000 32,760,000 Substance Use Disorder Waiver Reserve 18,370,000 18,370,000 Medicaid 3,702,380,000 3,950,330,000 Old Age Assistance 54,450,000 56,900,000 Aid To The Blind 623,700 657,800 Aid To The Disabled 53,820,000 56,020,000 Temporary Family Assistance - TANF 69,400,000 75,400,000 Emergency Assistance 1 1 Food Stamp Training Expenses 9,341 9,341 DMHAS-Disproportionate Share 108,935,000 108,935,000 Connecticut Home Care Program 48,450,000 51,180,000 Human Resource Development-Hispanic Programs 1,070,348 1,070,348 Safety Net Services 1,500,145 1,500,145 Refunds Of Collections 89,965 89,965 Services for Persons With Disabilities 309,661 309,661 Nutrition Assistance 3,020,994 6,020,994 State Administered General Assistance 17,480,000 19,000,000 Connecticut Children's Medical Center 13,138,737 13,138,737 Community Services 10,997,162 10,992,162 Human Services Infrastructure Community Action Program 4,274,240 4,274,240 Teen Pregnancy Prevention 1,394,639 1,394,639 Domestic Violence Shelters 8,650,381 8,650,381 Hospital Supplemental Payments 568,300,000 778,300,000 Regional Hospice of Western CT 1,000,000 1,000,000 Teen Pregnancy Prevention - Municipality 98,281 98,281 AGENCY TOTAL 5,043,203,361 5,524,212,461 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 13 of 745 DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES Personal Services 8,626,272 8,626,272 Other Expenses 2,042,575 2,182,575 Educational Aid for Children - Blind or Visually Impaired 5,036,360 5,036,360 Employment Opportunities – Blind & Disabled 416,974 416,974 Vocational Rehabilitation - Disabled 7,895,382 7,895,382 Supplementary Relief and Services 97,251 97,251 Special Training for the Deaf Blind 264,045 264,045 Connecticut Radio Information Service 70,194 70,194 Independent Living Centers 1,025,528 1,025,528 Programs for Senior Citizens 5,036,165 5,036,165 Elderly Nutrition 5,141,074 5,141,074 Communication Advocacy Network 200,000 200,000 AGENCY TOTAL 35,851,820 35,991,820 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Personal Services 18,326,641 18,557,641 Other Expenses 20,086,963 28,295,963 Development of Mastery Exams Grades 4, 6, and 8 10,571,192 10,571,192 Primary Mental Health 335,288 335,288 Leadership, Education, Athletics in Partnership (LEAP) 312,211 312,211 Adult Education Action 169,534 169,534 Connecticut Writing Project 95,250 95,250 CT Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs 1,000,000 1,000,000 Sheff Settlement 23,714,911 18,721,292 Parent Trust Fund Program 267,193 350,000 Commissioner's Network 9,869,398 9,869,398 Local Charter Schools 957,000 957,000 Bridges to Success 27,000 27,000 Talent Development 2,068,449 2,068,449 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 14 of 745 School-Based Diversion Initiative 900,000 900,000 EdSight 1,140,690 1,140,690 Sheff Transportation 77,661,541 80,326,212 Curriculum and Standards 4,215,782 4,215,782 Non-Sheff Transportation 14,275,787 14,275,787 Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program 6,000,000 6,000,000 Dual Credit 6,000,000 Local Food for Local Schools Incentive Program 1,500,000 3,430,000 Office of Dyslexia 680,000 680,000 American School For The Deaf 12,357,514 12,357,514 Regional Education Services 262,500 262,500 Family Resource Centers 6,352,710 7,000,000 Charter Schools 142,803,548 144,122,548 Child Nutrition State Match 2,354,000 2,354,000 Health Foods Initiative 4,151,463 4,151,463 Rose City Learning 159,000 159,000 Vocational Agriculture 26,295,732 26,295,732 Adult Education 21,694,983 25,953,382 Health and Welfare Services Pupils Private Schools 3,438,415 6,447,702 Education Equalization Grants 2,456,768,109 2,456,935,081 Bilingual Education 3,832,260 3,832,260 Priority School Districts 30,818,778 30,818,778 Interdistrict Cooperation 1,537,500 1,537,500 School Breakfast Program 2,158,900 2,158,900 Excess Cost - Student Based 221,119,782 221,119,782 Open Choice Program 31,472,503 31,472,503 Magnet Schools 322,925,940 344,345,603 After School Program 5,750,695 5,750,695 Extended School Hours 2,919,883 2,919,883 School Accountability 3,412,207 3,412,207 High Dosage Tutoring Grants 5,000,000 Special Education Expansion and Development Grant 30,000,000 30,000,000 High Quality Special Ed Incentives 9,900,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 15 of 745 Learner Engagement and Attendance Program 7,000,000 AGENCY TOTAL 3,526,761,252 3,593,605,722 CONNECTICUT TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND CAREER SYSTEM Personal Services 175,558,658 175,558,658 Other Expenses 31,957,461 31,957,461 AGENCY TOTAL 207,516,119 207,516,119 OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Personal Services 9,926,912 9,926,912 Other Expenses 1,694,731 8,294,731 Birth to Three 33,293,626 36,093,626 Evenstart 545,456 545,456 2Gen - TANF 575,685 575,685 Nurturing Families Network 12,669,995 14,469,995 OEC Parent Cabinet 152,264 152,264 Capitol Child Development Center 263,000 263,000 Head Start Services 5,833,238 5,833,238 Care4Kids TANF/CCDF 147,957,756 151,227,096 Child Care Quality Enhancements 5,954,530 5,954,530 Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership 1,500,000 1,500,000 Early Care and Education 193,845,725 201,845,725 Smart Start 3,325,000 6,325,000 AGENCY TOTAL 417,537,918 443,007,258 STATE LIBRARY Personal Services 5,419,751 5,419,751 Other Expenses 1,442,223 1,460,515 State-Wide Digital Library 1,709,210 1,709,210 Interlibrary Loan Delivery Service 380,136 380,136 Legal/Legislative Library Materials 674,540 674,540 Library for the Blind 100,000 100,000 Support Cooperating Library Service Units 124,402 124,402 Connecticard Payments 703,638 703,638 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 16 of 745 AGENCY TOTAL 10,553,900 10,572,192 OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION Personal Services 1,855,031 1,855,031 Other Expenses 2,563,079 3,142,258 Minority Advancement Program 1,674,835 1,674,835 National Service Act 320,151 320,151 Minority Teacher Incentive Program 570,134 570,134 CT Loan Reimbursement 5,000,000 6,000,000 Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Fund 26,288,637 41,288,637 Health Care Adjunct Grant Program 260,000 260,000 AGENCY TOTAL 38,531,867 55,111,046 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT Operating Expenses 265,235,002 250,543,874 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 250,000 250,000 Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy 550,000 550,000 UConn Veterans Program 250,000 250,000 Health Services - Regional Campuses 1,400,000 1,400,000 Puerto Rican Studies Initiative 500,000 500,000 AGENCY TOTAL 268,185,002 253,493,874 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CENTER Operating Expenses 142,875,155 136,673,524 AHEC 429,735 429,735 Neuromodulation Treatment 2,000,000 AGENCY TOTAL 143,304,890 139,103,259 TEACHERS' RETIREMENT BOARD Personal Services 2,291,080 2,291,080 Other Expenses 496,003 482,003 Retirement Contributions - Normal Cost 293,618,465 299,800,000 Retirement Contributions - UAL 1,511,502,535 1,405,300,000 Retirees Health Service Cost 29,507,250 44,356,000 Municipal Retiree Health Insurance Costs 6,630,000 8,840,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 17 of 745 AGENCY TOTAL 1,844,045,333 1,761,069,083 CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Charter Oak State College 3,934,487 4,041,029 Community Tech College System 234,717,627 241,998,796 Connecticut State University 193,717,659 201,697,946 Board of Regents 503,881 519,512 Developmental Services 10,190,984 10,190,984 Outcomes-Based Funding Incentive 1,374,425 1,374,425 O'Neill Chair 315,000 315,000 Debt Free Community College 34,150,000 34,150,000 Expanded PACT 7,700,000 Disabilities Study 250,000 Various Initiatives 53,000 AGENCY TOTAL 478,957,063 502,237,692 CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION Personal Services 470,144,513 470,144,513 Other Expenses 86,348,616 89,528,616 Inmate Medical Services 145,629,165 150,129,165 Board of Pardons and Paroles 6,822,490 6,822,490 STRIDE 80,181 80,181 HITEC 620,645 644,174 Aid to Paroled and Discharged Inmates 3,000 3,000 Legal Services To Prisoners 797,000 797,000 Volunteer Services 87,725 87,725 Community Support Services 47,566,468 47,566,468 Reentry Centers 1,500,000 AGENCY TOTAL 758,099,803 767,303,332 DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Personal Services 303,233,500 303,233,500 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 18 of 745 Other Expenses 31,137,956 31,137,956 Family Support Services 1,064,233 1,064,233 Differential Response System 9,367,256 9,367,256 Regional Behavioral Health Consultation 1,838,167 1,838,167 Community Care Coordination 8,957,944 8,957,944 Health Assessment and Consultation 1,596,776 1,596,776 Grants for Psychiatric Clinics for Children 17,880,105 17,880,105 Day Treatment Centers for Children 8,219,601 8,219,601 Child Abuse and Neglect Intervention 9,988,016 9,988,016 Community Based Prevention Programs 9,657,655 9,657,655 Family Violence Outreach and Counseling 4,009,230 4,009,230 Supportive Housing 21,180,221 21,180,221 No Nexus Special Education 2,452,640 2,452,640 Family Preservation Services 7,242,683 7,242,683 Substance Abuse Treatment 9,929,982 10,073,982 Child Welfare Support Services 2,854,163 2,854,163 Board and Care for Children - Adoption 106,884,511 106,884,511 Board and Care for Children - Foster 123,521,818 123,521,818 Board and Care for Children - Short-term and Residential 65,628,396 65,628,396 Individualized Family Supports 3,871,304 3,871,304 Community Kidcare 52,411,129 61,011,129 Covenant to Care 185,911 185,911 Juvenile Review Boards 3,897,957 6,043,187 Youth Transition and Success Programs 1,016,220 1,016,220 Love146 500,000 500,000 Youth Service Bureaus 2,733,240 2,733,240 Youth Service Bureau Enhancement 1,115,161 1,115,161 AGENCY TOTAL 812,375,775 823,265,005 JUDICIAL JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT Personal Services 384,040,624 385,678,706 Other Expenses 74,656,188 74,997,164 Forensic Sex Evidence Exams 1,348,010 1,348,010 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 19 of 745 Alternative Incarceration Program 68,429,155 70,000,000 Justice Education Center, Inc. 516,287 516,287 Juvenile Alternative Incarceration 35,332,650 35,768,876 Probate Court 3,634,932 3,634,932 Workers' Compensation Claims 6,042,106 6,042,106 Victim Security Account 8,792 8,792 Children of Incarcerated Parents 542,683 542,683 Legal Aid 3,547,144 4,397,144 Youth Violence Initiative 5,592,428 5,592,428 Youth Services Prevention 8,293,132 8,293,132 Children's Law Center 150,000 150,000 Project Longevity 4,221,255 4,221,255 Juvenile Planning 945,000 945,000 Juvenile Justice Outreach Services 27,570,357 27,945,080 Board and Care for Children - Short-term and Residential 12,835,126 12,953,332 LGBTQ Justice and Opportunity Network 256,382 256,382 Counsel for Domestic Violence 1,250,000 1,250,000 Outreach Services for Norwich 675,000 675,000 AGENCY TOTAL 639,887,251 645,216,309 PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES COMMISSION Personal Services 58,196,969 58,383,519 Other Expenses 1,565,163 1,589,903 Assigned Counsel - Criminal 37,784,482 41,354,960 Expert Witnesses 2,775,604 2,775,604 Training And Education 119,748 119,748 AGENCY TOTAL 100,441,966 104,223,734 NON-FUNCTIONAL DEBT SERVICE - STATE TREASURER Debt Service 1,982,214,696 2,041,951,996 UConn 2000 - Debt Service 209,033,862 213,698,862 CHEFA Day Care Security 4,000,000 4,000,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 20 of 745 Pension Obligation Bonds - TRB 268,251,771 284,364,458 Municipal Restructuring 46,126,129 47,778,925 AGENCY TOTAL 2,509,626,458 2,591,794,241 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 65,278,956 STATE COMPTROLLER - FRINGE BENEFITS Unemployment Compensation 4,128,400 4,049,400 Higher Education Alternative Retirement System 95,819,900 101,569,100 Pensions and Retirements - Other Statutory 2,362,961 2,433,850 Judges and Compensation Commissioners Retirement 30,551,644 31,587,446 Insurance - Group Life 9,591,350 9,736,350 Employers Social Security Tax 218,274,821 227,326,623 State Employees Health Service Cost 553,879,142 708,024,030 Retired State Employees Health Service Cost 790,564,000 957,183,800 Tuition Reimbursement - Training and Travel 290,000 150,000 Other Post Employment Benefits 63,375,498 65,073,558 SERS Defined Contribution Match 18,762,859 27,991,712 State Employees Retirement Contributions - Normal Cost 195,276,136 201,080,536 State Employees Retirement Contributions - UAL 1,410,902,244 1,324,870,699 AGENCY TOTAL 3,393,778,955 3,661,077,104 RESERVE FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENTS Reserve For Salary Adjustments 18,165,598 186,551,369 WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Workers' Compensation Claims 6,509,800 6,509,800 Workers' Compensation Claims – University of Connecticut 2,271,228 2,271,228 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 21 of 745 Claims – University of Connecticut Health Center 3,460,985 3,460,985 Workers' Compensation Claims – Board of Regents Higher Ed 3,289,276 3,289,276 Claims – Department of Children and Families 10,036,952 10,036,952 Workers' Compensation Claims Mental Health & Addiction Serv 18,061,027 18,061,027 Claim Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection 3,723,135 3,723,135 Claims – Department of Developmental Services 12,073,417 12,073,417 Workers' Compensation Claims – Department of Correction 37,722,823 37,722,823 AGENCY TOTAL 97,148,643 97,148,643 TOTAL - GENERAL FUND 24,130,611,244 25,455,622,254 LESS: Unallocated Lapse -63,710,570 -73,710,570 Unallocated Lapse - Judicial -5,000,000 -5,000,000 Targeted Savings -25,518,692 -15,000,000 NET - GENERAL FUND 24,036,381,982 25,361,911,684 Sec. 2. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Personal Services 770,498 770,498 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 22 of 745 Personal Services 2,937,990 2,937,990 State Insurance and Risk Mgmt Operations 17,467,920 17,467,920 IT Services 1,619,686 1,619,686 AGENCY TOTAL 22,025,596 22,025,596 REGULATION AND PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES Personal Services 53,959,126 53,959,126 Other Expenses 19,078,262 19,778,262 Equipment 668,756 668,756 DMV Modernization 3,000,000 3,000,000 Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Project 324,676 324,676 AGENCY TOTAL 77,030,820 77,730,820 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Personal Services 3,781,576 3,781,576 Other Expenses 665,006 665,006 AGENCY TOTAL 4,446,582 4,446,582 TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Personal Services 236,076,271 236,076,271 Other Expenses 63,434,586 63,434,586 Equipment 1,376,329 1,376,329 Minor Capital Projects 449,639 449,639 Highway Planning And Research 3,060,131 3,060,131 Rail Operations 316,004,297 318,803,218 Bus Operations 296,608,656 301,407,448 ADA Para-transit Program 51,982,687 51,982,687 Non-ADA Dial-A-Ride Program 576,361 576,361 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 23 of 745 Pay-As-You-Go Transportation Projects 18,054,208 18,054,208 Transportation Asset Management 3,004,254 3,004,254 Transportation to Work 2,370,629 2,370,629 AGENCY TOTAL 992,998,048 1,000,595,761 NON-FUNCTIONAL DEBT SERVICE - STATE TREASURER Debt Service 914,650,787 1,025,610,574 STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 5,337,671 STATE COMPTROLLER - FRINGE BENEFITS Unemployment Compensation 360,000 360,000 Insurance - Group Life 395,600 401,600 Employers Social Security Tax 20,862,731 21,697,231 State Employees Health Service Cost 66,798,800 65,927,200 Other Post Employment Benefits 4,215,697 4,321,112 SERS Defined Contribution Match 1,229,898 1,835,222 State Employees Retirement Contributions - Normal Cost 22,660,619 23,334,444 State Employees Retirement Contributions - UAL 145,173,898 136,192,810 AGENCY TOTAL 261,697,243 254,069,619 RESERVE FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENTS Reserve For Salary Adjustments 10,868,037 19,864,541 WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Workers' Compensation Claims 6,723,297 6,723,297 TOTAL - SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND 2,291,210,908 2,417,174,959 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 24 of 745 LESS: Unallocated Lapse -12,000,000 -12,000,000 NET - SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND 2,279,210,908 2,405,174,959 Sec. 3. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT AND MOHEGAN FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Grants To Towns 52,541,796 52,541,796 Sec. 4. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the BANKING FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Personal Services 413,105 413,105 Fringe Benefits 307,747 307,747 IT Services 360,334 360,334 AGENCY TOTAL 1,081,186 1,081,186 REGULATION AND PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OF BANKING Personal Services 15,476,809 15,496,809 Other Expenses 1,378,010 1,375,510 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 25 of 745 Equipment 44,900 44,900 Fringe Benefits 12,383,403 12,399,055 Indirect Overhead 1,404,178 1,404,178 AGENCY TOTAL 30,687,300 30,720,452 LABOR DEPARTMENT Opportunity Industrial Centers 738,708 738,708 Customized Services 965,689 965,689 AGENCY TOTAL 1,704,397 1,704,397 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING Fair Housing 670,000 670,000 JUDICIAL JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT Foreclosure Mediation Program 2,158,656 2,158,656 NON-FUNCTIONAL STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 261,199 TOTAL - BANKING FUND 36,301,539 36,595,890 Sec. 5. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the INSURANCE FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 26 of 745 Personal Services 374,039 374,039 Other Expenses 6,012 6,012 Fringe Benefits 277,130 277,130 AGENCY TOTAL 657,181 657,181 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Personal Services 905,796 905,796 Fringe Benefits 656,984 656,984 IT Services 514,136 514,136 AGENCY TOTAL 2,076,916 2,076,916 REGULATION AND PROTECTION INSURANCE DEPARTMENT Personal Services 17,428,950 17,428,950 Other Expenses 1,609,489 1,609,489 Equipment 62,500 62,500 Fringe Benefits 13,071,712 13,071,712 Indirect Overhead 1,594,604 1,594,604 AGENCY TOTAL 33,767,255 33,767,255 OFFICE OF THE HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE Personal Services 1,947,836 1,947,836 Other Expenses 392,991 292,991 Equipment 5,000 5,000 Fringe Benefits 1,831,655 1,831,655 Indirect Overhead 79,775 79,775 AGENCY TOTAL 4,257,257 4,157,257 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING Crumbling Foundations 182,977 182,977 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 27 of 745 HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH Needle and Syringe Exchange Program 513,515 513,515 Children's Health Initiatives 3,389,838 3,389,838 AIDS Services 5,366,231 5,366,231 Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection and Treatment 2,563,100 2,563,100 Immunization Services 49,176,811 50,845,097 X-Ray Screening and Tuberculosis Care 971,849 971,849 Venereal Disease Control 203,256 203,256 AGENCY TOTAL 62,184,600 63,852,886 OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY Personal Services 1,487,574 1,487,574 Other Expenses 10,646,454 10,398,780 Equipment 10,000 10,000 Fringe Benefits 1,406,339 1,406,339 AGENCY TOTAL 13,550,367 13,302,693 DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES Managed Service System 462,699 462,699 HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCATE Personal Services 387,000 387,000 Other Expenses 65,500 65,500 Fringe Benefits 401,000 401,000 Indirect Overhead 22,500 22,500 AGENCY TOTAL 876,000 876,000 DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES Fall Prevention 382,660 382,660 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 28 of 745 NON-FUNCTIONAL STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 391,026 TOTAL - INSURANCE FUND 118,397,912 120,109,550 Sec. 6. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the CONSUMER COUNSEL AND PUBLIC UTILITY CONTROL FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Personal Services 200,396 200,396 Other Expenses 2,000 2,000 Fringe Benefits 196,074 196,074 AGENCY TOTAL 398,470 398,470 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Personal Services 96,173 96,173 Fringe Benefits 88,135 88,135 AGENCY TOTAL 184,308 184,308 REGULATION AND PROTECTION OFFICE OF CONSUMER COUNSEL Personal Services 2,288,944 2,288,944 Other Expenses 461,482 461,482 Equipment 2,200 2,200 Fringe Benefits 1,724,601 1,724,601 Indirect Overhead 157,648 157,648 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 29 of 745 AGENCY TOTAL 4,634,875 4,634,875 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Personal Services 17,340,038 17,340,038 Other Expenses 1,479,367 1,479,367 Equipment 19,500 19,500 Fringe Benefits 12,689,262 12,689,262 Indirect Overhead 489,330 489,330 AGENCY TOTAL 32,017,497 32,017,497 NON-FUNCTIONAL STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 284,112 TOTAL - CONSUMER COUNSEL AND PUBLIC UTILITY CONTROL FUND 37,235,150 37,519,262 Sec. 7. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Personal Services 663,688 663,688 Fringe Benefits 528,600 528,600 IT Services 199,938 199,938 AGENCY TOTAL 1,392,226 1,392,226 DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 30 of 745 Personal Services 474,947 474,947 Other Expenses 10,428 10,428 Fringe Benefits 489,396 489,396 AGENCY TOTAL 974,771 974,771 REGULATION AND PROTECTION LABOR DEPARTMENT Occupational Health Clinics 708,113 708,113 WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION Personal Services 9,841,921 9,841,921 Other Expenses 2,476,091 2,476,091 Equipment 1 1 Fringe Benefits 8,561,814 8,561,814 Indirect Overhead 1,586,205 1,586,205 AGENCY TOTAL 22,466,032 22,466,032 HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES Personal Services 634,783 634,783 Other Expenses 48,440 48,440 Rehabilitative Services 595,631 595,631 Fringe Benefits 467,987 467,987 AGENCY TOTAL 1,746,841 1,746,841 NON-FUNCTIONAL STATE COMPTROLLER - MISCELLANEOUS Nonfunctional - Change to Accruals 149,142 TOTAL - WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND 27,287,983 27,437,125 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 31 of 745 Sec. 8. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 JUDICIAL JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT Criminal Injuries Compensation 2,934,088 2,934,088 Sec. 9. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the TOURISM FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Statewide Marketing 4,500,000 4,500,000 Hartford Urban Arts Grant 242,371 242,371 New Britain Arts Council 39,380 39,380 Westville Village Renaissance Alliance 145,000 145,000 Neighborhood Music School 200,540 200,540 Greater Hartford Community Foundation Travelers Championship 150,000 150,000 CT Convention & Sports Bureau 500,000 500,000 Nutmeg Games 40,000 40,000 Discovery Museum 196,895 196,895 National Theatre of the Deaf 78,758 78,758 Connecticut Science Center 546,626 546,626 CT Flagship Producing Theaters Grant 360,000 360,000 Performing Arts Centers 787,571 787,571 Performing Theaters Grant 900,600 900,600 Arts Commission 1,497,298 1,497,298 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 32 of 745 Art Museum Consortium 887,313 887,313 Litchfield Jazz Festival 29,000 29,000 Arte Inc. 20,735 20,735 CT Virtuosi Orchestra 15,250 15,250 Barnum Museum 50,000 50,000 Various Grants 1,090,000 1,090,000 Creative Youth Productions 300,000 300,000 Music Haven 100,000 100,000 West Hartford Pride 80,000 80,000 Amistad Center for Arts and Culture 100,000 100,000 Leffingwell House Museum 50,000 50,000 CT Main Street Center 350,000 350,000 Norwalk International Cultural Exchange – NICE Festival 50,000 50,000 Ball & Socket Arts 300,000 300,000 Greater Hartford Arts Council 74,079 74,079 Stepping Stones Museum for Children 80,863 80,863 Maritime Center Authority 803,705 803,705 Connecticut Humanities Council 1,185,000 1,360,000 Amistad Committee for the Freedom Trail 36,414 36,414 New Haven Festival of Arts and Ideas 414,511 414,511 New Haven Arts Council 77,000 77,000 Beardsley Zoo 400,000 400,000 Mystic Aquarium 322,397 472,397 Northwestern Tourism 400,000 400,000 Eastern Tourism 400,000 400,000 Central Tourism 400,000 400,000 Twain/Stowe Homes 81,196 81,196 Cultural Alliance of Fairfield 52,000 52,000 Stamford Downtown Special Services District 50,000 50,000 AGENCY TOTAL 17,884,502 18,709,502 Sec. 10. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the CANNABIS PREVENTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 33 of 745 2025-2026 2026-2027 HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES Fringe Benefits 221,000 221,000 Cannabis Prevention 3,144,268 3,144,268 AGENCY TOTAL 3,365,268 3,365,268 Sec. 11. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the CANNABIS REGULATORY FUND for the annual periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SERVICES Personal Services 484,188 484,188 ATTORNEY GENERAL Personal Services 407,309 407,309 REGULATION AND PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION Personal Services 509,758 509,758 Other Expenses 124,000 124,000 AGENCY TOTAL 633,758 633,758 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES Personal Services 540,135 540,135 DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION Personal Services 5,335,317 5,335,317 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 34 of 745 Other Expenses 348,769 348,769 AGENCY TOTAL 5,684,086 5,684,086 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Personal Services 104,305 104,305 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Personal Services 259,067 259,067 Other Expenses 65,000 65,000 AGENCY TOTAL 324,067 324,067 HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH Personal Services 192,520 192,520 Other Expenses 275,700 275,700 AGENCY TOTAL 468,220 468,220 TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Other Expenses 550,000 550,000 EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CENTER Operating Expenses 178,385 178,385 TOTAL - CANNABIS REGULATORY FUND 9,374,453 9,374,453 Sec. 12. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following sums are appropriated from the MUNICIPAL REVENUE SHARING FUND for the annual House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 35 of 745 periods indicated for the purposes described. 2025-2026 2026-2027 GENERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grants 85,932,470 85,932,470 Motor Vehicle Tax Grants 127,496,890 127,496,890 Tiered PILOT 345,980,314 345,980,314 AGENCY TOTAL 559,409,674 559,409,674 Sec. 13. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may make reductions in allotments for the executive branch for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, in order to achieve (1) budget savings in the General Fund of $63,710,570 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and $73,710,570 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and (2) targeted savings in the General Fund of $25,518,692 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and $15,000,000 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. (b) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may make reductions in allotments for the judicial branch for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, in order to achieve budget savings in the General Fund of $5,000,000 during each such fiscal year. Such reductions shall be achieved as determined by the Chief Justice and Chief Public Defender. Sec. 14. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may transfer amounts appropriated for Personal Services in sections 1 to 12, inclusive, of this act from agencies to the Reserve for Salary Adjustments account to specifically provide for the impact of collective bargaining and related costs. (b) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may transfer funds appropriated in section 1 of this act, for Reserve for Salary House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 36 of 745 Adjustments, to any agency in any appropriated fund to give effect to salary increases, other employee benefits, agency costs related to staff reductions, including accrual payments, achievement of agency personal services reductions, or other personal services adjustments authorized by this act, any other act or other applicable statute. Sec. 15. (Effective from passage) (a) That portion of unexpended funds, as determined by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, appropriated in public act 23-204, as amended by public act 24-81, that relate to collective bargaining agreements and related costs, shall not lapse on June 30, 2025, and such funds shall continue to be available for such purpose during the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027. (b) That portion of unexpended funds, as determined by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, appropriated in section 1 of this act, that relate to collective bargaining agreements and related costs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall not lapse on June 30, 2026, and such funds shall continue to be available for such purpose during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Sec. 16. (Effective July 1, 2025) Any appropriation, or portion thereof, made to any agency, under sections 1 to 12, inclusive, of this act, may be transferred at the request of such agency to any other agency by the Governor, with the approval of the Finance Advisory Committee, to take full advantage of federal matching funds, provided both agencies shall certify that the expenditure of such transferred funds by the receiving agency will be for the same purpose as that of the original appropriation or portion thereof so transferred. Any federal funds generated through the transfer of appropriations between agencies may be used for reimbursing appropriated expenditures or for expanding program services or a combination of both as determined by the Governor, with the approval of the Finance Advisory Committee. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 37 of 745 Sec. 17. (Effective July 1, 2025) Any appropriation, or portion thereof, made to any agency under sections 1 to 12, inclusive, of this act, may be adjusted by the Governor, with approval of the Finance Advisory Committee, in order to maximize federal funding available to the state, consistent with the relevant federal provisions of law. Sec. 18. (Effective July 1, 2025) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, the Department of Social Services and the Department of Children and Families may, with the approval of the Office of Policy and Management, and in compliance with any advanced planning document approved by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, establish receivables for the reimbursement anticipated from approved projects. Sec. 19. (Effective July 1, 2025) Any appropriation, or portion thereof, made to The University of Connecticut Health Center in section 1 of this act may be transferred by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to the Medicaid account in the Department of Social Services for the purpose of maximizing federal reimbursement. Sec. 20. (Effective July 1, 2025) All funds appropriated to the Department of Social Services for DMHAS – Disproportionate Share shall be expended by the Department of Social Services in such amounts and at such times as prescribed by the Office of Policy and Management. The Department of Social Services shall make disproportionate share payments to hospitals in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for operating expenses and for related fringe benefit expenses. Funds received by the hospitals in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, for fringe benefits, shall be used to reimburse the Comptroller. All other funds received by the hospitals in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall be deposited to grants - other than federal accounts. All disproportionate share payments not expended in grants - other than federal accounts shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 38 of 745 Sec. 21. (Effective July 1, 2025) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4-85 of the general statutes, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall not allot funds appropriated in sections 1 to 12, inclusive, of this act for Nonfunctional – Change to Accruals. Sec. 22. (Effective July 1, 2025) During the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, $1,000,000 of the federal funds received by the Department of Education, from Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), shall be transferred to the Office of Early Childhood in each such fiscal year, for the Birth-to-Three program, in order to carry out Part B responsibilities consistent with the IDEA. Sec. 23. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the distribution of priority school district grants, pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10-266p of the general statutes, shall be as follows: (1) For priority school districts in the amount of $30,818,778, (2) for extended school building hours in the amount of $2,919,883, and (3) for school accountability in the amount of $3,412,207. (b) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the distribution of priority school district grants, pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10-266p of the general statutes, shall be as follows: (1) For priority school districts in the amount of $30,818,778, (2) for extended school building hours in the amount of $2,919,883, and (3) for school accountability in the amount of $3,412,207. Sec. 24. (Effective July 1, 2025) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 17a-17 of the general statutes, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, the provisions of said section shall not be considered in any increases or decreases to residential rates or allowable per diem payments to private residential treatment centers licensed pursuant to section 17a-145 of the general statutes. Sec. 25. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) Notwithstanding any provision of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 39 of 745 the general statutes, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, the total grants paid to municipalities from the moneys available in the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund established pursuant to section 3-55i of the general statutes shall be as follows: Grantee Grant Amount For Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Amount For Fiscal Year 2027 Andover 6,680 6,680 Ansonia 113,045 113,045 Ashford 12,010 12,010 Avon - - Barkhamsted 6,728 6,728 Beacon Falls 12,467 12,467 Berlin - - Bethany 881 881 Bethel - - Bethlehem 4,125 4,125 Bloomfield 94,314 94,314 Bolton 3,244 3,244 Bozrah 9,143 9,143 Branford - - Bridgeport 5,606,925 5,606,925 Bridgewater 3,734 3,734 Bristol 400,282 400,282 Brookfield - - Brooklyn 191,703 191,703 Burlington - - Canaan 6,202 6,202 Canterbury 15,208 15,208 Canton - - Chaplin 73,052 73,052 Cheshire 1,962,440 1,962,440 Chester 3,278 3,278 Clinton - - Colchester 23,167 23,167 Colebrook 6,045 6,045 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 40 of 745 Columbia 4,857 4,857 Cornwall 4,434 4,434 Coventry 13,336 13,336 Cromwell - - Danbury 678,398 678,398 Darien - - Deep River 4,490 4,490 Derby 207,304 207,304 Durham 1,003 1,003 Eastford 7,529 7,529 East Granby 987 987 East Haddam 3,042 3,042 East Hampton 6,742 6,742 East Hartford 156,898 156,898 East Haven 82,006 82,006 East Lyme 270,204 270,204 Easton - - East Windsor 1,015,432 1,015,432 Ellington 4,081 4,081 Enfield 1,224,751 1,224,751 Essex - - Fairfield 114,941 114,941 Farmington - - Franklin 9,738 9,738 Glastonbury - - Goshen 2,687 2,687 Granby - - Greenwich - - Griswold 55,478 55,478 Groton 1,232,069 1,232,069 Guilford - - Haddam 908 908 Hamden 725,946 725,946 Hampton 8,881 8,881 Hartford 6,136,523 6,136,523 Hartland 6,593 6,593 Harwinton 3,676 3,676 Hebron 3,350 3,350 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 41 of 745 Kent 1,298 1,298 Killingly 94,184 94,184 Killingworth - - Lebanon 13,139 13,139 Ledyard 1,391,000 1,391,000 Lisbon 11,287 11,287 Litchfield - - Lyme 1,997 1,997 Madison - - Manchester 412,450 412,450 Mansfield 179,151 179,151 Marlborough 1,807 1,807 Meriden 698,609 698,609 Middlebury - - Middlefield 5,616 5,616 Middletown 1,060,747 1,060,747 Milford 236,690 236,690 Monroe - - Montville 1,446,162 1,446,162 Morris 5,059 5,059 Naugatuck 147,899 147,899 New Britain 1,980,822 1,980,822 New Canaan - - New Fairfield - - New Hartford 822 822 New Haven 5,503,352 5,503,352 Newington 164,924 164,924 New London 1,667,837 1,667,837 New Milford 2,049 2,049 Newtown 829,098 829,098 Norfolk 8,899 8,899 North Branford 2,647 2,647 North Canaan 12,383 12,383 North Haven 86,789 86,789 North Stonington 880,690 880,690 Norwalk 577,059 577,059 Norwich 2,360,229 2,360,229 Old Lyme - - House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 42 of 745 Old Saybrook - - Orange 6,408 6,408 Oxford - - Plainfield 82,099 82,099 Plainville 27,635 27,635 Plymouth 33,955 33,955 Pomfret 9,172 9,172 Portland 2,902 2,902 Preston 1,165,290 1,165,290 Prospect 1,085 1,085 Putnam 75,902 75,902 Redding - - Ridgefield - - Rocky Hill 213,545 213,545 Roxbury 2,188 2,188 Salem 7,370 7,370 Salisbury - - Scotland 11,620 11,620 Seymour 24,111 24,111 Sharon 2,001 2,001 Shelton - - Sherman 109 109 Simsbury - - Somers 1,564,515 1,564,515 Southbury - - Southington 7,160 7,160 South Windsor - - Sprague 17,479 17,479 Stafford 60,839 60,839 Stamford 625,635 625,635 Sterling 24,317 24,317 Stonington 30,000 30,000 Stratford 30,567 30,567 Suffield 2,760,598 2,760,598 Thomaston 16,872 16,872 Thompson 38,307 38,307 Tolland - - Torrington 196,642 196,642 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 43 of 745 Trumbull - - Union 19,013 19,013 Vernon 79,820 79,820 Voluntown 80,641 80,641 Wallingford 33,058 33,058 Warren 4,369 4,369 Washington - - Waterbury 2,637,435 2,637,435 Waterford - - Watertown 11,631 11,631 Westbrook - - West Hartford 27,820 27,820 West Haven 807,097 807,097 Weston - - Westport - - Wethersfield 137,556 137,556 Willington 17,399 17,399 Wilton - - Winchester 49,474 49,474 Windham 793,155 793,155 Windsor - - Windsor Locks 387,713 387,713 Wolcott 16,939 16,939 Woodbridge - - Woodbury - - Woodstock 5,694 5,694 Golden Hill Paugussett 20,000 20,000 Paucatuck Eastern Pequot 20,000 20,000 Schaghticoke 20,000 20,000 TOTALS 52,532,789 52,532,789 Sec. 26. (Effective July 1, 2025) The amounts appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Economic and Community Development, for MRDA, shall be used to support the personal services and fringe benefits costs for staff and operating costs at the Connecticut House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 44 of 745 Municipal Redevelopment Authority during the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Sec. 27. (Effective from passage) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (j) of section 45a-82 of the general statutes, any balance in the Probate Court Administration Fund on June 30, 2025, shall remain in said fund and shall not be transferred to the General Fund. Sec. 28. (Effective from passage) (a) Not later than June 30, 2026, the Comptroller shall negotiate with nongovernmental licensed short-term general hospitals in the state to revise rates of reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient care provided at such hospitals for current state employees and retired state employees who are not eligible for Medicare. Adjusted rates may vary between the active state employee health plan and the retired state employee health plan. If one or more of such hospitals do not agree to revise rates pursuant to negotiations with the Comptroller under this subsection, the hospital's existing contract for in-network participation shall continue to apply. (b) Any such hospital that agrees to reduced rates, in accordance with terms negotiated with the Comptroller pursuant to this section, shall accept such reduced payments from the Comptroller's contracted administrative services organization as full payment for services, and such hospital shall not balance bill members of the active state employee health plan or the retired state employee health plan beyond the amount of cost share required by the member's benefit design or seek additional reimbursement from the Comptroller's contracted administrative services organization. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Comptroller to adjust hospital reimbursement rates for any plan offered pursuant to sections 3-123aaa to 3-123yyy, inclusive, of the general statutes. Such plan premiums shall be calculated using the contracted hospital reimbursement rates of the contracted administrative services House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 45 of 745 organization without regard to any rate revision negotiated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, and shall not reflect the reduced costs to the active state employee health plan or retired state employee health plan that result from such rate revision. (d) If, prior to July 1, 2026, the Comptroller estimates that reductions to rates of reimbursement will be achieved for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, as a result of negotiations conducted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the amount of hospital supplemental payments paid under subdivision (3) of subsection (c) of section 17b- 239e of the general statutes shall be increased by an amount not less than the amount of such reductions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. In no event shall supplemental payments be made in a manner that fails to comply with applicable federal requirements and required federal approvals, including, but not limited to, the requirement that supplemental payments shall not be paid in a manner that causes total hospital payments in an applicable category to exceed the upper payment limit, as defined in subdivision (1) of subsection (k) of section 17b-239 of the general statutes. Sec. 29. (Effective from passage) Up to $3,500,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Housing for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and up to $5,000,000 of such appropriated amount for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be used to maintain cold weather response service, but need not be used to provide continuous call center service. Applications for grants-in-aid for the purpose of maintaining cold weather response shall be submitted in the form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Housing. Sec. 30. (Effective from passage) Up to $100,000 of the unexpended balance of funds appropriated to Legislative Management, for Statues, in section 1 of public act 23-204, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and carried forward in section 9 of public act 24-81, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, shall not lapse on June 30, 2025, and shall be made House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 46 of 745 available during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to support removal of the John Mason statue from the state Capitol building. Sec. 31. (Effective July 1, 2025) The sum of $500,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the State Library, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30 2027, shall be made available for grants in equal amounts to the following library-related programs: (1) United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library; (2) Read to Grow; and (3) Reach Out and Read. Sec. 32. (Effective July 1, 2025) That portion of unexpended funds, as determined by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Judicial Department, for Youth Services Prevention and Youth Violence Initiative, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall not lapse on June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively, and such funds shall continue to be available to the Judicial Department for juvenile justice system needs, as determined by the Chief Court Administrator, during the fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028. Sec. 33. (Effective July 1, 2025) The amounts appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Judicial Department, for Youth Services Prevention, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal year for the following grants: Grantee Grant Friends of Bethel Parks and Recreation, Inc. 75,000 Kind Works, Inc. 75,000 United Way of Greenwich, Inc. 40,000 Barbara's House, Inc. 60,000 Family Centers, Inc. 25,000 Greenwich Alliance for Education Foundation, Inc. 25,000 East End NRZ Market & Cafe 45,000 Building Leaders Across Communities, Inc. 15,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 47 of 745 ACCESS Educational Services, Inc. 50,000 The Walter E. Luckett, Jr. Foundation, Inc. 50,000 Business Industry Foundation 10,000 Police Activity League of Middletown, Inc. 40,000 Middletown Youth Services Bureau 8,000 The Hart Wellness Collaborative, Inc. 30,000 YMCA of Northern Middlesex County, Inc. 142,000 Mental Health Connecticut 60,000 From Quicksand Unto Solid Ground 10,000 Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, Inc. 30,000 Color A Positive Thought Organization 30,000 North End Little League 15,000 Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc. 20,000 Aluminum Falcon Robotics, Inc. 5,000 New England Science & Sailing Foundation 7,500 Groton Mystic Youth Football League 10,000 Groton Little League 15,000 Inter District Committee for Project Oceanology ('Project Oceanology') 25,000 Mystic Community Bikes, Inc. 5,000 Project LEARN 7,500 Denison Pequotsepous Nature Center 5,000 Ocean Community YMCA 15,000 Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed 7,500 Yellow Farmhouse Education Center, Inc. 2,500 University of Connecticut 7,500 Community Speaks Out, Inc. 7,500 Arte, Inc. 40,000 Bregamos Community Theater Company 25,000 Puerto Ricans United 30,000 Edgewood PTA Child Care Program, Inc. 35,000 City Angels Baseball Academy 20,000 Hartford Stage Company, Inc. 50,000 Charter Oak Temple Restoration Association, Inc. 50,000 The Police Activities League of Hartford, Inc. 50,000 Hoops 4 All, Inc. 40,000 Intempo Organization, Inc. 40,000 100 Black Men of Stamford, Inc. (100 BMOS) 30,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 48 of 745 Six Love Tennis 25,000 Stamford Alumni Diamond Foundation, Inc. 40,000 The Bridge Family Center, Inc. 150,000 Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders 160,000 Cook and Grow, LLC 20,000 Village Initiative Project, Inc. 80,000 East End Baptist Tabernacle Church 25,000 Summerfield United Methodist Church - Youth With A Purpose 40,000 The Legacy Foundation of Hartford, Inc. 175,000 Park Street Public Library 30,000 Charter Oak Boxing Academy 30,000 Hispanic Health Council 10,000 Friends of Pope Park, Inc. 30,000 Youth Challenge of Connecticut, Inc. 20,000 Boys and Girls Club of Hartford, Inc. 30,000 Hartford Health Initiative, Inc. 14,500 Hartford Communities That Care, Inc. 28,000 Harford Lions Soccer Academy, Inc. 7,500 Mothers United Against Violence, Inc. 15,000 Second Chance Re-entry Initiative Program (SCRIP) 10,000 Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. 80,000 Hartford Premier & Development League 10,000 Artists Collective, Inc. 10,000 Blue Hills Civic Association, Inc. 20,000 The Gifted Onez, Inc. 50,000 Athletes R Us, Inc. 50,000 Iron Sharpens Iron Mentor Ministries, Inc. 5,500 West Haven Board of Education 8,000 Ray Teller Midget Football League, Inc. 4,000 The Bread Room, Inc. 17,000 Good Shepherd Ministries 13,000 Ready, Inc. 40,000 Christ Christian Church, Inc. 12,500 Teach Kids Music, Inc. 20,000 Team West Haven, Inc. 30,000 New London Soccer Club 10,000 Safe Futures 10,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 49 of 745 The Center - A Drop in Community Learning & Resource Center, Inc. 10,000 Higher Edge, Inc. 20,000 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund 30,000 New London NAACP Youth Council 10,000 New London Little League 10,000 New London Babe Ruth 10,000 New London Football League, Inc. 15,000 Garde Arts Center, Inc. 25,000 C.O.R.N.E.R.S, Inc. 5,000 Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, Inc. 30,000 My Architecture Workshops, Inc. 25,000 The Ferguson Library 12,500 Future 5, Inc. 15,000 Domus Kids, Inc. 12,500 Mill River Collaborative, Inc. 25,000 God Provides Ministries International, Inc. 10,000 Rivera Memorial Foundation, Inc. 70,000 C. O. Sports Academy, Inc. 5,000 Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury, Inc. 20,000 Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterbury 80,000 CT Rebound, Inc. 10,000 Hoops 4 Life, Inc. 5,000 Jeep Enthusiasts of Connecticut 5,000 BAGS Foundation CT, Inc. 5,000 Park Central, Inc. 10,000 Walnut-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, Inc. 80,000 Black Girls Get LegalTee, Inc. 75,000 EJ'S HEART 60,000 The Open Door Shelter, Inc. 15,000 Town of East Hartford Health & Human Services Department 75,000 Town of Manchester Youth Service Bureau 75,000 Mcgivney Community Center, Inc. 10,000 Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County 20,000 Hip Hop 1001 10,000 New Britain Fire Explorers 15,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 50 of 745 Human Resource Agency of New Britain, Inc. 30,000 New Life 11 Teaching You Another Way 25,000 New Britain ROOTS, Inc. 30,000 Meriden-New Britain-Berlin Young Men's Christian Association, Inc. 35,000 New Britain Police Athletic League 25,000 Boys and Girls Club of New Britain 40,000 The Young Women's Christian Association of New Britain 10,000 Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, Inc. 35,000 Maria Reina de la Parish Corporation 15,000 Connecticut Scholars, Inc. 5,000 Connecticut Institute for Community Development - Puerto Rican Parade 5,000 St. George Armenian Apostolic Church/Diocese of the Armenian Church 15,000 Police Activities League of Hartford, Inc. 50,000 Angel of Edgewood, Inc. 5,000 Organized Parents Make A Difference, Inc. 55,000 Boys & Girls Club of New Britain 40,000 New Britain Legacies 25,000 Advocacy Academy Accomplish Education, Inc. 15,000 CT Riptide, LLC 5,000 Meriden Police Cadets (Meriden Police Department) 15,000 Boys & Girls Club of Meriden 10,000 Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc. 10,000 Ball Headz, Inc. 25,000 Women and Families Center 20,000 Beat The Street Community Center, Inc. 25,000 Silver City Girls Softball 15,000 Build A Better You Family Services, LLC 15,000 Danbury Grassroots Academy 25,000 Danbury Law Enforcement Cadets, Inc. 25,000 Danbury Youth Soccer Club, Inc. 10,000 Friends of the Danbury Museum & Historical Society 50,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 51 of 745 Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut 25,000 Dominican Community Center, Inc. 15,000 Youth Business Initiative 25,000 LIFT Foundation, Inc. 25,000 Basket Of Love, Inc. 25,000 Abe Prior—Keep 5 Alive, Inc. 25,000 Project 9 Foundation 25,000 Sports Academy 250,000 333 Valley Street Center Intergenerational Organization 300,000 New Haven Ecology Project 250,000 Christian Community Action, Inc. 200,000 CT Violence Intervention Program, Inc. 200,000 Integrated Day Charter School Foundation 18,000 Norwich Public Schools Education Foundation, Inc. 18,000 Norwich Free Academy 15,000 Norwich Youth Football League 15,000 DHW Athletics 5,000 Norwich Bully Busters 3,000 Night Flight Association, Inc. 8,000 Sankofa Education and Leadership, Inc. 55,000 Historically Black College Alumni, Inc. 23,000 CT Chapter of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, Inc. 30,000 Town of East Hartford 50,000 Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT 35,000 Milan Cultural Association, Inc. 60,000 Fixing Fathers One Dad at a Time, Inc. 75,000 Transcend The Trend, Inc. 75,000 Elevate Bridgeport, Inc. 75,000 CT State Building Trades Training Institute, Inc. 75,000 Yuke Nation, Inc. 25,000 The Sonship Institute, Inc. 25,000 Creative Youth Productions, Inc. 10,000 The Color a Positive Thought Organization 50,000 Left Hearts, Inc. 10,000 Unique & Unified New Era Youth Movement 50,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 52 of 745 The Dominican American Coalition of Connecticut, Inc. 25,000 Town of Stratford 25,000 Northern Middlesex YMCA 120,000 Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater 40,000 Business Industry Foundation of Middlesex County, Inc. 10,000 Hartford Hurricanes 15,000 Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative 20,000 DreamBig College 40,000 Bloomfield Jr. Warhawks, Inc. 20,000 The Archer Foundation 20,000 RF Youth Boxing 100,000 Stamford Public Education Foundation, Inc. 50,000 SoundWaters, Inc. 25,000 Project Music, Inc. 30,000 Bangladesh Society of Connecticut 50,000 Bangladesh Christian Association of Connecticut 25,000 Bangladeshi American Friends & Family of Connecticut 25,000 Bangladeshi American Association of Connecticut 25,000 Farnam-Neighborhood House, Inc. 50,000 Reentry Success Plan 300,000 Youth Continuum, Inc. 100,000 Music Haven, Inc. 100,000 Sec. 34. (Effective July 1, 2025) The amounts appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Judicial Department, for Youth Violence Initiative, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each said fiscal year for the following grants: Grantee Grant Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, Inc. 200,000 Bridgeport City Hall for Lighthouse Program 375,000 Ht CT, Inc. 200,000 Ralphola Taylor Community Center 200,000 City of Danbury 50,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 53 of 745 Danbury Police Activities League 150,000 Hartford Knights Corp. 400,000 Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury, Inc. 85,000 Meriden-New Britain-Berlin Young Men's Christian Association, Inc. 40,000 Girls Inc. of Meriden 50,000 Casa Boricua De Meriden, Inc. 70,000 New Opportunities, Inc. 5,000 Boys & Girls Club of Meriden 50,000 Beat The Street Community Center, Inc. 45,000 Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. 25,000 Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, Inc. 50,000 New Britain ROOTS, Inc. 15,000 The Young Women's Christian Association of New Britain 15,000 Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. 10,000 New Britain Little League 20,000 Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc. 10,000 Hospital for Special Care 25,000 Hospital of Central Connecticut 30,000 Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, Inc. 75,000 New Britain Football and Cheer, Inc. 15,000 Tow Youth Justice Institute 397,406 Dom Aitro Baseball League, Inc. 50,000 Marine Cadets of America, Inc. 50,000 Barack H. Obama Magnet University School 75,000 Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ Youth Program 75,000 NXTHVN, Inc. 50,000 Kiyama Movement, Inc. 60,000 Center for Family Justice 66,000 Safe Futures Family Justice Center 66,000 HOPE Family Justice Center 66,000 East Rock Lodge No 141 IBPOE of W, Inc. 100,000 CERCLE 100,000 Solar Youth, Inc. 75,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 54 of 745 Reentry Success Plan 1,000,000 New Haven Youth Soccer 25,000 Annex Little League, Inc. 30,000 Fellowship Place, Inc. 100,000 Shiloh Development Corp, Inc. 40,000 Heavy Hitters USA, Inc. 25,000 The Haitian Hub Resource Center, Inc. 30,000 Community Level Up, Inc. 50,000 Positive Adversity 20,000 The Samaritan House, Inc. 30,000 Today's Youth Tomorrow's Future 20,000 Norwich Free Academy 55,000 Kids Christmas, Inc. 10,000 Sikh Art Gallery, Inc. 20,000 Castle Church, Inc. 35,000 Sankofa Education and Leadership, Inc. 55,000 City Youth Theater, Inc. 6,000 The Leadership University, Inc. 7,500 Rivera Memorial Foundation, Inc. 40,000 Madre Latina Organization, Inc. 25,000 Connecticut Junior Republic 12,000 Greater Waterbury YMCA - Waterbury Youth Services 15,000 Shakesperience Productions, Inc. 5,000 Afro Caribbean Cultural Center, Inc. 10,000 Waterbury Patriots Football and Cheer 10,000 Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury, Inc. 20,000 We Believe Academy, Inc. 5,000 Hoops4life, Inc. 5,000 The UnGroup Society 25,000 St. Margaret Willow Plaza NRZ, Inc. 60,000 Police Activity League of Waterbury, Inc. 50,000 Park Central, Inc. 7,500 Greater Waterbury YMCA 50,000 Waterbury Knights Youth Football and Cheer, Inc. 10,000 The Gathering Festival, Inc. 10,000 FreeTHEM, Inc. 5,000 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 55 of 745 Walnut-Orange-Walsh Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Association, Inc. 20,000 Congregation K'tana of Waterbury 5,000 Community InReach Corp. 12,000 Teach Kids Music 35,000 Alexander Jordan Jamieson Foundation, Inc. 20,000 West Haven Seahawks 20,000 City of West Haven Youth Services 30,000 Bridges Healthcare Inc. 15,000 West Haven Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. 15,000 Umbrella Impact, Inc. 30,000 Sec. 35. (Effective from passage) (a) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall identify unexpended funds totaling $258,000,000 from the amounts appropriated in section 1 of public act 23-204, which shall not lapse on June 30, 2025, and such funds shall be transferred and made available as provided in subsection (b) of this section. (b) (1) To Reserve for Salary Adjustments, the sum of $100,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $36,000,000, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027; and (2) To the State Comptroller – Fringe Benefits, for State Employees Health Service Cost, the sum of $122,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Sec. 36. (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The sum of $3,000,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal year to provide a grant to EastCONN Regional Educational Service Center. (b) The sum of $900,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal year to provide a grant to EdAdvance Regional Educational Service House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 56 of 745 Center. (c) The sum of $20,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Norwalk MLK Scholarship Fund. (d) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $25,000 of such amount appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal years for robotics. (e) The sum of $800,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Brother Carl Institute. (f) The sum of $150,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Artists Collective. (g) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut. (h) The sum of $350,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 57 of 745 available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Connecticut for mentoring in the cities of Hartford and New Haven. (i) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the town of Middletown for youth programming. (j) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley for operational support. (k) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Hartford Knights. (l) The sum of $15,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Hartford Youth Programming. (m) The sum of $150,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Active City for youth athletics. (n) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 58 of 745 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Serving All Vessels Equally (SAVE), Inc. in Norwalk. (o) The sum of $2,000,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years for electrical and computer engineering recruitment and after school K-2 reading tutoring. (p) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to EdAdvance School Readiness Council. (q) The sum of $210,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Stamford Public Education Foundation. (r) The sum of $1,000,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Full Circle Youth Empowerment. (s) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 59 of 745 (t) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to New Haven Reads. (u) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Thompson Alliance District. (v) The sum of $150,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $200,000 of such amount appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters. (w) The sum of $20,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut. (x) The sum of $450,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $350,000 of such amount appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to Effective School Solutions. (y) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 60 of 745 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal year to provide a grant to Athlife. (z) The sum of $100,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for boards of education training. (AA) The sum of $400,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and the sum of $200,000 of such amount appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Connecticut Association of Schools/Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for Curriculum Development. (BB) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal year to provide a grant to Free Agent Now. (CC) The sum of $5,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Martin Luther King Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown. (DD) The sum of $175,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to VR Sim. (EE) The sum of $10,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 61 of 745 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available in said fiscal year to provide a grant to Greenwich YMCA Scholarship Program. (FF) The sum of $30,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in said fiscal years to provide a grant to the town of Waterford for school lunch debt. (GG) The sum of $36,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the town of Montville for school lunch debt. (HH) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Fairfield River- Lab. (II) The sum of $200,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders. (JJ) The sum of $175,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Elevate Bridgeport. (KK) The sum of $75,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 62 of 745 fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the Bridgeport Board of Education for the Bridgeport Public Schools Debate League. (LL) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Yellow Mill Scholarship Fund. (MM) The sum of $1,500,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Waterbury Promise. (NN) The sum of $250,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Meriden Boys and Girls Club. (OO) The sum of $10,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Newington Public Schools for diverse library circulation materials. (PP) The sum of $25,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Boys and Girls Club of Milford for AI training. (QQ) The sum of $500,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 63 of 745 this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to New London Public Schools Pre-K and early childhood, including transitional kindergarten. (RR) The sum of $90,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Stamford Public Education Foundation. (SS) The sum of $50,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Sound Waters Summer Camp. (TT) The sum of $250,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to Windham Public Schools. (UU) The sum of $750,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years for a teacher residency program. (VV) The sum of $500,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Department of Education, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be made available in each of said fiscal years to provide a grant to the State Education Resource Center for disconnected youth programming. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 64 of 745 Sec. 37. (Effective from passage) Up to $100,000 of the amount appropriated to the Labor Department, for Cradle to Career, in section 1 of public act 23-204, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, shall not lapse on June 30, 2025, and shall be transferred to the Office of Early Childhood, for Other Expenses, and made available during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, as a grant to the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Sec. 38. (Effective July 1, 2025) The sum of $115,000 of the amount appropriated in section 1 of this act to the Judicial Department, for Other Expenses, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, shall be made available to provide a grant-in-aid to Survivors of Homicide, Inc. Sec. 39. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following amounts shall be transferred from the resources of the General Fund to the Cannabis Regulatory Fund: (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, ten million three hundred thousand dollars, and (2) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, ten million five hundred thousand dollars. Sec. 40. (Effective July 1, 2025) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10-183z of the general statutes, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the portion of the actuarially determined employer contribution representing the unfunded liability of the teachers' retirement system shall be $1,511,502,535. Sec. 41. (Effective from passage) Not later than June 30, 2025, the Comptroller shall transfer one hundred fifty million dollars of the resources of the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to be accounted for as revenue of the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Sec. 42. (Effective from passage) Not later than June 30, 2026, the Comptroller shall transfer two hundred forty-four million dollars of the resources of the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 65 of 745 be accounted for as revenue of the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Sec. 43. (Effective July 1, 2025) The following amounts shall be transferred from the resources of the General Fund to the Municipal Revenue Sharing Fund: (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, one hundred one million dollars, and (2) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, ninety million dollars. Sec. 44. (Effective from passage) Not later than June 30, 2025, the Comptroller shall transfer one hundred forty million dollars of the resources of the Special Transportation Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, seventeen million dollars of which is to be accounted for as revenue of the Special Transportation Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and one hundred twenty-three million of which is to be accounted for as revenue of the Special Transportation Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Sec. 45. (Effective from passage) (a) Whenever the federal government passes into law any regular or supplemental appropriations bill, continuing resolution or other legislation that reduces the amount of federal funds to be provided to the state during the state fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2027, inclusive, as compared to the state fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall, not later than thirty days after passage of such legislation, submit to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budget of state agencies and finance, revenue and bonding a plan that (1) identifies the programs the secretary projects will be affected by such reductions, including an estimate of the amount by which each such program will be affected, (2) makes recommendations on the feasibility, prudence and legal requirements to use state resources, including, but not limited to, the funds in the Budget Reserve Fund, to supplant all or a portion of any reduction in federal House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 66 of 745 funding, and (3) provides a draft supplemental appropriations and revenue bill, if applicable, to enact such recommendations. (b) If the plan submitted under subsection (a) of this section includes a draft supplemental appropriations and revenue bill, such draft bill shall prioritize maintenance of health care, food assistance, education, state employment and arts and cultural activities. Sec. 46. (Effective from passage) The Legislative Commissioners' Office shall, in codifying the provisions of this act, make such technical, grammatical and punctuation changes as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this act, including, but not limited to, correcting inaccurate internal references. Sec. 47. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall, within available appropriations, develop a methodology and implementation plan for one or more financing structures or alternative payment methodologies for hospital services in the state, including, but not limited to, a global budget payment methodology for licensed acute care hospitals, including, but not limited to, children's hospitals, under the AHEAD federal innovation model administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The commissioner shall, not later than January 31, 2026, report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, public health and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies regarding such methodology and implementation plan. (b) Not earlier than thirty days after submitting such report, the commissioner may apply for a Medicaid research and demonstration waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act to implement a financing structure or alternative payment methodology developed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section. If House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 67 of 745 implemented, such financing structure or alternative payment methodology (1) shall apply to each licensed acute care hospital, including, but not limited to, children's hospitals, that voluntarily chooses to participate in such financing structure or alternative payment methodology for all service categories included in such structure or methodology, and (2) may, within available resources dedicated to the implementation of such financing structure or alternative payment methodology, include incentive or other enhanced payments for any such licensed acute care hospital. No state agency shall (A) require any licensed acute care hospital to participate in any financing structure or alternative payment methodology implemented pursuant to the provisions of this section, (B) require any licensed acute care hospital to participate in any such financing structure or alternative payment methodology as a condition of Medicaid reimbursement or approval of a certificate of need application, or (C) impose any penalty or reduction on any licensed acute care hospital as a result of its decision not to participate in any such financing structure or alternative payment methodology. Sec. 48. Section 3-13i of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) On and after January 1, 2001, or on and after the first adoption of an investment policy statement under section 3-13b, whichever is later, any contract for services related to the investment of trust funds, as defined in section 3-13c, shall be subject to the investment policy statement adopted under section 3-13b. No contract for services related to the investment of such funds shall be awarded to a provider of such services until the Treasurer's recommendation of a provider is reviewed by the Investment Advisory Council. The Treasurer shall provide notice of such recommendation at a meeting of the council. Not later than forty-five days after such meeting, the council may file a written review of the Treasurer's recommendation concerning the selection of such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 68 of 745 provider with the Office of the Treasurer where it shall be available for public inspection. The Treasurer may proceed to award the contract after (1) such forty-five-day period, (2) receipt of the council's written review, or (3) notification by the council that it does not intend to submit a written review, whichever is sooner. (b) The Treasurer shall establish procurement procedures for the award of any such contract, in accordance with standards set forth in the investment policy statement adopted under section 3-13b, that foster impartial and comprehensive evaluations of potential providers and encourage the selection of the most responsible provider who can provide the best value to the state. Any such contract shall not be considered a personal service agreement, as defined in section 4-212, or a contract for contractual services, as defined in section 4a-50. Sec. 49. Section 51-47 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) The judges of the Superior Court, judges of the Appellate Court and judges of the Supreme Court shall receive annually salaries as follows: [(1) On and after July 1, 2022, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, two hundred twenty-six thousand seven hundred eleven dollars; (B) the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme Court, Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred seventeen thousand eight hundred fifty-four dollars; (C) each associate judge of the Supreme Court, two hundred nine thousand seven hundred seventy dollars; (D) the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred seven thousand four hundred fifty dollars; (E) each judge of the Appellate Court, one hundred ninety-seven thousand forty-six dollars; (F) the Deputy Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Superior Court, one hundred ninety-three thousand four hundred twenty dollars; and (G) each judge of the Superior Court, one hundred eighty-nine thousand four hundred House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 69 of 745 eighty-three dollars.] [(2)] (1) On and after July 1, 2023, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, two hundred thirty-three thousand five hundred twelve dollars; (B) the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme Court, Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred twenty-four thousand three hundred ninety dollars; (C) each associate judge of the Supreme Court, two hundred sixteen thousand sixty-three dollars; (D) the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred thirteen thousand six hundred seventy-four dollars; (E) each judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred two thousand nine hundred fifty-seven dollars; (F) the Deputy Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Superior Court, one hundred ninety-nine thousand two hundred twenty-three dollars; and (G) each judge of the Superior Court, one hundred ninety-five thousand one hundred sixty-seven dollars. [(3)] (2) On and after July 1, 2024, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, two hundred forty thousand five hundred eighteen dollars; (B) the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme Court, Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred thirty-one thousand one hundred twenty-one dollars; (C) each associate judge of the Supreme Court, two hundred twenty-two thousand five hundred forty- five dollars; (D) the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred twenty thousand eighty-four dollars; (E) each judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred nine thousand forty-six dollars; (F) the Deputy Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Superior Court, two hundred five thousand one hundred ninety-nine dollars; and (G) each judge of the Superior Court, two hundred one thousand twenty-three dollars. (3) On and after July 1, 2025, (A) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, two hundred forty-eight thousand nine hundred thirty-six dollars; (B) the Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Supreme Court, Appellate Court or Superior Court, two hundred thirty-nine thousand two hundred ten dollars; (C) each associate judge of the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 70 of 745 Supreme Court, two hundred thirty thousand three hundred thirty-four dollars; (D) the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred twenty-seven thousand seven hundred eighty-six dollars; (E) each judge of the Appellate Court, two hundred sixteen thousand three hundred thirty-six dollars; (F) the Deputy Chief Court Administrator if a judge of the Superior Court, two hundred twelve thousand three hundred eighty-one dollars; and (G) each judge of the Superior Court, two hundred eight thousand fifty-nine dollars. [(b) (1) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive under subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2022, a judge designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall receive one thousand two hundred ninety-two dollars in additional compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand two hundred ninety-two dollars in additional compensation and each Superior Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for facilities, administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial referees or for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the Superior Court shall receive one thousand two hundred ninety-two dollars in additional compensation.] [(2)] (b) (1) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive under subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2023, a judge designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall receive one thousand three hundred thirty-one dollars in additional compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand three hundred thirty-one dollars in additional compensation and each Superior Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for facilities, administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial referees or for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the Superior Court shall receive one thousand three hundred thirty-one House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 71 of 745 dollars in additional compensation. [(3)] (2) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive under subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2024, a judge designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall receive one thousand three hundred seventy-one dollars in additional compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand three hundred seventy-one dollars in additional compensation and each Superior Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for facilities, administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial referees or for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the Superior Court shall receive one thousand three hundred seventy-one dollars in additional compensation. (3) In addition to the salary such judge is entitled to receive under subsection (a) of this section, on and after July 1, 2025, a judge designated as the administrative judge of the appellate system shall receive one thousand four hundred nineteen dollars in additional compensation, each Superior Court judge designated as the administrative judge of a judicial district shall receive one thousand four hundred nineteen dollars in additional compensation and each Superior Court judge designated as the chief administrative judge for facilities, administrative appeals, judicial marshal service or judge trial referees or for the Family, Juvenile, Criminal or Civil Division of the Superior Court shall receive one thousand four hundred nineteen dollars in additional compensation. (c) Each such judge shall be an elector and a resident of this state, shall be a member of the bar of the state of Connecticut and shall not engage in private practice, nor on or after July 1, 1985, be a member of any board of directors or of any advisory board of any state bank and trust company, state bank or savings and loan association, national banking association or federal savings bank or savings and loan House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 72 of 745 association. [Nothing in this subsection shall preclude a senior judge from participating in any alternative dispute resolution program approved by STA-FED ADR, Inc.] (d) Each such judge, excluding any senior judge, who has completed not less than ten years of service as a judge of either the Supreme Court, the Appellate Court, or the Superior Court, or of any combination of such courts, or of the Court of Common Pleas, the Juvenile Court or the Circuit Court, or other state service or service as an elected officer of the state, or any combination of such service, shall receive semiannual longevity payments based on service as a judge of any or all of such six courts, or other state service or service as an elected officer of the state, or any combination of such service, completed as of the first day of July and the first day of January of each year, as follows: (1) A judge who has completed ten or more years but less than fifteen years of service shall receive one-quarter of three per cent of the annual salary payable under subsection (a) of this section. (2) A judge who has completed fifteen or more years but less than twenty years of service shall receive one-half of three per cent of the annual salary payable under subsection (a) of this section. (3) A judge who has completed twenty or more years but less than twenty-five years of service shall receive three-quarters of three per cent of the annual salary payable under subsection (a) of this section. (4) A judge who has completed twenty-five or more years of service shall receive three per cent of the annual salary payable under subsection (a) of this section. Sec. 50. Subsection (f) of section 52-434 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 73 of 745 (f) Each judge trial referee shall receive, for acting as a referee or as a single auditor or committee of any court or for performing duties assigned by the Chief Court Administrator with the approval of the Chief Justice, for each day the judge trial referee is so engaged, in addition to the retirement salary: (1) (A) [on and after July 1, 2022, the sum of two hundred eighty-five dollars, (B) on] On and after July 1, 2023, the sum of two hundred ninety-four dollars; [, and (C)] (B) on and after July 1, 2024, the sum of three hundred two dollars; and (C) on and after July, 1, 2025, the sum of three hundred twelve dollars; and (2) expenses, including mileage. Such amounts shall be taxed by the court making the reference in the same manner as other court expenses. Sec. 51. Subsection (h) of section 46b-231 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): [(h) (1) On and after July 1, 2022, the Chief Family Support Magistrate shall receive a salary of one hundred sixty-four thousand nine hundred thirty-two dollars, and other family support magistrates shall receive an annual salary of one hundred fifty-six thousand nine hundred seventy- three dollars.] [(2)] (h) (1) On and after July 1, 2023, the Chief Family Support Magistrate shall receive a salary of one hundred sixty-nine thousand eight hundred eighty dollars, and other family support magistrates shall receive an annual salary of one hundred sixty-one thousand six hundred eighty-two dollars. [(3)] (2) On and after July 1, 2024, the Chief Family Support Magistrate shall receive a salary of one hundred seventy-four thousand nine hundred seventy-six dollars, and other family support magistrates shall receive an annual salary of one hundred sixty-six thousand five hundred thirty-three dollars. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 74 of 745 (3) On and after July 1, 2025, the Chief Family Support Magistrate shall receive a salary of one hundred eighty-one thousand one hundred one dollars, and other family support magistrates shall receive an annual salary of one hundred seventy-two thousand three hundred sixty-one dollars. Sec. 52. Subsection (b) of section 46b-236 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (b) [(1) On and after July 1, 2022, each family support referee shall receive, for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the retirement salary, the sum of two hundred forty-five dollars and expenses, including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so engaged. (2)] (1) On and after July 1, 2023, each family support referee shall receive, for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the retirement salary, the sum of two hundred fifty-two dollars and expenses, including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so engaged. [(3)] (2) On and after July 1, 2024, each family support referee shall receive, for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the retirement salary, the sum of two hundred sixty dollars and expenses, including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so engaged. (3) On and after July 1, 2025, each family support referee shall receive, for acting as a family support referee, in addition to the retirement salary, the sum of two hundred sixty-nine dollars and expenses, including mileage, for each day a family support referee is so engaged. Sec. 53. Subsection (o) of section 15-31a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 75 of 745 (o) On or before January 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the board of directors shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation. Such report shall include, but need not be limited to: (1) A description of the projects undertaken by the authority in the preceding year; (2) a list of projects which, if undertaken by the state, would support the state's maritime policies and encourage maritime commerce and industry; (3) a description of the authority's finances; (4) recommendations for improvements to existing maritime policies, programs and facilities; and (5) recommendations for legislation to promote the authority's purpose. [The Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall jointly review and comment on each report before such report is submitted to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation.] Sec. 54. Subsection (a) of section 12-217rr of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage and applicable to applications filed on or after said date): (a) As used in this section, "youth development organization" means a nonprofit organization in this state that is exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time, and that (1) provides evidence- supported interventions to high-risk youth to improve school and family engagement, and (2) offers skills development, transitional employment and job placement and support to assist young adults to be employed and self-sufficient. Sec. 55. Subsection (b) of section 14-21m of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 76 of 745 passage): (b) The moneys in said account shall be distributed [quarterly] annually by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to the United States Olympic Committee, a nonprofit entity. Said moneys shall be expended by the United States Olympic Committee on efforts dedicated to providing athletes with support and training, and preparing athletes for sports competition. Sec. 56. Subsection (d) of section 14-21u of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (d) The funds in the account shall be distributed [quarterly] annually by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to Connecticut Support Our Troops, Inc. Sec. 57. Subsection (d) of section 14-21v of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (d) The funds in the account shall be distributed [quarterly] annually by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to the Connecticut Nurses Foundation. Sec. 58. Section 12-217n of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage and applicable to income and taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 2025): (a) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter the amount determined under subsection (c) of this section in respect of the research and development expenses paid or incurred during any income year, subject to the limitations of this section. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 77 of 745 (b) [For purposes of] As used in this section: (1) "Research and development expenses" means research or experimental expenditures deductible under Section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on May 28, 1993, determined without regard to Section 280C(c) thereof or any elections made by a taxpayer to amortize such expenses on its federal income tax return that were otherwise deductible, and basic research payments as defined under Section 41 of said Internal Revenue Code to the extent not deducted under said Section 174, provided: (A) Such expenditures and payments are paid or incurred for such research and experimentation and basic research conducted in this state; and (B) such expenditures and payments are not funded, within the meaning of Section 41(d)(4)(H) of said Internal Revenue Code, by any grant, contract, or otherwise by a person or governmental entity other than the taxpayer unless such other person is included in a combined return with the person paying or incurring such expenses; (2) "Combined return" means a combined unitary tax return under section 12-222; (3) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development; (4) "Qualified small business" means a [company] taxpayer that (A) has gross income for the previous income year that does not exceed one hundred million dollars, and (B) has not, in the determination of the commissioner, met the gross income test through transactions with a related person, as defined in section 12-217w; and (5) "Taxpayer" means (A) a taxpayer, as defined in section 12-213, and (B) a single member limited liability company that (i) has more than three thousand employees in this state, and (ii) is engaged in manufacturing, with expertise in mechatronics, alignment and sensor House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 78 of 745 technology and optical fabrication. For purposes of this section, if a single member limited liability company is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for federal income tax purposes, the calculation of the total number of employees in this state of the limited liability company shall include both the employees of the limited liability company and the employees of such limited liability company's owner. (c) (1) The amount allowed as a credit in any income year shall be the tentative credit calculated under subdivision (2) of this subsection, modified as provided in subsection (e) or (f) of this section, if applicable, except that in the case of a qualified small business the tentative credit allowed for research and development expenses shall be equal to six per cent of such expenses or in the case of any business employing over two thousand five hundred people in the state of Connecticut with annual revenues in excess of three billion dollars and headquartered in an enterprise zone the tentative credit allowed for research and development expenses shall be equal to the greater of (A) the tentative credit calculated under subdivision (2), modified as provided in subsection (e) or (f) of this section, if applicable, or (B) three and one- half per cent of such expense. (2) Where the research and development expenses paid or incurred in the income year equal: (A) Fifty million dollars or less, the tentative credit allowed shall be an amount equal to one per cent of such expenses; (B) more than fifty million dollars but not more than one hundred million dollars, the tentative credit allowed shall be equal to five hundred thousand dollars plus two per cent of the excess of such expenses over fifty million dollars; (C) more than one hundred million dollars but not more than two hundred million dollars, the tentative credit allowed shall be equal to one million five hundred thousand dollars plus four per cent of the excess of such expenses over one hundred million dollars; and (D) more than two hundred million dollars, the tentative credit allowed shall be equal to five million five House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 79 of 745 hundred thousand dollars plus six per cent of the excess of such expenses over two hundred million dollars. (d) (1) The credit provided for by this section shall be allowed for any income year commencing on or after January 1, 1993, provided any credits allowed for income years commencing on or after January 1, 1993, and prior to January 1, 1995, may not be taken until income years commencing on or after January 1, 1995, and, for the purposes of subdivision (2) of this subsection, shall be treated as if the credit for each such income year first became allowable in the first income year commencing on or after January 1, 1995. (2) No more than one-third of the amount of the credit allowable for any income year may be included in the calculation of the amount of the credit that may be taken in that income year. (3) The total amount of the credit under subdivision (1) of this subsection that may be taken for any income year may not exceed the greater of (A) fifty per cent of the taxpayer's tax liability or in the case of a combined return, fifty per cent of the combined tax liability, for such income year, determined without regard to any credits allowed under this section, and (B) the lesser of (i) two hundred per cent of the credit otherwise allowed under subsection (c) of this section for such income year, and (ii) ninety per cent of the taxpayer's tax liability or in the case of a combined return, ninety per cent of the combined liability for such income year, determined without regard to any credits allowed under this section. (4) (A) Credits that are allowed under this section for income years commencing prior to January 1, 2021, that exceed the amount permitted to be taken in an income year pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of this subsection shall be carried forward to each of the successive income years until such credits, or applicable portion thereof, are fully taken. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 80 of 745 (B) Credits that are allowed under this section for income years commencing on or after January 1, 2021, that exceed the amount permitted to be taken in an income year pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of this subsection shall be carried forward to each of the successive income years until such credits, or applicable portion thereof, are fully taken. No credit or portion thereof allowed under this section for income years commencing on or after January 1, 2021, shall be carried forward for a period of more than fifteen years. (C) No credit allowed under this section shall be taken in any income year until the full amount of all allowable credits carried forward to such year from any prior income year, commencing with the earliest such prior year, that otherwise may be taken under subdivision (2) of this subsection in that income year, have been fully taken. (D) If the taxpayer that pays or incurs research and development expenses is a single member limited liability company that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, the credit may be claimed by such limited liability company's owner, provided such owner is subject to the tax imposed under this chapter. (e) In addition to the wage base test set forth in subsection (f) of this section, any aerospace company or in the case of a combined return, any combined group including an aerospace company, shall be subject to this subsection for any income year commencing on or after January 1, 1993, and prior to January 1, 1996. For purposes of this subsection, an aerospace company is any taxpayer, whether or not included in a combined return, engaged principally in the aerospace industry whose research and development expenses during each of the income years beginning on or after January 1, 1990, 1991 and 1992, respectively, exceeded two hundred million dollars. No aerospace company, or in the case of a combined return, a combined group including an aerospace company, shall be allowed any credit under this section for any income year to which this subsection applies in which the aggregate transfers House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 81 of 745 by an aerospace company, if any, of historical economic base functions outside of this state, other than to a location outside the United States, since January 1, 1993, through the end of such income year, have materially reduced the historical economic base functions in this state. For purposes of this subsection, the historical economic base functions shall be those economic base functions conducted by an aerospace company, which need not be all economic base functions of the aerospace company, in this state on January 1, 1993, whose continuance in this state, as determined by the commissioner in his discretion, will further the policies set forth in section 32-221. Such historical economic base functions shall be set forth in a binding memorandum of understanding between the commissioner and an aerospace company that may be entered into at any time prior to the expiration of the first income year to which this subsection applies, with sufficient specificity to allow the commissioner and the aerospace company to determine in all income years subject to this subsection whether there has been such a reduction in said historical economic base functions. As a prerequisite to the allowance of any credit otherwise allowable under this section for any income year to which this subsection applies, each aerospace company shall obtain a certificate of eligibility issued by the commissioner to the aerospace company for such income year. The aerospace company shall not later than sixty days after the close of each income year to which this subsection applies certify to the commissioner that there has been no such aggregate material reduction in the historical economic base functions in this state for the income year just completed that otherwise has not been offset as provided below. Within sixty days thereafter, the commissioner shall review the certification and, if the commissioner determines that there has been no such net aggregate material reduction in the historical economic base functions in this state, the commissioner shall issue a certificate of eligibility for said income year. The following shall not constitute a material reduction in the historical economic base functions in this state: (1) A reduction of not more than two per cent of the historical economic base functions; (2) House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 82 of 745 transfer of an historical economic base function to a person in this state; (3) transfer of a historical economic base function outside of the United States; or (4) reductions in historical economic base functions attributable to reductions in volume, productivity improvements or the discontinuance of operations due to obsolescence or the like. Any transfers that may otherwise be counted in determining if a material reduction occurred may be offset to the extent economic base functions listed in, or comparable to those listed in, the memorandum of understanding are increased in this state, transferred into this state, or established in this state. Any such increase, transfer or establishment made during an income year, or subsequent to such income year but prior to the filing of the return for such income year, shall be effective for such income year and all income years thereafter. The commissioner may issue or reissue a certificate of eligibility for the applicable income year following any such offset. The commissioner shall, upon request, provide a copy of the certificate of eligibility and memorandum of understanding to the Commissioner of Revenue Services. (f) The tentative credit allowable to the taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, the combined group, that pays or incurs research and development expenses in excess of two hundred million dollars for the income year shall be reduced for any income year in which the workforce reductions, if any, exceed the percentages set forth below. For purposes of this subsection, workforce reductions shall be reductions of the historical Connecticut wage base of the taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, the combined group, as a result of the transfer outside of this state, other than to a location outside the United States, of work done by employees of the taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, the combined group. Such reduction in the tentative credit shall be as follows: (1) If the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by not more than two per cent, the tentative credit allowable for the income year shall not be reduced; (2) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by more than House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 83 of 745 two per cent but not more than three per cent, the tentative credit allowable for the income year shall be reduced by ten per cent; (3) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by more than three per cent but not more than four per cent, the tentative credit allowable for the income year shall be reduced by twenty per cent; (4) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by more than four per cent but not more than five per cent, the tentative credit allowable for the income year shall be reduced by forty per cent; (5) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by more than five per cent but not more than six per cent, the tentative credit allowable for the income year shall be reduced by seventy per cent; and (6) if the historical Connecticut wage base for the income year is so reduced by more than six per cent, no credit for the income year shall be allowed. The Connecticut wage base for any income year shall be the total wages assigned to Connecticut for such income year under section 12-218 excluding wages paid to the ten most highly-compensated executives of the taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, the combined group, and any compensation that does not subject the recipient thereof to federal income tax thereon in said income year. The historical Connecticut wage base shall be the Connecticut wage base for the third full income year immediately preceding the current income year; provided the historical Connecticut wage base for the first three income years commencing on or after January 1, 1993, shall be the Connecticut wage base for May 1993, converted to an annual basis. The following shall not constitute a workforce reduction for any income year: (A) A reduction of wages attributable to the transfer of work done by a taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, by the combined group, in this state to a party in this state; (B) a reduction of wages attributable to the transfer of work done by a taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, by the combined group, outside the United States; or (C) a reduction in wages attributable to reductions in volume, productivity improvements or the discontinuance of operations due to obsolescence or the like. Solely for House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 84 of 745 purposes of determining whether the allowable credit is to be reduced under this subsection for any income year, the Connecticut wages attributable to any new jobs or jobs moved into this state by the taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, the combined group, during such income year or subsequent to such income year but prior to the filing of the return for such income year shall be an offset to any workforce reduction of a taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, the combined group, for said income year. A new job shall be a job that did not exist in the business of a taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, a member of the combined group, in this state at the end of the income year just completed. Notwithstanding subsection (g) of this section, a taxpayer may elect for any income year to separately compute its allowable tentative credit under this subsection for any one or more business units that had gross revenues for such income year in excess of one hundred million dollars. Any taxpayer subject to this subsection shall not later than sixty days after the close of each income year certify to the commissioner whether or not there has been any workforce reduction for the income year just completed, the amount thereof, and any offsets thereto as provided above. Not later than sixty days thereafter, the commissioner shall review the certification and, if the commissioner determines that there has been no more than a six per cent workforce reduction, net of any such offsets, the commissioner shall issue a certificate of eligibility stating the amount of net workforce reduction so determined for said income year, if any. The commissioner shall not issue a certificate of eligibility for any income year in which the commissioner determines that there has been more than a six per cent net workforce reduction. The commissioner shall, upon request, provide a copy of the certificate of eligibility to the Commissioner of Revenue Services. (g) Where one or more taxpayers properly included in a combined return pays or incurs research and development expenses, all allowances and limitations under this section shall be made on an House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 85 of 745 aggregate basis for all taxpayers included in such combined return, provided, the credit attributable to a qualified small business may be taken only against the combined tax liability attributable to such qualified small business. The amount of the combined tax for all corporations properly included in a combined corporation business tax return that is attributable to a qualified small business shall be in the same ratio to such combined tax that the net income apportioned to this state of the qualified small business bears to the net income, in the aggregate of all corporations included in such combined return. Solely for the purposes of computing such ratio, any net loss apportioned to this state by a corporation included in such combined return shall be disregarded. (h) Any taxpayer, or in the case of a combined return, any combined group of taxpayers, that claims a credit under section 12-217j for any income year shall reduce the amount of research and development expenses that otherwise may be taken into account in computing the allowable credit under subsection (c) of this section for such income year by the amount of excess research and experimental expenditures, as computed under said section 12-217j, for which the credit thereunder is given. (i) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of this section. Sec. 59. Section 12-217j of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage and applicable to income and taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 2025): (a) (1) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed on any [corporation] taxpayer under this chapter, with respect to income years of such corporation commencing on or after January 1, 1994, an amount equal to twenty per cent of the amount spent by such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 86 of 745 [corporation] taxpayer directly on research and experimental expenditures, as defined in Section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended, which are conducted in this state and which exceeds the amount spent by such [corporation] taxpayer during the preceding income year of such [corporation] taxpayer for such expenditures. (2) As used in this section, "taxpayer" means (A) a taxpayer, as defined in section 12-213, and (B) a single member limited liability company that (i) has more than three thousand employees in this state, and (ii) is engaged in manufacturing, with expertise in mechatronics, alignment and sensor technology and optical fabrication. For purposes of this section, if a single member limited liability company is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for federal income tax purposes, the calculation of the total number of employees in this state of the limited liability company shall include both the employees of the limited liability company and the employees of such limited liability company's owner. (b) (1) With respect to any income year commencing on or after January 1, 2000, a credit or any portion of a credit that is allowed under this section but that is not used by a taxpayer because the amount of the credit exceeds the tax due and owing by the taxpayer shall be carried forward to each of the successive income years until such credit, or applicable portion of the credit, is fully taken. In no case shall a credit, or any portion of a credit, that is not used by a taxpayer be carried forward for a period of more than fifteen years. (2) (A) With respect to any income year commencing on or after January 1, 1997, and prior to January 1, 2000, a credit or any portion of a credit that is allowed under this section but that is not used by a biotechnology company because the amount of the credit exceeds the tax due and owing by the taxpayer shall be carried forward to each of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 87 of 745 the successive income years until such credit, or applicable portion of the credit, is fully taken. In no case shall a credit, or any portion of a credit, that is not used by a biotechnology company be carried forward for a period of more than fifteen years. (B) For purposes of this subsection, "biotechnology company" means a company engaged in the business of applying technologies, such as recombinant DNA techniques, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics and genetic engineering, biological cell fusion techniques, and new bioprocesses, using living organisms, or parts of organisms, to produce or modify products, to improve plants or animals, to develop microorganisms for specific uses, to identify targets for small molecule pharmaceutical development, or to transform biological systems into useful processes and products. (3) If the taxpayer that pays or incurs research and experimental expenditures is a single member limited liability company that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, the credit may be claimed by such limited liability company's owner, provided such owner is subject to the tax imposed under this chapter. Sec. 60. Section 5-141d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) The state shall save harmless and indemnify any state officer or employee, as defined in section 4-141, and any member of the Public Defender Services Commission from financial loss and expense arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of his alleged negligence or alleged deprivation of any person's civil rights or other act or omission resulting in damage or injury, if the officer, employee or member is found to have been acting in the discharge of his duties or within the scope of his employment and such act or omission is found not to have been wanton, reckless or malicious. As used in this section, "state officer or employee" includes any member of a state officer's or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 88 of 745 employee's immediate family who is named or included in any such claim, demand, suit or judgment solely by reason of such familial relationship; and "immediate family" has the same meaning as provided in section 1-79. (b) The state, through the Attorney General, shall provide for the defense of any such state officer, employee or member in any civil action or proceeding in any state or federal court arising out of any alleged act, omission or deprivation which occurred or is alleged to have occurred while the officer, employee or member was acting in the discharge of his duties or in the scope of his employment, except that the state shall not be required to provide for such a defense whenever the Attorney General, based on his investigation of the facts and circumstances of the case, determines that it would be inappropriate to do so and he so notifies the officer, employee or member in writing. (c) (1) The state, through the Attorney General, may provide for the defense of any such state officer, employee or member for such officer, employee or member's participation as a witness in any criminal investigation conducted if the officer, employee or member's status as a witness arises from the officer, employee or member's discharge of his duties or in the scope of his employment in any case in which the Attorney General determines, based on his investigation of the facts and circumstances of the case, that the officer, employee or member is not identified as a target, subject or person of interest in the investigation or proceeding at the time of the request. (2) If the Attorney General makes a determination that a conflict of interest exists between the individual seeking representation and the state's broader legal interests, the Attorney General shall promptly notify the individual and advise whether or not the use of outside counsel at the state's expense will be authorized. (3) Representation under this subsection shall be limited strictly to House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 89 of 745 matters arising from the individual's status as a witness or their official duties and shall not extend to personal legal matters or unrelated conduct. (4) The Attorney General shall conduct a periodic review to confirm the individual's status as a witness and ensure compliance with the terms of representation. If the individual becomes a target, subject or person of interest, or is subsequently indicted or arrested, the Attorney General shall make a determination whether in his discretion, representation shall cease and the individual shall be promptly notified of such determination. (d) The state, through the Attorney General, may provide for the defense of any such state officer, employee or member in a federal criminal investigation or prosecution arising out of any alleged act, omission or deprivation which occurred or is alleged to have occurred while the officer, employee or member was acting in the discharge of such officer, employee or member's duties or in the scope of such officer, employee or member's employment in any case in which the relevant agency head or constitutional officer requests representation and the Attorney General determines, in the Attorney General's discretion, that: (1) The alleged act, omission or deprivation was consistent with such officer, employee or member's obligations under state law and the tenth amendment to the United States Constitution; and (2) The legal basis on which the federal criminal investigation or prosecution is founded is without merit. [(c)] (e) Legal fees and costs incurred as a result of the retention by any such officer, employee or member of an attorney to defend his interests in any [such] civil action or proceeding shall be borne by the state only in those cases where (1) the Attorney General has stated in writing to the officer, employee or member, pursuant to subsection (b) House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 90 of 745 of this section, that the state will not provide an attorney to defend the interests of the officer, employee or member, and (2) the officer, employee or member is thereafter found to have acted in the discharge of his duties or in the scope of his employment, and not to have acted wantonly, recklessly or maliciously. Such legal fees and costs incurred by such officer, employee or member shall be paid to such officer, employee or member only after the final disposition of the suit, claim or demand and only in such amounts as shall be determined by the Attorney General to be reasonable. In determining whether such amounts are reasonable, the Attorney General may consider whether it was appropriate for a group of officers, employees or members to be represented by the same counsel. [(d)] (f) Such officer, employee or member may bring an action in the Superior Court against the state to enforce the provisions of this section. [(e)] (g) The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to any such officer, employee or member to the extent he has a right to indemnification under any other section of the general statutes. Sec. 61. Subdivision (5) of subsection (k) of section 54-56d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (5) The state shall hold harmless and indemnify any health care guardian appointed by the court pursuant to subdivision (3) of this subsection from financial loss and expense arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of such health care guardian's alleged negligence or alleged deprivation of any person's civil rights or other act or omission resulting in damage or injury, provided the health care guardian is found to have been acting in the discharge of his or her duties pursuant to said subdivision and such act or omission is found not to have been wanton, reckless or malicious. The provisions of subsections (b), [(c)] (e) and [(d)] (f) of section 5-141d shall apply to such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 91 of 745 health care guardian. The provisions of chapter 53 shall not apply to a claim against such health care guardian. Sec. 62. Subsection (b) of section 4-68m of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (b) The division shall promote a more effective and cohesive state criminal justice system by: (1) Conducting an in-depth analysis of the criminal justice system; (2) Determining the long-range needs of the criminal justice system and recommending policy priorities for the system; (3) Identifying critical problems in the criminal justice system and recommending strategies to solve those problems; (4) Assessing the cost-effectiveness of the use of state and local funds in the criminal justice system; (5) Recommending means to improve the deterrent and rehabilitative capabilities of the criminal justice system; (6) Advising and assisting the General Assembly in developing plans, programs and proposed legislation for improving the effectiveness of the criminal justice system; (7) Making computations of daily costs and comparing interagency costs on services provided by agencies that are a part of the criminal justice system; (8) Reviewing the program inventories and cost-benefit analyses submitted pursuant to section 4-68s and considering incorporating such inventories and analyses in its budget recommendations to the General Assembly; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 92 of 745 (9) Making population computations for use in planning for the long- range needs of the criminal justice system; (10) Determining long-range information needs of the criminal justice system and acquiring that information; (11) Cooperating with the Office of the Victim Advocate by providing information and assistance to the office relating to the improvement of crime victims' services; (12) Serving as the liaison for the state to the United States Department of Justice on criminal justice issues of interest to the state and federal government relating to data, information systems and research; (13) Measuring the success of community-based services and programs in reducing recidivism; (14) Developing and implementing a comprehensive reentry strategy as provided in section 18-81w; [and] (15) Engaging in other activities consistent with the responsibilities of the division; and (16) Developing and implementing policies for the state-wide delivery of postsecondary educational programs in correctional facilities, including, but not limited to, policies pertaining to federal Pell grants and prison education programs. Sec. 63. Subsection (a) of section 12-211a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) (1) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, and except as otherwise provided in subdivision [(5)] (6) of this subsection or in subsection (b) of this section, the amount of tax credit or credits House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 93 of 745 otherwise allowable against the tax imposed under this chapter for any calendar year shall not exceed seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this chapter with respect to such calendar year of the taxpayer prior to the application of such credit or credits. (2) For the calendar year commencing January 1, 2011, "type one tax credits" means tax credits allowable under section 12-217jj, 12-217kk or 12-217ll; "type two tax credits" means tax credits allowable under section 38a-88a; "type three tax credits" means tax credits that are not type one tax credits or type two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" means thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent threshold" means fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits; and "seventy per cent threshold" means seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits. (3) For the calendar year commencing January 1, 2012, "type one tax credits" means the tax credit allowable under section 12-217ll; "type two tax credits" means tax credits allowable under section 38a-88a; "type three tax credits" means tax credits that are not type one tax credits or type two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" means thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent threshold" means fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits; and "seventy per cent threshold" means seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits. (4) For calendar years commencing on or after January 1, 2013, and prior to January 1, 2025, "type one tax credits" means the tax credit allowable under sections 12-217jj, 12-217kk and 12-217ll; "type two tax credits" means tax credits allowable under section 38a-88a; "type three House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 94 of 745 tax credits" means tax credits that are not type one tax credits or type two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" means thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent threshold" means fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits; and "seventy per cent threshold" means seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits. (5) For calendar years commencing on or after January 1, 2025, "type one tax credits" means the tax credit allowable under sections 12-217jj and 12-217kk; "type two tax credits" means tax credits allowable under section 38a-88a; "type three tax credits" means tax credits that are not type one tax credits or type two tax credits; "thirty per cent threshold" means thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credit; "fifty-five per cent threshold" means fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits; and "seventy per cent threshold" means seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from a taxpayer under this chapter prior to the application of tax credits. [(5)] (6) For calendar years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, and subject to the provisions of subdivisions (2), (3), [and] (4) and (5) of this subsection, the amount of tax credit or credits otherwise allowable against the tax imposed under this chapter shall not exceed: (A) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type three tax credits only, thirty per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to the application of such credit or credits. (B) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type one tax credits and type three tax credits, but not type two tax credits, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 95 of 745 fifty-five per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to the application of such credit or credits, provided (i) type three tax credits shall be claimed before type one tax credits are claimed, (ii) the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the thirty per cent threshold, and (iii) the sum of the type one tax credits and the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the fifty-five per cent threshold. (C) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type two tax credits and type three tax credits, but not type one tax credits, seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to the application of such credit or credits, provided (i) type three tax credits shall be claimed before type two tax credits are claimed, (ii) the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the thirty per cent threshold, and (iii) the sum of the type two tax credits and the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the seventy per cent threshold. (D) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type one tax credits, type two tax credits and type three tax credits, seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to the application of such credits, provided (i) type three tax credits shall be claimed before type one tax credits or type two tax credits are claimed, and the type one tax credits shall be claimed before the type two tax credits are claimed, (ii) the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the thirty per cent threshold, (iii) the sum of the type one tax credits and the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the fifty-five per cent threshold, and (iv) the sum of the type one tax credits, the type two tax credits and the type three tax credits being claimed may not exceed the seventy per cent threshold. (E) If the tax credit or credits being claimed by a taxpayer are type House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 96 of 745 one tax credits and type two tax credits only, but not type three tax credits, seventy per cent of the amount of tax due from such taxpayer under this chapter with respect to said calendar years of the taxpayer prior to the application of such credits, provided (i) the type one tax credits shall be claimed before type two tax credits are claimed, (ii) the type one tax credits being claimed may not exceed the fifty-five per cent threshold, and (iii) the sum of the type one tax credits and the type two tax credits being claimed may not exceed the seventy per cent threshold. Sec. 64. Subdivision (1) of subsection (h) of section 12-217jj of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (h) (1) An eligible production company shall apply to the department for a tax credit voucher on an annual basis, but not later than ninety days after the first production expenses or costs are incurred in the production of a qualified production, and shall provide with such application such information as the department may require to determine such company's eligibility to claim a credit under this section. No production expenses or costs may be listed more than once for purposes of the tax credit voucher pursuant to this section [, or pursuant to] or section 12-217kk, [or 12-217ll,] and if a production expense or cost has been included in a claim for a credit, such production expense or cost may not be included in any subsequent claim for a credit. Sec. 65. Subdivision (10) of subsection (a) of section 32-1m of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (10) An overview of the department's activities concerning digital media, motion pictures and related production activity, and an analysis of the use of the film production tax credit established under section 12- 217jj [,] and the entertainment industry infrastructure tax credit established under section 12-217kk, [and the digital animation House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 97 of 745 production tax credit established under section 12-217ll,] including the amount of any tax credit issued under said sections, the total amount of production expenses or costs incurred in the state by the taxpayer who was issued such a tax credit and the information submitted in the report required under subparagraph (A) of subdivision [(1)] (2) of subsection (h) of section 12-217jj. Sec. 66. Subdivision (6) of section 32-1p of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (6) To prepare an explanatory guide showing the impact of relevant state and municipal tax statutes, regulations and administrative opinions on typical production activities and to implement the tax credits provided for in sections 12-217jj [,] and 12-217kk; [and 12-217ll;] Sec. 67. Section 3-115b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) Commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, the Comptroller, in the Comptroller's sole discretion, may initiate a process intended to result in the implementation of the use of generally accepted accounting principles, as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, with respect to the preparation and maintenance of the annual financial statements of the state pursuant to section 3-115. (b) Commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall initiate a process intended to result in the implementation of generally accepted accounting principles, as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, with respect to the preparation of the biennial budget of the state. [(c) The Comptroller shall establish an opening combined balance sheet for each appropriated fund as of July 1, 2013, on the basis of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 98 of 745 generally accepted accounting principles. The accumulated deficit in the General Fund on June 30, 2013, as determined on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles and identified in the annual comprehensive financial report of the state as the unassigned negative balance of the General Fund on said date, reduced by any funds deposited in the General Fund from other resources for the purpose of reducing the negative unassigned balance of the fund, shall be amortized in each fiscal year of each biennial budget, commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, and for the succeeding twelve fiscal years. The Comptroller shall, to the extent necessary to report the fiscal position of the state in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, reconcile the unassigned balance in the General Fund at the end of each fiscal year to the unassigned balance in the General Fund on June 30, 2013, the portion already amortized and any unassigned balance created after June 30, 2013. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall annually publish a recommended amortization schedule to fully reduce such negative unassigned balance by June 30, 2028. (d) The unreserved negative balance in the General Fund reported in the annual comprehensive financial report issued by the Comptroller for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, reduced by (1) the negative unassigned balance in the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, and (2) any funds from other resources deposited in the General Fund for the purpose of reducing the negative unassigned balance of the fund shall be amortized in each fiscal year of each biennial budget, commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, and for the succeeding ten fiscal years. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall annually publish a recommended amortization schedule to fully reduce such negative unassigned balance by June 30, 2028.] Sec. 68. Sections 3-20i, 12-217ll and 32-41v of the general statutes are House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 99 of 745 repealed. (Effective from passage) Sec. 69. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Award" means the greater of: (A) The unpaid portion, if any, of a qualifying student's eligible institutional costs after subtracting such student's financial aid, or (B) a minimum award of five hundred dollars for a full-time student or three hundred dollars for a part-time student; (2) "Eligible institutional costs" means the tuition and required fees incurred each semester by an individual student that are established by the Board of Regents for Higher Education for the Connecticut State University System and Charter Oak State College; (3) "Financial aid" means the sum of all scholarships, grants and federal, state and institutional aid received by a qualifying student. "Financial aid" does not include any federal, state or private student loans received by a qualifying student; (4) "Qualifying student" means any person who (A) participated in the debt-free community college program, established pursuant to section 10a-174 of the general statutes, and completed not fewer than sixty credits through said program at the Connecticut State Community College, (B) enrolls as a full-time or part-time student for the fall semester of 2026, or any semester thereafter, at a state university within the Connecticut State University System or Charter Oak State College in a program leading to a bachelor's degree, (C) is classified as an in-state student pursuant to section 10a-29 of the general statutes, (D) made satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at the Connecticut State Community College and continues to make satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at such state university or Charter Oak State College, (E) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and (F) has accepted all available financial aid; (5) "Full-time student" means a student who is enrolled at a state House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 100 of 745 university within the Connecticut State University System or Charter Oak State College and (A) is carrying twelve or more credit hours in a semester, or (B) has a learning disability documented with such university in which he or she is enrolled and is enrolled in the maximum number of credit hours that is feasible for such student to attempt in a semester, as determined by such student's academic advisor; (6) "Semester" means the fall or spring semester of an academic year. "Semester" does not include a summer semester or session; and (7) "Part-time student" means a student who is enrolled at a state university within the Connecticut State University System or Charter Oak State College and is carrying not less than six but fewer than twelve credit hours in a semester. (b) The Board of Regents for Higher Education shall (1) establish a finish line scholars program to make awards to qualifying students each semester, (2) adopt rules, procedures and forms necessary to implement the finish line scholars program, and (3) submit a report outlining such rules, procedures and forms, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education. (c) For the fall semester of 2026, and each semester thereafter, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall make awards to qualifying students within available appropriations. An award shall be available to a qualifying student for the first seventy-two credit hours earned by the qualifying student at a state university within the Connecticut State University System or Charter Oak State College, as applicable, or until such qualifying student earns a bachelor's degree, whichever is earlier, provided the qualifying student meets and continues to meet the requirements of this section. The board shall not use an award to supplant any financial aid, including, but not limited to, state or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 101 of 745 institutional aid, otherwise available to a qualifying student. (d) Not later than November 1, 2026, and March 1, 2027, and each semester thereafter, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement and appropriations and the budgets of the state agencies regarding the finish line scholars program, including, but not limited to, (1) the number of qualifying students enrolled at a state university within the Connecticut State University System and Charter Oak State College during each semester, (2) the number of qualifying students receiving minimum awards and the number of qualifying students receiving awards for the unpaid portion of eligible institutional costs, (3) the average number of credit hours the qualifying students enrolled in each semester and the average number of credit hours the qualifying students completed each semester, (4) the average amount of the award made to qualifying students under this section for the unpaid portion of eligible institutional costs, and (5) the degree completion rates of qualifying students receiving awards under this section by subject area. Sec. 70. Section 51-9c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) For purposes of this section, "Project Longevity Initiative" means a comprehensive community-based initiative that is designed to reduce gun violence in state municipalities. (b) The Chief Court Administrator shall (1) provide planning and management assistance to municipal officials in the city of New Haven in order to ensure the continued implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative in said city and the Chief Court Administrator may utilize state and federal funds as may be appropriated for such purpose; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 102 of 745 and (2) do all things necessary to apply for and accept federal funds allotted to or available to the state under any federal act or program which support the continued implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative in the city of New Haven. (c) The Chief Court Administrator, or the Chief Court Administrator's designee, in consultation with the United States Attorney for the district of Connecticut, the Chief State's Attorney, the Commissioner of Correction, the executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, the mayors of the cities of Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury [, Norwich] and New London and clergy members, nonprofit service providers and community leaders from said cities shall implement the Project Longevity Initiative in said cities. (d) The Chief Court Administrator shall (1) provide planning and management assistance to municipal officials in the cities of Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury [, Norwich] and New London in order to ensure implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative in said cities and the Chief Court Administrator may utilize state and federal funds as may be appropriated for such purpose; and (2) do all things necessary to apply for and accept federal funds allotted to or available to the state under any federal act or program which will support implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative in said cities. (e) The Chief Court Administrator may accept and receive on behalf of the Judicial Branch, any bequest, devise or grant made to the Judicial Branch to further the objectives of the Project Longevity Initiative and may hold and use such property for the purpose specified, if any, in such bequest, devise or gift. (f) (1) Until June 30, 2022, the secretary, in consultation with the federal and state officials described in subsection (c) of this section, shall create a plan for implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative on a House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 103 of 745 state-wide basis. Such plan shall, at a minimum, consider how to provide clients served by the Project Longevity Initiative with access to courses of instruction and apprentice programs provided by, but not limited to, a college, a university, a community college or the Technical Education and Career System. The secretary shall submit such plan to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public safety and security in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. (2) In the event that the secretary failed to submit the plan required under subdivision (1) of this subsection, on and after July 1, 2022, the Chief Court Administrator in consultation with the federal and state officials described in subsection (c) of this section, shall create a plan for implementation of the Project Longevity Initiative on a state-wide basis. Such plan shall, at a minimum, consider how to provide clients served by the Project Longevity Initiative with access to courses of instruction and apprentice programs provided by, but not limited to, a college, a university, a community college or the Technical Education and Career System. Not later than January 1, 2023, the Chief Court Administrator shall submit such plan to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public safety and security and the judiciary in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. Sec. 71. Subdivision (13) of subsection (b) of section 12-806 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (13) To [pay the Office of Policy and Management to] reimburse the Department of Consumer Protection for the reasonable and necessary costs arising from the department's regulatory oversight of the operation of the lottery, retail sports wagering, online sports wagering and fantasy contests by the corporation, in accordance with the assessment made pursuant to section 12-806b, including costs arising House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 104 of 745 directly or indirectly from the licensing of lottery agents, performance of state police background investigations, and the implementation of subsection (b) of section 12-562 and sections 12-563a, 12-568a, 12-569, 12- 570, 12-570a, 12-800 to 12-818, inclusive, and sections 12-853, 12-854, 12- 863 to 12-865, inclusive, 12-867 and 12-868; Sec. 72. Section 12-806b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) Commencing July 1, 2011, and annually thereafter, the Office of Policy and Management shall assess the Connecticut Lottery Corporation in an amount sufficient to compensate the Department of Consumer Protection for the reasonable and necessary costs incurred by the department for the regulatory activities specified in subdivision (13) of subsection (b) of section 12-806 for the preceding fiscal year ending June thirtieth. [(b) For the assessment year ending June 30, 2012, the Office of Policy and Management shall, on or before August 1, 2012, submit the total of the assessment made in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, together with a proposed assessment for the succeeding fiscal year based on the preceding fiscal year cost, to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. The assessment for the preceding fiscal year shall be determined not later than September 15, 2011, after receiving any objections to the proposed assessments and making such changes or adjustments as the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management determines to be warranted. The corporation shall pay the total assessment in quarterly payments to the Office of Policy and Management, with the first payment commencing on October 1, 2011, and with the remaining payments to be made on January 1, 2012, April 1, 2012, and June 1, 2012. The office shall deposit any such payment in the lottery assessment account established under subsection (d) of this section.] House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 105 of 745 [(c)] (b) (1) For the assessment year ending June 30, 2013, and each assessment year thereafter until and including the assessment year ending June 30, 2026, the Office of Policy and Management shall, on or before May first of each year, submit the total of the assessment made in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, together with a proposed assessment for the succeeding fiscal year based on the preceding fiscal year cost, to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. The assessment for the preceding fiscal year shall be determined not later than June fifteenth of each year, after receiving any objections to the proposed assessments and making such changes or adjustments as the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management determines to be warranted. The corporation shall pay the total assessment in quarterly payments to the Office of Policy and Management, with the first payment commencing on July first of each year, and with the remaining payments to be made on October first, January first and April first annually. The office shall deposit any such payment in the lottery assessment account established under subsection [(d)] (c) of this section. (2) For the assessment year ending June 30, 2027, and each assessment year thereafter, the Office of Policy and Management shall, on or before August first of each year, submit the total of the assessment made in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, which shall be an estimate of the current fiscal year cost based on the preceding fiscal year cost, to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. If the actual fiscal year cost does not equal the estimated fiscal year cost used to calculate the assessment, the assessment for the succeeding fiscal year shall be adjusted accordingly. The assessment for each fiscal year shall be determined not later than September fifteenth of each year, after receiving any objections to the proposed assessments and making such changes or adjustments as the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management determines to be warranted. The corporation shall pay the total assessment in triannual payments to the Department of Consumer Protection, with the first payment commencing on October first of each House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 106 of 745 year, and with the remaining payments to be made on January first and April first annually. The department shall deposit any such payment in the lottery assessment account established under subsection (c) of this section. [(d)] (c) There is established an account to be known as the "lottery assessment account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Department of Consumer Protection. [(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the final quarterly payment for the assessment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, shall be paid on July 1, 2011.] Sec. 73. Subsection (i) of section 4b-23 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (i) As used in this subsection, (1) "project" means any state program, except the downtown Hartford higher education center project, as defined in section 4b-55, requiring consultant services if the cost of such services is estimated to exceed one hundred thousand dollars or, in the case of a program of a constituent unit of the state system of higher education, [the cost of such services is estimated to exceed three hundred thousand dollars, or in the case of] a building or premises under the supervision of the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, a [or] property where the Judicial Department is the primary occupant or a program executed by the Department of Administrative Services, the cost of such services is estimated to exceed three hundred thousand dollars; (2) "consultant" means "consultant" as defined in section 4b-55; and (3) "consultant services" means "consultant services" as defined in section 4b-55. Any contracts entered into by the Commissioner of Administrative Services with any consultants for employment (A) for House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 107 of 745 any project under the provisions of this section, (B) in connection with a list established under subsection (e) of section 4b-51, or (C) by task letter issued by the Commissioner of Administrative Services to any consultant on such list pursuant to which the consultant will provide services valued in excess of [one] three hundred thousand dollars, shall be subject to the approval of the Properties Review Board prior to the employment of such consultant or consultants by the commissioner. The Properties Review Board shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of such selection of or contract with any consultant, approve or disapprove the selection of or contract with any consultant made by the Commissioner of Administrative Services pursuant to sections 4b-1 and 4b-55 to 4b-59, inclusive. If upon the expiration of the thirty-day period a decision has not been made, the Properties Review Board shall be deemed to have approved such selection or contract. Sec. 74. Subsection (a) of section 4b-34 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) Except as provided under subsection (e) of this section, whenever it appears from the specifications of the requesting agency or institution that the space needs equal or exceed two thousand five hundred square feet and the Commissioner of Administrative Services has determined that such needs will be met by lease of space, the commissioner shall [give public] post notice of such space needs and specifications [by advertising, at least once, in a newspaper having a substantial circulation in the area in which such space is sought,] on the Internet web site of the Department of Administrative Services no less than fifteen days prior to the date of final selection. A copy of such notice shall be sent to the regional chapter of the Connecticut Association of Realtors serving the area in which such space is sought. [The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to require the commissioner to lease space only from persons responding to such advertisements.] House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 108 of 745 Sec. 75. Subsection (a) of section 4b-24b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) Whenever realty uses designed uniquely for state use and for periods over five years are concerned, the Commissioner of Administrative Services shall, whenever practicable, attempt to construct on state-owned land. Whenever the Commissioner of Administrative Services has established specific plans and specifications for new construction on state land or new construction for sale to the state: (1) If it appears to the commissioner that the cost of the project shall be less than one million five hundred thousand dollars, contracts shall be made, where practicable, through a process of sealed bidding as provided in section 4b-91 relating to projects in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars; (2) if it appears to the commissioner that the space needs of the requesting agency are less than five thousand square feet, the commissioner shall, whenever practicable, [carry on advertising] post online notice, in accordance with the provisions of section 4b-34 relating to projects in excess of five thousand square feet, in order to allow an equal opportunity for third parties to do business with the state without regard to political affiliation, political contributions or relationships with persons in state, federal or local governmental positions. Sec. 76. Subsection (a) of section 4b-56 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) There shall be established within the Department of Administrative Services state construction services selection panels which (1) for projects valued at [five] seven million five hundred thousand dollars or more, [shall] consist of five members, four of whom [shall be] are current or retired employees of the Department of Administrative Services appointed by the commissioner and one of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 109 of 745 whom [shall be] is appointed by the head or acting head of the user agency, and (2) for projects valued at less than [five] seven million five hundred thousand dollars, [shall] consist of three members, two of whom [shall be] are current or retired employees of the Department of Administrative Services appointed by the commissioner and one of whom [shall be] is appointed by the head or acting head of the user agency. Each member of a section panel, regardless of the appointing authority, shall serve only for deliberations involving the project for which such member is appointed. Sec. 77. Subsection (a) of section 45a-594 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): (a) Compensation payable to the conservator or guardian of any person who is supported wholly or in part by the state in any humane institution, or who is receiving benefits under any of the state's programs of public assistance, shall be based upon services rendered and shall not exceed five per cent of the gross income to the estate during the period covered by any account. The conservator or guardian shall be entitled to compensation of not less than fifty dollars for any accounting period continuing for at least a year. If extraordinary services are rendered by any conservator or guardian, the court of probate, upon petition and hearing, may authorize reasonable additional compensation. [A copy of the petition and notice of hearing shall be lodged in the office of the Commissioner of Administrative Services in Hartford at least ten days before the hearing.] No commission or compensation shall be allowed on any moneys or other assets received from a prior guardian or conservator nor upon any amount received from liquidation of loans or other investments. Sec. 78. Section 45a-630 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 110 of 745 In the case of any application for the appointment of a guardian of the estate of a minor pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-132, 45a- 593 to 45a-597, inclusive, 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, and 45a-629 to 45a-638, inclusive, the application shall state that such minor either is, or is not, receiving aid or care from the state, whichever is true. [, and a copy of each application which states the minor is receiving such aid or care shall be sent by the court to the Commissioner of Administrative Services at least ten days in advance of any hearing on such application. Said commissioner or his designee may participate at any hearing on such application.] Sec. 79. Section 45a-646 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): Any person may petition the Probate Court in the district in which he or she resides, is domiciled or is located at the time the petition for voluntary representation is filed either for the appointment of a conservator of the person or a conservator of the estate, or both. If the petition excuses bond, no bond shall be required by the court unless later requested by the respondent or unless facts are brought to the attention of the court that a bond is necessary for the protection of the respondent. Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall set a time and place for hearing and shall give such notice as it may direct to the petitioner, the petitioner's spouse, if any, [the Commissioner of Administrative Services, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from the state,] and to other interested parties, if any. After seeing the respondent in person and hearing his or her reasons for the petition and after explaining to the respondent that granting the petition will subject the respondent or respondent's property, as the case may be, to the authority of the conservator, the court may grant voluntary representation and thereupon shall appoint a conservator of the person or estate or both, and shall not make a finding that the petitioner is incapable. The conservator of the person or estate or both, shall have all House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 111 of 745 the powers and duties of a conservator of the person or estate of an incapable person appointed pursuant to section 45a-650. If the respondent subsequently becomes disabled or incapable, the authority of the conservator shall not be revoked as a result of such disability or incapacity. Sec. 80. Section 45a-649 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): (a) (1) Upon an application for involuntary representation, the court shall issue a citation to the following enumerated parties to appear before it at a time and place named in the citation, which shall be served on the parties at least ten days before the hearing date, or in the case of an application made pursuant to section 17a-543 or 17a-543a, at least seven days before the hearing date. Except as provided in subsection (c) of section 45a-648, or unless continued by the court for cause shown, the hearing on an application under this section shall be held not more than thirty days after the receipt of the application by the Probate Court. Notice of the hearing shall be sent not more than thirty days after receipt of the application. In addition to such notice, (A) notice for a matter brought under sections 45a-667g to 45a-667o, inclusive, shall be given in the manner provided in section 45a-667n, and (B) notice for a matter brought under section 45a-667p shall be given in the manner provided in section 45a-667q. (2) (A) The court shall direct that personal service of the citation be made, by a state marshal, constable or an indifferent person, upon the respondent and the respondent's spouse, if any, if the spouse is not the applicant. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subparagraph, in cases where the application is for involuntary representation pursuant to section 17b-456, and there is no spouse or the whereabouts of the spouse is unknown, the court shall order notice by certified mail to the children of the respondent and if none, the parents of the respondent and if none, the brothers and sisters of the respondent or their House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 112 of 745 representatives, and if none, the next of kin of such respondent. (B) Except for the respondent, if the address of any other person entitled to personal service is unknown, or if personal service or service at the person's usual place of abode cannot be reasonably effected within the state, or if the person is out of the state, the judge or the clerk of the court shall order notice be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by publication not less than ten days before the date of the hearing. Any such publication shall be in a newspaper of general circulation in the place of the last known address of the person to be notified, whether within or without this state, or if no such address is known, in the place where the petition has been filed. (3) The court shall order such notice as it directs to the following: (A) The applicant; (B) the person in charge of welfare in the town where the respondent is domiciled or resident and, if there is no such person, the first selectman or chief executive officer of the town if the respondent is receiving assistance from the town; (C) the Commissioner of Social Services, if the respondent is in a state-operated institution or receiving aid, care or assistance from the state; (D) the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs if the respondent is receiving veterans' benefits or the Veterans Residential Services facility, or both, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from said facility, or both; (E) [the Commissioner of Administrative Services, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from the state; (F)] the children of the respondent and if none, the parents of the respondent and if none, the brothers and sisters of the respondent or their representatives and if none, the next of kin of the respondent; and [(G)] (F) the person in charge of the hospital, nursing home or some other institution, if the respondent is in a hospital, nursing home or some other institution. (4) The court, in its discretion, may order such notice as it directs to other persons having an interest in the respondent and to such persons the respondent requests be notified. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 113 of 745 (5) If personal service of the notice required in subsection (b) of this section is not made as required in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the court shall be deprived of jurisdiction over the application. (b) The notice required by subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section shall specify (1) the nature of involuntary representation sought and the legal consequences thereof, (2) the facts alleged in the application, (3) the date, time and place of the hearing, and (4) that the respondent has a right to be present at the hearing and has a right to be represented by an attorney of the respondent's choice at the respondent's own expense. The notice shall also include a statement in boldface type of a minimum size of twelve points in substantially the following form: "POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE APPOINTMENT OF A CONSERVATOR FOR YOU This court has received an application to appoint a conservator for you. A conservator is a court-appointed legal guardian who may be assigned important decision-making authority over your affairs. If the application is granted and a conservator is appointed for you, you will lose some of your rights. A permanent conservator may only be appointed for you after a court hearing. You have the right to attend the hearing on the application for appointment of a permanent conservator. If you are not able to access the court where the hearing will be held, you may request that the hearing be moved to a convenient location, even to your place of residence. You should have an attorney represent you at the hearing on the application. If you are unable to obtain an attorney to represent you at the hearing, the court will appoint an attorney for you. If you are unable to pay for representation by an attorney, the court will pay attorney fees House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 114 of 745 as permitted by the court's rules. Even if you qualify for payment of an attorney on your behalf, you may choose an attorney if the attorney will accept the attorney fees permitted by the court's rules. If, after a hearing on the application, the court decides that you lack the ability to care for yourself, pay your bills or otherwise manage your affairs, the court may review any alternative plans you have to get assistance to handle your own affairs that do not require appointment of a conservator. If the court decides that there are no adequate alternatives to the appointment of a conservator, the court may appoint a conservator and assign the conservator responsibility for some or all of the duties listed below. While the purpose of a conservator is to help you, you should be aware that the appointment of a conservator limits your rights. Among the areas that may be affected are: - Accessing and budgeting your money - Deciding where you live - Making medical decisions for you - Paying your bills - Managing your real and personal property You may participate in the selection of your conservator. If you have already designated a conservator or if you inform the court of your choice for a conservator, the court must honor your request unless the court decides that the person designated by you is not appropriate. The conservator appointed for you may be a lawyer, a public official or someone whom you did not know before the appointment. The conservator will be required to make regular reports to the court about you. The conservator may charge you a fee, under the supervision of the court, for being your conservator." House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 115 of 745 (c) Notice to all other persons required by this section shall only be required to state that involuntary representation is sought, the nature of the involuntary representation sought, the legal consequences of the involuntary representation and the date, time and place of the hearing on the application for involuntary representation. (d) If the respondent is unable to request or obtain an attorney for any reason, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the respondent in any proceeding under this title involving the respondent. If the respondent is unable to pay for the services of such attorney, the reasonable compensation for such attorney shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department, except that if funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. (e) If the respondent notifies the court in any manner that the respondent wants to attend the hearing on the application but is unable to do so, the court shall schedule the hearing on the application at a place that would facilitate attendance by the respondent. Sec. 81. Section 45a-652 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): In the case of any application for the appointment of a conservator of the estate, as said terms are defined in section 45a-644, and, in the case of any application for involuntary representation, as defined in subsection (d) of section 45a-644, the application shall state that the respondent, as defined in subsection (e) of section 45a-644, either is or is not, receiving such aid or care from the state, whichever is true. [, and a copy of each application which states the respondent is receiving such aid or care shall be sent by the court to the Commissioner of Administrative Services, in accordance with the provisions of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 116 of 745 subsection (a) of section 45a-649 or section 45a-646, as the case may be.] Sec. 82. Subsection (e) of section 45a-655 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2026): (e) Upon application of a conservator of the estate, after a hearing with notice to the [Commissioner of Administrative Services, the] Commissioner of Social Services and to all parties who may have an interest as determined by the court, the court may authorize the conservator to make gifts or other transfers of income and principal from the estate of the conserved person in such amounts and in such form, outright or in trust, whether to an existing trust or a court- approved trust created by the conservator, as the court orders to or for the benefit of individuals, including the conserved person, and to or for the benefit of charities, trusts or other institutions described in Sections 2055(a) and 2522(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended. Such gifts or transfers shall be authorized only if the court finds that: (1) In the case of individuals not related to the conserved person by blood or marriage, the conserved person had made a previous gift to that unrelated individual prior to being declared incapable; (2) in the case of a charity, either (A) the conserved person had made a previous gift to such charity, had pledged a gift in writing to such charity, or had otherwise demonstrated support for such charity prior to being declared incapable; or (B) the court determines that the gift to the charity is in the best interests of the conserved person, is consistent with proper estate planning, and there is no reasonable objection by a party having an interest in the conserved person's estate as determined by the court; (3) the estate of the conserved person and any proposed trust of which the conserved person is a beneficiary is more than sufficient to carry out the duties of the conservator as set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, both for the present and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 117 of 745 foreseeable future, including due provision for the continuing proper care, comfort and maintenance of such conserved person in accordance with such conserved person's established standard of living and for the support of persons the conserved person is legally obligated to support; (4) the purpose of the gifts is not to diminish the estate of the conserved person so as to qualify the conserved person for federal or state aid or benefits; and (5) in the case of a conserved person capable of making an informed decision, the conserved person has no objection to such gift. The court shall give consideration to the following: (A) The medical condition of the conserved person, including the prospect of restoration to capacity; (B) the size of the conserved person's estate; (C) the provisions which, in the judgment of the court, such conserved person would have made if such conserved person had been capable, for minimization of income and estate taxes consistent with proper estate planning; and (D) in the case of a trust, whether the trust should be revocable or irrevocable, existing or created by the conservator and court approved. The court should also consider the provisions of an existing estate plan, if any. In the case of a gift or transfer in trust, any transfer to a court-approved trust created by the conservator shall be subject to continuing probate court jurisdiction in the same manner as a testamentary trust including periodic rendering of accounts pursuant to section 45a-177. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the court may authorize the creation and funding of a trust that complies with section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1396p(d)(4), as from time to time amended. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to validate or invalidate any gifts made by a conservator of the estate prior to October 1, 1998. Sec. 83. Section 112 of public act 23-205 is repealed. (Effective from passage) Sec. 84. Section 4a-57e of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective from passage) House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 118 of 745 Sec. 85. Section 32-7h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) There is established an account to be known as the "small business express assistance account" which will be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Repayment of principal and interest on loans shall be credited to such fund and shall become part of the assets of the fund. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Department of Economic and Community Development for (1) the purposes of the Small Business Express program established pursuant to section 32-7g, and (2) the purposes enumerated in sections 32-39f and 32-39g. Except as provided in subsection (d) of section 32-7g, all moneys received for the purposes of the Small Business Express program and payments of principal and interest on any loans given under said program shall be credited to the account. (b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of section 32-7g, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may provide for the payment of any administrative expenses or other costs incurred by the department or its lender partners in carrying out the purposes of (1) the Small Business Express program, or (2) the purposes enumerated in, or any programs established pursuant to, sections 32-39f and 32-39g, not to exceed five per cent of funding [from this program] provided for such programs or for such enumerated purposes, from the account established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, provided one per cent shall be dedicated to develop capacity for capital construction projects for minority business enterprises. Sec. 86. Subsection (b) of section 32-39f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (b) The department may use any funds available in the CTNext Fund House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 119 of 745 established under section 32-39i and the small business express assistance account established under section 32-7h for the following purposes: (1) To foster and oversee the growth and continuous improvement of a state-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem and infrastructure that is supportive of Connecticut innovators and entrepreneurs and to initiate changes to practices that the commissioner deems to be outdated to improve such ecosystem and infrastructure; (2) To maintain an active and conspicuous presence at all nodes of such ecosystem and infrastructure and continuously increase connections between such nodes; (3) To regularly reassess the health of such ecosystem and infrastructure, identify their changing needs, adopt initiatives or adapt existing initiatives to meet such needs and regularly inform the General Assembly of such needs by proposing recommended legislation deemed necessary or desirable by the commissioner; (4) To support the growth of start-up and growth stage businesses; (5) To promote entrepreneur community-building; (6) To connect start-up and growth stage business entrepreneurs with other start-up and growth stage business entrepreneurs and with state, federal and private resources; (7) To facilitate the establishment of innovation places and incubator facilities and the development, growth and evolution of innovation places and incubator facilities individually and in mutually supportive connections to other innovation places and incubator facilities; (8) To facilitate mentorship for start-up and growth stage business entrepreneurs; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 120 of 745 (9) To provide technical training and resources to start-up and growth stage businesses and entrepreneurs; (10) To facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship at institutions of higher education; and (11) To identify areas in which current practices and policies at such institutions of higher education are not realizing their full potential. Sec. 87. Section 32-39g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): For the purposes enumerated in subsection (b) of section 32-39f, the commissioner may: (1) Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of the commissioner's duties and the execution of the commissioner's powers under this section, including contracts and agreements for such professional services as the commissioner deems necessary, including, but not limited to, financial consultant and technical specialists; (2) Account for and audit funds of the department and funds of any recipients of funds from the department; (3) Establish advisory committees to provide counsel and advice on the discharge of the commissioner's duties under this section; (4) Serve as a resource to start-up and growth stage business entrepreneurs in this state by (A) providing counseling and technical assistance in the areas of entrepreneurial business planning and management, financing and marketing for start-up and growth stage businesses; and (B) conducting business workshops, seminars and conferences with local partners, including, but not limited to, in-state public and independent institutions of higher education, municipal House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 121 of 745 governments, regional economic development districts, private industry, chambers of commerce, small business development organizations and economic development organizations; (5) Facilitate partnerships between innovative start-up and growth stage businesses, research institutions and venture capitalists or financial institutions; (6) Increase the quantity and availability of capital for start-up and growth stage businesses and entrepreneurs including, but not limited to, angel investors and venture capitalists; (7) Promote technology-based development in the state; (8) Encourage and promote the establishment of and, within available resources, provide financial aid to advanced technology centers; (9) Maintain an inventory of data and information concerning state and federal programs that are related to the purposes of this section and serve as a clearinghouse and referral service for such data and information; (10) Promote and encourage and, within available resources, provide financial aid for the establishment, maintenance and operation of incubator facilities and innovation places; (11) Promote and encourage the coordination of public and private resources and activities within the state in order to assist technology- based business entrepreneurs and business enterprises; (12) Promote science, engineering, mathematics and other disciplines that are essential to the development and application of technology; (13) Coordinate the department's efforts with existing business outreach centers, as described in section 32-9qq; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 122 of 745 (14) Provide financial aid to persons developing smart buildings, as defined in section 32-23d, incubator facilities or other information technology intensive office and laboratory space; (15) Coordinate the development and implementation of strategies regarding technology-based talent and innovation among state and quasi-public agencies, including the creation and administration of the Connecticut Small Business Innovation Research Office to act as a centralized clearinghouse and provide technical assistance to applicants in developing small business innovation research programs in conformity with the federal program established pursuant to the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, P.L. 102- 564, as amended from time to time, and other proposals; (16) Encourage the retention of younger generation start-up entrepreneurs in the state; (17) Promote entrepreneurship among students, faculty and alumni of institutions of higher education; (18) Make planning grants to entities seeking to apply for innovation place designation pursuant to section 32-39l, provided each such entity demonstrates that its proposed innovation place meets the purposes set forth in section 32-39k; (19) Encourage and promote the establishment of business accelerators; (20) Make higher education entrepreneurship grants-in-aid recommended by the Higher Education Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee pursuant to section 32-39t; (21) Implement the provisions of section 32-39x; (22) Designate innovation places pursuant to sections 32-39k to 32- House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 123 of 745 39m, inclusive; (23) Establish a program to provide growth grants-in-aid to businesses in this state for the purposes of facilitating the growth of start-up businesses that have transitioned to growth stage businesses. The department shall establish an application process for such grants- in-aid and shall prioritize such grants-in-aid for uses most likely to facilitate the growth of such businesses, including, but not limited to, sales assistance, marketing, strategy, organizational development, technology assistance, bid assistance, beta testing of products for new purchasers and prototype development. Such grants-in-aid shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars per applicant and shall be conditioned upon a one-third match from the applicant; [and] (24) Provide grants-in-aid for the purposes enumerated in section 32- 39f; and [(24)] (25) Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this section and the powers expressly granted by this section. Sec. 88. Section 2-36 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): [(a) On or before the twenty-fifth day of each month, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall submit to the Governor, the Comptroller and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, through the Legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis, a list of appropriation accounts in which a potential deficiency exists. Such list shall be accompanied by a statement which explains the reasons for each such potential deficiency. (b)] On the day the Governor submits a budget document to the General Assembly, or a report on the status of the budget enacted in the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 124 of 745 previous year, pursuant to section 4-71, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall submit to the Treasurer and [said] the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, any items to be included in a deficiency bill, which may be passed by the General Assembly to pay expenses of the current fiscal year of the biennium. Each such item shall be accompanied by a statement which explains the need for a deficiency appropriation. Any agency which has an item to be included in the deficiency bill shall, on such day, submit a report to said joint standing committee, through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, concerning any steps taken by the agency to reduce or eliminate the deficiency. Sec. 89. Section 2-36b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) No later than December fifteenth each year, the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, revenue and bonding shall meet with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the director of the legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis, and such other persons as they deem appropriate, to consider the items submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. (b) On or before November twentieth, annually, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the director of the legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis shall each submit the following to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, revenue and bonding: (1) For the current biennium and the next ensuing three fiscal years, a consensus estimate of state revenues developed in accordance with subsection (a) of section 2-36c, an estimate of the level of expenditure change from current year expenditures allowable by consensus revenue estimates in each fund, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 125 of 745 any changes to current year expenditures necessitated by fixed cost drivers, and the aggregate changes to current year expenditures required to accommodate fixed cost drivers without exceeding current revenue estimates; (2) the projected tax credits to be used in the current biennium and the next ensuing three fiscal years, and the assumptions on which such projections are based; (3) a summary of any estimated deficiencies in the current fiscal year, the reasons for such deficiencies, and the assumptions upon which such estimates are based; (4) the projected balance in the Budget Reserve Fund at the end of each uncompleted fiscal year of the current biennium and the next ensuing three fiscal years; (5) the projected bond authorizations, allocations and issuances in each of the next ensuing five fiscal years and their impact on the debt service of the major funds of the state; (6) an analysis of revenue and expenditure trends and of the major cost drivers affecting state spending, including identification of any areas of concern and efforts undertaken to address such areas, including, but not limited to, efforts to obtain federal funds; and (7) an analysis of possible uses of surplus funds, including, but not limited to, the Budget Reserve Fund, debt retirement and funding of pension liabilities. For purposes of this section, "fixed cost drivers" may include costs related to debt service, pension contributions, retiree health care, entitlement programs and federal mandates. [(c) On or before November 15, 2010, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall submit to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, revenue and bonding for the biennium commencing July 1, 2011, and each biennium thereafter, a summary in electronic database format of all nonappropriated moneys held by each budgeted agency, which shall be an accounting of moneys received or held by the agency that are authorized or received by any manner other than as an appropriation, at the end of the last-completed fiscal year in a form House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 126 of 745 consistent with accepted accounting practice.] Sec. 90. Section 4-73 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) The budget document shall present in detail for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium the Governor's recommendation for appropriations to meet the expenditure needs of the state from the General Fund and from all special and agency funds classified by budgeted agencies and showing for each budgeted agency and its subdivisions: (1) A narrative summary describing the agency, the Governor's recommendations for appropriations for the agency, [and a list of agency programs,] the actual expenditure for the last-completed fiscal year, the estimated expenditure for the current fiscal year, the amount requested by the agency and the Governor's recommendations for appropriations for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium; (2) a summary of permanent full-time positions by fund, setting forth the number filled and the number vacant as of the end of the last-completed fiscal year, the total number intended to be funded by appropriations without reduction for turnover for the fiscal year in progress, the total number requested and the total number recommended for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates. [(b) In addition, programs shall be supported by: (1) The statutory authorization for the program; (2) a statement of program objectives; (3) a description of the program, including a statement of need, eligibility requirements and any intergovernmental participation in the program; (4) a statement of performance measures by which the accomplishments toward the program objectives can be assessed, which shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the workload, quality or level of service and effectiveness of the program; (5) program budget data broken down by major object of expenditure, showing additional federal and private funds; (6) a summary of permanent full-time positions by fund, setting forth the number filled and the number vacant as of the end of the last- House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 127 of 745 completed fiscal year, the total number intended to be funded by appropriations without reduction for turnover for the fiscal year in progress, the total number requested and the total number recommended for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates; (7) a statement of expenditures for the last-completed and current fiscal years, the agency request and the Governor's recommendation for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium and, for any new or expanded program, estimated expenditure requirements for the fiscal year next succeeding the biennium to which the budget relates; and (8) an explanation of any significant program changes requested by the agency or recommended by the Governor. (c) There shall be a supporting schedule of total agency expenditures including a line-item, minor object breakdown of personal services, energy costs, contractual services and commodities and a total of state aid grants and equipment, showing the actual expenditures for the last- completed fiscal year, estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year and requested and recommended appropriations for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium, classified by objects according to a standard plan of classification.] [(d)] (b) All federal funds expended or anticipated for any purpose shall be accounted for in the budget. The document shall set forth a listing of federal programs, showing the actual expenditures for the last- completed fiscal year, estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year and anticipated funds available for expenditure for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium. Such federal funds shall be classified by each budgeted agency but shall not include research grants made to educational institutions. [(e)] (c) The budget document shall also set forth the budget recommendations for the capital program, to be supported by statements listing the agency's requests and the Governor's recommendations with the statements required by section 4-78. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 128 of 745 [(f)] (d) The appropriations recommended for the legislative branch of the state government shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by the Joint Committee on Legislative Management pursuant to section 4-77 and the recommended adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said committee pursuant to said section. [4-77.] [(g)] (e) (1) The appropriations recommended for the Judicial Department shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by the Chief Court Administrator pursuant to section 4-77 plus the estimates of expenditure requirements for the biennium transmitted by said administrator pursuant to section 51-47c, and the recommended adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said administrator pursuant to section 4-77. (2) The appropriations recommended for the Division of Public Defender Services shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by the Chief Public Defender pursuant to section 4-77 and the recommended adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said administrator pursuant to section 4-77. Sec. 91. Subsection (c) of section 4-77 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (c) The administrative head of each budgeted agency shall transmit, to the Office of Fiscal Analysis, copies of the agency's monthly (1) financial status report, and (2) personnel status report. [, and (3) House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 129 of 745 nonappropriated moneys status report which shall be an accounting of moneys received or held by the agency that are authorized or received by any manner other than as an appropriation. Such accounting of nonappropriated moneys shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of the status of any agency fund or account of such agency receiving or holding such moneys. Such assessments of such funds and accounts shall, at a minimum, account for all expenditures, encumbrances, liabilities, reimbursements and revenues.] Sec. 92. Subsection (b) of section 4-68m of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (b) The division shall promote a more effective and cohesive state criminal justice system by: (1) Conducting an in-depth analysis of the criminal justice system; (2) Determining the long-range needs of the criminal justice system and recommending policy priorities for the system; (3) Identifying critical problems in the criminal justice system and recommending strategies to solve those problems; (4) Assessing the cost-effectiveness of the use of state and local funds in the criminal justice system; (5) Recommending means to improve the deterrent and rehabilitative capabilities of the criminal justice system; (6) Advising and assisting the General Assembly in developing plans, programs and proposed legislation for improving the effectiveness of the criminal justice system; (7) Making computations of daily costs and comparing interagency costs on services provided by agencies that are a part of the criminal House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 130 of 745 justice system; [(8) Reviewing the program inventories and cost-benefit analyses submitted pursuant to section 4-68s and considering incorporating such inventories and analyses in its budget recommendations to the General Assembly;] [(9)] (8) Making population computations for use in planning for the long-range needs of the criminal justice system; [(10)] (9) Determining long-range information needs of the criminal justice system and acquiring that information; [(11)] (10) Cooperating with the Office of the Victim Advocate by providing information and assistance to the office relating to the improvement of crime victims' services; [(12)] (11) Serving as the liaison for the state to the United States Department of Justice on criminal justice issues of interest to the state and federal government relating to data, information systems and research; [(13)] (12) Measuring the success of community-based services and programs in reducing recidivism; [(14)] (13) Developing and implementing a comprehensive reentry strategy as provided in section 18-81w; and [(15)] (14) Engaging in other activities consistent with the responsibilities of the division. Sec. 93. Section 4-68r of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): For purposes of this section: [and sections 4-68s and 4-77c:] House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 131 of 745 (1) "Cost-beneficial" means the cost savings and benefits realized over a reasonable period of time are greater than the costs of implementation; (2) "Program inventory" means the (A) compilation of the complete list of all agency programs and activities; (B) identification of those that are evidence-based, research-based and promising; and (C) inclusion of program costs and utilization data; (3) "Evidence-based" describes a program that (A) incorporates methods demonstrated to be effective for the intended population through scientifically based research, including statistically controlled evaluations or randomized trials; (B) can be implemented with a set of procedures to allow successful replication in the state; (C) achieves sustained, desirable outcomes; and (D) when possible, has been determined to be cost-beneficial; (4) "Research-based" describes a program or practice that has some research demonstrating effectiveness, such as one tested with a single randomized or statistically controlled evaluation, but does not meet all of the criteria of an evidence-based program; and (5) "Promising" describes a program or practice that, based on statistical analyses or preliminary research, shows potential for meeting the evidence-based or research-based criteria. Sec. 94. Sections 2-33b, 4-68s, 4-77c, 4-85d and 4-95b of the general statutes are repealed. (Effective from passage) Sec. 95. Subsection (b) of section 10a-154e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (b) Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Higher Education shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing [committee] committees House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 132 of 745 of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies regarding the number and demographics of the adjunct professors who applied for and received incentive grants from the adjunct professor grant program established under subsection (a) of this section, the number and types of classes taught by such adjunct professors, the institutions of higher education employing such adjunct professors and any other information deemed pertinent by the commissioner. Sec. 96. Section 4-67z of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): [(a)] The Chief Data Officer, in consultation with the Attorney General and executive branch agency legal counsel, shall review the legal obstacles to the sharing of high value data of executive branch agencies, inventoried pursuant to section 4-67p, [among] with executive branch agencies and [with] the public. [(b) Not later than January 15, 2020, and annually thereafter, the Chief Data Officer shall submit a report, developed in consultation with the Attorney General, agency data officers and executive branch agency legal counsel, that includes any recommendations on (1) methods to facilitate the sharing of such high value data to the extent permitted under state and federal law, including, but not limited to, the preparation and execution of memoranda of understanding among executive branch agencies, and (2) any necessary legislation, to the Connecticut Data Analysis Technology Advisory Board and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to government administration, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. Concomitantly, the Chief Data Officer shall post each such report on the Office of Policy and Management's Internet web site. (c) The report submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 133 of 745 shall be consistent with the state data plan, created under section 4-67p. The Chief Data Officer shall update such report annually with additional information concerning the sharing of high value data and any additional recommendations, including any potential fiscal impact of any recommendations.] Sec. 97. Subsection (b) of section 8-395a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage and applicable to income and taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 2025): (b) There is established a workforce housing opportunity development program to be administered by the Department of Housing under which individuals or entities who make cash contributions to an eligible developer for an eligible workforce housing opportunity development project located in a federally designated opportunity zone may be allowed a credit against the tax due under chapter 208 or 229 in an amount equal to [the amount specified by the commissioner under this section] fifty per cent of the cash contribution. Any developer of a workforce housing opportunity development project shall be allowed an exemption from any fees under section 29- 263 and any eligible workforce housing opportunity development project shall be assessed using the capitalization of net income method under subsection (b) of section 12-63b. Sec. 98. Subsection (p) of section 3-20j of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (p) (1) Prior to July 1, [2025] 2027, net earnings of investments of proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to section 3-20 or pursuant to this section and accrued interest on the issuance of such bonds and premiums on the issuance of such bonds shall be deposited to the credit of the General Fund, after (A) payment of any expenses incurred by the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 134 of 745 Treasurer or State Bond Commission in connection with such issuance, or (B) application to interest on bonds, notes or other obligations of the state. (2) On and after July 1, [2025] 2027, notwithstanding subsection (f) of section 3-20, (A) net earnings of investments of proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to section 3-20 or pursuant to this section and accrued interest on the issuance of such bonds shall be deposited to the credit of the General Fund, and (B) premiums, net of any original issue discount, on the issuance of such bonds shall, after payment of any expenses incurred by the Treasurer or State Bond Commission in connection with such issuance, be deposited at the direction of the Treasurer to the credit of an account or fund to fund all or a portion of any purpose or project authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to any bond act up to the amount authorized by the State Bond Commission, provided the bonds for such purpose or project are unissued, and provided further the certificate of determination the Treasurer files with the secretary of the State Bond Commission for such authorized bonds sets forth the amount of the deposit applied to fund each such purpose and project. Upon such filing, the Treasurer shall record bonds in the amount of net premiums credited to each purpose and project as set forth in the certificate of determination of the Treasurer as deemed issued and retired and the Treasurer shall not thereafter exercise authority to issue bonds in such amount for such purpose or project. Upon such recording by the Treasurer, such bonds shall be deemed to have been issued, retired and no longer authorized for issuance or outstanding for the purposes of section 3-21, and for the purpose of aligning the funding of such authorized purpose and project with amounts generated by net premiums, but shall not constitute an actual bond issuance or bond retirement for any other purposes including, but not limited to, financial reporting purposes. Sec. 99. Subdivision (1) of section 1-120 of the general statutes is House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 135 of 745 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (1) "Quasi-public agency" means Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Housing Authority, the MIRA Dissolution Authority, the Capital Region Development Authority, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Connecticut Airport Authority, the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, the Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority, the State Education Resource Center and the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority. Sec. 100. Section 1-124 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Housing Authority, the MIRA Dissolution Authority, the Connecticut Airport Authority, the Capital Region Development Authority, the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, the Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority and the State Education Resource Center shall not borrow any money or issue any bonds or notes which are guaranteed by the state of Connecticut or for which there is a capital reserve fund of any kind which is in any way contributed to or guaranteed by the state of Connecticut until and unless such borrowing or issuance is approved by the State Treasurer or the Deputy State Treasurer appointed pursuant to section 3-12. The House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 136 of 745 approval of the State Treasurer or said deputy shall be based on documentation provided by the authority that it has sufficient revenues to (1) pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and notes issued, (2) establish, increase and maintain any reserves deemed by the authority to be advisable to secure the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds and notes, (3) pay the cost of maintaining, servicing and properly insuring the purpose for which the proceeds of the bonds and notes have been issued, if applicable, and (4) pay such other costs as may be required. (b) To the extent Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Housing Authority, the MIRA Dissolution Authority, the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, the Connecticut Airport Authority, the Capital Region Development Authority, the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, the Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority or the State Education Resource Center is permitted by statute and determines to exercise any power to moderate interest rate fluctuations or enter into any investment or program of investment or contract respecting interest rates, currency, cash flow or other similar agreement, including, but not limited to, interest rate or currency swap agreements, the effect of which is to subject a capital reserve fund which is in any way contributed to or guaranteed by the state of Connecticut, to potential liability, such determination shall not be effective until and unless the State Treasurer or his or her deputy appointed pursuant to section 3-12 has approved such agreement or agreements. The approval of the State Treasurer or his or her deputy shall be based on documentation provided by the authority that it has sufficient revenues to meet the financial obligations associated with the agreement or agreements. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 137 of 745 Sec. 101. Section 1-125 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): The directors, officers and employees of Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Housing Authority, the MIRA Dissolution Authority, including ad hoc members of the MIRA Dissolution Authority, the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, the Capital Region Development Authority, the Connecticut Airport Authority, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, the Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Port Authority, the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority, the State Education Resource Center, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority and the Connecticut Pilot Commission and any person executing the bonds or notes of the agency shall not be liable personally on such bonds or notes or be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance thereof, nor shall any director or employee of the agency, including ad hoc members of the MIRA Dissolution Authority, be personally liable for damage or injury, not wanton, reckless, wilful or malicious, caused in the performance of his or her duties and within the scope of his or her employment or appointment as such director, officer or employee, including ad hoc members of the MIRA Dissolution Authority. The agency shall protect, save harmless and indemnify its directors, officers or employees, including ad hoc members of the MIRA Dissolution Authority, from financial loss and expense, including legal fees and costs, if any, arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgment by reason of alleged negligence or alleged deprivation of any person's civil rights or any other act or omission resulting in damage or injury, if the director, officer or employee, including ad hoc members of the MIRA Dissolution Authority, is found to have been acting in the discharge of his or her House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 138 of 745 duties or within the scope of his or her employment and such act or omission is found not to have been wanton, reckless, wilful or malicious. Sec. 102. Section 8-169hh of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): For purposes of this section and sections 8-169ii to 8-169vv, inclusive: (1) "As of right" has the same meaning as provided in section 8-1a; (2) "Authority" means the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority established in section 8-169ii; (3) "Authority development project" means a project occurring within the boundaries of a Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority development district; (4) ["Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority development district"] "Connecticut Municipal Development Authority development district" or "development district" means the area determined by a memorandum of agreement between the authority and the chief executive officer of the member municipality, or the chief executive officers of the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, where such development district is located, provided such area shall be considered a downtown or does not exceed a one-half-mile radius of a transit station; (5) "Designated tier III municipality" has the same meaning as provided in section 7-560; (6) "Designated tier IV municipality" has the same meaning as provided in section 7-560; (7) "Downtown" means a central business district or other commercial neighborhood area of a community that serves as a center of socioeconomic interaction in the community, characterized by a House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 139 of 745 cohesive core of commercial and mixed-use buildings, often interspersed with civic, religious and residential buildings and public spaces, that are typically arranged along a main street and intersecting side streets and served by public infrastructure; (8) "Member municipality" means any municipality that opts to join the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority in accordance with section 8-169ll. "Member municipality" does not include the city of Hartford [or any municipality that is considered part of the capital region, as defined in section 32-600] or the town of East Hartford; (9) "Middle housing" has the same meaning as provided in section 8- 1a; (10) "Joint member entity" means two or more municipalities that together opt to join the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority in accordance with section 8-169ll, provided no such municipality is considered part of the capital region, as defined in section 32-600; (11) "Project" means any or all of the following: (A) The design and construction of transit-oriented development, as defined in section 13b- 79kk; (B) the creation of housing units through rehabilitation or new construction; (C) the demolition or redevelopment of vacant buildings; and (D) development and redevelopment; (12) "State-wide transportation investment program" means the planning document developed and updated at least every four years by the Department of Transportation in compliance with the requirements of 23 USC 135, listing all transportation projects in the state expected to receive federal funding during the four-year period covered by the program; and (13) "Transit station" means any passenger railroad station or bus House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 140 of 745 rapid transit station that is operational, or for which the Department of Transportation has initiated planning or that is included in the state- wide transportation investment program. [, that is or will be located within the boundaries of a member municipality or the municipalities constituting a joint member entity.] Sec. 103. Subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, of section 8-169ii of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) There is hereby established and created a body politic and corporate, constituting a public instrumentality and political subdivision of the state established and created for the performance of an essential public and governmental function, to be known as the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority. The authority shall not be construed to be a department, institution or agency of the state. (b) The powers of the authority shall be vested in and exercised by a board of directors, which shall consist of the following members: (1) One appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives who has expertise in housing development; (2) one appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate who has expertise in planning and zoning; (3) one appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives who is a certified planner; (4) one appointed by the majority leader of the Senate who has expertise in transit-oriented development; (5) one appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives who has expertise in regional planning; (6) one appointed by the minority leader of the Senate who has expertise in economic development; (7) three appointed by the Governor; and (8) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the Labor Commissioner and the Commissioners of Transportation, Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Health, Housing and Economic and Community Development, or their designees, who shall serve as ex-officio, voting House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 141 of 745 members of the board. (c) The Governor shall designate the chairperson of the board from among the members. All initial appointments shall be made not later than sixty days after October 1, 2023. All members shall be appointed by the original appointing authority for four-year terms. Any member of the board shall be eligible for reappointment. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term. The appointing authority for any member may remove such member for misfeasance, malfeasance or wilful neglect of duty. (d) Each member of the board, before commencing such member's duties, shall take and subscribe the oath or affirmation required by section 1 of article eleventh of the Constitution of the state. A record of each such oath shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of the State. (e) The board of directors shall maintain a record of its proceedings in such form as it determines, provided such record indicates attendance and all votes cast by each member. Any appointed member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings or who fails to attend fifty per cent of all meetings held during any calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned from the board. A majority of the members of the board then in office shall constitute a quorum, and an affirmative vote by a majority of the members present at a meeting of the board shall be sufficient for any action taken by the board. No vacancy in the membership of the board shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the board. Any action taken by the board may be authorized by resolution at any regular or special meeting and shall take effect immediately unless otherwise provided in the resolution. The board may delegate to three or more of its members, or its officers, agents or employees, such board powers and duties as it may deem proper. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 142 of 745 (f) The board of directors shall annually elect one of its members as a vice-chairperson, and shall elect other of its members as officers, adopt a budget and bylaws, designate an executive committee, report semiannually to the appointing authorities with respect to operations, finances and achievement of its economic development objective, be accountable to and cooperate with the state whenever the state may audit the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority or an authority development project or at any other time as the state may inquire as to either, including allowing the state reasonable access to any such project and to the records of the authority. Sec. 104. Section 8-169jj of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) The purposes of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority shall be to: (1) Stimulate economic and transit- oriented development, as defined in section 13b-79kk, within Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority development districts; (2) encourage residential housing development within development districts; (3) manage facilities through contractual agreement or other legal instrument; (4) stimulate new investment within development districts and provide support for the creation of vibrant, multidimensional downtowns; (5) upon request of the legislative body of a member municipality, or the legislative bodies of the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, in which a development district is located, work with such municipality or municipalities to assist in development and redevelopment efforts to stimulate the economy of such municipality or municipalities; (6) upon request of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and with the approval of the chief executive officer of a member municipality, or the chief executive officers of the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, in which a development district is located, enter into an agreement to facilitate House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 143 of 745 development or redevelopment within such development district; (7) encourage development and redevelopment of property within development districts; (8) engage residents of member municipalities, or municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, and other stakeholders in development and redevelopment efforts; (9) market and develop development districts as vibrant and multidimensional; and (10) provide financial support and technical assistance to municipalities to develop housing growth zones. (b) For the purposes enumerated in subsection (a) of this section, the authority is authorized and empowered to: (1) Have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate and to adopt procedures for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business, as provided in section 8-169kk; (2) Adopt a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure; (3) Maintain an office at such place or places as it may designate; (4) Sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded; (5) Contract and be contracted with; (6) (A) Employ such assistants, agents and other employees as may be necessary or desirable to carry out its purposes, which employees shall be exempt from the classified service and shall not be employees, as defined in subsection (b) of section 5-270; (B) establish all necessary or appropriate personnel practices and policies, including those relating to hiring, promotion, compensation, retirement and collective bargaining, which need not be in accordance with chapter 68. For the purposes of this subdivision, the authority shall not be an employer as defined in subsection (a) of section 5-270, and for the purposes of group welfare benefits and retirement, including, but not limited to, those provided under chapter 66 and sections 5-257 and 5-259, the officers and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 144 of 745 all other employees of the authority shall be state employees; and (C) engage consultants, attorneys and appraisers as may be necessary or desirable to carry out its purposes in accordance with sections 8-169ii to 8-169ss, inclusive; (7) Acquire, lease, purchase, own, manage, hold and dispose of personal property, and lease, convey or deal in or enter into agreements with respect to such property on any terms necessary or incidental to carrying out the purposes set forth in this section; (8) Procure insurance against any liability or loss in connection with its property and other assets, in such amounts and from such insurers as it deems desirable and procure insurance for employees; (9) Invest any funds not needed for immediate use or disbursement in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States or the state, including the Short Term Investment Fund, and in other obligations that are legal investments for savings banks in this state, and in-time deposits or certificates of deposit or other similar banking arrangements secured in such manner as the authority determines; (10) Enter into such memoranda of agreement as the authority deems appropriate to carry out its responsibilities under this section; and (11) Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of, and the powers expressly granted by, this section. (c) In addition to the powers enumerated in subsection (b) of this section, the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority shall have the following powers with respect to authority development projects: (1) (A) To acquire by gift, purchase, lease or transfer, lands or rights- in-land and to sell and lease or sublease, as lessor or lessee or sublessor or sublessee, any portion of its real property rights, including air space House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 145 of 745 above, and enter into related common area maintenance, easement, access, support and similar agreements, and own and operate facilities associated with authority development projects, provided such activity is consistent with all applicable federal tax covenants of the authority; (B) to transfer or dispose of any property or interest therein acquired by the authority at any time; and (C) to receive and accept aid or contributions from any source of money, labor, property or other thing of value, to be held, used and applied to carry out the purposes of this section, subject to the conditions upon which such grants and contributions are made, including, but not limited to, gifts or grants from any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States or this state for any purpose consistent with this section, provided (i) the authority shall provide opportunity for public comment prior to any acquisition, transfer or disposal in accordance with this subdivision, and (ii) any land or right-in-land, aid or contribution received by the authority under this subdivision shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 10; (2) To formulate plans for, acquire, finance and develop, lease, purchase, construct, reconstruct, repair, improve, expand, extend, operate, maintain and market facilities associated with authority development projects, provided such activities are consistent with all applicable federal tax covenants of the authority; (3) To contract and be contracted with, provided if management, operating or promotional contracts or agreements or other contracts or agreements are entered into with nongovernmental parties with respect to property financed with the proceeds of obligations, the interest on which is excluded from gross income for federal income taxation, the board of directors shall ensure that such contracts or agreements are in compliance with the covenants of the authority upon which such tax exclusion is conditioned; (4) To fix and revise, from time to time, and to charge and collect fees, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 146 of 745 rents and other charges for the use, occupancy or operation of authority development projects, and to establish and revise from time to time procedures concerning the use, operation and occupancy of facilities associated with such projects, including parking rates, rules and procedures, provided such arrangements are consistent with all applicable federal tax covenants of the authority, and to utilize net revenues received by the authority from the operation of such facilities, after allowance for operating expenses and other charges related to the ownership, operation or financing thereof, for other proper purposes of the authority, including, but not limited to, funding of operating deficiencies or operating or capital replacement reserves for such facilities and related parking facilities, as determined to be appropriate by the authority; (5) To engage architects, engineers, attorneys, accountants, consultants and such other independent professionals as may be necessary or desirable to carry out authority development projects; (6) To contract for construction, development, concessions and the procurement of goods and services, and to establish and modify procurement procedures from time to time in accordance with the provisions of section 8-169kk to implement the foregoing; (7) To borrow money and to issue bonds, notes and other obligations of the authority to the extent permitted under section 8-169oo, to fund and refund the same and to provide for the rights of the holders thereof and to secure the same by pledge of assets, revenues and notes; (8) To do anything necessary and desirable, including executing reimbursement agreements or similar agreements in connection with credit facilities, including, but not limited to, letters of credit or policies of bond insurance, remarketing agreements and agreements for the purpose of moderating interest rate fluctuations, to render any bonds to be issued pursuant to section 8-169oo more marketable; and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 147 of 745 (9) To engage in and contract for marketing and promotional activities for authority development projects under the operation or jurisdiction of the authority. (d) The Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority and the Capital Region Development Authority, established pursuant to chapter 588x, may enter into a memorandum of agreement pursuant to which: (1) Administrative support and services, including all staff support necessary for the operations of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority may be provided by the Capital Region Development Authority, and (2) provision is made for the coordination of management and operational activities that may include: (A) Joint procurement and contracting; (B) the sharing of services and resources; (C) the coordination of promotional activities; and (D) other arrangements designed to enhance revenues, reduce operating costs or achieve operating efficiencies. The terms and conditions of such memorandum of agreement, including provisions with respect to the reimbursement by the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority to the Capital Region Development Authority of the costs of such administrative support and services, shall be as the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority and the Capital Region Development Authority determine to be appropriate. (e) The authority shall have the power to negotiate, and, with the approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, to enter into an agreement with any private developer, owner or lessee of any building or improvement located on land in a development district providing for payments to the authority in lieu of real property taxes. Such an agreement shall be made a condition of any private right of development within the development district, and shall include a requirement that such private developer, owner or lessee make good faith efforts to hire, or cause to be hired, available and qualified minority House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 148 of 745 business enterprises, as defined in section 4a-60g, to provide construction services and materials for improvements to be constructed within the development district in an effort to achieve a minority business enterprise utilization goal of ten per cent of the total costs of construction services and materials for such improvements. Such payments to the authority in lieu of real property taxes shall have the same lien and priority, and may be enforced by the authority in the same manner, as provided for municipal real property taxes. Such payments as received by the authority shall be used to carry out the purposes of the authority set forth in subsection (a) of this section. (f) Nothing in sections 8-169ii to 8-169ss, inclusive, shall be construed as limiting the authority of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority to enter into agreements to facilitate development or redevelopment of municipal property or facilities. Sec. 105. Section 8-169kk of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): The board of directors of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority shall adopt written procedures, in accordance with the provisions of section 1-121, for: (1) Adopting an annual budget and plan of operations, which shall include a requirement of board approval before the budget or plan may take effect; (2) hiring, dismissing, promoting and compensating employees of the authority, which shall include an affirmative action policy and a requirement of board approval before a position may be created or a vacancy filled; (3) acquiring real and personal property and personal services, which shall include a requirement of board approval for any nonbudgeted expenditure in excess of ten thousand dollars; (4) contracting for financial, legal, bond underwriting and other professional services, including a requirement that the authority solicit proposals at least once every three years for each such service that it uses; (5) issuing and retiring bonds, notes and other obligations of the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 149 of 745 authority; (6) providing loans, grants and other financial assistance, which shall include eligibility criteria, the application process and the role played by the authority's staff and board of directors; and (7) the use of surplus funds. Sec. 106. Section 8-169ll of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) (1) Any municipality, except the city of Hartford or [any municipality that is considered part of the capital region, as defined in section 32-600] the town of East Hartford, may, by certified resolution of the legislative body of the municipality, or by the board of selectmen in a municipality where the legislative body is the town meeting, opt to join the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority as a member municipality, provided such municipality holds a public hearing or otherwise provides for public comment prior to any vote on such certified resolution. (2) Any municipality that opts to join the authority as a member municipality or that is deemed a member municipality pursuant to this subsection shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the authority for the establishment of one or more development districts. (b) (1) Any two or more municipalities, except for the city of Hartford or the town of East Hartford, may, by certified concurrent resolutions of the legislative bodies of each such municipality, or by the board of selectmen in a municipality where the legislative body is the town meeting, together opt to join the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority as a joint member entity, provided [(A) no such municipality is considered part of the capital region, as defined in section 32-600, and (B)] each such municipality holds a public hearing or otherwise provides for public comment prior to any vote on the certified resolution from such municipality. The concurrent resolutions shall set forth an agreement of such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 150 of 745 municipalities as to authority for decisions concerning projects in development districts within such municipalities. (2) Any two or more municipalities that together opt to join the authority as a joint member entity shall jointly enter into a memorandum of agreement with the authority for the establishment of one or more development districts. Sec. 107. Subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of section 8-169mm of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) In lieu of the report required under section 1-123, within the first ninety days of each fiscal year of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority, the board of directors of the authority shall submit a report to the Governor, the Auditors of Public Accounts and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) A list of all bonds issued during the preceding fiscal year, including, for each such issue, the financial advisor and underwriters, whether the issue was competitive, negotiated or privately placed, and the issue's face value and net proceeds; (2) a description of each authority development project in which the authority is involved, its location and the amount of funds, if any, provided by the authority with respect to the construction of such project; (3) a list of all outside individuals and firms, including principal and other major stockholders, receiving in excess of five thousand dollars as payments for services; (4) an annual comprehensive financial report prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for governmental enterprises; (5) the cumulative value of all bonds issued, the value of outstanding bonds and the amount of the state's contingent liability; (6) the affirmative action policy adopted pursuant to section 8-169kk, a description of the composition of the workforce of the Connecticut Municipal House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 151 of 745 [Redevelopment] Development Authority by race, sex and occupation and a description of the affirmative action efforts of the authority; and (7) a description of planned activities for the current fiscal year. (b) The board of directors of the authority shall annually contract with a person, firm or corporation for a compliance audit of the authority's activities during the preceding authority fiscal year. The audit shall determine whether the authority has complied with the authority's policies and procedures concerning affirmative action, personnel practices, the purchase of goods and services and the use of surplus funds. The board shall submit the audit report to the Governor, the Auditors of Public Accounts and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding. (c) The board of directors of the authority shall annually contract with a firm of certified public accountants to undertake an independent financial audit of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The board shall submit the audit report to the Governor, the Auditors of Public Accounts and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding. Sec. 108. Section 8-169nn of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Any person, including, but not limited to, a state or municipal agency, requesting funds from the state, including, but not limited to, any authority created by the general statutes or any public or special act, with respect to any authority development project shall, at the time it makes such request for funds from the state, present a full and complete copy of its application or request along with any supporting documents or exhibits to the authority for its recommendation and to the Secretary House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 152 of 745 of the Office of Policy and Management. The Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority shall, not later than ninety days after receipt of such application or request, prepare and adopt an economic development statement summarizing its recommendations with respect to such application or request and deliver such statement to the state officer, official, employee or agent of the state or authority to whom such application or request was made. The recommendations in such statement shall include contract provisions regarding performance standards, including, but not limited to, project timelines. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, public or special acts, any regulation or procedure or any other law, no officer, official, employee or agent of the state or any authority created by the general statutes or any public or special act shall expend any funds on any authority development project, unless such officer, official, employee or agent has received an economic development statement prepared by the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, except that if no such statement is received by the ninetieth day after the date of the initial application or request for such funds, such funds may be expended. If funds are expended pursuant to this subsection in a manner not consistent with the recommendations contained in an economic development statement for such expenditure, the officer, official, employee or agent of the state expending such funds shall respond in writing to the authority, providing an explanation of the decision with respect to such expenditure. (c) The Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority shall coordinate the use of all state, municipal and quasi- public agency planning and financial resources that are made available for any authority development project in which the authority is involved, including any resources available from any quasi-public agency. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 153 of 745 (d) All state agencies, departments, boards, commissions and councils and all quasi-public agencies shall cooperate with the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority in carrying out the purposes enumerated in section 8-169jj. Sec. 109. Subsection (a) of section 8-169oo of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) The board of directors of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority is authorized from time to time to issue its bonds, notes and other obligations in such principal amounts as in the opinion of the board shall be necessary to provide sufficient funds for carrying out the purposes set forth in section 8-169jj, including the payment, funding or refunding of the principal of, or interest or redemption premiums on, any bonds, notes and other obligations issued by it, whether the bonds, notes or other obligations or interest to be funded or refunded have or have not become due, the establishment of reserves to secure such bonds, notes and other obligations, loans made by the authority and all other expenditures of the authority incident to and necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes set forth in section 8-169jj. Sec. 110. Section 8-169pp of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): The state of Connecticut does hereby pledge to and agree with the holders of any bonds, notes and other obligations issued under section 8-169oo and with those parties who may enter into contracts with the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority or its successor agency, that the state will not limit or alter the rights hereby vested in the authority or in the holders of any bonds, notes or other obligations of the authority to which contract assistance is pledged pursuant to this section until such bonds, notes or obligations, together House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 154 of 745 with the interest thereon, are fully met and discharged and such contracts are fully performed on the part of the authority, provided nothing contained herein shall preclude such limitation or alteration if and when adequate provision shall be made by law for the protection of the holders of such bonds, notes and other obligations of the authority or those entering into contracts with the authority. The authority is authorized to include this pledge and undertaking for the state in such bonds, notes and other obligations or contracts. Sec. 111. Subsection (a) of section 8-169qq of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) For the purposes of this section, "required minimum capital reserve" means the maximum amount permitted to be deposited in a special capital reserve fund by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time, to permit the interest on the bonds of the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority secured by such special capital reserve fund to be excluded from gross income for federal tax purposes. Sec. 112. Subsection (b) of section 8-169tt of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (b) Notwithstanding section 8-169jj, prior to the execution of any memorandum of agreement that establishes a development district, any chief executive officer of a member municipality, or the chief executive officers of the municipalities constituting a joint member entity, shall create a proposal for a housing growth zone and submit such proposal, including proposed zoning regulations applicable to such zone, for the Connecticut Municipal [Redevelopment] Development Authority's review and approval. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 155 of 745 Sec. 113. Subparagraph (D) of subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of section 54-56q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (D) If the court finds that a person is indigent and unable to pay for the substance use treatment component of the program, the court may waive all or any portion of the program fee for that component and the costs of such treatment, provided that such person participates in such treatment at a substance use treatment provider licensed by and located in this state. If such person has health insurance coverage through private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, any eligible costs waived under this subparagraph shall be paid by such insurance for any covered benefit. Any costs waived under this subparagraph that are not covered by such person's private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, including, but not limited to, any copay, coinsurance, deductible or other out-of-pocket expense attributable to such person's private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, shall be paid by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Sec. 114. Subparagraph (D) of subdivision (3) of subsection (f) of section 54-56r of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (D) If the court finds that a person is indigent and unable to pay for the substance use treatment component of the program, the court may waive all or any portion of the program fee for that component and the costs of such treatment, provided that such person participates in such treatment at a substance use treatment provider licensed by and located in this state. If such person has health insurance coverage through private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, any eligible costs waived under this subparagraph shall be paid by such insurance for any covered benefit. Any costs waived under this subparagraph that are not covered by such person's private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, including, but not limited to, any copay, coinsurance, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 156 of 745 deductible or other out-of-pocket expense attributable to such person's private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, shall be paid by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Sec. 115. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 17a-674d of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) There is established an Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee to ensure (1) that proceeds received by the state pursuant to section 17a- 674c are allocated and spent on substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, programs, services, supports and resources for prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction, and (2) robust public involvement, accountability and transparency in allocating and accounting for the moneys in the fund. (b) The committee shall consist of the following members: (1) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee; (2) The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee; (3) The Commissioners of Children and Families, Mental Health and Addiction Services and Public Health, or said commissioners' designees, who shall serve as ex-officio members; (4) The president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, the minority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Senate and House chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and public health, or their designees, provided such persons have experience living with a substance use disorder or are the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 157 of 745 family member of a person who has experience living with a substance use disorder; (5) [Twenty-three] Twenty-five individuals representing municipalities, who shall be appointed by the Governor; (6) The executive director of the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health, or a representative of the commission designated by the executive director; and (7) Eight individuals appointed by the commissioner as follows: (A) A provider of community-based substance use treatment services for adults, who shall be a nonvoting member; (B) a provider of community- based substance use treatment services for adolescents, who shall be a nonvoting member; (C) an addiction medicine licensed health care professional with prescribing ability, who shall be a nonvoting member; (D) three individuals with experience living with a substance use disorder or family members of an individual with experience living with a substance use disorder; and (E) two individuals with experience supporting infants and children affected by the opioid crisis. Sec. 116. Subsection (c) of section 19a-906 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20, no telehealth provider shall prescribe any schedule I, II or III controlled substance through the use of telehealth, except a schedule II or III controlled substance [other than an opioid drug, as defined in section 20-14o,] used (1) as part of medication-assisted treatment, or (2) for the treatment of persons with psychiatric disabilities or substance use disorders, as defined in section 17a-458, provided such prescription is provided in a manner fully consistent with the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, 21 USC 829(e), as amended from House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 158 of 745 time to time. [, for the treatment of a person with a psychiatric disability or substance use disorder, as defined in section 17a-458, including, but not limited to, medication-assisted treatment.] A telehealth provider using telehealth to prescribe a schedule II or III controlled substance pursuant to this subsection shall electronically submit the prescription pursuant to section 21a-249. Sec. 117. Subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 17a-674h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (4) "Opioid drug" has the same meaning as provided in [42 CFR 8.2, as amended from time to time] section 20-14o; Sec. 118. Subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 20-14o of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (1) "Opioid drug" [has the same meaning as provided in 42 CFR 8.2] means "opioid", as defined in 21 USC 802, as amended from time to time; Sec. 119. Subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 20-14r of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (1) "Opioid drug" has the same meaning as provided in [42 CFR 8.2, as amended from time to time] section 20-14o; Sec. 120. Subsection (a) of section 20-633d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) A prescribing practitioner, as defined in section 20-14c, who is authorized to prescribe an opioid antagonist, as defined in section 17a- 714a, and a pharmacy may enter into an agreement for a medical House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 159 of 745 protocol standing order at such pharmacy allowing a pharmacist licensed under part II of this chapter to dispense an opioid antagonist that is (1) administered by an intranasal application delivery system or an auto-injection delivery system, (2) approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration, and (3) dispensed to any person at risk of experiencing an overdose of an opioid drug, as defined in [42 CFR 8.2] section 20-14o, or to a family member, friend or other person in a position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an overdose of an opioid drug. Sec. 121. Subsections (d) to (f), inclusive, of section 7-395 of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (d) The secretary shall refer to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission any municipality that has not been previously referred to said commission pursuant to subsection (b) of this section or section 7- 576, 7-576a or 7-576c, provided the municipality has: (1) A negative fund balance percentage; (2) Reported a fund balance percentage of less than five per cent in the three immediately preceding fiscal years; (3) Reported an operating deficit in the two immediately preceding fiscal years and a fund balance percentage of less than five per cent in the immediately preceding fiscal year, as determined by the statement of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balance of the general fund of the audited financial statements of the municipality; (4) Issued tax or revenue anticipation notes in the three immediately preceding fiscal years to meet cash liquidity; (5) Did not file an annual audit report in the twelve months after the end of the fiscal year; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 160 of 745 (6) Reported an annual audit that included at least one material or significant audit finding that was reported in the annual audits of the two immediately preceding fiscal years; [or] (7) Received a bond rating below A from a bond rating agency; or (8) Been a distressed municipality, as defined in section 32-9p, for fifteen or more consecutive years, provided such municipality has a population of greater than fifteen thousand but less than twenty thousand, as determined by the most recent decennial census. (e) The secretary may, at the secretary's discretion and based upon the review conducted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, refer to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission any municipality that has not been previously referred to said commission pursuant to subsection (b) of this section or section 7-576, 7-576a or 7-576c. (f) For the purposes of this section, "deficit", "fund balance" and "fund balance percentage" have the same meanings as provided in section 7- 560. Sec. 122. Section 7-576a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): The Municipal Finance Advisory Commission (1) shall designate as a tier I municipality, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, any municipality that has been a distressed municipality for fifteen or more consecutive years, provided such municipality has a population of greater than fifteen thousand but less than twenty thousand, as determined by the most recent decennial census, and (2) may designate any other municipality referred to said commission pursuant to subsection (d) of section 7-395 as a tier I municipality, based on an evaluation of such municipality's financial condition and financial practices. The chief elected official of any municipality that does not meet the conditions identified under subsection (d) of section 7-395 may House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 161 of 745 apply to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission for designation as a tier I municipality, provided such official [(1)] (A) expects that such municipality will meet one or more such conditions in the following twenty-four month period, and [(2)] (B) submits a report to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission, in a form and manner prescribed by the commission, that confirms that such condition or conditions will be met in such period. [Each decision to designate a municipality as a tier I municipality pursuant to this section shall be based on an evaluation of such municipality's financial condition and financial practices.] In addition to the requirements of section 7-394b, each municipality designated as a tier I municipality shall prepare and present a five-year financial plan to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission for its review and approval. Sec. 123. Section 12-18b of the general statutes is amended by adding subsection (g) as follows (Effective July 1, 2025): (NEW) (g) Any amount due under this section to a district, as defined in section 7-324, located wholly within the town of Windham, shall be paid to the town of Windham. Sec. 124. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Commissioner of Public Health shall convene an advisory committee to establish quantitative metrics, qualitative measures and an assessment methodology for an annual maternity care report card for birth centers, licensed pursuant to section 19a-566 of the general statutes, and hospitals, licensed pursuant to chapter 368v of the general statutes, that provide obstetric care that will evaluate maternity care provided at such birth centers and hospitals. Such assessment methodology shall reflect disparities in obstetric care and outcomes across patient demographics using valid statistical principles and other widely accepted data science methodologies to ensure data sufficiency. The advisory committee shall include (1) at least one representative of (A) an association of hospitals in the state, (B) a medical society of physicians in the state, (C) a House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 162 of 745 professional membership organization for obstetrician-gynecologists, (D) a hospital in the state that has a significant percentage of high-risk births, (E) an independent hospital in the state that is not part of a multihospital health care system, (F) birth centers, and (G) an organization in the state established to promote equity and address health disparities for vulnerable communities through research, advocacy and culturally resonant services, and (2) a person with expertise in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191. Not later than February 1, 2026, the commissioner shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding the quantitative metrics, qualitative measures and an assessment methodology established by the advisory committee. (b) On or after July 1, 2026, the commissioner shall establish an annual maternity care report card based on the quantitative metrics, qualitative measures and an assessment methodology established by the advisory committee. The commissioner shall identify and collect any available data necessary to complete such report card. Such report card shall include, but need not be limited to, quantitative metrics, qualitative measures based on patient-reported experiences and, to the extent recommended by the advisory committee, an equity assessment of care received by patients at each birth center and hospital disaggregated by race, ethnicity and income level. The commissioner shall adjust the report card based on factors identified by the advisory committee and the acuity level of obstetric patients served by each birth center and hospital to ensure fair comparisons between facilities. The commissioner shall post the report card not later than January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, on the Department of Public Health's Internet web site. The commissioner shall, in consultation with the advisory committee, revise the report card criteria at least once every three years and may consult experts regarding the revision of any such criteria. The House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 163 of 745 report card shall comply with the Health Insurance and Portability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191, as amended from time to time, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' cell suppression policy, or a stricter policy, with respect to any data made available to the public. Sec. 125. Subsection (a) of section 32-605 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) In lieu of the report required under section 1-123, within the first [ninety] one hundred twenty days of each fiscal year of the Capital Region Development Authority, the board of directors of the authority shall submit a report to the Governor, the Auditors of Public Accounts and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) A list of all bonds issued during the preceding fiscal year, including, for each such issue, the financial advisor and underwriters, whether the issue was competitive, negotiated or privately placed, and the issue's face value and net proceeds; (2) a description of the capital city project or any economic development project in the capital region in which the authority is involved, its location and the amount of funds, if any, provided by the authority with respect to the construction of such project; (3) a list of all outside individuals and firms, including principal and other major stockholders, receiving in excess of five thousand dollars as payments for services; (4) an annual comprehensive financial report prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for governmental enterprises; (5) the cumulative value of all bonds issued, the value of outstanding bonds and the amount of the state's contingent liability; (6) the affirmative action policy statement, a description of the composition of the work force of the authority by race, sex and occupation and a description of the affirmative action efforts of the authority; (7) a description of planned activities for the current fiscal House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 164 of 745 year; (8) a list of all private investments made or committed for commercial development within the capital city economic development district; and (9) an analysis of the authority's success in achieving the purposes stated in section 32-602. Sec. 126. Section 32-610 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): The exercise of the powers granted by section 32-602 constitute the performance of an essential governmental function and the Capital Region Development Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon or in respect of the convention center or the convention center project, as defined in section 32-600, or any land or improvements owned or leased by the authority, levied by any municipality or political subdivision or special district having taxing powers of the state and such project and the principal and interest of any bonds and notes issued under the provisions of section 32-607, their transfer and the income therefrom, including revenues derived from the sale thereof, shall at all times be free from taxation of every kind by the state of Connecticut or under its authority, except for estate or succession taxes but the interest on such bonds and notes shall be included in the computation of any excise or franchise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the convention center and the related parking facilities owned by the authority shall be deemed to be state- owned real property for purposes of sections 12-18b and 12-19b and the state shall make grants in lieu of taxes with respect to the convention center and such related parking facilities to the municipality in which the convention center and such related parking facilities are located as otherwise provided in sections 12-18b and 12-19b and with respect to any land or improvements owned or leased by the authority not otherwise exempt from taxation. Sec. 127. Section 21a-420f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 165 of 745 [(a) (1) There is established an account to be known as the "cannabis regulatory and investment account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in consultation with the Social Equity Council, as defined in section 21a-420, to state agencies for the purpose of paying costs incurred to implement the activities authorized under RERACA, as defined in section 21a-420. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 21a-420e, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the following shall be deposited in the cannabis regulatory and investment account: (A) All fees received by the state pursuant to section 21a-421b and subdivisions (1) to (11), inclusive, of subsection (c) of section 21a-420e; (B) the tax received by the state under section 12-330ll; and (C) the tax received by the state under chapter 219 from a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator, as those terms are defined in section 12-330ll. (3) At the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, all moneys remaining in the cannabis regulatory and investment account shall be transferred to the General Fund. (b) (1) There is established an account to be known as the "social equity and innovation account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. (A) During the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, moneys in the account shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in consultation with the Social Equity Council, to state agencies for the purpose of (i) paying costs incurred by the Social Equity Council, (ii) administering programs under RERACA to provide (I) access to capital for businesses, (II) technical assistance for House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 166 of 745 the start-up and operation of a business, (III) funding for workforce education, and (IV) funding for community investments, and (iii) paying costs incurred to implement the activities authorized under RERACA. (B) During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, moneys in the account shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for purposes that the Social Equity Council determines, in the Social Equity Council's sole discretion, further the principles of equity, as defined in section 21a-420, which purposes may include, but need not be limited to, providing (i) access to capital for businesses in any industry, (ii) technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a business in any industry, (iii) funding for workforce education in any industry, (iv) funding for community investments, and (v) funding for investments in disproportionately impacted areas. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 21a-420e and 21a- 420o, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the following shall be deposited in the social equity and innovation account: All fees received by the state pursuant to sections 21a-420l, 21a-420o and 21a-420u and subdivisions (12) and (13) of subsection (c) of section 21a- 420e. (3) At the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, five million dollars shall be transferred from the social equity and innovation account to the General Fund, or, if the account contains less than five million dollars, all remaining moneys in the account. At the end of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, all remaining moneys in the account shall be transferred to the Social Equity and Innovation Fund established under subsection (c) of this section. (c) (1) On and after July 1, 2022, there is established a fund to be known as the "Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund". The fund shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the fund House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 167 of 745 and shall be held by the Treasurer separate and apart from all other moneys, funds and accounts. Amounts in the fund may be expended only pursuant to appropriation by the General Assembly. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the fund for the fiscal year next succeeding. Moneys in the fund shall be appropriated for the purposes of providing the following: Access to capital for businesses in any industry; technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a business in any industry; funding for workforce education in any industry; funding for community investments; and paying costs incurred to implement the activities authorized under RERACA. All such appropriations shall be dedicated to expenditures that further the principles of equity, as defined in section 21a-420. (2) (A) For the purposes of subdivision (1) of this subsection, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, and for each fiscal year thereafter, the Social Equity Council shall transmit, for even-numbered years, estimates of expenditure requirements and for odd-numbered years, recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, of such estimates, to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in the manner prescribed for a budgeted agency under subsection (a) of section 4-77. (B) The Office of Policy and Management may not make adjustments to any such estimates or adjustments and revisions of such estimates transmitted by the council. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or any special act, the Governor shall not reduce the allotment requisitions or allotments in force pursuant to section 4-85 or make reductions in allotments in order to achieve budget savings in the General Fund, concerning any appropriations made by the General Assembly for the purposes of subdivision (1) of this subsection. (C) The estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted by the Social Equity Council to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subdivision shall, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 168 of 745 consistent with the requirements established in subsection (a) of section 4-77, include an estimate of the amount of funds required to be distributed among the permissible purposes for appropriations made from the Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund as set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection.] (a) On and after July 1, 2025, there is established an account to be known as the "social equity and innovation account", which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be allocated by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for purposes that the Social Equity Council determines, in the Social Equity Council's sole discretion, further the principles of equity, as defined in section 21a-420, which purposes may include, but need not be limited to, providing (1) access to capital for businesses in any industry, (2) technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a business in any industry, (3) funding for workforce education in any industry, (4) funding for community investments, and (5) funding for investments in disproportionately impacted areas. [(d)] (b) On and after July 1, 2022, there is established a fund to be known as the "Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund". The fund shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the fund and shall be held by the Treasurer separate and apart from all other moneys, funds and accounts. Amounts in the fund may be expended only pursuant to appropriation by the General Assembly. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the fund for the fiscal year next succeeding. Moneys in the fund shall be appropriated for the purposes of (1) substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery services, which may include, but need not be limited to, the (A) provision of youth cannabis use prevention services by the local advisory councils on drug use and prevention established by municipalities pursuant to subsection (a) of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 169 of 745 Section 4126 of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, as amended from time to time, regional behavioral health action organizations described in section 17a-484f, or youth service bureaus established pursuant to section 10-19m, and (B) development of a public awareness campaign to raise awareness of the mental and physical health risks of youth cannabis use and cannabis use by pregnant persons, and (2) collection and analysis of data regarding substance use. The Social Equity Council may make recommendations to any relevant state agency regarding expenditures to be made for the purposes set forth in this subsection. [(e)] (c) On and after July 1, 2023, there is established a fund to be known as the "Cannabis Regulatory Fund" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing fund. The fund shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the fund and shall be held by the Treasurer separate and apart from all other moneys, funds and accounts. Moneys in the fund shall be appropriated to state agencies for the purposes of paying costs incurred to implement the activities authorized under RERACA, as defined in section 21a-420. Sec. 128. Section 12-330ll of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) As used in this section and sections 12-330mm and 12-330nn: (1) "Cannabis" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (2) "Cannabis concentrate" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (3) "Cannabis edible product" means a product containing cannabis or cannabis concentrate, combined with other ingredients, that is intended for use or consumption through ingestion, including sublingual or oral absorption; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 170 of 745 (4) "Cannabis plant material" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-279a; (5) "Cannabis retailer" means "retailer", as defined in section 21a-420; (6) "Consumer" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (7) "Cultivator" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (8) "Delivery service" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (9) "Dispensary facility" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (10) "Food and beverage manufacturer" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (11) "Hybrid retailer" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (12) "Micro-cultivator" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (13) "Municipality" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 420; (14) "Palliative use" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 408; (15) "Producer" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (16) "Product manufacturer" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (17) "Product packager" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 171 of 745 (18) "Social Equity Council" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420; (19) "Total THC" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 240; and (20) "Transporter" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a- 420. (b) (1) For the privilege of making any sales of cannabis in this state, a tax is hereby imposed on each cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator at the following rates: (A) Cannabis plant material, at the rate of six hundred twenty-five- thousandths of one cent per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the product label; (B) Cannabis edible products, at the rate of two and seventy-five- hundredths cents per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the product label; and (C) Cannabis, other than cannabis plant material or cannabis edible products, at the rate of nine-tenths of one cent per milligram of total THC, as reflected on the product label. (2) The tax under this section: (A) Shall be collected from the consumer, except as provided under subparagraphs (B) and (D) of this subdivision, by the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator at the time of sale and such tax reimbursement, termed "tax" in this section, shall be paid by the consumer to the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. Each cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator shall collect from the consumer the full amount of the tax imposed by this section or an amount equal to the average equivalent thereof to the nearest amount House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 172 of 745 practicable. Such tax shall be a debt from the consumer to the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator, when so added to the original sales price, and shall be recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts except as provided in section 12-432a. (B) Shall not apply to the sale of cannabis for palliative use; (C) Shall not apply to the transfer of cannabis to a transporter for transport to any other cultivator, micro-cultivator, food and beverage manufacturer, product manufacturer, product packager, dispensary facility, cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or producer; (D) Shall not apply to the sale of cannabis by a delivery service to a consumer; (E) Shall be in addition to the taxes imposed under section 12-330mm and chapter 219; and (F) When so collected, shall be deemed to be a special fund in trust for the state until remitted to the state. (c) On or before the last day of each month in which a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator may legally sell cannabis other than cannabis for palliative use, each such cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator shall file a return with the Department of Revenue Services. Such return shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commissioner of Revenue Services prescribes as necessary for administration of the tax under this section and shall be accompanied by a payment of the amount of the tax shown to be due thereon. Each cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer and micro- cultivator shall file such return electronically with the department and make such payment by electronic funds transfer in the manner provided by chapter 228g, to the extent possible. (d) If any cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator fails to House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 173 of 745 pay the amount of tax reported due on its return within the time specified under this section, there shall be imposed a penalty equal to twenty-five per cent of such amount due and unpaid, or two hundred fifty dollars, whichever is greater. Such amount shall bear interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof, from the due date of such tax until the date of payment. Subject to the provisions of section 12-3a, the commissioner may waive all or part of the penalties provided under this section when it is proven to the commissioner's satisfaction that the failure to pay any tax was due to reasonable cause and was not intentional or due to neglect. Any penalty that is waived shall be applied as a credit against tax liabilities owed by the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. (e) Each person, other than a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator, who is required, on behalf of such cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator, to collect, truthfully account for and pay over a tax imposed on such cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator under this section and who wilfully fails to collect, truthfully account for and pay over such tax or who wilfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat the tax or the payment thereof, shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be liable for a penalty equal to the total amount of the tax evaded, or not collected, or not accounted for and paid over, including any penalty or interest attributable to such wilful failure to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax or such wilful attempt to evade or defeat such tax, provided such penalty shall only be imposed against such person in the event that such tax, penalty or interest cannot otherwise be collected from such cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. The amount of such penalty with respect to which a person may be personally liable under this section shall be collected in accordance with the provisions of section 12-555a and any amount so collected shall be allowed as a credit against the amount of such tax, penalty or interest due and owing from the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. The dissolution of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 174 of 745 the cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator shall not discharge any person in relation to any personal liability under this section for wilful failure to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax or for a wilful attempt to evade or defeat such tax prior to dissolution, except as otherwise provided in this section. For purposes of this section, "person" includes any individual, corporation, limited liability company or partnership and any officer or employee of any corporation, including a dissolved corporation, and a member of or employee of any partnership or limited liability company who, as such officer, employee or member, is under a duty to file a tax return under this section on behalf of a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro- cultivator or to collect or truthfully account for and pay over a tax imposed under this section on behalf of such cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator. (f) The provisions of sections 12-548, 12-551 to 12-554, inclusive, and 12-555a shall apply to the provisions of this section in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if the language of said sections had been incorporated in full into this section and had expressly referred to the tax under this section, except to the extent that any provision is inconsistent with a provision in this section. (g) The commissioner shall not issue a refund of any tax paid by a cannabis retailer, hybrid retailer or micro-cultivator under this section. (h) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section and sections 12-330mm and 12-330nn. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, prior to adopting any such regulations, the commissioner shall issue policies and procedures, which shall have the force and effect of law, to implement the taxes imposed under this section and sections 12-330mm and 12-330nn. At least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure issued pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner shall post such policy or procedure on the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 175 of 745 department's Internet web site and submit such policy or procedure to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer be effective upon the adoption of such policy or procedure as a final regulation in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 or forty-eight months of the effective date of this section, whichever is earlier. (i) The tax received by the state under this section shall be deposited as follows: (1) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, in the cannabis regulatory and investment account established under section 21a-420f of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025; (2) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025, [and June 30, 2026,] sixty per cent of such tax received in the Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund established under section 21a-420f of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025, twenty-five per cent of such tax received in the Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund established under section 21a-420f of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025, and fifteen per cent in the General Fund; (3) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, sixty per cent of such tax received in the social equity and innovation account established under section 21a-420f, twenty-five per cent of such tax received in the Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund established under section 21a-420f and fifteen per cent in the General Fund; [(3)] (4) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, sixty-five per cent of such tax received in the [Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation account established under section 21a-420f, twenty-five per cent of such tax received in the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 176 of 745 Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund established under section 21a-420f and ten per cent in the General Fund; and [(4)] (5) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2029, and each fiscal year thereafter, seventy-five per cent of such tax received in the [Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation account established under section 21a-420f and twenty-five per cent of such tax received in the Cannabis Prevention and Recovery Services Fund established under section 21a-420f. [(j) At the close of each fiscal year in which the tax imposed under the provisions of this section are received by the commissioner, the Comptroller is authorized to record as revenue for such fiscal year the amounts of such tax that are received by the commissioner not later than five business days from the July thirty-first immediately following the end of such fiscal year.] Sec. 129. (Effective July 1, 2025) After the accounts for the Social Equity and Innovation Fund, established under section 21a-420f of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025, have been closed for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Comptroller shall transfer the balance remaining in said fund to the social equity and innovation account established under section 21a-420f of the general statutes. Sec. 130. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) At the close of each fiscal year in which the tax imposed under the provisions of section 12-330ll of the general statutes are received by the commissioner, the Comptroller is authorized to record as revenue for such fiscal year the amounts of such tax that are received by the Commissioner of Revenue Services not later than five business days from the July thirty-first immediately following the end of such fiscal year. Sec. 131. Subsection (c) of section 21a-420d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 177 of 745 2025): (c) (1) In making the appointments in subsection (b) of this section, the appointing authority shall use best efforts to make appointments that reflect the racial, gender and geographic diversity of the population of the state. (2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve a term of four years from the time of appointment and members appointed by any other appointing authority shall serve a term of three years from the time of appointment. The appointing authority shall fill any vacancy for the unexpired term. (3) (A) The Governor shall appoint an interim executive director to operationalize and support the Social Equity Council until, notwithstanding the provisions of section 4-9a, the council appoints an executive director. Subject to the provisions of chapter 67, and within available appropriations, the council may thereafter appoint an executive director and such other employees as may be necessary for the discharge of the duties of the council. (B) Not later than July 1, 2024, the council shall adopt bylaws specifying which duties are retained by the members of the council and which duties are delegated to the executive director. (C) The council may, by a simple majority vote of the members of the council, take any formal personnel action concerning the executive director for any reason. (D) In addition to the council's authority under subparagraph (C) of this subdivision, if a final review board consisting of the chairperson and the members of the council appointed under subdivisions (1), (2), (5) and (6) of subsection (b) of this section determines, by a simple majority vote of the members of the final review board, that removing the executive director is in the best interest of serving the council's House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 178 of 745 mission, such final review board shall issue a letter to the council recommending that the council remove the executive director. (4) The Governor shall appoint the chairperson of the council from among the members of the council. The chairperson shall directly supervise, establish annual goals for and conduct an annual performance review of the executive director. (5) The chairperson and executive director shall jointly develop, and the council shall review and approve, (A) [the budgetary information that the council is required to annually submit to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of section 21a-420f, (B)] allocations of moneys in the social equity and innovation account [,] established under section 21a-420f, for the purposes that the council determines [,] under [subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of subsection (b)] subsection (a) of section 21a-420f, further the principles of equity, as defined in section 21a-420, and [(C)] (B) any plans for expenditures to provide (i) access to capital for businesses, (ii) technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a business, (iii) funding for workforce education, (iv) funding for community investments, and (v) funding for investments in disproportionately impacted areas. Sec. 132. Subsection (e) of section 21a-420e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (e) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, and thereafter, fees collected by the department under this section shall be paid to the State Treasurer and credited to the General Fund, except that the fees collected under subdivisions (12) and (13) of subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited in the [Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation account established under section 21a-420f. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 179 of 745 Sec. 133. Subsection (a) of section 21a-420o of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) Thirty days after the Social Equity Council posts the criteria for social equity applicants on its Internet web site, the department shall open up a three-month application period for cultivators during which a social equity applicant may apply to the department for a provisional cultivator license and final license for a cultivation facility located in a disproportionately impacted area without participating in a lottery or request for proposals. Such application for a provisional license shall be granted upon: (1) Verification by the Social Equity Council that the applicant meets the criteria for a social equity applicant; (2) the applicant submitting to and passing a criminal background check; and (3) payment of a three-million-dollar fee to be deposited in the [Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation account established in section 21a-420f. Upon granting such provisional license, the department shall notify the applicant of the project labor agreement requirements of section 21a-421e. The department shall not grant an application for a provisional cultivator license under this subsection after December 31, 2025. Sec. 134. Subsection (e) of section 21a-420aa of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (e) No social equity applicant that receives a micro-cultivator license under this section shall be eligible to apply for a provisional license and a final license to create more than one equity joint venture to be approved by the Social Equity Council under section 21a-420d, and no such social equity applicant shall operate any such equity joint venture unless such social equity applicant has received a micro-cultivator license under this section, commenced cultivation activities under such micro-cultivator license and submitted to the department both the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 180 of 745 application fee required under subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section and a conversion fee in the amount of five hundred thousand dollars. The conversion fee collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the [Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund] social equity and innovation account established in section 21a-420f. Sec. 135. Subdivision (9) of subsection (b) of section 19a-754a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (9) Assist local and regional boards of education in enrolling paraeducators for coverage under (A) [the qualified health plans for which such paraeducator may be eligible under section 3-123l, (B)] the Covered Connecticut program, established pursuant to section 19a- 754c, or [(C)] (B) Medicaid. Sec. 136. Section 3-123l of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective July 1, 2025) Sec. 137. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, shall establish a project to be known as the social work and law enforcement project to advance the ethical and effective integration of social work services into law enforcement units by preparing social workers, social work students and law enforcement professionals to collaborate in the field of police social work. The project shall be located at Southern Connecticut State University. The objectives of the project shall be to: (1) Educate and train the social work and law enforcement workforce to collaborate by using a model that integrates police and social work, (2) increase community wellness through training, research, education and policy advocacy concerning the integration of police and social work, (3) strengthen the engagement among social workers, law enforcement officers and community members, and (4) promote dialogue concerning diversity, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 181 of 745 disparities and systemic racism in criminal and juvenile justice settings. For purposes of this section, "law enforcement unit" has the same meaning as provided in section 7-294a of the general statutes. (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with Southern Connecticut State University for the purpose of establishing the social work and law enforcement project. Such memorandum shall include, but need not be limited to, a requirement that any use of funding for the project for a purpose other than providing training or education to a police officer shall require the commissioner's written authorization. Sec. 138. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, shall establish a police training center to train and educate police officers in crime scene processing, the collection and analysis of forensic evidence and criminal investigations. The center shall be located at Central Connecticut State University. For purposes of this section, "police officer" has the same meaning as provided in section 7-294a of the general statutes. (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with Central Connecticut State University for the purpose of establishing the police training center. Such memorandum shall include, but need not be limited to, a requirement that any use of funding for the center for a purpose other than providing training or education to a police officer shall require the commissioner's written authorization. Sec. 139. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) The Board of Regents for Higher Education shall, in consultation with the Departments of Developmental Services, Social Services and Education, develop a plan House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 182 of 745 to provide inclusive educational programs at the state universities within the Connecticut State University System for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are eighteen years of age or older. Such plan shall include, but need not be limited to, the (1) specification of the admission process for such students, which shall not include taking any standardized college entrance aptitude test, graduating from high school or meeting a minimum grade point average, (2) identification of one or more of the following types of academic programs or courses offered by such state university in which such students may enroll based on each student's individualized education program, if any, or other assessment-based educational or career plan for the student, provided each such program or course is offered through an inclusive learning environment open to all students and not limited to students with intellectual or developmental disabilities: (A) A degree or certificate program, (B) a program through which such a student may earn an occupational credential, or (C) a credit-bearing or noncredit course, (3) availability of inclusive academic enrichment experiences, extracurricular activities and employment and socialization opportunities, (4) provision of individualized supports and services for the unique academic, social, housing and life-skills needs, as applicable, of such students, including, but not limited to, peer mentors, assistive technology or an on-campus resource center, (5) provision of information or training for staff, faculty and peers in educating and supporting such students, as applicable, and (6) funding required to provide such inclusive educational programs and related supports and services and whether any funding is available through financial aid, federal programs, nonprofit organizations or any other resources. (b) Not later than January 1, 2027, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall submit, in accordance with the provisions of section 11- 4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 183 of 745 and employment advancement the plan developed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Sec. 140. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section, (1) "neuromodulation" means the alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus, including, but not limited to, electrical stimulation or chemical agents, to specific neurological sites in the body, and (2) "hospital" has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-490 of the general statutes. (b) The University of Connecticut Health Center shall establish a Center of Excellence for Neuromodulation Treatments. The health center may collaborate with a hospital in the state to provide neuromodulation treatments to patients at the Center of Excellence for Neuromodulation Treatments. Sec. 141. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 16a-37x of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) As used in this section: (1) "Energy-savings measure" means any improvement to facilities or other energy-consuming systems designed to reduce energy or water consumption and operating costs and increase the operating efficiency of facilities or systems for their appointed functions. "Energy-savings measure" includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: (A) Replacement or modification of lighting and electrical components, fixtures or systems, including daylighting systems, improvements in street lighting efficiency or computer power management software; (B) Class I renewable energy or solar thermal systems; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 184 of 745 (C) Cogeneration systems that produce steam or forms of energy, such as heat or electricity, for use primarily within a building or complex of buildings; (D) Automated or computerized energy control systems; (E) Heating, ventilation or air conditioning system modifications or replacements; (F) Indoor air quality improvements that conform to applicable building code requirements; (G) Water-conserving fixtures, appliances and equipment or the substitution of non-water-using fixtures, appliances and equipment, or water-conserving landscape irrigation equipment; (H) Changes in operation and maintenance practices; (I) Replacement or modification of windows or doors; and (J) Installation or addition of insulation. (2) "Cost effective" means the savings resulting from energy-savings measures outweigh the costs of such measures, including, but not limited to, any financing costs, provided the payback period for any financing provided pursuant to this section is less than the functional life of the proposed energy-savings measure and the payback period for the comprehensive package of measures does not exceed twenty years. (3) "Operation and maintenance cost savings" means a measurable decrease in operation and maintenance costs and future replacement expenditures that is a direct result of the implementation of one or more utility cost savings measures. Such savings shall be calculated in comparison with an established baseline of operation and maintenance costs. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 185 of 745 (4) "Qualified energy service provider" means a corporation approved by the Department of Administrative Services with a record of successful energy performance contract projects experienced in the design, implementation and installation of energy efficiency and facility improvement measures, the technical capabilities to ensure such measures generate energy and operational cost savings, and the ability to secure the financing necessary to support energy savings guarantees. (5) "Utility cost savings" means any utility expenses eliminated or avoided on a long-term basis as a result of equipment installed or modified, or services performed by a qualified energy service provider; "utility cost savings" does not include merely shifting personnel costs or similar short-term cost savings. (6) "State agency" has the same meaning as provided in section 1-79. (7) "Municipality" has the same meaning as provided in section 4-230. (8) "Participating municipality" means a municipality that voluntarily takes part in the standardized energy-savings performance contract process. (9) "Standardized energy-savings performance contract process" means standard procedures for entering into an energy-savings performance contract and standard energy-savings performance contract documents established by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (10) "Investment-grade energy audit" means a study by the qualified energy services provider selected for a particular energy-savings performance contract project which includes detailed descriptions of the improvements recommended for the project, the estimated costs of the improvements, and the utility and operations and maintenance cost savings projected to result from the recommended improvements. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 186 of 745 (11) "Energy-savings performance contract" means a contract between the state agency or municipality and a qualified energy service provider for evaluation, recommendation and implementation of one or more energy-savings measures. An energy-savings performance contract shall be a guaranteed energy-savings performance contract, which shall include, but not be limited to, (A) the design and installation of equipment and, if applicable, operation and maintenance of any of the measures implemented; and (B) guaranteed annual savings that meet or exceed the total annual contract payments made by the state agency or municipality for such contract, including financing charges to be incurred by the state agency or municipality over the life of the contract. (12) "Constituent unit" has the same meaning as provided in section 10a-1. (b) On or before July 1, 2012, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in coordination with the Energy Conservation Management Board and in consultation with the Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Administrative Services, shall, within available appropriations, establish a standardized energy-savings performance contract process for state agencies and municipalities. The standardized process shall include standard procedures for entering into an energy-savings performance contract and standard energy-savings performance contract documents, including, but not limited to, requests for qualifications, requests for proposals, investment-grade audit contracts, energy-savings performance contracts, including the form of the project savings guarantee, and project financing agreements. A municipality may use the established state standardized energy-savings performance contract process or establish its own energy-savings performance contract process. A constituent unit may establish its own energy-savings performance contract process pursuant to section 10a-151b and section House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 187 of 745 142 of this act. Sec. 142. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Energy-savings measure", "cost effective", "operation and maintenance cost savings", "qualified energy service provider", "utility cost savings", "standardized energy-savings performance contract process", "investment-grade energy audit" and "energy-savings performance contract" each have the same meaning as provided in section 16a-37x of the general statutes. (2) "Constituent unit" has the same meaning as provided in section 10a-1 of the general statutes. (3) "Chief executive officer" has the same meaning as provided in section 10a-151b of the general statutes. (b) A chief executive officer may enter into an energy-savings performance contract pursuant to an energy-savings performance contract process established by such chief executive officer's constituent unit pursuant to section 16a-37x of the general statutes, provided (1) such process includes standard procedures for entering into an energy- savings performance contract and standard energy-savings performance contract documents, including, but not limited to, requests for qualifications, requests for proposals, investment-grade audit contracts, energy-savings performance contracts, including the form of the project savings guarantee, and project financing agreements, and (2) such contract is entered into in accordance with the policies adopted by the governing board of such constituent unit pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10a-151b of the general statutes. (c) The energy-savings performance contract process established by a constituent unit shall include requests for qualifications or requests for proposals as follows: House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 188 of 745 (1) The constituent unit shall issue a request for qualifications from companies that can offer energy-savings performance contract services to create a list of qualified energy service providers. (2) When reviewing requests for qualifications for inclusion on the list of qualified energy service providers, the constituent unit shall consider a company's experience with (A) design, engineering, installation, maintenance and repairs associated with energy-savings performance contracts; (B) conversions to a different energy or fuel source, associated with a comprehensive energy efficiency retrofit; (C) post-installation project monitoring, data collection and reporting of savings; (D) overall project management and qualifications; (E) accessing long-term financing; (F) financial stability; (G) projects of similar size and scope; (H) in-state projects and Connecticut-based subcontractors; (I) United States Department of Energy programs; (J) professional certifications; and (K) other factors determined by the constituent unit to be relevant and appropriate. (3) Before entering into an energy-savings performance contract pursuant to this section, a constituent unit shall issue a request for proposals from three or more qualified energy service providers. A constituent unit may award the energy-savings performance contract to the qualified energy service provider that best meets the needs of the constituent unit, which need not be the lowest cost provided. A cost effective feasibility analysis shall be prepared in response to the request for proposals. (4) The cost effective feasibility analysis included in the response to the request for proposals shall serve as the selection document for purposes of selecting a qualified energy service provider to engage in final contract negotiations. Factors to be included in selecting among the qualified energy service providers shall include, but not be limited to, (A) contract terms, (B) comprehensiveness of the proposal, (C) financial stability of the qualified energy service provider, (D) House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 189 of 745 comprehensiveness of cost savings measures, (E) experience and quality of technical approach, and (F) overall benefits to the constituent unit. (d) The qualified energy service provider selected as a result of the request for proposals set forth in subsection (c) of this section shall prepare an investment-grade audit, which, upon acceptance, shall be part of the final energy-savings performance contract entered into by the constituent unit. Such investment-grade energy audit shall include estimates of the amounts by which utility cost savings and operation and maintenance cost savings would increase and estimates of all costs of such utility cost savings measures or energy-savings measures, including, but not limited to, (1) itemized costs of design, (2) engineering, (3) equipment, (4) materials, (5) installation, (6) maintenance, (7) repairs, and (8) debt service. The qualified energy service provider and the constituent unit shall agree on the cost of the investment-grade audit before it is conducted. (e) The policies adopted by the governing board of the constituent unit pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10a-151b of the general statutes may require that the cost savings projected by the qualified provider be reviewed by a professional engineer licensed in this state who has a minimum of three years' experience in energy calculation and review, is not an officer or employee of a qualified provider for the contract under review and is not otherwise associated with the contract. In conducting the review, the engineer shall focus primarily on the proposed improvements from an engineering perspective, the methodology and calculations related to cost savings, increases in revenue and, if applicable, efficiency or accuracy of metering equipment. An engineer who reviews a contract shall maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary information the engineer acquires while reviewing the contract. (f) A guaranteed energy-savings performance contract may provide for financing, including tax exempt financing, by a third party. The House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 190 of 745 contract for third-party financing may be separate from the energy- savings performance contract. A constituent unit may use designated funds, bonds, lease purchase agreements or master lease for any energy- savings performance contracts, provided its use is consistent with the purpose of the appropriation. (g) Each energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant to this section shall provide that all payments between parties, except obligations on termination of the contract before its expiration, shall be made over time and the objective of such energy-savings performance contracts is implementation of cost savings measures and energy and operational cost savings. (h) An energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant to this section, and payments provided thereunder, may extend beyond the fiscal year in which the energy-savings performance contract became effective, subject to appropriation of moneys, if required by law, for costs incurred in future fiscal years. The energy-savings performance contract may extend for a term not to exceed thirty years. The allowable length of the contract may also reflect the useful life of the cost savings measures. An energy-savings performance contract may provide for payments over a period not to exceed deadlines specified in the energy- savings performance contract from the date of the final installation of the cost savings measures. (i) The energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant to this section may provide that reconciliation of the amounts owed under the energy-savings performance contract shall occur in a period beyond one year with final reconciliation occurring within the term of the energy-savings performance contract. Such energy-savings performance contract shall include contingency provisions in the event that actual savings do not meet predicted savings. (j) The energy-savings performance contract entered into pursuant to House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 191 of 745 this section shall require the qualified energy service provider to provide to the constituent unit an annual reconciliation of the guaranteed energy cost savings. If the reconciliation reveals a shortfall in annual energy cost savings, the qualified energy service provider shall make payment to the constituent unit in the amount of the shortfall. If the reconciliation reveals an excess in annual energy cost savings, the excess savings shall remain with the constituent unit, and shall not be used to cover potential energy cost savings shortages in subsequent years or actual energy cost savings shortages in previous contract years. (k) During the term of each energy performance contract entered into pursuant to this section, the qualified energy service provider shall monitor the reductions in energy consumption and cost savings attributable to the cost savings measures installed pursuant to the energy-savings performance contract and shall, not less than annually, prepare and provide a report to the constituent unit documenting the performance of the cost savings measures to the constituent unit. The report shall adhere to the most current version of the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol. (l) The qualified energy service provider and constituent unit may agree to modify savings calculations based on any of the following: (1) Subsequent material change to the baseline energy consumption identified at the beginning of the energy-savings performance contract; (2) Changes in the number of days in the utility billing cycle; (3) Changes in the total square footage of the building; (4) Changes in the operational schedule of the facility; (5) Changes in facility temperature; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 192 of 745 (6) Material change in the weather; (7) Material changes in the amount of equipment or lighting used at the facility; or (8) Any other change which reasonably would be expected to modify energy use or energy costs. (m) A constituent unit may direct savings realized under the energy- savings performance contract to contract payment and other required expenses and may, when practicable, reinvest savings beyond that required for contract payment and other required expenses into additional energy-savings measures. (n) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a constituent unit to use the standardized energy-savings performance contract process established pursuant to section 16a-37x of the general statutes to enter into an energy-savings performance contract if such constituent unit establishes its own energy-savings performance contract process. Sec. 143. Section 20-340 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to: (1) Persons employed by any federal, state or municipal agency; (2) employees of any public service company regulated by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority or of any corporate affiliate of any such company when the work performed by such affiliate is on behalf of a public service company, but in either case only if the work performed is in connection with the rendition of public utility service, including the installation or maintenance of wire for community antenna television service, or is in connection with the installation or maintenance of wire or telephone sets for single-line telephone service located inside the premises of a consumer; (3) employees of any municipal corporation specially chartered by this state; (4) employees of any contractor while such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 193 of 745 contractor is performing electrical-line or emergency work for any public service company; (5) persons engaged in the installation, maintenance, repair and service of electrical or other appliances of a size customarily used for domestic use where such installation commences at an outlet receptacle or connection previously installed by persons licensed to do the same and maintenance, repair and service is confined to the appliance itself and its internal operation; (6) employees of industrial firms whose main duties concern the maintenance of the electrical work, plumbing and piping work, solar thermal work, heating, piping, cooling work, sheet metal work, elevator installation, repair and maintenance work, automotive glass work or flat glass work of such firm on its own premises or on premises leased by it for its own use; (7) employees of industrial firms when such employees' main duties concern the fabrication of glass products or electrical, plumbing and piping, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar, heating, piping, cooling, chemical piping, sheet metal or elevator installation, repair and maintenance equipment used in the production of goods sold by industrial firms, except for products, electrical, plumbing and piping systems and repair and maintenance equipment used directly in the production of a product for human consumption; (8) persons performing work necessary to the manufacture or repair of any apparatus, appliances, fixtures, equipment or devices produced by it for sale or lease; (9) employees of stage and theatrical companies performing the operation, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment if such installation commences at an outlet receptacle or connection previously installed by persons licensed to make such installation; (10) employees of carnivals, circuses or similar transient amusement shows who install electrical work, provided such installation shall be subject to the approval of the State Fire Marshal prior to use as otherwise provided by law and shall comply with applicable municipal ordinances and regulations; (11) persons engaged in the installation, maintenance, repair and service of glass or electrical, plumbing, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar, heating, piping, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 194 of 745 cooling and sheet metal equipment in and about single-family residences owned and occupied or to be occupied by such persons; provided any such installation, maintenance and repair shall be subject to inspection and approval by the building official of the municipality in which such residence is located and shall conform to the requirements of the State Building Code; (12) persons who install, maintain or repair glass in a motor vehicle owned or leased by such persons; (13) persons or entities holding themselves out to be retail sellers of glass products, but not such persons or entities that also engage in automotive glass work or flat glass work; (14) persons who install preglazed or preassembled windows or doors in residential [or commercial] buildings; (15) persons registered under chapter 400 who install safety- backed mirror products or repair or replace flat glass in sizes not greater than thirty square feet in residential buildings; (16) sheet metal work performed in residential buildings consisting of six units or less by new home construction contractors registered pursuant to chapter 399a, by home improvement contractors registered pursuant to chapter 400 or by persons licensed pursuant to this chapter, when such work is limited to exhaust systems installed for hoods and fans in kitchens and baths, clothes dryer exhaust systems, radon vent systems, fireplaces, fireplace flues, masonry chimneys or prefabricated metal chimneys rated by Underwriters Laboratories or installation of stand-alone appliances including wood, pellet or other stand-alone stoves that are installed in residential buildings by such contractors or persons; (17) employees of or any contractor employed by and under the direction of a properly licensed solar contractor, performing work limited to the hoisting, placement and anchoring of solar collectors, photovoltaic panels, towers or turbines; (18) persons performing swimming pool maintenance and repair work authorized pursuant to section 20-417aa; and (19) any employee of the Connecticut Airport Authority covered by a state collective bargaining agreement. Sec. 144. Subdivision (7) of subsection (a) of section 22a-903c of the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 195 of 745 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (7) ["Children's product"] "Juvenile product" means a product designed or marketed for use by infants and children under twelve years of age, including, but not limited to, a baby or toddler foam pillow, bassinet, bedside sleeper, booster seat, changing pad, child restraint system for use in motor vehicles and aircraft, co-sleeper, crib mattress, highchair, highchair pad, infant bouncer, infant carrier, infant seat, infant sleep positioner, infant swing, infant travel bed, infant walker, nap cot, nursing pad, nursing pillow, play mat, playpen, play yard, polyurethane foam mat, pad or pillow, portable foam nap mat, portable infant sleeper, portable hook-on chair, soft-sided portable crib, stroller or toddler mattress. ["Children's product"] "Juvenile product" does not include any children's electronic product such as a personal computer, audio and video equipment, calculator, wireless phone, game console, handheld device incorporating a video screen or any associated peripheral such as a mouse, keyboard, power supply unit or power cord or an adult mattress. Sec. 145. Subsections (b) to (d), inclusive, of section 22a-903c of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (b) (1) On and after July 1, 2026, no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any (A) apparel; (B) carpet or rug; (C) cleaning product; (D) cookware; (E) cosmetic product; (F) dental floss; (G) fabric treatment; (H) [children's] juvenile product; (I) menstruation product; (J) textile furnishing; (K) ski wax; or (L) upholstered furniture if such product contains intentionally added PFAS, unless the manufacturer of the product provides prior notification in writing to the department in accordance with the requirements of this subsection. Such notification shall at a minimum include: (i) A brief description of the product to be offered for sale, used House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 196 of 745 or distributed, including the product category and the function of PFAS in the product; (ii) all relevant chemical abstract service registry numbers or, if no such number is applicable, the molecular formulas and weights for all PFAS intentionally added to the product; (iii) for each product category: (I) The amount of each PFAS or subgroups in each category; (II) the range of PFAS in the product category by per cent weight; (III) if no analytical method exists, the amount of total fluorine present in the product category; (IV) the purpose for which the PFAS is used in the product; and (V) the name and address of the manufacturer, and the name, address and phone number of a contact person for the manufacturer. (2) A manufacturer may supply the information required in this subsection for a category or type of product that contains intentionally added PFAS rather than for each individual product. (3) The manufacturer shall update and revise information in such notification whenever there is a change in the information or when requested to do so by the department. (4) No person shall sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any of the products listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection if the product contains intentionally added PFAS, and the manufacturer has failed to submit notification pursuant to this subsection. (c) (1) On and after January 1, 2026, no person shall distribute, sell or offer for sale in this state any new or not-previously-used outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions that contains PFAS unless such product is accompanied by a legible and easily discernable disclosure with the statement "Made with PFAS chemicals", including for any online listing of such products for sale. On and after January 1, 2026, if a manufacturer or other person sells turnout gear that contains intentionally added PFAS, the manufacturer or person shall provide written notice to the purchaser at the time of sale that indicates that the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 197 of 745 turnout gear includes intentionally added PFAS and the reason PFAS is added to the turnout gear. On and after July 1, 2026, no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any (A) apparel; (B) carpet or rug; (C) cleaning product; (D) cookware; (E) cosmetic product; (F) dental floss; (G) fabric treatment; (H) [children's] juvenile product; (I) menstruation product; (J) textile furnishing; (K) ski wax; or (L) upholstered furniture if such product contains intentionally added PFAS, unless such product is labeled in accordance with this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require or replace such disclosure, notice or labeling that is otherwise prohibited or prescribed by federal law. (2) Whenever a product listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection contains intentionally added PFAS and is a component of another product, the product that contains the component shall be labeled. (3) All labels shall be clearly visible prior to sale and shall inform the purchaser, using words or symbols approved by the department, that PFAS is present in the product. (4) Labels affixed to any such product shall be constructed of materials that are sufficiently durable to remain legible for the useful life of the product. (5) The manufacturer shall apply any product and package labels required under this subsection unless the wholesaler or retailer agrees with the manufacturer to accept responsibility for such application. (d) On and after January 1, 2028, no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale in this state any of the following products if the product contains intentionally added PFAS: (1) Apparel; (2) turnout gear; (3) carpets or rugs; (4) cleaning products; (5) cookware; (6) cosmetic products; (7) dental floss; (8) fabric treatments; (9) [children's] juvenile products; (10) menstruation products; (11) textile House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 198 of 745 furnishings; (12) ski wax; (13) upholstered furniture; or (14) outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions. Sec. 146. Section 31-53c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) For purposes of this section: (1) "Business organization" means any sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, firm or other form of business, municipality, regional council of governments, Connecticut brownfield land bank or economic development agency, as defined in section 32-760, or other legal entity, but excludes any organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or that is a chamber of commerce under Section 501(c)(6) of said Internal Revenue Code, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time, and that (A) accepts financial assistance for a project as defined in this section, and (B) such project is valued at not more than ten million dollars and is not for the purposes described in subsection (f) of this section; (2) "Financial assistance" means any and all forms of loans, cash payments, extensions of credit, guarantees, equity investments, tax abatements or any other form of financing totaling one million dollars or more; and (3) "Project" means any construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any property owned by a business organization. (b) On and after July 1, 2018, if the Department of Economic and Community Development provides financial assistance to any business organization for any construction project of such business organization, the Department of Economic and Community Development shall House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 199 of 745 require, as a condition of providing such financial assistance, that any contract entered into by the business organization for such project shall contain the following provision: "The wages paid on an hourly basis to any person performing the work of any mechanic, laborer or worker on the work herein contracted to be done and the amount of payment or contribution paid or payable on behalf of each such person to any employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection (i) of section 31-53, shall be at a rate equal to the rate customary or prevailing for the same work in the same trade or occupation in the town in which such construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair project is being undertaken. Any contractor who is not obligated by agreement to make payment or contribution on behalf of such persons to any such employee welfare fund shall pay to each mechanic, laborer or worker as part of such person's wages the amount of payment or contribution for such person's classification on each pay day." (c) Any contractor or subcontractor who knowingly or wilfully employs any mechanic, laborer or worker in any project receiving financial assistance from the Department of Economic and Community Development for such project, at a rate of wage on an hourly basis that is less than the rate customary or prevailing for the same work in the same trade or occupation in the town in which such project is located, or who fails to pay the amount of payment or contributions paid or payable on behalf of each such person to any employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection (i) of section 31-53, or in lieu thereof to the person, as provided by subsection (b) of this section, shall be fined not less than two thousand five hundred dollars but not more than five thousand dollars for each offense and (1) for the first violation, shall be disqualified from bidding on contracts for projects for which the Department of Economic and Community Development provides financial assistance until the contractor or subcontractor has made full restitution of the back wages owed to such persons and for an additional House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 200 of 745 six months thereafter, and (2) for subsequent violations, shall be disqualified from bidding on contracts for projects for which the Department of Economic and Community Development provides financial assistance until the contractor or subcontractor has made full restitution of the back wages owed to such persons and for not less than an additional two years thereafter. In addition, if it is found by the contracting officer representing the business organization that any mechanic, laborer or worker employed by the contractor or any subcontractor directly on the site for the work covered by the contract has been or is being paid a rate of wages less than the rate of wages required by the contract to be paid as required by this section, the business organization may (A) by written or electronic notice to the contractor, terminate such contractor's right to proceed with the work or such part of the work as to which there has been a failure to pay said required wages and to prosecute the work to completion by contract or otherwise, and the contractor and the contractor's sureties shall be liable to the business organization for any excess costs occasioned the business organization thereby, or (B) withhold payment of money to the contractor or subcontractor. The contracting business organization shall, not later than two days after taking such action, notify the Labor Commissioner, in writing or electronically, of the name of the contractor or subcontractor, the project involved, the location of the work, the violations involved, the date the contract was terminated and steps taken to collect the required wages. (d) The Labor Commissioner may make complaint to the proper prosecuting authorities for the violation of any provision of subsection (c) of this section. (e) The Labor Commissioner shall predetermine the prevailing rate and the amount of payment or contributions paid or payable on behalf of each person to any employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection (i) of section 31-53, in each town where such contract is to be performed, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 201 of 745 in the same manner as provided in subsection (d) of section 31-53. (f) If the Department of Economic and Community Development provides financial assistance to any business organization, including any nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time, for the purpose of remediation, demolition or abatement of pollution in buildings, soil or groundwater located at a project site, only the remediation, demolition or abatement of pollution in buildings, soil or groundwater portion of the project described in the financial assistance contract between the business organization and the department shall be covered by this section. Such financial assistance contract executed by the department shall be limited to the purposes described in this subsection and shall be separate from any contract for redevelopment activities on the site. Sec. 147. Section 31-55a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): Each contractor that is awarded a contract on or after October 1, 2002, for (1) the construction of a state highway or bridge that falls under the provisions of section 31-54, or (2) the construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any public works project that falls under the provisions of section 31-53, any project that falls under the provisions of section 31-53c or any covered project that falls under the provisions of section 31-53d, shall contact the Labor Commissioner on or before July first of each year, for the duration of such contract, to ascertain the prevailing rate of wages on an hourly basis and the amount of payment or contributions paid or payable on behalf of each mechanic, laborer or worker employed upon the work contracted to be done, and shall make any necessary adjustments to such prevailing rate of wages and such payment or contributions paid or payable on behalf of each such employee, effective each July first. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 202 of 745 Sec. 148. Subsection (a) of section 31-53 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) Each contract for the construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any public works project by the state or any of its agents, or by any political subdivision of the state or any of its agents, including, on and after July 1, 2025, each contract for off-site custom fabrication for any such public works project, shall contain the following provision: "The wages paid on an hourly basis to any person performing the work of any mechanic, laborer or worker on the work herein contracted to be done and the amount of payment or contribution paid or payable on behalf of each such person to any employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection (i) of this section, shall be at a rate equal to the rate customary or prevailing for the same work in the same trade or occupation in the town in which such public works project is being constructed. Any contractor who is not obligated by agreement to make payment or contribution on behalf of such persons to any such employee welfare fund shall pay to each mechanic, laborer or worker as part of such person's wages the amount of payment or contribution for such person's classification on each pay day." For purposes of this subsection, "off-site custom fabrication" means the fabrication of systems that are fabricated at a site located within the state other than the location of a public works project, but are fabricated specifically for such public works project, including plumbing systems, heating systems, cooling systems, pipefitting systems, ventilation systems or exhaust duct systems. "Off-site custom fabrication" does not include components or materials that are stock shelf items or readily available. Sec. 149. Subsections (a) to (l), inclusive, of section 5-259 of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 203 of 745 (a) The Comptroller, with the approval of the Attorney General and of the Insurance Commissioner, shall arrange and procure a group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan or plans for (1) state employees, (2) members of the General Assembly who elect coverage under such plan or plans, (3) participants in an alternate retirement program who meet the service requirements of section 5-162 or subsection (a) of section 5-166, (4) anyone receiving benefits under section 5-144 or from any state-sponsored retirement system, except the teachers' retirement system and the municipal employees retirement system, (5) judges of probate and Probate Court employees, (6) the surviving spouse, and any dependent children of a state police officer, a member of an organized local police department, a firefighter or a constable who performs criminal law enforcement duties who dies before, on or after June 26, 2003, as the result of injuries received while acting within the scope of such officer's or firefighter's or constable's employment and not as the result of illness or natural causes, and whose surviving spouse and dependent children are not otherwise eligible for a group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan. Coverage for a dependent child pursuant to this subdivision shall terminate no earlier than the end of the calendar year during whichever of the following occurs first, the date on which the child: Becomes covered under a group health plan through the dependent's own employment; or attains the age of twenty-six, (7) employees of the Capital Region Development Authority established by section 32-601, [and] (8) the surviving spouse and dependent children of any employee of a municipality who dies on or after October 1, 2000, as the result of injuries received while acting within the scope of such employee's employment and not as the result of illness or natural causes, and whose surviving spouse and dependent children are not otherwise eligible for a group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan, and (9) state marshals. For purposes of [this] subdivision (8) of this subsection, "employee" means any regular employee or elective officer receiving pay from a municipality, "municipality" means any town, city, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 204 of 745 borough, school district, taxing district, fire district, district department of health, probate district, housing authority, regional workforce development board established under section 31-3k, flood commission or authority established by special act or regional council of governments. For purposes of subdivision (6) of this subsection, "firefighter" means any person who is regularly employed and paid by any municipality for the purpose of performing firefighting duties for a municipality on average of not less than thirty-five hours per week. The minimum benefits to be provided by such plan or plans shall be substantially equal in value to the benefits that each such employee or member of the General Assembly could secure in such plan or plans on an individual basis on the preceding first day of July. The state shall pay for each such employee and each member of the General Assembly covered by such plan or plans the portion of the premium charged for such member's or employee's individual coverage and seventy per cent of the additional cost of the form of coverage and such amount shall be credited to the total premiums owed by such employee or member of the General Assembly for the form of such member's or employee's coverage under such plan or plans. On and after January 1, 1989, the state shall pay for anyone receiving benefits from any such state- sponsored retirement system one hundred per cent of the portion of the premium charged for such member's or employee's individual coverage and one hundred per cent of any additional cost for the form of coverage. The balance of any premiums payable by an individual employee or by a member of the General Assembly for the form of coverage shall be deducted from the payroll by the State Comptroller. The total premiums payable shall be remitted by the Comptroller to the insurance company or companies or nonprofit organization or organizations providing the coverage. The amount of the state's contribution per employee for a health maintenance organization option shall be equal, in terms of dollars and cents, to the largest amount of the contribution per employee paid for any other option that is available to all eligible state employees included in the health benefits plan, but shall House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 205 of 745 not be required to exceed the amount of the health maintenance organization premium. (b) The insurance coverage procured under subsection (a) of this section for active state employees, employees of the Connecticut Institute for Municipal Studies, anyone receiving benefits from any such state-sponsored retirement system, [and] members of the General Assembly and state marshals, who are over sixty-five years of age, may be modified to reflect benefits available to such employees or members pursuant to Social Security and medical benefits programs administered by the federal government, provided any payments required to secure such benefits administered by the federal government shall be paid by the Comptroller either directly to the employee or members or to the agency of the federal government authorized to collect such payments. (c) On October 1, 1972, the Comptroller shall continue to afford payroll deduction services for employees participating in existing authorized plans covering state employees until such time as the employee elects in writing to be covered by the plan authorized by subsection (a) of this section. (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the state shall pay for a member of any such state-sponsored retirement system, or a participant in an alternate retirement program who meets the service requirements of section 5-162 or subsection (a) of section 5- 166, and who begins receiving benefits from such system or program on or after November 1, 1989, eighty per cent of the portion of the premium charged for his individual coverage and eighty per cent of any additional cost for his form of coverage. Upon the death of any such member, any surviving spouse of such member who begins receiving benefits from such system shall be eligible for coverage under this section and the state shall pay for any such spouse eighty per cent of the portion of the premium charged for his individual coverage and eighty per cent of any additional cost for his form of coverage. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 206 of 745 (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, vending stand operators eligible for membership in the state employees retirement system pursuant to section 5-175a shall be eligible for coverage under the group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plans procured under this section, provided the cost for such operators' insurance coverage shall be paid by the Department of Aging and Disability Services from vending machine income pursuant to section 17a-818. (f) The Comptroller, with the approval of the Attorney General and of the Insurance Commissioner, shall arrange and procure a group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan or plans for any person who adopts a child from the state foster care system, any person who has been a foster parent for the Department of Children and Families for six months or more, and any dependent of such adoptive parent or foster parent who elects coverage under such plan or plans. The Comptroller may also arrange for inclusion of such person and any such dependent in an existing group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan offered by the state. Any adoptive parent or foster parent and any dependent who elects coverage shall pay one hundred per cent of the premium charged for such coverage directly to the insurer, provided such adoptive parent or foster parent and all such dependents shall be included in such group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan. A person and his dependents electing coverage pursuant to this subsection shall be eligible for such coverage until no longer an adoptive parent or a foster parent. An adoptive parent shall be eligible for such coverage until the coverage anniversary date on or after whichever of the following occurs first, the date on which the child: Becomes covered under a group health plan through the dependent's own employment; or attains the age of twenty-six. As used in this section "dependent" means a spouse or natural or adopted child if such child is wholly or partially dependent for support upon the adoptive parent or foster parent. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 207 of 745 (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the Probate Court Administration Fund established in accordance with section 45a-82, shall pay for each probate judge and each probate court employee not more than one hundred per cent of the portion of the premium charged for the judge's or employee's individual coverage and not more than seventy per cent of any additional cost for the judge's or employee's form of coverage. The remainder of the premium for such coverage shall be paid by the probate judge or probate court employee to the State Treasurer. Payment shall be credited by the State Treasurer to the fund established by section 45a-82. The total premiums payable shall be remitted by the Probate Court Administrator directly to the insurance company or companies or nonprofit organization or organizations providing the coverage. The Probate Court Administrator shall issue regulations governing group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance pursuant to subsection (b) of section 45a-77. (h) For the purpose of subsection (g) of this section, "probate judge" or "judge" means a duly elected probate judge who works in such judge's capacity as a probate judge at least twenty hours per week, on average, on a quarterly basis and certifies to that fact on forms provided by and filed with the Probate Court Administrator, on or before the fifteenth day of April, July, October and January, for the preceding calendar quarter; and "probate court employee" or "employee" means a person employed by a probate court for at least twenty hours per week. (i) The Comptroller may provide for coverage of employees of municipalities, nonprofit corporations, community action agencies and small employers and individuals eligible for a health coverage tax credit, retired members or members of an association for personal care assistants under the plan or plans procured under subsection (a) of this section, provided: (1) Participation by each municipality, nonprofit corporation, community action agency, small employer, eligible individual, retired member or association for personal care assistants House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 208 of 745 shall be on a voluntary basis; (2) where an employee organization represents employees of a municipality, nonprofit corporation, community action agency or small employer, participation in a plan or plans to be procured under subsection (a) of this section shall be by mutual agreement of the municipality, nonprofit corporation, community action agency or small employer and the employee organization only and neither party may submit the issue of participation to binding arbitration except by mutual agreement if such binding arbitration is available; (3) no group of employees shall be refused entry into the plan by reason of past or future health care costs or claim experience; (4) rates paid by the state for its employees under subsection (a) of this section are not adversely affected by this subsection; (5) administrative costs to the plan or plans provided under this subsection shall not be paid by the state; (6) participation in the plan or plans in an amount determined by the state shall be for the duration of the period of the plan or plans, or for such other period as mutually agreed by the municipality, nonprofit corporation, community action agency, small employer, retired member or association for personal care assistants and the Comptroller; and (7) nothing in this section or section 12-202a, 38a-551 or 38a-556 shall be construed as requiring a participating insurer or health care center to issue individual policies to individuals eligible for a health coverage tax credit. The coverage provided under this section may be referred to as the "Municipal Employee Health Insurance Plan". The Comptroller may arrange and procure for the employees and eligible individuals under this subsection health benefit plans that vary from the plan or plans procured under subsection (a) of this section. Notwithstanding any provision of part V of chapter 700c, the coverage provided under this subsection may be offered on either a fully underwritten or risk-pooled basis at the discretion of the Comptroller. For the purposes of this subsection, (A) "municipality" means any town, city, borough, school district, taxing district, fire district, district department of health, probate district, housing authority, regional workforce development board established House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 209 of 745 under section 31-3k, regional emergency telecommunications center, tourism district established under section 32-302, flood commission or authority established by special act, regional council of governments, transit district formed under chapter 103a, or the Children's Center established by number 571 of the public acts of 1969; (B) "nonprofit corporation" means (i) a nonprofit corporation organized under 26 USC 501 that has a contract with the state or receives a portion of its funding from a municipality, the state or the federal government, or (ii) an organization that is tax exempt pursuant to 26 USC 501(c)(5); (C) "community action agency" means a community action agency, as defined in section 17b-885; (D) "small employer" means a small employer, as defined in section 38a-564; (E) "eligible individuals" or "individuals eligible for a health coverage tax credit" means individuals who are eligible for the credit for health insurance costs under Section 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended, in accordance with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (F) "association for personal care assistants" means an organization composed of personal care attendants who are employed by recipients of service (i) under the home-care program for the elderly under section 17b-342, (ii) under the personal care assistance program under section 17b-605a, (iii) in an independent living center pursuant to sections 17a-792 to 17a-794, inclusive, or (iv) under the program for individuals with acquired brain injury as described in section 17b-260a; and (G) "retired members" means individuals eligible for a retirement benefit from the Connecticut municipal employees' retirement system. (j) (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the existing rights and obligations of state employee organizations and the state employer under current law and contract shall not be impaired by the provisions of this section. (2) Other conditions of entry for any group into the plan or plans procured under subsection (a) of this section shall be determined by the Comptroller upon the recommendation of a House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 210 of 745 coalition committee established pursuant to subsection (f) of section 5- 278, except for such conditions referenced in subsection (g) of this section. (3) Additional determinations by the Comptroller on (A) issues generated by any group's actual or contemplated participation in the plan or plans, (B) modifications to the terms and conditions of any group's continued participation, (C) related matters shall be made upon the recommendation of such committee. (4) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a municipal employer and an employee organization may upon mutual agreement reopen a collective bargaining agreement for the exclusive purpose of negotiating on the participation by such municipal employer or employee organization in the plan or plans offered under the provisions of this section. (k) The Comptroller shall submit annually to the General Assembly a review of the coverage of employees of municipalities, nonprofit corporations, community action agencies, small employers under subsection (i) of this section and eligible individuals under subsection (i) of this section beginning February 1, 2004. (l) (1) Effective July 1, 1996, any deputies or special deputies appointed pursuant to section 6-37 of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to 1999, or section 6-43, shall be allowed to participate in the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Such participation shall be voluntary and the participant shall pay the full cost of the coverage under such plan. (2) (A) Effective [December 1, 2000] October 1, 2025, any state marshal who works as a state marshal for fewer than twenty hours per week, on average, shall be allowed to participate in the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Such participation shall be voluntary and the participant shall pay the full cost of the coverage under such plan. (B) Effective October 1, 2025, any state marshal who (i) works as a House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 211 of 745 state marshal at least twenty hours per week, on average, on a quarterly basis, (ii) is actively engaged in either (I) service of process under a waiver of fees issued pursuant to section 52-259b, (II) service of process of orders of protection issued pursuant to section 46b-15 or 46b-16a, or (III) service of capias mittimus orders issued by a family support magistrate pursuant to section 46b-231, (iii) certifies to those facts in clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph on forms provided by and filed with the State Marshal Commission on or before the fifteenth day of April, July, October and January for the preceding calendar quarter, and (iv) does not have access to coverage under a health benefit plan that is available (I) through the employer of such state marshal's spouse, provided such health benefit plan has an actuarial value that is equivalent to or greater than the actuarial value of the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and provides similar access to in-network providers as such plan or plans procured by the Comptroller and is available at an employee premium share, with respect to each class of coverage, that is not greater than the premium shares applicable to active state employees in accordance with the provisions of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition agreement, or (II) through the municipal employees' retirement system established by part II of chapter 113 shall be allowed to participate in the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Such participation shall be voluntary and the participant shall pay the same amount for the coverage under such plan under the same terms and conditions as active state employees in accordance with the provisions of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition agreement. (3) Effective December 1, 2000, any judicial marshal shall be allowed to participate in the plan or plans procured by the Comptroller pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Such participation shall be voluntary and the participant shall pay the full cost of the coverage under such plan unless and until the judicial marshals participate in the plan or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 212 of 745 plans procured by the Comptroller under this section through collective bargaining negotiations pursuant to subsection (f) of section 5-278. Sec. 150. Section 9-218 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): When there is no election of probate judge in any district by reason of two or more having an equal and the highest number of votes, or when a new probate district is created and no provision made for the election of a judge thereof, or whenever it is shown to the Governor that a vacancy is about to exist in said office by reason of the resignation of the incumbent to take effect at a future time or by reason of constitutional limitation, or when there is a vacancy in said office, the Governor may issue writs of election directed to the town clerk or clerks or assistant town clerk or clerks within such district, ordering an election to be held on a day named therein, other than a Saturday or Sunday, to fill such vacancy or impending vacancy, and [transmit the same to a state marshal. Such state marshal shall forthwith transmit them to such clerk or clerks, who, on receiving the same,] cause such writs to be conveyed to such clerk or clerks. On receiving such writs, such clerk or clerks shall warn elections to be held on the day appointed in such writs, in the same manner as state elections are warned. Such elections shall be organized and conducted, and the vote shall be declared and returns made, certified, directed, deposited and transmitted, in the same manner as at a state election. The Secretary of the State, Treasurer and Comptroller shall, within thirty days after any such election, count and declare the votes so returned, and notice shall be given to the person declared elected, in the same manner as is provided in the election of probate judges at state elections. The Secretary of the State shall enter the returns in tabular form in books kept by him for that purpose and present a copy of the same, with the name of, and the total number of votes received by, each of the candidates for said office, to the Governor within ten days thereafter. The Probate Court Administrator shall cite a House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 213 of 745 probate judge to act as a judge in the district during any vacancy in said office in accordance with section 45a-120. Sec. 151. (Effective from passage) All amounts appropriated and remaining for the underground storage tank petroleum clean-up program shall be transferred and credited to the resources of the General Fund. Sec. 152. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Any application pending under the underground storage tank clean-up program, including, but not limited to, any application that was approved by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection but not yet paid, shall be deemed cancelled. Sec. 153. Section 22a-449m of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): Any remediation of contaminated soil or groundwater [the cost of which is to be paid out of the program established under subsection (a) of section 22a-449c] shall be performed by or under the direct onsite supervision of a registered contractor, as defined in sections 22a-449l and 22a-449n, and shall be performed in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 22a-133k that establish direct exposure criteria for soil, pollutant mobility criteria for soil and groundwater protection criteria for GA and GAA areas. If the replacement of any such residential underground heating oil storage tank system performed pursuant to the provisions of this section involves installation of an underground petroleum storage tank, such tank shall conform to any standards which apply to new underground petroleum storage tanks. Sec. 154. Section 22a-449k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): No person shall remove or replace or subcontract for the removal or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 214 of 745 replacement of a residential underground heating oil storage tank system if the person finds such removal or replacement will involve remediation of contaminated soil or groundwater, unless the person is a registered contractor. To become a registered contractor, a person shall provide to the commissioner on forms prescribed by said commissioner, (1) evidence of financial assurance in the form of liability insurance coverage or liquid company assets in an amount not less than one million dollars, and (2) a written statement certifying that such person has had any training required by law for such business and that such person has (A) performed no fewer than three residential underground petroleum storage tank system removals, or (B) has contracted for at least three removals of residential underground petroleum storage tank systems. Such person shall pay a registration fee of nine hundred forty dollars to the commissioner. Each contractor holding a valid registration on July first shall, not later than August first of that year, pay a renewal fee to the commissioner of four hundred seventy dollars in order to maintain such registration. Any money collected for registration pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the General Fund. The commissioner may revoke a registration for cause and [, on and after the date the requirements for] for failure to meet any requirements concerning financial assurance, training and performance standards. [are established pursuant to subsection (b) of section 22a-449d, may reject any application for registration that does not meet such requirements.] Sec. 155. Subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of section 22a-449l of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (2) The registered contractor shall submit documentation, satisfactory to the commissioner, of any costs associated with such remediation. The commissioner may deny remediation costs of the registered contractor that the commissioner determines are unreasonable based on the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 215 of 745 guidelines established [pursuant to subsection (b) of section 22a-449d on and after the date] by the commissioner [establishes such guidelines,] and may deny remediation costs (A) in excess of five thousand dollars if the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was not notified in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, and (B) in excess of ten thousand dollars if the site was not inspected in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. The commissioner shall deny any such costs in excess of fifty thousand dollars unless the commissioner determines such additional costs are warranted to protect public health and the environment. If a registered contractor fails to submit to the commissioner documentation of costs associated with such remediation that may be eligible for payment from the residential underground heating oil storage tank system clean-up program or if the registered contractor submits documentation of such costs but the commissioner denies payment of such costs, the registered contractor shall be liable for such costs and shall have no cause of action against the owner of the underground petroleum storage tank. Sec. 156. Section 22a-449n of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) As used in this section, "registered contractor" means a person registered with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection pursuant to section 22a-449k, "qualifying income" means the owner's adjusted gross income, as defined in section 12-701, for the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which costs eligible for payment were incurred under this section and "costs eligible for payment" means costs that are reasonable for payment, as determined by the guidelines established [pursuant to section 22a-449d] by the commissioner. (b) If, in the course of removing or replacing a residential underground heating oil storage tank system, a registered contractor House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 216 of 745 finds that there has been a spill, as defined in section 22a-452c, attributable to such a system, or if such contractor estimates that the remediation of such spill is likely to cost more than ten thousand dollars then such contractor shall immediately notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The commissioner may assess the spill and confirm that the remediation proposed by the contractor is appropriate and necessary, or may authorize an environmental professional licensed under section 22a-133v to assess the spill and make such confirmation. Any such remediation shall be subject to approval by the commissioner. The commissioner may authorize an environmental professional licensed under section 22a-133v to make a recommendation regarding such approval. The costs of an inspection pursuant to this section shall be eligible for payment under the residential underground heating oil storage tank system clean-up program established under subsection (a) of section 22a-449c. The commissioner may revoke a registration pursuant to section 22a-449k for failure of a contractor to notify the department as required by this section. (c) On or after July 1, 2001, to be eligible for payment pursuant to this section, an owner shall submit the following information to the commissioner, in such form as the commissioner may require, prior to entering into a contract with a registered contractor for remediation of a spill attributable to a residential underground heating oil storage tank system: (1) The name and Social Security number of the property owner; (2) a verification that such tank serves the owner's primary residence; (3) a verification of the owner's qualifying income; and (4) the name of the registered contractor who will perform the remediation. The commissioner shall, not later than thirty days following receipt of such information, send a written notice to the owner that specifies whether the owner is eligible for payment under this section, whether funds are available for the owner under this section and the amount of remediation costs for which the owner is responsible prior to receiving House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 217 of 745 payment under this section. (d) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, an owner may be reimbursed for all reasonable costs for work commenced on or after July 1, 2001, in accordance with the following: (1) If an owner's qualifying income is less than or equal to fifty thousand dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of five hundred dollars; (2) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than fifty thousand dollars and less than or equal to one hundred thousand dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of two thousand dollars; (3) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than one hundred thousand dollars and less than or equal to one hundred fifty thousand dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of four thousand dollars; (4) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than one hundred fifty thousand dollars and less than or equal to two hundred thousand dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of five thousand dollars; (5) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than two hundred thousand dollars and less than or equal to two hundred fifty thousand dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of seven thousand five hundred dollars; (6) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than two hundred fifty thousand dollars and less than or equal to five hundred thousand dollars, the owner may be reimbursed for costs eligible for payment in excess of ten thousand dollars; (7) if an owner's qualifying income is greater than five hundred thousand dollars, the owner is not eligible for payment of costs. No registered contractor or any subcontractor of a registered contractor shall accept payment for any costs eligible for payment from said program until it has provided the owner with the information necessary to apply for a disbursement pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) (1) On or after July 1, 2001, an owner shall submit to the commissioner an application that is postmarked no later than December House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 218 of 745 31, 2001, for a disbursement from the residential underground heating oil storage tank system clean-up program, within available resources, documentation of all costs eligible for payment for work performed pursuant to a contract with the owner for the remediation of a residential underground heating oil storage tank system for the purpose of providing payment for the costs of such remediation, provided such owner has complied with the provisions of subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of section 22a-449j and provided such remediation was completed on or before December 1, 2001. Such payments shall be made in accordance with subsection (d) of this section. Such owner shall provide to the commissioner a statement confirming that the registered contractor has been engaged by such owner to remove or to replace such residential underground heating oil storage tank system, except that a storage tank system and any associated ancillary equipment shall not be subject to such requirement and perform the remediation and shall execute an instrument which provides for payment to the program of any amounts realized by the owner, after any costs of litigation or attorney's fees have been paid, from a judgment or settlement regarding any claim for the costs of such remediation made against an insurance policy or any person. (2) In any service contract entered into between a registered contractor and an owner for the remediation of a residential underground heating oil storage tank system, the registered contractor shall clearly identify all costs, including markup costs, that are not or may not be eligible for payment from said program. (3) The owner shall submit documentation, satisfactory to the commissioner, of any costs associated with such remediation. The commissioner may deny payment of remediation costs that the commissioner determines are unreasonable based on the guidelines established [pursuant to subsection (b) of section 22a-449d on and after the date the commissioner establishes such guidelines] by the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 219 of 745 commissioner. The commissioner shall deny any such costs if the owner fails to comply with subsection (c) of this section and any such costs in excess of fifty thousand dollars unless the commissioner determines such additional costs are warranted to protect public health and the environment. (4) A copy of the commissioner's decision shall be sent to the owner by certified mail, return receipt requested. Any owner aggrieved by a decision of the commissioner may, not more than twenty days after the date the decision was issued, request a hearing before the commissioner in accordance with chapter 54. After such hearing, the commissioner shall consider the information submitted and affirm or modify the decision. A copy of the affirmed or modified decision shall be sent to the owner by certified mail, return receipt requested. (5) No owner shall be entitled to reimbursement both under this section and section 22a-449l. Sec. 157. Section 51-344b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): Whenever the term "judicial district of Hartford" is used or referred to in the following sections of the general statutes, the term "judicial district of New Britain" shall be substituted in lieu thereof: Subsection (b) of section 3-70a, sections 3-71a and 4-164, subsection (c) of section 4- 183, subdivision (4) of subsection (g) of section 10-153e, subparagraph (C) of subdivision (4) of subsection (e) of section 10a-109n, sections 12- 3a, 12-89, 12-103, 12-208, 12-237, 12-242hh, 12-242ii, 12-242kk, 12-268l, 12-307, 12-312, 12-330m, 12-405k, 12-422, 12-448, 12-454, 12-463, 12-489, 12-522, 12-554, 12-586g and 12-597, subsection (b) of section 12-638i, sections 12-730, 14-57, 14-66, 14-195, 14-324, 14-331 and 19a-85, subsection (f) of section 19a-332e, sections 20-156, 20-247, 20-307, 20-373, 20-583 and 21a-55, subsection (e) of section 22-7, sections 22-320d and 22-386, subsection (e) of section 22a-6b, section 22a-30, subsection (a) of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 220 of 745 section 22a-34, subsection (b) of section 22a-34, section 22a-182a, subsection (f) of section 22a-225, sections 22a-227, 22a-344, 22a-374, and 22a-408, [and 22a-449g,] subsection (f) of section 25-32e, section 29-158, subsection (f) of section 29-161z, sections 36b-30 and 36b-76, subsection (f) of section 38a-41, section 38a-52, subsection (c) of section 38a-150, sections 38a-185, 38a-209 and 38a-225, subdivision (3) of section 38a- 226b, sections 38a-241, 38a-337 and 38a-657, subsection (c) of section 38a- 774, section 38a-776, subsection (c) of section 38a-817 and section 38a- 994. Sec. 158. Sections 22a-449c to 22a-449g, inclusive, and sections 22a- 449r and 22a-449t of the general statutes are repealed. (Effective from passage) Sec. 159. Subsection (a) of section 19a-202 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) Upon application to the Department of Public Health prior to July 1, 2026, any municipal health department shall annually receive from the state an amount equal to one dollar and ninety-three cents per capita, and upon such application on and after July 1, 2026, any municipal health department shall annually receive from the state an amount equal to two dollars and thirteen cents per capita, provided such municipality (1) employs a full-time director of health, except that if a vacancy exists in the office of director of health or the office is filled by an acting director for more than three months, such municipality shall not be eligible for funding unless the Commissioner of Public Health waives this requirement; (2) submits a public health program and budget which is approved by the Commissioner of Public Health; (3) appropriates not less than one dollar per capita, from the annual tax receipts, for health department services; (4) has a population of fifty thousand or more; and (5) meets the requirements of section 19a-207a, within available appropriations. Such municipal department of health House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 221 of 745 may use additional funds, which the Department of Public Health may secure from federal agencies or any other source and which it may allot to such municipal department of health. The money so received shall be disbursed upon warrants approved by the chief executive officer of such municipality. The Comptroller shall annually in July and upon a voucher of the Commissioner of Public Health, draw the Comptroller's order on the State Treasurer in favor of such municipal department of health for the amount due in accordance with the provisions of this section and under rules prescribed by the commissioner. Any moneys remaining unexpended at the end of a fiscal year shall be included in the budget of such municipal department of health for the ensuing year. This aid shall be rendered from appropriations made from time to time by the General Assembly to the Department of Public Health for this purpose. Sec. 160. Subsection (a) of section 19a-245 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) Upon application to the Department of Public Health prior to July 1, 2026, each health district that has a total population of fifty thousand or more, or serves three or more municipalities irrespective of the combined total population of such municipalities, shall annually receive from the state an amount equal to two dollars and sixty cents per capita for each town, city and borough of such district, and upon such application on and after July 1, 2026, each such health district shall annually receive from the state an amount equal to three dollars per capita for each town, city and borough of such district, provided (1) the Commissioner of Public Health approves the public health program and budget of such health district, (2) the towns, cities and boroughs of such district appropriate for the maintenance of the health district not less than one dollar per capita from the annual tax receipts, and (3) the health district meets the requirements of section 19a-207a, within available House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 222 of 745 appropriations. Such district departments of health are authorized to use additional funds, which the Department of Public Health may secure from federal agencies or any other source and which it may allot to such district departments of health. The district treasurer shall disburse the money so received upon warrants approved by a majority of the board and signed by its chairman and secretary. The Comptroller shall quarterly, in July, October, January and April, upon such application and upon the voucher of the Commissioner of Public Health, draw the Comptroller's order on the State Treasurer in favor of such district department of health for the amount due in accordance with the provisions of this section and under rules prescribed by the commissioner. Any moneys remaining unexpended at the end of a fiscal year shall be included in the budget of the district for the ensuing year. This aid shall be rendered from appropriations made from time to time by the General Assembly to the Department of Public Health for this purpose. Sec. 161. Section 21a-420h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): The Social Equity Council shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to prevent the sale or change in ownership or control of a cannabis establishment license awarded to a social equity applicant to someone other than another qualifying social equity applicant during the period of provisional licensure, and for three years following the issuance of a final license, unless the backer of such licensee has died or has a condition, including, but not limited to, a physical illness or loss of skill or deterioration due to the aging process, emotional disorder or mental illness that would interfere with the backer's ability to operate. Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate this section, prior to adopting such regulations and not later than October 1, 2021, the council shall issue policies and procedures to implement the provisions House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 223 of 745 of this section that shall have the force and effect of law. The council shall post all policies and procedures on its Internet web site and submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either the adoption of the policy or procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] sixty- three months from July 1, 2021. [, if such regulations have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 4-170.] Any violation of such policies and procedures or any violation of such regulations related to the sale or change in ownership may be referred by the Social Equity Council to the department for administrative enforcement action, which may result in a fine of not more than ten million dollars or action against the establishment's license. Sec. 162. Section 21a-420q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish the maximum grow space permitted by a cultivator and micro-cultivator. In adopting such regulations, the commissioner shall seek to ensure an adequate supply of cannabis for the market. Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate this section, prior to adopting such regulations, the commissioner shall issue policies and procedures to implement the provisions of this section that shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all policies and procedures on the department's Internet web site and submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either the adoption of the policy or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 224 of 745 procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] sixty- three months from July 1, 2021. [, if such regulations have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 4-170.] Sec. 163. Subsection (e) of section 21a-420z of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (e) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of RERACA. Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate the purposes of RERACA and protect public health and safety, prior to adopting such regulations the commissioner shall issue policies and procedures to implement the provisions of this section that shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all policies and procedures on the department's Internet web site, and submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either adoption of such policy or procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty- eight] sixty-three months from July 1, 2021. [, if such final regulations have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 4-170.] The commissioner shall issue policies and procedures, and thereafter adopt final regulations, requiring that: (1) The delivery service and transporter meet certain security requirements related to the storage, handling and transport of cannabis, the vehicles employed, the conduct of employees and agents, and the documentation that shall be maintained by the delivery service, transporter and its drivers; (2) a delivery service that delivers cannabis to consumers maintain an online interface that verifies the age of consumers ordering cannabis for delivery and meets certain House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 225 of 745 specifications and data security standards; and (3) a delivery service that delivers cannabis to consumers, qualifying patients or caregivers, and all employees and agents of such licensee, to verify the identity of the qualifying patient, caregiver or consumer and the age of the consumer upon delivery of cannabis to the end consumer, qualifying patient or caregiver, in a manner acceptable to the commissioner. The individual placing the cannabis order shall be the individual accepting delivery of the cannabis except, in the case of a qualifying patient, the individual accepting the delivery may be the caregiver of such qualifying patient. Sec. 164. Subsection (b) of section 21a-421j of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (b) The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to implement the provisions of RERACA. Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate the purposes of RERACA and protect public health and safety, prior to adopting such regulations the commissioner shall issue policies and procedures to implement the provisions of RERACA that shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all policies and procedures on the department's Internet web site and submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure. The commissioner shall also provide such policies and procedures, in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, to each licensee. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either the adoption of the policy or procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] sixty-three months from June 22, 2021. [, if such regulations have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 4-170.] The commissioner shall issue policies and procedures and thereafter final regulations that include, but House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 226 of 745 are not limited to, the following: (1) Setting appropriate dosage, potency, concentration and serving size limits and delineation requirements for cannabis, provided a standardized serving of edible cannabis product or beverage, other than a medical marijuana product, shall contain not more than five milligrams of THC. (2) Requiring that each single standardized serving of cannabis product in a multiple-serving edible product or beverage is physically demarked in a way that enables a reasonable person to determine how much of the product constitutes a single serving and a maximum amount of THC per multiple-serving edible cannabis product or beverage. (3) Requiring that, if it is impracticable to clearly demark every standardized serving of cannabis product or to make each standardized serving easily separable in an edible cannabis product or beverage, the product, other than cannabis concentrate or medical marijuana product, shall contain not more than five milligrams of THC per unit of sale. (4) Establishing, in consultation with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, consumer health materials that shall be posted or distributed, as specified by the commissioner, by cannabis establishments to maximize dissemination to cannabis consumers. Consumer health materials may include pamphlets, packaging inserts, signage, online and printed advertisements and advisories and printed health materials. (5) Imposing labeling and packaging requirements for cannabis sold by a cannabis establishment that include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Inclusion of universal symbols to indicate that cannabis, or a cannabis product, contains THC and is not legal or safe for individuals House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 227 of 745 younger than twenty-one years of age, and prescribe how such product and product packaging shall utilize and exhibit such symbols. (B) A disclosure concerning the length of time it typically takes for the cannabis to affect an individual, including that certain forms of cannabis take longer to have an effect. (C) A notation of the amount of cannabis the cannabis product is considered the equivalent to. (D) A list of ingredients and all additives for cannabis. (E) Except as provided in subdivision (3) of subsection (f) of section 21a-420p, child-resistant, tamper-resistant and light-resistant packaging. For the purposes of this subparagraph, packaging shall be deemed to be (i) child-resistant if the packaging satisfies the standard for special packaging established in 16 CFR 1700.1(b)(4), as amended from time to time, (ii) tamper-resistant if the packaging has at least one barrier to, or indicator of, entry that would preclude the contents of such packaging from being accessed or adulterated without indicating to a reasonable person that such packaging has been breached, and (iii) light-resistant if the packaging is entirely and uniformly opaque and protects the entirety of the contents of such packaging from the effects of light. (F) Except as provided in subdivision (3) of subsection (f) of section 21a-420p, (i) packaging for cannabis intended for multiple servings to be resealable in such a manner so as to render such packaging continuously child-resistant, as described in subparagraph (E)(i) of this subdivision, and preserve the integrity of the contents of such packaging, and (ii) if packaging for cannabis intended for multiple servings contains any edible cannabis product, for each single standardized serving to be easily discernible and (I) individually wrapped, or (II) physically demarked and delineated as required under House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 228 of 745 this subsection. (G) Impervious packaging that protects the contents of such packaging from contamination and exposure to any toxic or harmful substance, including, but not limited to, any glue or other adhesive or substance that is incorporated in such packaging. (H) Product tracking information sufficient to determine where and when the cannabis was grown and manufactured such that a product recall could be effectuated. (I) A net weight statement. (J) A recommended use by or expiration date. (K) Standard and uniform packaging and labeling, including, but not limited to, requirements (i) regarding branding or logos, (ii) that all packaging be opaque, and (iii) that amounts and concentrations of THC and cannabidiol, per serving and per package, be clearly marked on the packaging or label of any cannabis product sold. (L) For any cannabis concentrate cannabis product that contains a total THC percentage greater than thirty per cent, a warning that such cannabis product is a high-potency product and may increase the risk of psychosis. (M) Chemotypes, which shall be displayed as (i) "High THC, Low CBD" where the ratio of THC to CBD is greater than five to one and the total THC percentage is at least fifteen per cent, (ii) "Moderate THC, Moderate CBD" where the ratio of THC to CBD is at least one to five but not greater than five to one and the total THC percentage is greater than five per cent but less than fifteen per cent, (iii) "Low THC, High CBD" where the ratio of THC to CBD is less than one to five and the total THC percentage is not greater than five per cent, or (iv) the chemotype described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph that most closely House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 229 of 745 fits the cannabis or cannabis product, as determined by mathematical analysis of the ratio of THC to CBD, where such cannabis or cannabis product does not fit a chemotype described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph. (N) A requirement that, prior to being sold and transferred to a consumer, qualifying patient or caregiver, cannabis packaging be clearly labeled, whether printed directly on such packaging or affixed by way of a separate label, other than an extended content label, with: (i) A unique identifier generated by a cannabis analytic tracking system maintained by the department and used to track cannabis under the policies and procedures issued, and final regulations adopted, by the commissioner pursuant to this section; and (ii) The following information concerning the cannabis contained in such packaging, which shall be in legible English, black lettering, Times New Roman font, flat regular typeface, on a contrasting background and in uniform size of not less than one-tenth of one inch, based on a capital letter "K", which information shall also be available on the Internet web site of the cannabis establishment that sells and transfers such cannabis: (I) The name of such cannabis, as registered with the department under the policies and procedures issued, and final regulations adopted, by the commissioner pursuant to this section. (II) The expiration date, which shall not account for any refrigeration after such cannabis is sold and transferred to the consumer, qualifying patient or caregiver. (III) The net weight or volume, expressed in metric and imperial units. (IV) The standardized serving size, expressed in customary units, and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 230 of 745 the number of servings included in such packaging, if applicable. (V) Directions for use and storage. (VI) Each active ingredient comprising at least one per cent of such cannabis, including cannabinoids, isomers, esters, ethers and salts and salts of isomers, esters and ethers, and all quantities thereof expressed in metric units and as a percentage of volume. (VII) A list of all known allergens, as identified by the federal Food and Drug Administration, contained in such cannabis, or the denotation "no known FDA identified allergens" if such cannabis does not contain any allergen identified by the federal Food and Drug Administration. (VIII) The following warning statement within, and outlined by, a red box: "This product is not FDA-approved, may be intoxicating, cause long- term physical and mental health problems, and have delayed side effects. It is illegal to operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of cannabis. Keep away from children." (IX) At least one of the following warning statements, rotated quarterly on an alternating basis: "Warning: Frequent and prolonged use of cannabis can contribute to mental health problems over time, including anxiety, depression, stunted brain development and impaired memory." "Warning: Consumption while pregnant or breastfeeding may be harmful." "Warning: Cannabis has intoxicating effects and may be habit- forming and addictive." "Warning: Consuming more than the recommended amount may House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 231 of 745 result in adverse effects requiring medical attention.". (X) All information necessary to comply with labeling requirements imposed under the laws of this state and federal law, including, but not limited to, sections 21a-91 to 21a-120, inclusive, and 21a-151 to 21a-159, inclusive, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 USC 301 et seq., as amended from time to time, and the federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15 USC 1451 et seq., as amended from time to time, for similar products that do not contain cannabis. (XI) Such additional warning labels for certain cannabis products as the commissioner may require and post on the department's Internet web site. (6) Establishing laboratory testing standards, consumer disclosures concerning mold and yeast in cannabis and permitted remediation practices. (7) Restricting forms of cannabis products and cannabis product delivery systems to ensure consumer safety and deter public health concerns. (8) Prohibiting certain manufacturing methods, or inclusion of additives to cannabis products, including, but not limited to, (A) added flavoring, terpenes or other additives unless approved by the department, or (B) any form of nicotine or other additive containing nicotine. (9) Prohibiting cannabis product types that appeal to children. (10) Establishing physical and cyber security requirements related to build out, monitoring and protocols for cannabis establishments as a requirement for licensure. (11) Placing temporary limits on the sale of cannabis in the adult-use House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 232 of 745 market, if deemed appropriate and necessary by the commissioner, in response to a shortage of cannabis for qualifying patients. (12) Requiring retailers and hybrid retailers to make best efforts to provide access to (A) low-dose THC products, including products that have one milligram and two and a half milligrams of THC per dose, and (B) high-dose CBD products. (13) Requiring producers, cultivators, micro-cultivators, product manufacturers and food and beverage manufacturers to register brand names for cannabis, in accordance with the policies and procedures and subject to the fee set forth in, regulations adopted under chapter 420f. (14) Prohibiting a cannabis establishment from selling, other than the sale of medical marijuana products between cannabis establishments and the sale of cannabis to [qualified] qualifying patients and caregivers, (A) cannabis flower or other cannabis plant material with a total THC concentration greater than thirty per cent on a dry-weight basis, and (B) any cannabis product other than cannabis flower and cannabis plant material with a total THC concentration greater than sixty per cent on a dry-weight basis, except that the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this subdivision shall not apply to the sale of prefilled cartridges for use in an electronic cannabis delivery system, as defined in section 19a-342a and the department may adjust the percentages set forth in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this subdivision in regulations adopted pursuant to this section for purposes of public health or to address market access or shortage. As used in this subdivision, "cannabis plant material" means material from the cannabis plant, as defined in section 21a-279a. (15) Permitting the outdoor cultivation of cannabis. (16) Prohibiting packaging that is (A) visually similar to any commercially similar product that does not contain cannabis, or (B) used House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 233 of 745 for any good that is marketed to individuals reasonably expected to be younger than twenty-one years of age. (17) Allowing packaging to include a picture of the cannabis product and contain a logo of one cannabis establishment, which logo may be comprised of not more than three colors and provided neither black nor white shall be considered one of such three colors. (18) Requiring packaging to (A) be entirely and uniformly one color, and (B) not incorporate any information, print, embossing, debossing, graphic or hidden feature, other than any permitted or required label. (19) Requiring that packaging and labeling for an edible cannabis product, excluding the warning labels required under this subsection and a picture of the cannabis product described in subdivision (17) of this subsection but including, but not limited to, the logo of the cannabis establishment, shall only be comprised of black and white or a combination thereof. (20) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, requiring that delivery device cartridges be labeled, in a clearly legible manner and in as large a font as the size of the device reasonably allows, with only the following information (i) the name of the cannabis establishment where the cannabis is grown or manufactured, (ii) the cannabis brand, (iii) the total THC and total CBD content contained within the delivery device cartridge, (iv) the expiration date, and (v) the unique identifier generated by a cannabis analytic tracking system maintained by the department and used to track cannabis under the policies and procedures issued, and final regulations adopted, by the commissioner pursuant to this section. (B) A cannabis establishment may emboss, deboss or similarly print the name of the cannabis establishment's business entity, and one logo with not more than three colors, on a delivery device cartridge. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 234 of 745 (21) Prescribing signage to be prominently displayed at dispensary facilities, retailers and hybrid retailers disclosing (A) possible health risks related to mold, and (B) the use and possible health risks related to the use of mold remediation techniques. Sec. 165. Subsection (b) of section 21a-421k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate the purposes of RERACA and protect public health and safety, prior to adopting such regulations the commissioner shall implement policies and procedures to implement the provisions of RERACA that shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all such policies and procedures on the department's Internet web site and submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure. Any such policies and procedures shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either adoption of such policies and procedures as a final regulation under section 4-172 or [forty-eight] sixty-three months from June 22, 2021. [, if such regulations have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 4-170.] Sec. 166. Section 17a-886 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) As used in this section, (1) "authorized representative" means a person designated by a home care client, in writing, to act on such client's behalf, including, but not limited to, a health care representative appointed pursuant to section 19a-575a or 19a-577; (2) "home care" means long-term services and supports provided to adults in a home or community-based program administered by the Department of Social House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 235 of 745 Services; (3) "home care provider" means a person or organization, including, but not limited to, (A) a home health agency or hospice agency, as defined in section 19a-490, [or] (B) a homemaker-companion agency, as defined in section 20-670, or (C) any individual offering home and community-based long-term services and supports directly, whether formally or informally; and (4) ["long-term services and supports" means (A) health, health-related, personal care and social services provided to persons with physical, cognitive or mental health conditions or disabilities to facilitate optimal functioning and quality of life, or (B) hospice care provided to persons who may be nearing the end of their lives] "home and community-based long-term services and supports" means a comprehensive array of health, personal care and supportive services, including, but not limited to, services and supports offered through (A) community-based programs administered by the Department of Social Services, and (B) a home care provider to a person with physical, cognitive or mental health conditions to (i) enhance such person's quality of life, (ii) facilitate optimal functioning, and (iii) support independent living in the setting of such person's choice. (b) There is established a Community Ombudsman program within the independent Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, established pursuant to section 17a-405. Not later than October 1, 2022, the State Ombudsman appointed pursuant to said section shall, within available appropriations, appoint a Community Ombudsman who shall have access to data pertaining to home and community-based long-term services and supports provided [by a home care provider] to a client, including, but not limited to, medical, social and other data relating to such client, provided (1) such client or such client's authorized representative provides written consent to such access, (2) if such client is incapable of providing such consent due to a physical, cognitive or mental health condition or disability, the client communicates consent orally, visually or through the use of auxiliary aids and services, or (3) if such client is incapable of providing such consent as described in House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 236 of 745 subdivision (2) of this subsection, and has no authorized representative, the Community Ombudsman determines the data is necessary to investigate a complaint concerning such client's care. (c) The Community Ombudsman program may: (1) Identify, investigate, refer and help resolve complaints about home [care services] and community-based long-term services and supports; (2) Raise public awareness about home [care and the program] and community-based long-term services and supports; (3) Promote access to home [care services] and community-based long-term services and supports; (4) Advocate for long-term care options; (5) Coach individuals in self advocacy; and (6) Provide referrals to [home care] clients receiving home and community-based long-term services and supports for legal, housing and social services. (d) The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall oversee the Community Ombudsman program and provide administrative and organizational support by: (1) Developing and implementing a public awareness strategy about the Community Ombudsman program; (2) Applying for, or working in collaboration with other state agencies to apply for, available federal funding for Community Ombudsman services; (3) Collaborating with persons administering other state programs House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 237 of 745 and services to design and implement an agenda to promote the rights of elderly persons and persons with disabilities; (4) Providing information to public and private agencies, elected and appointed officials, the media and other persons regarding the problems and concerns of older adults and people with disabilities receiving home care; (5) Advocating for improvements in the home and community-based long-term services and supports system; and (6) Recommending changes in federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and actions pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of people receiving home care. (e) Not later than December 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the State Ombudsman shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging, human services and public health on (1) implementation of the public awareness strategy relating to the Community Ombudsman program, (2) the number of persons served in the program, (3) the number of complaints regarding home [care] and community-based long-term services and supports filed with the program, (4) the disposition of such complaints, and (5) any gaps in services and resources needed to address such gaps. (f) The State Ombudsman and the Community Ombudsman shall ensure that any health data obtained pursuant to subsection (b) of this section relating to a [home care] client receiving home and community- based long-term services and supports is protected in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191, as amended from time to time. (g) The State Ombudsman may assign a regional community ombudsman the duties and responsibilities of a regional ombudsman House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 238 of 745 for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, as deemed necessary by the State Ombudsman. Sec. 167. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 17b-340d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (2) Beginning July 1, 2022, facilities will be required to comply with collection and reporting of quality metrics as specified by the Department of Social Services, after consultation with the nursing home industry, consumers, employees and the Department of Public Health. Rate adjustments based on performance on quality metrics will be phased in, beginning July 1, 2022, with a period of reporting only. Effective July 1, 2023, the Department of Social Services shall issue individualized reports annually to each nursing home facility showing the impact to the Medicaid rate for such home based on the quality metrics program. A nursing home facility receiving an individualized quality metrics report may use such report to evaluate the impact of the quality metrics program on said facility's Medicaid reimbursement. [Not later than June 30, 2025, the department shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and human services on the quality metrics program. Such report shall include information regarding individualized reports and the anticipated impact on nursing homes if the state were to implement a rate withhold on nursing homes that fail to meet certain quality metrics.] On or after October 1, 2026, the Department of Social Services may establish a quality metrics program, within available appropriations designated for such purpose, to provide payments to nursing home facilities (A) for high-quality outcomes based on performance in the quality metrics program, and (B) designed to incentivize the provision of high-quality services to nursing home residents who are Medicaid beneficiaries, as House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 239 of 745 indicated in the individualized report issued to each nursing home facility pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision. Such quality metrics program shall evaluate nursing home facilities based on national quality measures for nursing home facilities issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state-administered consumer satisfaction measures. Such quality measures may be weighted higher for desired outcomes, as determined by the department. Not later than February 1, 2027, the department shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and human services on the implementation of the quality metrics program. Sec. 168. Section 63 of public act 25-65 is repealed. (Effective from passage) Sec. 169. Section 19a-38 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): A water company, as defined in section 25-32a, shall add a measured amount of fluoride to the water supply of any water system that it owns and operates and that serves twenty thousand or more persons so as to maintain an average monthly fluoride content that is not more or less than [0.15 of a milligram per liter different than the United States Department of Health and Human Services' most recent recommendation for optimal fluoride levels in drinking water to prevent tooth decay] 0.7 of a milligram of fluoride per liter of water provided such average monthly fluoride content shall not deviate greater or less than 0.15 of a milligram per liter. Sec. 170. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Commissioner of Public Health may establish an advisory committee to advise the commissioner on matters relating to recommendations by the Centers House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 240 of 745 for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal Food and Drug Administration using evidence-based data from peer-reviewed literature and studies. (b) The advisory committee may include, but need not be limited to, the following members: (1) The dean of a school of public health at an independent institution of higher education in the state; (2) The dean of a school of public health at a public institution of higher education in the state; (3) A physician specializing in primary care who (A) has not less than ten years of clinical practice experience, and (B) is a professor at a medical school in the state; (4) An infectious disease specialist who (A) has not less than ten years of clinical practice experience, and (B) is a professor at an institution of higher education in the state; (5) A pediatrician who (A) has not less than ten years of clinical practice experience and expertise in children's health and vaccinations, and (B) is a professor at an institution of higher education in the state; and (6) Any other individuals determined to be a beneficial member of the advisory committee by the Commissioner of Public Health. (c) The advisory committee shall serve in a nonbinding advisory capacity, providing guidance solely at the discretion of the Commissioner of Public Health. Sec. 171. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) (1) In cases in which there is a serious risk to a patient's life or health, each emergency department of a hospital licensed pursuant to chapter 368v of the general statutes House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 241 of 745 shall include as part of the care required of such emergency departments the reproductive health care services related to complications of pregnancy that are legal in this state and necessary to treat the patient, including, but not limited to, services related to miscarriage management and treatment for ectopic pregnancies. (2) When providing emergency care, no such emergency department or health care provider providing care at such emergency department shall discriminate against a patient based upon the following factors or categories: The person's ethnicity, citizenship, age, preexisting medical condition, insurance status, economic status, ability to pay for medical services, sex, race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, primary language or immigration status. It shall not be discrimination for a health care provider providing care at an emergency department to consider any such factor or category if the health care provider believes that such factor or category is medically significant to the provision of appropriate medical care to the patient. (b) Each emergency department of a hospital licensed pursuant to chapter 368v of the general statutes shall meet the requirements of (1) the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, 42 USC 1395dd, as amended from time to time, including, but not limited to, any federal regulations adopted pursuant to said act governing the transfer of patients by emergency departments, the capabilities of emergency departments and on-call professional staff of emergency departments, or (2) any regulations of Connecticut state agencies adopted pursuant to section 172 of this act. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impact accepted medical standards of care. (d) Each hospital licensed pursuant to chapter 368v of the general statutes that provides emergency care shall (1) adopt policies and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 242 of 745 procedures to implement the provisions of this section, and (2) make such policies and procedures available to the Department of Public Health upon request. (e) The Commissioner of Public Health may investigate each alleged violation of this section or section 172 of this act unless the commissioner concludes that the allegation does not include facts requiring further investigation or is otherwise unmeritorious. (f) The Commissioner of Public Health may take any action authorized by sections 19a-494 and 19a-494a of the general statutes against a hospital, or authorized by section 19a-17 of the general statutes against a licensed health provider, for a violation of this section or section 172 of this act. Sec. 172. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) If the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, 42 USC 1395dd, as it existed as of the effective date of this section, in whole or in part, (1) is revoked, (2) fails to be adequately enforced, or (3) otherwise becomes inapplicable in this state, the Commissioner of Public Health shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 of the general statutes, to implement the provisions of said act concerning operational requirements for hospitals that are set forth in Appendix V to the State Operations Manual for hospitals published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as said manual existed on December 31, 2024. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the commissioner to request or otherwise involve the participation by any federal government entity in the oversight or enforcement of any regulations adopted pursuant to this subsection. If the commissioner finds, pursuant to subsection (g) of section 4-168 of the general statutes, that adoption of such regulations upon fewer than thirty days' notice is required due to an imminent peril to the public health, safety or welfare, the commissioner shall adopt such regulations without prior notice, public comment period or hearing, or upon any abbreviated notice, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 243 of 745 public comment period and hearing, pursuant to said subsection, if feasible. (b) The Commissioner of Public Health shall have the sole discretion to determine whether an event described in subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive, of subsection (a) of this section has occurred. The commissioner may consult with the office of the Attorney General in making such determination. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the commissioner to adopt the regulations described in subsection (a) of this section based on routine changes to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, 42 USC 1395dd, as described in subsection (a) of this section, that do not result in a material loss of patient rights. (d) If the commissioner adopts regulations pursuant to this section, the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health shall annually (1) review such regulations, and (2) make a recommendation to the commissioner as to whether the commissioner should maintain or repeal such regulations. Sec. 173. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Collateral costs" means any out-of-pocket costs, other than the cost of the procedure itself, necessary to receive reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services in the state, including, but not limited to, costs for travel, lodging and meals; (2) "Gender-affirming health care services" means all medical care relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria, as set forth in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", and gender incongruence, as defined in the most recent revision of the "International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems"; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 244 of 745 (3) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization that is exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time; (4) "Patient-identifiable data" means any information that identifies, or may reasonably be used as a basis to identify, an individual patient; and (5) "Reproductive health care services" means all medical, surgical, counseling or referral services relating to the human reproductive system, including, but not limited to, services relating to fertility, pregnancy, contraception and abortion. (b) There is established an account to be known as the "safe harbor account", which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account of the State Treasurer. The account shall contain any funds received from any private contributions, gifts, grants, donations, bequests or devises to the account and all earnings on such funds. The State Treasurer shall invest the moneys deposited in the account in a manner that is reasonable and appropriate to achieve the objectives of such account while exercising the discretion and care of a prudent person in similar circumstances with similar objectives. The State Treasurer shall give due consideration to the rate of return risk, term or maturity, the diversification of the total portfolio within such account, the liquidity of funds, the projected disbursements and expenditures of funds, and the expected payments, deposits, contributions and gifts to be received. The moneys in the account shall be continuously invested and reinvested in a manner consistent with the objectives of the account until disbursed in accordance with this subsection. Any administrative costs associated with maintenance or disbursement of moneys in the account shall be paid from the account and no taxpayer funds shall pay for such administrative costs, except nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the State Treasurer from utilizing available staff resources to administer the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 245 of 745 account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the board of trustees, established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, for the purpose of providing grants to (1) nonprofit organizations that provide funding for reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services or the collateral costs incurred by individuals in receiving such services in the state, or (2) nonprofit organizations that serve LGBTQ+ youth or families in the state for the purpose of reimbursing or paying directly to such youth or family members for the collateral costs incurred by such youth or family members in receiving reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services in the state. (c) The safe harbor account shall be administered by a board of trustees consisting of the following members: (1) The Treasurer, or the Treasurer's designee, who shall serve as chairperson of the board of trustees; and (2) Four members appointed by the Treasurer, (A) one of whom shall be a provider of reproductive health care services in the state, (B) one of whom shall have experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, (C) one of whom shall have experience working with providers of reproductive health care services, and (D) one of whom shall have experience working with providers of health care or mental health services to members of the LGBTQ+ community. When making such appointments, the Treasurer shall use the Treasurer's best efforts to ensure that the board of trustees reflects the racial, gender and geographic diversity of the state. (d) Not later than September 1, 2025, the board of trustees shall adopt policies and procedures concerning the awarding of grants pursuant to the provisions of this section. Such policies and procedures shall include, but need not be limited to, (1) grant application procedures, including procedures regarding subgrants, (2) eligibility criteria for House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 246 of 745 applicant nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, subgrantees, and for individuals served by such grants, (3) eligibility criteria for collateral costs, (4) consideration of need of the individuals served by such grants, including, but not limited to, the urgency or time sensitivity of the circumstances and financial need, and (5) procedures to coordinate with any national network created to perform similar functions to those of the safe harbor account, including, but not limited to, procedures for the acceptance of funding transferred to the safe harbor account for a particular use. Such policies and procedures shall not require the collection or retention of patient-identifiable data in order to receive a grant. Such policies and procedures may be updated as deemed necessary by the board of trustees. In the event that the board of trustees determines that the policies and procedures adopted pursuant to the provisions of this subsection are inadequate with respect to (A) determining the eligibility of a certain health care provider or nonprofit organization for a grant, or (B) whether a certain health care service received by or collateral cost incurred by an individual is eligible to be reimbursed or paid by a health care provider or nonprofit organization using grant moneys received pursuant to this section, the board of trustees may make a fact-based determination as to such eligibility. Sec. 174. (NEW) (Effective from passage) It is hereby declared that opioid use disorder constitutes a public health crisis in this state and will continue to constitute a public health crisis until each goal reported by the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council pursuant to subsection (f) of section 17a-667a of the general statutes is attained. Sec. 175. Section 17a-667a of the general statutes is amended by adding subsection (f) as follows (Effective from passage): (NEW) (f) The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council shall convene a working group to establish one or more goals for the state to achieve in its efforts to combat the prevalence of opioid use disorder in House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 247 of 745 the state. Not later than July 1, 2026, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding each goal established by the working group. Sec. 176. (NEW) (Effective from passage) There is established an account to be known as the "public health urgent communication account", which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Department of Public Health for the purposes of providing timely, effective communication to members of the general public, health care providers and other relevant stakeholders during a public health emergency, as described in section 19a-131a of the general statutes. Sec. 177. (NEW) (Effective from passage) There is established an account to be known as the "emergency public health financial safeguard account", which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Department of Public Health for the purposes of addressing unexpected shortfalls in public health funding and ensuring the Department of Public Health's ability to respond to the health care needs of state residents and provide a continuity of essential public health services. Said department shall not expend any moneys in the account for any of the purposes described in subsection (b) of section 173 of this act. Sec. 178. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Advanced practice registered nurse" means an individual licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse pursuant to chapter 378 of the general statutes; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 248 of 745 (2) "Physician" means an individual licensed as a physician pursuant to chapter 370 of the general statutes; (3) "Physician assistant" means an individual licensed as a physician assistant pursuant to chapter 370 of the general statutes; and (4) "Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy" means the death of a person with epilepsy that is not caused by injury, drowning or other known causes unrelated to epilepsy. (b) On and after October 1, 2025, each physician, advanced practice registered nurse and physician assistant who regularly treats patients with epilepsy shall provide each such patient with information concerning the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and methods to mitigate such risk. Sec. 179. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Automated external defibrillator" means a device that: (A) Is used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart; (B) contains internal decision-making electronics, microcomputers or special software that allows it to interpret physiologic signals, make medical diagnoses and, if necessary, apply therapy; (C) guides the user through the process of using the device by audible or visual prompts; and (D) does not require the user to employ any discretion or judgment in its use; (2) "Managed residential community" means a for-profit or not-for- profit facility consisting of private residential units that provides a managed group living environment consisting of housing and services for persons who are primarily fifty-five years of age or older. "Managed residential community" does not include (A) any state-funded congregate housing facility, (B) any elderly housing complex receiving assistance and funding through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's Assisted Living Conversion House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 249 of 745 Program, or (C) any affordable housing unit subsidized under the assisted living demonstration project established pursuant to section 17b-347e of the general statutes; and (3) "Nursing home" means (A) any chronic and convalescent nursing home or any rest home with nursing supervision that provides nursing supervision under a medical director twenty-four hours per day; or (B) any chronic and convalescent nursing home that provides skilled nursing care under medical supervision and direction to carry out nonsurgical treatment and dietary procedures for chronic diseases, convalescent stages, acute diseases or injuries. (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the administrator of each nursing home and each managed residential community shall (1) provide and maintain an automated external defibrillator in a central location on the premises of the nursing home or managed residential community, (2) make such central location known and accessible to staff members and residents of the home or community and family members of such residents who visit the home or community, and (3) maintain and test the automatic external defibrillator in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. Sec. 180. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Pancreatic cancer screening and referral services" means necessary pancreatic cancer screening services and referral services for a procedure intended to treat cancer of the human pancreas. (2) "Unserved or underserved populations" means patients who are: (A) At or below two hundred fifty per cent of the federal poverty level for individuals; (B) without health coverage for pancreatic cancer screening services; and (C) of an age at which pancreatic cancer screening services are deemed appropriate by medical professionals. (b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Public Health House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 250 of 745 shall establish, within available appropriations, a pancreatic cancer screening and treatment referral program within the Department of Public Health to (1) promote screening and detection of pancreatic cancer among persons who may be susceptible to the disease due to higher risk factors, (2) educate the public, including unserved and underserved populations, regarding pancreatic cancer and the benefits of early detection, and (3) provide referrals to appropriate pancreatic screening and counseling services and treatment referral services. (c) The program shall include, but need not be limited to: (1) The establishment of a public education and outreach initiative to publicize (A) pancreatic cancer screening services and the extent of health coverage that may be available for such services; (B) the benefits of early detection of pancreatic cancer and the recommended frequency of screening services, including clinical examinations; and (C) the medical assistance program and any other public or private program that patients may use to access such services; (2) Linkage to and coordination with pancreatic screening and counseling services and treatment referral services offered by health systems, health care entities and providers of such services that are recognized by the Department of Public Health; and (3) The use and dissemination of professional education programs concerning the benefits of early detection of pancreatic cancer and the recommended frequency of pancreatic cancer screenings. Sec. 181. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section: (1) "Emergency medical services personnel" means (A) any emergency medical responder certified pursuant to sections 20-206ll and 20-206mm of the general statutes, (B) any class of emergency medical technician certified pursuant to sections 20-206ll and 20-206mm of the general statutes, including, but not limited to, any advanced House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 251 of 745 emergency medical technician, and (C) any paramedic licensed pursuant to sections 20-206ll and 20-206mm of the general statutes; and (2) "Glucagon nasal powder" means a class of medications (A) referred to as glycogenolytic agents that cause the liver to reduce stored sugar to the blood and are intended for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in persons with diabetes who are treated with insulin, and (B) administered intranasally. (b) Any emergency medical services personnel who has been trained in the administration of injectable glucagon may administer glucagon nasal powder when the use of glucagon is deemed necessary by the emergency medical services personnel for the treatment of a patient. All emergency medical services personnel shall receive such training from an organization designated by the commissioner. (c) All licensed or certified ambulances may be equipped with glucagon nasal powder to be administered as described in subsection (b) of this section. Sec. 182. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section, (1) "hospital" has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-490 of the general statutes; and (2) "hospital financial assistance" means any program administered by a hospital that reduces, in whole or in part, a patient's liability for the cost of providing services, as defined in section 19a-673 of the general statutes. (b) The Office of the Healthcare Advocate shall contract with a vendor to develop an online hospital financial assistance portal for use by patients and family members. Such portal shall serve as a navigation tool to help patients and family members identify and apply for hospital financial assistance at hospitals in the state. The portal may include, but need not be limited to, (1) technical assistance and tools that streamline the application process for hospital financial assistance, (2) a screening House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 252 of 745 tool to help determine whether patients may be eligible for hospital financial assistance, and (3) information to assist patients and family members in avoiding future medical debt. (c) The Office of the Healthcare Advocate may, (1) in consultation with the Office of Policy and Management, publish on the Office of the Healthcare Advocate's Internet web site information regarding the state's medical debt erasure initiative authorized pursuant to section 48 of public act 23-204, as amended by section 1 of public act 24-81, and (2) in consultation with relevant organizations, develop recommendations concerning such initiative that may assist patients and family members in avoiding future medical debt, including, but not limited to, methods to streamline the application process for hospital financial assistance. (d) On and after July 1, 2026, any hospital maintaining a financial assistance program shall provide the Office of the Healthcare Advocate with the (1) links for each Internet web site for such program, and (2) telephone number and electronic mail address for the hospital's financial assistance referral contact. If a hospital revises its hospital financial assistance application form, changes its financial assistance referral contact or establishes a new hospital financial assistance program, the hospital shall notify the Office of the Healthcare Advocate of such revisions, changes or new program and provide said office with any new links for each Internet web site or the telephone number and electronic mail address of the new referral contact for such program not later than thirty days after making such revisions or changes or establishing a new program. Sec. 183. Section 19a-36h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) Not later than January 1, 2023, the commissioner shall adopt and administer by reference the United States Food and Drug Administration's Food Code [, as amended from time to time,] and any House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 253 of 745 revision thereto issued on or before December 31, 2024. The commissioner may adopt any Food Code Supplement published by said administration as the state's food code for the purpose of regulating food establishments. (b) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section and sections 19a-36i to 19a-36m, inclusive. Sec. 184. Section 19a-491f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Each home health care agency and home health aide agency, as such terms are defined in section 19a-490, except any such agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b or that operates solely as a hospice agency, a hospice program, as defined in subsection (b) of section 19-13-D72 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, a hospice-based home care program, as described in subsection (o) of section 19a-495-5b of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, or a hospice inpatient facility, as defined in section 19a-495-6a of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, shall, during intake of a prospective client who will be receiving services from the agency, collect and provide to any employee assigned to provide services to such client, to the extent feasible and consistent with state and federal laws, information regarding: (1) The client, including, if applicable, (A) the client's history of violence toward health care workers; (B) the client's history of substance use; (C) the client's history of domestic abuse; (D) a list of the client's diagnoses, including, but not limited to, psychiatric history; (E) whether the client's diagnoses or symptoms thereof have remained stable over time; and (F) any information concerning violent acts involving the client that is contained in judicial records or any sex offender registry information concerning the client; and (2) the location where the employee will provide services, including, if known to the agency, the (A) crime rate House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 254 of 745 for the municipality in which the employee will provide services, as determined by the most recent annual report concerning crime in the state issued by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection pursuant to section 29-1c, (B) presence of any hazardous materials at the location, including, but not limited to, used syringes, (C) presence of firearms or other weapons at the location, (D) status of the location's fire alarm system, and (E) presence of any other safety hazards at the locations. (b) To facilitate compliance with subparagraph (A) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section, each such agency shall annually review the annual report issued by the department pursuant to section 29-1c to collect crime-related data regarding the locations in the state where such agency's employees provide services. (c) Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (a) or (b) of this section, no such agency shall deny the provision of services to a client solely based on (1) the inability or refusal of the client to provide the information described in subsection (a) of this section, or (2) the information collected from the client pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. (d) Any health care provider, as defined in section 19a-17b, who refers or transfers a patient to a home health care agency, home health aide agency or hospice agency shall, at the time of such referral and to the extent feasible and consistent with state and federal laws, provide any documentation or information in such health care provider's possession relating to the topics described in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section. Sec. 185. Section 19a-491g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Each home health care agency, [and] home health aide agency and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 255 of 745 hospice agency, as such terms are defined in section 19a-490, [except any such agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] shall (1) (A) adopt and implement a health and safety training curriculum for home care workers that is consistent with the health and safety training curriculum for such workers that is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, including, but not limited to, training to recognize hazards commonly encountered in home care workplaces and applying practical solutions to manage risks and improve safety, and (B) provide annual staff training consistent with such health and safety curriculum; and (2) [conduct monthly safety assessments with direct care staff at the agency's monthly staff meeting] establish a system by which staff may promptly report an incidence of violence or potential threat of violence in conjunction with monthly safety assessments conducted with direct care staff, which assessments may occur through in-person or virtual staff meetings or other communication methods, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, text messages, telephone calls, a hotline or a reporting portal. (b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall require any home health care agency, [and] home health aide agency [, except any such agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] and hospice agency that receives reimbursement for services rendered under the Connecticut medical assistance program, as defined in section 17b-245g, to provide evidence of adoption and implementation of such health and safety training curriculum pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section, or, at the commissioner's discretion, an alternative workplace safety training program applicable to such agency to obtain reimbursement for services provided under the medical assistance program. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 256 of 745 (c) The commissioner may, within available appropriations, provide a rate enhancement under the Connecticut medical assistance program for any home health care agency, [or] home health aide agency [, except any such agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] or hospice agency for timely reporting of any workplace violence incident. For purposes of this section, "timely reporting" means reporting such incident not later than seven calendar days after its occurrence to the Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Health. Sec. 186. Subsection (a) of section 19a-491h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, each home health care agency, [and] home health aide agency and hospice agency, as such terms are defined in section 19a-490, [except any such agency that is licensed as a hospice organization by the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-122b,] shall report, in a form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Health, each instance of verbal abuse that is perceived as a threat or danger by a staff member of such agency, physical abuse, sexual abuse or any other abuse by an agency client or any other person against a staff member [of] relating to such staff member's employment with such agency and the actions taken by the agency to ensure the safety of the staff member. Sec. 187. Section 18-81qq of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) (1) There is, within the Office of Governmental Accountability established under section 1-300, the Office of the Correction Ombuds for the provision of ombuds services. The Correction Ombuds appointed pursuant to section 18-81jj shall be the head of said office. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 257 of 745 (2) For purposes of this section, "ombuds services" includes: (A) Evaluating the delivery of services to [incarcerated] persons who are incarcerated by the Department of Correction; (B) Reviewing periodically the nonemergency procedures established by the department to carry out the provisions of title 18 and evaluating whether such procedures conflict with the rights of [incarcerated] persons who are incarcerated; (C) Receiving communications from persons in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction regarding decisions, actions, omissions, policies, procedures, rules or regulations of the department; (D) Conducting site visits of correctional facilities administered by the department; (E) Reviewing the operation of correctional facilities and nonemergency procedures employed at such facilities. Nonemergency procedures include, but are not limited to, the department's use of force procedures; (F) Recommending procedure and policy revisions to the department; (G) Taking all possible actions, including, but not limited to, conducting programs of public education, undertaking legislative advocacy and making proposals for systemic reform and formal legal action in order to secure and ensure the rights of persons in the custody of the commissioner. The Correction Ombuds shall exhaust all other means to reach a resolution before initiating litigation; [and] (H) Publishing on an Internet web site operated by the Office of the Correction Ombuds a semiannual summary of all ombuds services and activities during the six-month period before such publication; and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 258 of 745 (I) Evaluating the provision of health care services, including, but not limited to, medical care, dental care, mental health care and substance use disorder treatment services, to persons who are incarcerated by the Department of Correction. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the Correction Ombuds shall act independently of any department in the performance of the office's duties. (c) The Correction Ombuds may, within available funds, appoint such staff as may be deemed necessary. The duties of the staff may include the duties and powers of the Correction Ombuds if performed under the direction of the Correction Ombuds. (d) The General Assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as necessary for the payment of the salaries of the staff and for the payment of office expenses and other actual expenses incurred by the Correction Ombuds in the performance of the Correction Ombuds' duties. Any legal or court fees obtained by the state in actions brought by the Correction Ombuds shall be deposited in the General Fund. (e) In the course of investigations, the Correction Ombuds shall rely on a variety of sources to corroborate matters raised by [incarcerated] persons who are incarcerated or others. Where such matters turn on validation of particular incidents, the Correction Ombuds shall endeavor to rely on communications from [incarcerated] persons who are incarcerated who have reasonably pursued a resolution of the complaint through any existing internal grievance procedures of the Department of Correction. In all events, the Correction Ombuds shall make good faith efforts to provide an opportunity to the Commissioner of Correction to investigate and to respond to such concerns prior to making such matters public. (f) All oral and written communications, and records relating to such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 259 of 745 communications between a person in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction and the Correction Ombuds or a member of the Office of the Correction Ombuds staff, including, but not limited to, the identity of a complainant, the details of the communications and the Correction Ombuds' findings shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed without the consent of such person, except that the Correction Ombuds may disclose without the consent of such person general findings or policy recommendations based on such communications, provided no individually identifiable information is disclosed. The Correction Ombuds shall disclose sufficient information to the Commissioner of Correction or the commissioner's designee as is necessary to respond to the Correction Ombuds' inquiries or to carry out recommendations, but such information may not be further disclosed outside of the Department of Correction. (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, whenever in the course of carrying out the Correction Ombuds' duties, the Correction Ombuds or a member of the Office of the Correction Ombuds staff becomes aware of the commission or planned commission of a criminal act or threat that the Correction Ombuds reasonably believes is likely to result in death or substantial bodily harm, the Correction Ombuds shall notify the Commissioner of Correction or an administrator of any correctional facility housing the perpetrator or potential perpetrator of such act or threat and the nature and target of the act or threat. (h) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes concerning the confidentiality of records and information, the Correction Ombuds shall have access to, including the right to inspect and copy, any records necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Correction Ombuds, as provided in this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to compel access to any record protected by the attorney- client privilege or attorney-work product doctrine or any record related House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 260 of 745 to a pending internal investigation, external criminal investigation or emergency procedures. For purposes of this subsection, "emergency procedures" are procedures the Department of Correction uses to manage control of tools, keys and armories and concerning department emergency plans, emergency response units, facility security levels and standards and radio communications. (i) In the performance of the responsibilities provided for in this section, the Correction Ombuds may communicate privately with any person in the custody of the commissioner. Such communications shall be confidential except as provided in subsections (e) and (f) of this section. (j) The Correction Ombuds may apply for and accept grants, gifts and bequests of funds from other states, federal and interstate agencies, for the purpose of carrying out the Correction Ombuds' responsibilities. There is established within the General Fund a Correction Ombuds account which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. Any funds received under this subsection shall, upon deposit in the General Fund, be credited to said account and may be used by the Correction Ombuds in the performance of the Correction Ombuds' duties. (k) The name, address and other personally identifiable information of a person who makes a complaint to the Correction Ombuds, information obtained or generated by the Office of the Correction Ombuds in the course of an investigation and all confidential records obtained by the Correction Ombuds or the office shall be confidential and shall not be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, as defined in section 1-200, or otherwise except as provided in subsections (f) and (g) of this section. (l) No state or municipal agency shall discharge, or in any manner discriminate or retaliate against, any employee who in good faith makes a complaint to the Correction Ombuds or cooperates with the Office of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 261 of 745 the Correction Ombuds in an investigation. (m) The Correction Ombuds may perform the following functions in the evaluation of the provision of health care services pursuant to subparagraph (I) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section: (1) Receive, investigate and respond to complaints regarding access to or quality of health care services within the Department of Correction; (2) Employ or contract with licensed health care professionals to provide independent clinical reviews of such complaints, when necessary; (3) Collect and analyze health-related data across correctional facilities, including, but not limited to: (A) Medical appointment wait times; (B) Mental health care access; (C) Medication access and continuity; and (D) Incidences of hospitalizations and mortalities; and (4) Make recommendations to the Departments of Correction and Public Health and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and the judiciary regarding necessary improvements in the delivery of health care services within correctional facilities. [(m)] (n) Not later than December [1, 2023, and] first, annually, [thereafter,] the Correction Ombuds shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the Department of Correction regarding the conditions of confinement in the state's correctional facilities and halfway houses, including, but not House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 262 of 745 limited to, the delivery of health care services in such facilities and halfway houses. Such report shall detail the Correction Ombuds' findings and recommendations, including, but not limited to, recommendations for any improvements in the delivery of such services. Sec. 188. (Effective from passage) The Probate Court Administrator and the Commissioner of Social Services shall evaluate the feasibility of establishing an expedited process for the appointment of a conservator for patients of hospital emergency departments who lack the capacity to consent to receive health care services from the hospital to ensure such patients receive such services in a timely fashion and help alleviate emergency department boarding and crowding. Not later than January 1, 2026, said administrator and commissioner shall jointly report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding such evaluation and any recommendations for legislation necessary to establish an expedited conservator process for emergency department patients. As used in this section, "emergency department boarding" means holding patients who have been admitted to the hospital after presenting to the emergency department in the emergency department while awaiting an inpatient bed. Sec. 189. Section 19a-490ii of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (a) Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter until January 1, 2029, each hospital in the state with an emergency department shall, and each hospital operated exclusively by the state may, directly or in consultation with a hospital association in the state, analyze the following data from the previous calendar year concerning its emergency department: (1) The number of patients who received treatment in the emergency department; (2) the number of emergency House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 263 of 745 department patients who were admitted to the hospital; (3) for patients admitted to the hospital after presenting to the emergency department, the average length of time from the patient's first presentation to the emergency department until the patient's admission to the hospital; and (4) the percentage of patients who were admitted to the hospital after presenting to the emergency department but were transferred to an available bed located in a physical location other than the emergency department more than four hours after an admitting order for the patient was completed. Each such hospital shall utilize such analysis with the goals of (A) developing policies or procedures to reduce wait times for admission to the hospital after a patient presents to the emergency department, (B) informing potential methods to improve admission efficiencies, and (C) examining root causes for delays in admission times. (b) Not later than March 1, 2025, and annually thereafter until March 1, 2029, each hospital that conducts an analysis pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and, not later than March 1, 2026, and annually thereafter until March 1, 2029, shall also submit such report to the Commissioners of Public Health and Health Strategy and the Healthcare Advocate, regarding its findings and any recommendations for achieving the goals described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of this section. Sec. 190. (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a working group to evaluate hospital discharge challenges, including, but not limited to, hospital discharge practices, and propose strategies to reduce discharge delays, improve transitions of care and alleviate emergency department boarding. (b) The working group shall consist of the following members, who House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 264 of 745 shall be appointed by the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health: (1) Two hospital administrators, who shall be a chief operating officer or vice president of care coordination, one of whom shall be from an urban hospital and one of whom shall be from a rural hospital; (2) Two emergency department physicians, who shall be nominated by a college of emergency physicians in the state; (3) One practicing hospitalist with experience in discharge planning; (4) Two executives of health systems, one of whom shall be from a community hospital; (5) One representative of a commercial health insurer licensed in the state; (6) One representative of a care management organization under a Medicaid care management contract with the state; (7) One representative of a skilled nursing facility; (8) One representative of a home health or community-based care organization; (9) One behavioral health provider involved in discharge transitions; (10) One primary care physician affiliated with a clinically integrated network; (11) One representative of a patient advocacy organization with expertise in transitions of care; (12) One representative of an association of hospitals in the state; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 265 of 745 (13) One academic or public health policy expert from an institution of higher education in the state; (14) The Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee; (15) The Commissioner of Health Strategy, or the commissioner's designee; (16) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's designee; (17) The Insurance Commissioner, or the commissioner's designee; and (18) One member of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and one member of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, who shall be nonvoting members of the working group. (c) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health shall serve as the administrative staff of the working group. (d) Not later than January 15, 2026, the working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and human services. Sec. 191. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section, "reserve fund" means a fund established for the purpose of holding funds not needed for immediate use or disbursement and does not include any special capital reserve fund or other debt service reserve House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 266 of 745 fund. (b) There is established a working group to oversee and monitor expenditures from each reserve fund of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, or the institutions of higher education within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, for the fiscal years ending 2026 to 2030, inclusive. The working group's responsibilities shall include, but need not be limited to, (1) monitoring expenditures from such reserve fund to ensure not less than thirteen per cent of such reserve funds are spent each year on educational and student services; (2) make recommendations to the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities on reserve fund expenditures; and (3) inform the General Assembly of the need for increased General Fund contributions for ongoing expenses. The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities shall regularly report to the working group, in the form and manner prescribed by the working group, the information necessary for the working group to fulfill its responsibilities. (c) The working group shall consist of the following members: (1) The chairpersons, vice chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement, or their designees shall serve as nonvoting, ex-officio members of the working group, provided (A) if such member is selected to serve as a chairperson of the working group pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, such member shall be a voting member of the working group, and (B) any designee of a chairperson or ranking member, who is not a member of the General Assembly, shall be a voting member of the working group; (2) Two appointed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, who shall be representatives from the Office of Policy and Management; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 267 of 745 (3) Two appointed by the chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, who shall be representatives from the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities; (4) The chairperson of the Board of Regents, or the chairperson's designee; (5) Seven appointed by the faculty advisory committee, established pursuant to section 10a-3a of the general statutes, who shall be representatives from labor organizations representing employees who work at the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. (6) One student representative appointed jointly by the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement, who shall be enrolled at the Connecticut State Community College or the Charter Oak State College; and (7) One student representative appointed jointly by the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement, who shall be enrolled at a Connecticut state university. (d) All initial appointments to the working group shall be made not later than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority. (e) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement shall select two members of the General Assembly, appointed to the working group pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section, to act as the chairpersons of the working group. Such chairpersons of the working group shall schedule the first meeting of the working group, which shall be held not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section. The working group shall House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 268 of 745 meet not less than once every two months and at such other times as may be necessary upon the call of the chairpersons of the working group. (f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement shall serve as administrative staff of the working group. (g) Not later than February 1, 2027, and each year thereafter until and including February 1, 2031, the working group shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes. The working group shall terminate after it submits its final report. Sec. 192. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) As used in this section and sections 193 to 195, inclusive, of this act: (1) "Lactation consultant" means a person who holds and maintains certification in good standing as an international board certified lactation consultant with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and is licensed pursuant to section 194 of this act; and (2) "Lactation consulting" means clinical application of scientific principles and a multidisciplinary body of evidence for evaluation, problem identification, treatment, education and consultation to families regarding the course of lactation and feeding, including, but not limited to, the following services: (A) Taking maternal, child and feeding histories; (B) Performing clinical assessments related to breastfeeding and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 269 of 745 human lactation through the systematic collection of subjective and objective information; (C) Analyzing relevant information and data; (D) Developing an unbiased lactation management and child feeding plan with demonstration and instruction to parents; (E) Providing lactation and feeding education, including, but not limited to, recommendations for and training in the use of assistive devices for lactation and breastfeeding; (F) Communicating to a primary health care practitioner and referring to other health care practitioners, as necessary; (G) Conducting appropriate follow-up appointments and evaluating outcomes; and (H) Documenting patient encounters in a patient record. Sec. 193. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) No person may practice lactation consulting, for compensation, unless licensed pursuant to section 194 of this act. (b) No person shall (1) hold himself or herself out to the public as being licensed as a lactation consultant, (2) use, in connection with such person's name or business, the title "licensed lactation consultant" or "lactation consultant" or the designation "IBCLC" or "L.C.", or (3) make use of any title, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia that may reasonably be confused with licensure as a lactation consultant, unless such person is licensed pursuant to section 194 of this act. (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who (1) is licensed or certified by the Department of Public Health pursuant to title 20 of the general statutes or by the Department of Consumer Protection pursuant to chapter 400j of the general statutes and providing House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 270 of 745 lactation consulting while acting within the scope of practice of the person's license or certification, provided the person does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (2) is a student enrolled in a lactation consulting educational program or an accredited education program the completion of which is required for licensure or certification by the Department of Public Health pursuant to title 20 of the general statutes or by the Department of Consumer Protection pursuant to chapter 400j of the general statutes, lactation consulting is a part of the student's course of study and the student is performing such consulting under appropriate program supervision, provided the student does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (3) provides lactation education and support through the federal Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, administered pursuant to section 19a-59c of the general statutes, or any other federally funded nutrition assistance program administered in the state, to participants in such program while acting within the person's job description and training, provided the person does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (4) is certified as a community health worker, as defined in section 20-195ttt of the general statutes, and providing lactation support to a HUSKY Health program member, provided the community health worker does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (5) provides education, social support, peer support, peer counseling or nonclinical services relating to lactation and feeding, provided the person does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", (6) is a doula or midwife and providing services within the doula's or midwife's scope of practice and for which the doula or midwife is trained, provided the doula or midwife does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant", or (7) is a public health professional and engaging in outreach, engagement, education, coaching, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, care coordination or research related to social determinants of health or a basic screening or assessment of any risk associated with social House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 271 of 745 determinants of health, provided the professional does not refer to himself or herself by the term "lactation consultant". Sec. 194. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) The Commissioner of Public Health shall grant a license as a lactation consultant to any applicant who furnishes evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such applicant has earned a certification as an international board certified lactation consultant from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, or any successor of said board. The commissioner shall develop and provide application forms. The application fee shall be two hundred dollars. (b) Any license issued under this section shall expire in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88 of the general statutes and may be renewed every two years, for a fee of one hundred dollars. Each licensed lactation consultant applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner of having a current certification as an international board certified lactation consultant with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, or any successor of said board, and having obtained continuing education units for such certification as required by said board. Sec. 195. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) The Commissioner of Public Health may deny an application of an individual or take any disciplinary action set forth in section 19a-17 of the general statutes against a lactation consultant for any of the following reasons: (1) Failure to conform to the accepted standards of the profession; (2) conviction of a felony, provided any action taken is based upon (A) the nature of the conviction and its relationship to the license holder's ability to safely or competently practice as a lactation consultant, (B) information pertaining to the degree of rehabilitation of the license holder, and (C) the time elapsed since the conviction or release; (3) fraud or deceit in obtaining or seeking reinstatement of a license to practice lactation consulting; (4) fraud or deceit in the practice of lactation House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 272 of 745 consulting; (5) negligent, incompetent or wrongful conduct in professional activities; (6) physical, mental or emotional illness or disorder resulting in an inability to conform to the accepted standards of the profession; (7) alcohol or substance abuse; (8) wilful falsification of entries in any hospital, patient or other record pertaining to lactation consulting; or (9) failure to maintain certification in good standing as an international board certified lactation consultant with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. The commissioner may order a license holder to submit to a reasonable physical or mental examination if his or her physical or mental capacity to practice safely is the subject of an investigation. The commissioner may petition the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford to enforce such order or any action taken pursuant to section 19a-17 of the general statutes. The commissioner shall give notice and an opportunity to be heard on any contemplated action under section 19a-17 of the general statutes. Sec. 196. Subsection (c) of section 19a-14 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026): (c) No board shall exist for the following professions that are licensed or otherwise regulated by the Department of Public Health: (1) Speech and language pathologist and audiologist; (2) Hearing instrument specialist; (3) Nursing home administrator; (4) Environmental health specialist; (5) Subsurface sewage system installer or cleaner; (6) Marital and family therapist and marriage and family therapist associate; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 273 of 745 (7) Nurse-midwife; (8) Licensed clinical social worker; (9) Respiratory care practitioner; (10) Asbestos contractor, asbestos consultant and asbestos training provider; (11) Massage therapist; (12) Registered nurse's aide; (13) Radiographer; (14) Dental hygienist; (15) Dietitian-Nutritionist; (16) Asbestos abatement worker; (17) Asbestos abatement site supervisor; (18) Licensed or certified alcohol and drug counselor; (19) Professional counselor and professional counselor associate; (20) Acupuncturist; (21) Occupational therapist and occupational therapist assistant; (22) Lead abatement contractor, lead consultant contractor, lead consultant, lead abatement supervisor, lead abatement worker, lead training provider, lead inspector, lead inspector risk assessor and lead planner-project designer; (23) Emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical responder and emergency medical House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 274 of 745 services instructor; (24) Paramedic; (25) Athletic trainer; (26) Perfusionist; (27) Master social worker subject to the provisions of section 20-195v; (28) Radiologist assistant, subject to the provisions of section 20-74tt; (29) Homeopathic physician; (30) Certified water treatment plant operator, certified distribution system operator, certified small water system operator, certified backflow prevention device tester and certified cross connection survey inspector, including certified limited operators, certified conditional operators and certified operators in training; (31) Tattoo technician; (32) Genetic counselor; (33) Behavior analyst; (34) Art therapist; (35) Esthetician; (36) Eyelash technician; [and] (37) Nail technician; and (38) Lactation consultant. The department shall assume all powers and duties normally vested with a board in administering regulatory jurisdiction over such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 275 of 745 professions. The uniform provisions of sections 192 to 195, inclusive, of this act, this chapter and chapters 368v, 369 to 381a, inclusive, 383 to 388, inclusive, 393a, 395, 398, 399, 400a and 400c, including, but not limited to, standards for entry and renewal; grounds for professional discipline; receiving and processing complaints; and disciplinary sanctions, shall apply, except as otherwise provided by law, to the professions listed in this subsection. Sec. 197. Subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of section 19a-88 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026): (2) Each person holding a license or certificate issued under section 19a-514, sections 192 to 195, inclusive, of this act and chapters 384a, 384c, 384d, 386, 387, 388 and 398 shall apply for renewal of such license or certificate once every two years, during the month of such person's birth, giving such person's name in full, such person's residence and business address and such other information as the department requests. Sec. 198. Section 46a-68b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): As used in this section and sections [4a-60, 4a-60a,] 46a-56 and 46a- 68c to 46a-68k, inclusive: (1) "Public works contract" means any agreement [between any individual, firm or corporation and the state or any political subdivision of the state other than a municipality] (A) for construction, rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair of [a public building, highway or other] changes or improvements in real property, [or which] and (B) that is financed in whole or in part by the state, including, but not limited to, matching expenditures, grants, loans, insurance or guarantees, [and "municipal public works contract", "quasi-public agency project" and] where such funding equals one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, (2) "awarding agency" [have] House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 276 of 745 has the same [meanings] meaning as provided in section 4a-60g, and (3) "construction manager" means a construction professional with primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of all construction or engineering activities for a project in accordance with a public works contract or other agreement with an awarding agency. Sec. 199. Section 4a-60 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) As used in this section: (1) "Contract" includes any extension or modification of the contract, but does not include a contract where each contractor is (A) a political subdivision of the state, including, but not limited to, a municipality, unless the contract is a public works contract, (B) any other state, as defined in section 1-267, (C) the federal government, (D) a foreign government, or (E) an agency of a subdivision, state or government described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C) or (D) of this subdivision; (2) "Contractor" includes any successors or assigns of the contractor; (3) "Public works contract" has the same meaning as provided in section 46a-68b; (4) "Marital status" means being single, married as recognized by the state of Connecticut, widowed, separated or divorced; (5) "Mental disability" means one or more mental disorders, as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", or a record of or regarding a person as having one or more such disorders; (6) "Minority business enterprise" has the same meaning as provided in section 4a-60g; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 277 of 745 (7) "Good faith" means that degree of diligence which a reasonable person would exercise in the performance of legal duties and obligations; (8) "Good faith efforts" includes, but is not limited to, those reasonable initial efforts necessary to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements and additional or substituted efforts when it is determined that such initial efforts will not be sufficient to comply with such requirements; and (9) "Awarding agency" has the same meaning as provided in section 4a-60g. [(a)] (b) Except as provided in section 10a-151i, every contract to which an awarding agency is a party [, every quasi-public agency project contract and every municipal public works contract] shall contain the following provisions: (1) The contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the contract such contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such contractor that such disability prevents performance of the work involved, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the state of Connecticut; and the contractor further agrees to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants with job-related qualifications are employed and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 278 of 745 disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such contractor that such disability prevents performance of the work involved; (2) The contractor agrees, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the contractor, to state that it is an "affirmative action-equal opportunity employer" in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities; (3) The contractor agrees to provide each labor union or representative of workers with which such contractor has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding and each vendor with which such contractor has a contract or understanding, a notice to be provided by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities advising the labor union or workers' representative of the contractor's commitments under this section, and to post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment; (4) The contractor agrees to comply with each provision of this section and sections 46a-68e and 46a-68f and with each regulation or relevant order issued by said commission pursuant to sections 46a-56, 46a-68e, 46a-68f and 46a-86; and (5) The contractor agrees to provide the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities with such information requested by the commission, and permit access to pertinent books, records and accounts, concerning the employment practices and procedures of the contractor as relate to the provisions of this section and section 46a-56. [(b)] (c) If the contract is a public works contract, [municipal public works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project,] the contractor agrees and warrants that he or she will make good faith House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 279 of 745 efforts to employ minority business enterprises as subcontractors and suppliers of materials on such public works [or quasi-public agency] project. [(c)] (d) Except as provided in section 10a-151i: (1) Any contractor who has one or more contracts with an awarding agency or who is a party to a [municipal public works contract or a contract for a quasi-public agency project] public works contract shall include a nondiscrimination affirmation provision certifying that the contractor understands the obligations of this section and will maintain a policy for the duration of the contract to assure that the contract will be performed in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of subsection [(a)] (b) of this section. The authorized signatory of the contract shall demonstrate his or her understanding of this obligation by (A) initialing the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the body of the contract, (B) providing an affirmative response in the required online bid or response to a proposal question which asks if the contractor understands its obligations, or (C) signing the contract. (2) No awarding agency [, or in the case of a municipal public works contract, no municipality, or in the case of a quasi-public agency project contract, no entity,] shall award a contract to a contractor that has not included the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the contract and demonstrated its understanding of such provision as required under subdivision (1) of this subsection. [(d) For the purposes of this section, "contract" includes any extension or modification of the contract, "contractor" includes any successors or assigns of the contractor, "marital status" means being single, married as recognized by the state of Connecticut, widowed, separated or divorced, and "mental disability" means one or more mental disorders, as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 280 of 745 or a record of or regarding a person as having one or more such disorders. For the purposes of this section, "contract" does not include a contract where each contractor is (1) a political subdivision of the state, including, but not limited to, a municipality, unless the contract is a municipal public works contract or quasi-public agency project contract, (2) any other state, as defined in section 1-267, (3) the federal government, (4) a foreign government, or (5) an agency of a subdivision, state or government described in subdivision (1), (2), (3) or (4) of this subsection. (e) For the purposes of this section, "minority business enterprise" means any small contractor or supplier of materials fifty-one per cent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which is owned by a person or persons: (1) Who are active in the daily affairs of the enterprise, (2) who have the power to direct the management and policies of the enterprise, and (3) who are members of a minority, as such term is defined in subsection (a) of section 32-9n; and "good faith" means that degree of diligence which a reasonable person would exercise in the performance of legal duties and obligations. "Good faith efforts" shall include, but not be limited to, those reasonable initial efforts necessary to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements and additional or substituted efforts when it is determined that such initial efforts will not be sufficient to comply with such requirements.] [(f)] (e) Determination of the contractor's good faith efforts shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following factors: The contractor's employment and subcontracting policies, patterns and practices; the timing and value of bids; affirmative advertising, recruitment and training; technical assistance activities and such other reasonable activities or efforts as the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities may prescribe that are designed to ensure the participation of minority business enterprises in public works projects. [(g)] (f) The contractor shall develop and maintain adequate House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 281 of 745 documentation, in a manner prescribed by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, of its good faith efforts. [(h)] (g) The contractor shall include the provisions of subsections [(a)] (b) and [(b)] (c) of this section in every subcontract or purchase order entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a contract with the state, and in every subcontract entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a [municipal] public works contract, [or contract for a quasi-public agency project,] and such provisions shall be binding on a subcontractor, vendor or manufacturer, unless exempted by regulations or orders of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The contractor shall take such action with respect to any such subcontract or purchase order as the commission may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance in accordance with section 46a-56; provided, if such contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the commission regarding a state contract, the contractor may request the state of Connecticut to enter into any such litigation or negotiation prior thereto to protect the interests of the state and the state may so enter. (h) The commission may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. Sec. 200. Section 4a-60g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) As used in this section and sections 4a-60h to 4a-60j, inclusive, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) "Small contractor" means (A) any contractor, subcontractor, manufacturer, service company or corporation that (i) maintains its principal place of business in the state, and (ii) is registered as a small business in the federal database maintained by the United States House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 282 of 745 General Services Administration, as required to do business with the federal government, or (B) any nonprofit corporation that (i) maintains its principal place of business in the state, (ii) had gross revenues not exceeding twenty million dollars in the most recently completed fiscal year prior to such application, and (iii) is independent. (2) "Independent" means the viability of the enterprise of the small contractor does not depend upon another person, as determined by an analysis of the small contractor's relationship with any other person in regards to the provision of personnel, facilities, equipment, other resources and financial support, including bonding. (3) "State agency" means each state board, commission, department, office, institution, council or other agency with the power to contract for goods or services itself or through its head. (4) "Minority business enterprise" means any small contractor (A) fifty-one per cent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which are owned by a person or persons who (i) exercise operational authority over the daily affairs of the enterprise, (ii) have the power to direct the management and policies and receive the beneficial interest of the enterprise, (iii) possess managerial and technical competence and experience directly related to the principal business activities of the enterprise, and (iv) are members of a minority, as [such term is] defined in subsection (a) of section 32-9n, or are individuals with a disability, or (B) which is a nonprofit corporation in which fifty-one per cent or more of the persons who [(i)] exercise operational authority over the enterprise, [(ii)] (i) possess managerial and technical competence and experience directly related to the principal business activities of the enterprise, [(iii)] (ii) have the power to direct the management and policies of the enterprise, and [(iv)] (iii) are members of a minority, as defined in this subsection, or are individuals with a disability. (5) "Affiliated" means the relationship in which a person directly, or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 283 of 745 indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, another person. (6) "Control" means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of any person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or through any other direct or indirect means. Control [shall be] is presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing, twenty per cent or more of any voting securities of another person. (7) "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, joint stock company, business trust, unincorporated organization or other entity. (8) "Individual with a disability" means an individual (A) having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, which mental impairment may include, but is not limited to, having one or more mental disorders, as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", or (B) having a record of such an impairment. (9) "Nonprofit corporation" means a nonstock corporation incorporated pursuant to chapter 602 or any predecessor statutes thereto, which is exempt from taxation under any provision of section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time. (10) "Municipality" means any town, city, borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough. (11) "Quasi-public agency" has the same meaning as provided in section 1-120. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 284 of 745 (12) "Awarding agency" means a state agency or political subdivision of the state, [other than] including a municipality or quasi-public agency. (13) "Public works contract" has the same meaning as provided in section 46a-68b. [(14) "Municipal public works contract" means that portion of an agreement entered into on or after October 1, 2015, between any individual, firm or corporation and a municipality for the construction, rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair of a public building, highway or other changes or improvements in real property, which is financed in whole or in part by the state, including, but not limited to, matching expenditures, grants, loans, insurance or guarantees but excluding any project of an alliance district, as defined in section 10-262u, financed by state funding in an amount equal to fifty thousand dollars or less. (15) "Quasi-public agency project" means the construction, rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair of a building or other changes or improvements in real property pursuant to a contract entered into on or after October 1, 2015, which is financed in whole or in part by a quasi-public agency using state funds, including, but not limited to, matching expenditures, grants, loans, insurance or guarantees.] (b) (1) (A) It is found and determined, based on the findings of a state- wide disparity study, that there is a serious need to help small contractors, minority business enterprises, nonprofit organizations and individuals with disabilities to be considered for and awarded state contracts for the purchase of goods and services [,] and public works contracts. [, municipal public works contracts and contracts for quasi- public agency projects.] Accordingly, the necessity of awarding such contracts in compliance with the provisions of this section, sections 4a- House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 285 of 745 60h to 4a-60j, inclusive, and sections 32-9i to 32-9p, inclusive, for advancement of the public benefit and good, is declared as a matter of legislative determination and with regard to the remedial measures set forth in this chapter that are necessary to address the effects of discrimination on the participation of minority business enterprises in state-funded contracting, such measures shall continue until such time as a subsequent state-validated disparity study finds that such measures are no longer necessary to correct the effects of discrimination that were found in the previous disparity study. (B) Not later than January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, in collaboration with the Office of Policy and Management, the Department of Administrative Services and office of the Attorney General, shall develop and issue a request for proposals to conduct a disparity study to make determinations, including, but not limited to: (i) Whether a statistically significant level of disparity exists in state-funded contracts between the percentage of minority business enterprises certified pursuant to subsection (j) of this section that are available in each industry category and the percentage of total dollars spent that goes to such minority business enterprises as contractors or subcontractors on such contracts, (ii) if the study finds strong evidence that such a statistically significant disparity does exist, whether factors other than race and gender can be ruled out as the cause of that disparity, (iii) whether such disparity can be adequately remedied with race and gender neutral measures, (iv) if it is determined that such disparity cannot be remedied solely using race and gender neutral measures, what narrowly tailored remedies might address any statistically significant disparities identified, and (v) whether there are any changes needed to provisions of the general statutes, regulations of Connecticut state agencies, policies or procedures to implement narrowly tailored remedies that would address any statistically significant disparities identified or bring the state into conformance with federal law. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 286 of 745 (2) [Notwithstanding any provisions of the general statutes, and except as set forth in this section, the head of each awarding agency shall set aside in each fiscal year, for award to small contractors, on the basis of competitive bidding procedures, contracts or portions of contracts for the construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation of public buildings, the construction and maintenance of highways and the purchase of goods and services. The total value of such contracts or portions thereof to be set aside by each such agency shall be at least twenty-five per cent of the total value of all contracts let by the head of such agency in each fiscal year, provided a contract for any goods or services which have been determined by the Commissioner of Administrative Services to be not customarily available from or supplied by small contractors shall not be included. Contracts or portions thereof having a value of not less than twenty-five per cent of the total value of all contracts or portions thereof to be set aside shall be reserved for awards to minority business enterprises.] (A) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Chief Data Officer or a designee of the Chief Data Officer, in consultation with the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, shall create a database of available contractors in each industry category. Such database shall indicate (i) which contractors are certified as small contractors and minority business enterprises pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, (ii) the industry and geographic location of each contractor, and (iii) any other information concerning the availability of such contractors. The Chief Data Officer shall post such database on the Internet web site of the Office of Policy and Management and shall update such database, in consultation with the commissioner and commission, not less than annually thereafter. (B) Prior to July 1, 2026, awarding agencies shall make good faith efforts toward the annual goals established during the prior fiscal year, for purposes of the spending allocation program. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 287 of 745 (C) On and after July 1, 2026, (i) state agencies shall establish annual spending allocation goals for goods and services by industry category pursuant to subsection (k) of this section, and (ii) awarding agencies shall establish contract-specific spending allocation goals for public works contracts that reflect and are consistent with the percentage of available businesses in the relevant industry and geographic market area that are identified as small contractors and minority business enterprises in the database established pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subdivision. Awarding agencies setting spending allocation goals and contractors awarded public works contracts shall make good faith efforts, as defined in section 4a-60, and consistent with state and federal law, to achieve the spending allocation goals established pursuant to this subparagraph. (3) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, and except as provided in this section, on and after [October 1, 2015] July 1, 2026, each [municipality when] awarding agency awarding a [municipal] public works contract shall state in its notice of solicitation for competitive bids or request for proposals or qualifications for such contract the agency spending allocation goals relevant to the contract and that the general or trade contractor shall be required to comply with the provisions of this section and the requirements concerning nondiscrimination and affirmative action under [sections] section 4a-60. [and 4a-60a. Any such contractor awarded a municipal public works contract shall, on the basis of competitive bidding procedures, (A) set aside at least twenty-five per cent of the total value of the state's financial assistance for such contract for award to subcontractors who are small contractors, and (B) of that portion to be set aside in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, reserve a portion equivalent to twenty-five per cent of the total value of the contract or portion thereof to be set aside for awards to subcontractors who are minority business enterprises. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any municipality that has established a set-aside program pursuant to House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 288 of 745 section 7-148u where the percentage of contracts set aside for minority business enterprises is equivalent to or exceeds the percentage set forth in this subsection. (4) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, and except as provided in this section, on and after October 1, 2015, any individual, firm or corporation that enters into a contract for a quasi-public agency project shall, prior to awarding such contract, notify the contractor to be awarded such project of the requirements of this section and the requirements concerning nondiscrimination and affirmative action under sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a. Any such contractor awarded a contract for a quasi-public agency project shall, on the basis of competitive bidding procedures, (A) set aside at least twenty-five per cent of the total value of the state's financial assistance for such contract for award to subcontractors who are small contractors, and (B) of that portion to be set aside in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, reserve a portion equivalent to twenty-five per cent of the total value of the contract or portions thereof to be set aside for awards to subcontractors who are minority business enterprises. (5) Eligibility of nonprofit corporations under the provisions of this section shall be limited to predevelopment contracts awarded by the Commissioner of Housing for housing projects. (6) In calculating the percentage of contracts to be set aside under subdivisions (2) to (4), inclusive, of this subsection, the awarding agency or contractor] Awarding agencies and contractors shall exclude any contract from the requirements of this subdivision and subdivision (2) of this subsection that may not be [set aside] subject to spending allocation goals due to a conflict with a federal law or regulation. [(c) The head of any awarding agency may, in lieu of setting aside any contract or portions thereof, require any general or trade contractor or any other entity authorized by such agency to award contracts, to set House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 289 of 745 aside a portion of any contract for subcontractors who are eligible for set-aside contracts under this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to diminish the total value of contracts which are required to be set aside by any awarding agency pursuant to this section.] [(d)] (c) The head of each awarding agency shall notify the [Commissioner of Administrative Services of all contracts to be set aside pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (b) or subsection (c) of this section] Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities of its spending allocation goals for public works contracts established pursuant to subparagraph (C) of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section at the time that bid documents for such contracts are made available to potential contractors. [(e)] (d) Prior to the award of a public works contract, a contractor shall submit to the awarding agency a signed statement from each subcontractor listed on the bid form stating that such contractor has communicated directly with each subcontractor about the work to be performed on such contract. The awarding [authority shall] agency may require that a contractor or subcontractor awarded a public works contract or a portion of such a contract [under this section] perform not less than thirty per cent of the work with the workforces of such contractor or subcontractor, [and shall require that not less than fifty per cent of the work be performed by contractors or subcontractors eligible for awards under this section] except such requirements shall not apply to construction managers, as described in section 46a-68d. A contractor awarded a contract or a portion of a contract under this section shall not subcontract with any person with whom the contractor is affiliated. No person who is affiliated with another person shall be [eligible for awards] counted towards an agency's spending allocation goal under this section if both affiliated persons considered together would not qualify as a small contractor or a minority business enterprise under subsection (a) of this section. [The awarding authority shall require that House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 290 of 745 a contractor awarded a contract pursuant to this section submit, in writing, an explanation of any subcontract to such contract that is entered into with any person that is not eligible for the award of a contract pursuant to this section, prior to the performance of any work pursuant to such subcontract.] [(f)] (e) The awarding [authority] agency may require that a contractor or subcontractor awarded a public works contract or a portion of such a contract under this section furnish the following documentation: (1) A copy of the certificate of incorporation, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement or other organizational documents of the contractor or subcontractor; (2) a copy of federal income tax returns filed by the contractor or subcontractor for the previous year; (3) evidence of payment of fair market value for the purchase or lease by the contractor or subcontractor of property or equipment from another contractor who is not eligible [for set-aside contracts] to be counted towards an agency's spending allocation goals under this section; (4) evidence that the principal place of business of the contractor or subcontractor is located in the state; and (5) for any contractor or subcontractor certified under subsection [(k)] (j) of this section on or after October 1, 2021, evidence of registration as a small business in the federal database maintained by the United States General Services Administration, as required to do business with the federal government. [(g)] (f) The [awarding authority or the Commissioner of Administrative Services or the] Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities may conduct an audit of the financial, corporate and business records and conduct an investigation of any [small contractor or minority business enterprise which applies for or is awarded a set- aside] contractor that is awarded a public works contract for the purpose of determining [eligibility for awards or] compliance with the requirements established under this section and section 4a-60. The House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 291 of 745 commission shall publish the results of any such audit on the commission's Internet web site. [(h)] (g) The provisions of this section shall not apply to [(1)] any awarding agency for which the total value of all contracts [or portions of contracts of the types enumerated in subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section] is anticipated to be equal to ten thousand dollars or less, or [(2)] any [municipal] public works contract [or contract for] of a municipality or a quasi-public agency [project] for which the total value of the contract is anticipated to be equal to fifty thousand dollars or less. [(i)] (h) In lieu of a performance, bid, labor and materials or other required bond, a [contractor or subcontractor awarded a] small contractor or minority business enterprise awarded a public works contract under this section may provide to the awarding [authority] agency, and the awarding [authority] agency shall accept, a letter of credit. Any such letter of credit shall be in an amount equal to ten per cent of the contract for any contract that is less than one hundred thousand dollars and in an amount equal to twenty-five per cent of the contract for any contract that exceeds one hundred thousand dollars. [(j)] (i) (1) Whenever the awarding agency has reason to believe that any contractor or subcontractor awarded a state [set-aside] contract has wilfully violated any provision of this section or section 4a-60, the awarding agency shall send a notice to such contractor or subcontractor. [by certified mail, return receipt requested.] Such notice shall include: (A) A reference to the provision alleged to be violated; (B) a short and plain statement of the matter asserted; (C) the maximum civil penalty that may be imposed for such violation; and (D) the time and place for the hearing. Such hearing shall be fixed for a date not earlier than fourteen days after the notice is mailed. The awarding agency shall send a copy of such notice to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 292 of 745 (2) The awarding agency shall hold a hearing on the violation asserted unless such contractor or subcontractor fails to appear. The hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. If, after the hearing, the awarding agency finds that the contractor or subcontractor has wilfully violated any provision of this section or section 4a-60, the awarding agency shall suspend all [set-aside] contract payments to the contractor or subcontractor and may, in its discretion, order that a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars per violation be imposed on the contractor or subcontractor. If such contractor or subcontractor fails to appear for the hearing, the awarding agency may, as the facts require, order that a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars per violation be imposed on the contractor or subcontractor. The awarding agency shall send a copy of any order issued pursuant to this subsection by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the contractor or subcontractor named in such order. The awarding agency may cause proceedings to be instituted by the Attorney General for the enforcement of any order imposing a civil penalty issued under this subsection. [(k)] (j) (1) [On or before January 1, 2000, the] The Commissioner of Administrative Services shall establish a process for certification of small contractors and minority business enterprises as eligible [for set- aside contracts] for contracts under the spending allocation program in accordance with the requirements of this section and available for state contracts. Each certification shall be valid for a period not to exceed two years, unless the Commissioner of Administrative Services determines that an extension of such certification is warranted, provided any such extension shall not exceed a period of six months from such certification's original expiration date. Any certification issued prior to October 1, 2021, shall remain valid for the term listed on such certification unless revoked pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection. The Department of Administrative Services shall maintain on its Internet web site an updated directory of small contractors and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 293 of 745 minority business enterprises certified under this section. (2) The Commissioner of Administrative Services may deny an application for the initial issuance or renewal of such certification after issuing a written decision to the applicant setting forth the basis for such denial. The commissioner may revoke such certification for cause after notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. Any person aggrieved by the commissioner's decision to deny the issuance or renewal of or to revoke such certification may appeal such decision to the Superior Court, in accordance with the provisions of section 4-183. (3) Whenever the Commissioner of Administrative Services has reason to believe that a small contractor or minority business enterprise who has applied for or received certification under this section has included a materially false statement in his or her application, the commissioner may impose a penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars after notice and a hearing held in accordance with chapter 54. Such notice shall include (A) a reference to the statement or statements contained in the application alleged to be false, (B) the maximum civil penalty that may be imposed for such misrepresentation, and (C) the time and place of the hearing. Such hearing shall be fixed for a date not later than fourteen days from the date such notice is sent. The commissioner shall send a copy of such notice to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. (4) The commissioner shall hold a hearing prior to such revocation or denial or the imposition of a penalty, unless such contractor or subcontractor fails to appear. If, after the hearing, the commissioner finds that the contractor or subcontractor has wilfully included a materially false statement in his or her application for certification under this subsection, the commissioner shall revoke or deny the certification and may order that a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars be imposed on the contractor or subcontractor. If such contractor or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 294 of 745 subcontractor fails to appear for the hearing, the commissioner may, as the facts require, revoke or deny the certification and order that a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars be imposed on the contractor or subcontractor. The commissioner shall send a copy of any order issued pursuant to this subsection to the contractor or subcontractor named in such order. The commissioner may cause proceedings to be instituted by the Attorney General for the enforcement of any order imposing a civil penalty issued under this subsection. [(l)] (k) On or before June thirtieth of each year, the Commissioner of Administrative Services shall provide each [awarding] state agency [setting aside contracts or portions of contracts] establishing annual spending allocation goals for goods and services under subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section a preliminary report establishing small contractor and minority business [state set-aside program goals] enterprise goals by industry based on the database established pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section for the twelve-month period beginning July first in the same year. On or before September thirtieth of each year, each such [awarding] state agency shall submit a final version of such report to the Commissioner of Administrative Services, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the cochairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to planning and development and government administration. [(m)] (l) On or before November first of each year and on a quarterly basis thereafter, each [awarding] state agency setting [aside contracts or portions of contracts] annual and contract-specific spending allocation goals under subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section shall prepare a status report on the [implementation and results of] progress made towards achieving its small [business] contractor and minority business enterprise [state set-aside program] goals during the three-month House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 295 of 745 period ending one month before the due date for the report. Each report shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Any [awarding] state agency that achieves less than fifty per cent of its small contractor and minority business enterprise [state set-aside program] goals by the end of the second reporting period in any twelve-month period beginning on July first shall provide a written explanation to the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities [detailing how the awarding agency will achieve] reporting the good faith efforts it will employ towards achieving its goals in the final reporting period. The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities shall: (1) Monitor the achievement of the annual and contract-specific goals established by each [awarding] state agency; and (2) prepare a quarterly report concerning such goal achievement. The report shall be submitted to each [awarding] state agency that submitted a report, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the cochairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to planning and development and government administration. Failure by any awarding agency to submit any reports required by this section shall be a violation of section 46a-77. [(n)] (m) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the janitorial or service contracts awarded pursuant to subsections (b) to (d), inclusive, of section 4a-82. [(o)] (n) The Commissioner of Administrative Services may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. Sec. 201. Section 4a-60h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 296 of 745 (a) The Commissioner of Administrative Services shall [be responsible for the administration of the set-aside program for public works contracts and state contracts for goods and services, as described in subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 4a-60g. The commissioner shall] conduct regular training sessions, as often as the commissioner deems necessary, for state agencies to explain the state [set-aside] spending allocation program and to specify the factors that [must] shall be addressed in calculating awarding agency goals under the program. The commissioner shall conduct informational workshops to inform businesses of [state set-aside] related opportunities and responsibilities. (b) The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities shall be responsible for the administration of the [set-aside] spending allocation program for [municipal] public works contracts. [and contracts for quasi-public agency projects, as described in subdivisions (3) and (4) of subsection (b) of section 4a-60g.] The commission shall conduct regular training sessions, as often as the commission deems necessary, for [municipalities, quasi-public agencies and] contractors to explain the [municipal and quasi-public agency project set-aside program. The commission may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of sections 4a-60g to 4a-60j, inclusive, in regard to the municipal and quasi-public agency project set-aside program] spending allocation program. [(c) In any case where an individual contract is both a public works contract of an awarding agency and a quasi-public agency project contract, the provisions of this chapter governing awarding agency public works contracts shall apply to such contract.] [(d)] (c) The Commissioner of Administrative Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of sections 4a-60g to 4a-60j, inclusive. [, in regard to the state set-aside program.] Such regulations shall include (1) provisions concerning the application of the spending allocation program to House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 297 of 745 individuals with a disability; (2) guidelines for a legally acceptable format for, and content of, letters of credit authorized under subsection [(j)] (h) of section 4a-60g; (3) procedures for random site visits to the place of business of an applicant for certification at the time of application and at subsequent times, as necessary, to ensure the integrity of the application process; and (4) time limits for approval or disapproval of applications. [(e) On or before January 1, 1994, the Commissioner of Administrative Services shall, by regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54, establish a process to ensure that small contractors, small businesses and minority business enterprises have fair access to all competitive state contracts outside of the state set-aside program.] Sec. 202. Section 46a-68c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): [(a) In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, each contractor with fifty or more employees awarded a public works contract, municipal public works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project in excess of fifty thousand dollars in any fiscal year, but not subject to the provisions of section 46a-68d, shall develop and file an affirmative action plan with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities which shall comply with regulations adopted by the commission. The executive director or the executive director's designee shall review and formally approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the content of the affirmative action plan not later than one hundred twenty days following the date of the submission of the plan to the commission. If the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a plan within such one- hundred-twenty-day period, the plan shall be deemed to be either approved or deficient without consequence. The executive director or the executive director's designee shall, not later than fifteen days after the date of deeming an affirmative action plan approved or deficient House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 298 of 745 without consequence, provide the contractor with written notification of the action taken with respect to such plan. Failure to develop an affirmative action plan that is either approved or deficient without consequence shall act as a bar to bidding on or the award of future contracts until such requirement has been met. (b) When the executive director or the executive director's designee approves an affirmative action plan pursuant to this section, the executive director or the executive director's designee shall issue a certificate of compliance to the contractor. Such certificate shall be prima facie proof of the contractor's eligibility to bid or be awarded contracts for a period of two years from the date of the certificate. Such certificate shall not excuse the contractor from monitoring by the commission or from the reporting and record-keeping requirements of sections 46a-68e and 46a-68f. The executive director or the executive director's designee may revoke the certificate of a contractor if the contractor does not implement its affirmative action plan in compliance with this section and sections 4a-60, 4a-60g, 46a-56, 46a-68b, 46a-68d, and 46a-68e to 46a- 68k, inclusive.] (a) In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, each contractor awarded a public works contract of more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, but not subject to the provisions of section 46a-68d, or a first-tier contractor who has entered into an agreement with a construction manager subject to the provisions of section 46a-68d, that is valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, shall develop and file a good faith efforts plan with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, which shall comply with the regulations adopted by the commission. Any plan filed pursuant to this section shall be filed not later than forty-five days from the date the contract or agreement is awarded. The commission may grant one fifteen-day extension for such filing to a contractor upon the request of the contractor. (b) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 299 of 745 review and formally approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the content of the good faith efforts plan not later than one hundred twenty days following the date of the submission of the plan to the commission. If the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a plan within such one- hundred-twenty-day period, the plan shall be deemed to be either approved or deficient without consequence. If a plan is disapproved, the contractor shall have forty-five days from the notice of disapproval to resubmit an amended plan in order to remedy the reasons for disapproval. The executive director or the executive director's designee shall have thirty days to approve or disapprove the resubmitted plan. If the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to review the resubmitted plan within such thirty-day period, the plan shall be deemed deficient without consequence. If the contractor fails to resubmit a plan or to remedy the reasons for disapproval, the plan shall receive a final disapproval from the executive director or the executive director's designee. (c) Any failure to submit a plan as required by this section or receipt of a final disapproval of a plan shall constitute a discriminatory practice, as defined in section 46a-51. Any contractor who has received a final disapproval may request reconsideration of the disapproval according to the procedures for reconsideration set forth in subsection (h) of section 46a-83. Sec. 203. Section 46a-68d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): [In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, every public works contract, municipal public works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project subject to the provisions of part II of chapter 60 shall also be subject to the provisions of this section. After a bid has been accepted but before a contract is awarded, the successful bidder shall file with and have obtained the approval of the executive director or the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 300 of 745 executive director's designee for an affirmative action plan. The executive director or the executive director's designee may provide for conditional acceptance of an affirmative action plan provided written assurances are given by the contractor that it will amend its plan to conform to affirmative action requirements. In the case of a public works contract, the state shall withhold two per cent of the total contract price per month from any payment made to such contractor until such time as the contractor has developed an affirmative action plan, and received the approval of the executive director or the executive director's designee. In the case of a municipal public works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project, the municipality or entity, as applicable, shall withhold two per cent of the total contract price per month from any payment made to such contractor until such time as the contractor has developed an affirmative action plan and received the approval of the commission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a contractor subject to the provisions of this section may file a plan in advance of or at the same time as its bid. The executive director or the executive director's designee shall review plans submitted pursuant to this section within sixty days of receipt and either approve, approve with conditions or reject such plan. When the executive director or the executive director's designee approves an affirmative action plan pursuant to this section, the executive director or the executive director's designee shall issue a certificate of compliance to the contractor as provided in section 46a-68c.] (a) In addition to the provisions of section 4a-60, a contractor awarded a public works contract valued at one million dollars or more or a construction manager which has entered into a contract providing for a guaranteed maximum price and has been awarded a public works contract valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, shall develop and file a good faith efforts action plan with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities which shall comply with regulations adopted by the commission. Any such plan shall be filed not House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 301 of 745 later than forty-five days from the date the contract is awarded or, in the case of a construction manager, the date the guaranteed maximum price agreement is executed. The commission may grant one fifteen-day extension for such filing to a contractor upon written request of the contractor. (b) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall review and formally approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the content of the good faith efforts plan not later than one hundred twenty days following the date of the submission of the plan to the commission. If the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a plan within such one- hundred-twenty-day period, the plan shall be deemed to be either approved or deficient without consequence. If a plan is disapproved, the contractor shall have thirty days from the notice of disapproval to resubmit an amended plan in order to remedy the reasons for disapproval. If the contractor fails to resubmit a plan or to remedy the reasons for disapproval, the plan shall receive a final disapproval from the executive director or the executive director's designee. (c) Any failure to submit a plan as required by this section or receipt of a final disapproval of a plan shall constitute a discriminatory practice, as defined in section 46a-51. Any contractor who has received a final disapproval may request reconsideration of the disapproval according to the procedures for reconsideration set forth in subsection (h) of section 46a-83. Sec. 204. Section 46a-68e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Each contractor shall file, and shall cause each of [his] such contractor's subcontractors to file, with the commission such compliance reports at such times as the commission may direct. Compliance reports shall contain such information as to the practices, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 302 of 745 policies, programs and employment policies, employment programs, and employment statistics of the contractor and each subcontractor and be in such form as the commission may prescribe. (b) All compliance reports shall be submitted not later than forty-five days after the substantial completion of the contract. The executive director or the executive director's designee shall have thirty days from the date of submission of a compliance report to review and formally approve or disapprove the compliance report. If the executive director or the executive director's designee fails to approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a plan within such thirty-day period, the plan shall be deemed to be either approved or deficient without consequence. (c) In the case of a public works contract subject to the provisions of section 46a-68d, the awarding agency shall withhold two per cent of the total contract price per month from any payment made to such contractor until such time as the contractor has submitted all compliance reports required by the commission and the reports have been approved by the executive director or the executive director's designee or deemed deficient without consequence. Sec. 205. Section 46a-68g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): No awarding agency [, or in the case of a municipal public works contract, no municipality, or in the case of a quasi-public agency project contract, no entity,] shall enter into a contract with any bidder or prospective contractor unless the bidder or prospective contractor has satisfactorily complied with the provisions of sections 4a-60, 4a-60g, 46a-56 and 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, or submits a program for compliance acceptable to the commission. Sec. 206. Section 46a-68k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 303 of 745 (a) If the commission determines an awarding agency [or in the case of a municipal public works contract, a municipality,] has a contract compliance program which is at least equivalent to the requirements and responsibilities of sections 4a-60 and 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, such agency, [or municipality,] subject to the approval of the commission, may use its own compliance program. Any contractor who is a party to a public works contract with such agency [or municipality] may be relieved of the requirements and responsibilities of said sections, provided such contractor complies with the requirements of such agency's [or municipality's] contract compliance program. (b) The commission shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, establishing a procedure for such determination and approval. Sec. 207. Subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of section 4-68cc of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (2) Before awarding a contract for a Neighborhood Security project, the state or the municipality shall state in its notice of solicitation for competitive bids or request for proposals or qualifications for such contract that the bidder is required to comply with the provisions of section 4a-60g, the requirements concerning nondiscrimination and affirmative action under [sections] section 4a-60 [and 4a-60a] and the provisions under subdivision (1) of this subsection regarding the hiring of a subcontractor. The state or the municipality may inquire whether a bidder is a business enterprise that participates in the Neighborhood Security Fellowship Program and may award preference points to such bidder. Sec. 208. Section 10a-151i of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 304 of 745 For any qualified contract described in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 10a-151f, and any revenue contract or nonmonetary contract that is not a qualified contract, as such terms are defined in section 10a-151f, that is entered into or amended on or after July 1, [2017] 2026, by the chief executive officer of the Board of Regents for Higher Education or the chief executive officer of an institution within the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents for Higher Education or by the chief executive officer of The University of Connecticut, the chief executive officer shall require such contract to either (1) comply with the provisions of subsection [(c)] (d) of section 4a-60, [and subsection (b) of section 4a-60a,] and set forth the full text of subdivisions (1) to (5), inclusive, of subsection [(a)] (b) of section 4a-60, [and subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (a) of section 4a-60a,] or (2) set forth the following affirmation: "Each party agrees, as required by [sections] section 4a-60 [and 4a-60a] of the Connecticut General Statutes, not to discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such party that such disability prevents performance of the work involved. Each party agrees to comply with all applicable federal and state of Connecticut nondiscrimination and affirmative action laws, including, but not limited to, [sections] section 4a-60 [and 4a-60a] of the Connecticut General Statutes.". Sec. 209. Subsection (d) of section 31-51q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a religious corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society that is exempt from the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 305 of 745 pursuant to 42 USC 2000e-1(a) or is exempt from [sections 4a-60a,] the provisions of section 4a-60, concerning sexual orientation, sections 46a- 81b to 46a-81o, inclusive, pursuant to section 46a-81p, with respect to speech on religious matters to employees who perform work connected with the activities undertaken by such religious corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society. Sec. 210. Subsection (b) of section 32-235 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (b) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development: (1) [for] For the purposes of sections 32-220 to 32-234, inclusive, including economic cluster-related programs and activities, and for the Connecticut job training finance demonstration program pursuant to sections 32-23uu and 32-23vv, provided (A) three million dollars shall be used by said department solely for the purposes of section 32-23uu, (B) not less than one million dollars shall be used for an educational technology grant to the deployment center program and the nonprofit business consortium deployment center approved pursuant to section 32-41l, (C) not less than two million dollars shall be used by said department for the establishment of a pilot program to make grants to businesses in designated areas of the state for construction, renovation or improvement of small manufacturing facilities, provided such grants are matched by the business, a municipality or another financing entity. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall designate areas of the state where manufacturing is a substantial part of the local economy and shall make grants under such pilot program which are likely to produce a significant economic development benefit for the designated area, (D) five million dollars may be used by said department for the manufacturing competitiveness grants program, (E) House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 306 of 745 one million dollars shall be used by said department for the purpose of a grant to the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, for the purposes of subdivision (5) of subsection (a) of section 32-7f, (F) fifty million dollars shall be used by said department for the purpose of grants to the United States Department of the Navy, the United States Department of Defense or eligible applicants for projects related to the enhancement of infrastructure for long-term, on-going naval operations at the United States Naval Submarine Base-New London, located in Groton, which will increase the military value of said base. Such projects shall not be subject to the provisions of [sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a] section 4a-60, (G) two million dollars shall be used by said department for the purpose of a grant to the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc., for manufacturing initiatives, including aerospace and defense, and (H) four million dollars shall be used by said department for the purpose of a grant to companies adversely impacted by the construction at the Quinnipiac Bridge, where such grant may be used to offset the increase in costs of commercial overland transportation of goods or materials brought to the port of New Haven by ship or vessel; [,] (2) [for] For the purposes of the small business assistance program established pursuant to section 32-9yy, provided fifteen million dollars shall be deposited in the small business assistance account established pursuant to said section 32-9yy; [,] (3) [to] To deposit twenty million dollars in the small business express assistance account established pursuant to section 32-7h; [,] (4) [to] To deposit four million nine hundred thousand dollars per year in each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2019, inclusive, and June 30, 2021, and nine million nine hundred thousand dollars in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, in the CTNext Fund established pursuant to section 32-39i, which shall be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 307 of 745 grants-in-aid to designated innovation places, as defined in section 32- 39f, planning grants-in-aid pursuant to section 32-39l, and grants-in-aid for projects that network innovation places pursuant to subsection (b) of section 32-39m, provided not more than three million dollars be used for grants-in-aid for such projects, and further provided any portion of any such deposit that remains unexpended in a fiscal year subsequent to the date of such deposit may be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development for any purpose described in subsection (e) of section 32-39i; [,] (5) [to] To deposit two million dollars per year in each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2019, to June 30, 2021, inclusive, in the CTNext Fund established pursuant to section 32-39i, which shall be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development for the purpose of providing higher education entrepreneurship grants-in-aid pursuant to section 32-39g, provided any portion of any such deposit that remains unexpended in a fiscal year subsequent to the date of such deposit may be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development for any purpose described in subsection (e) of section 32-39i; [,] (6) [for] For the purpose of funding the costs of the Technology Talent Advisory Committee established pursuant to section 32-7p, provided not more than ten million dollars may be used on or after July 1, 2023, for such purpose; [,] (7) [to] To provide (A) a grant-in-aid to the Connecticut Supplier Connection in an amount equal to two hundred fifty thousand dollars in each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2021, inclusive, and (B) a grant-in-aid to the Connecticut Procurement Technical Assistance Program in an amount equal to three hundred thousand dollars in each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2021, inclusive; [,] (8) [to] To deposit four hundred fifty thousand dollars per year, in House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 308 of 745 each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2021, inclusive, in the CTNext Fund established pursuant to section 32-39i, which shall be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide growth grants-in-aid pursuant to section 32-39g, provided any portion of any such deposit that remains unexpended in a fiscal year subsequent to the date of such deposit may be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development for any purpose described in subsection (e) of section 32-39i; [,] (9) [to] To transfer fifty million dollars to the Labor Department which shall be used by said department for the purpose of funding workforce pipeline programs selected pursuant to section 31-11rr, provided, notwithstanding the provisions of section 31-11rr, (A) not less than five million dollars shall be provided to the workforce development board in Bridgeport serving the southwest region, for purposes of such program, and the board shall distribute such money in proportion to population and need, and (B) not less than five million dollars shall be provided to the workforce development board in Hartford serving the north central region, for purposes of such program; [,] (10) [to] To transfer twenty million dollars to Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, provided ten million dollars shall be used by Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated for the purpose of the proof of concept fund established pursuant to subsection (b) of section 32-39x and ten million dollars shall be used by Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated for the purpose of the venture capital fund program established pursuant to section 32-41oo; [,] (11) [to] To provide a grant to The University of Connecticut of eight million dollars for the establishment, development and operation of a center for sustainable aviation pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10a- 110o; [,] and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 309 of 745 (12) [for] For up to twenty million dollars in investments in federally designated opportunity zones through an impact investment firm including, subject to the approval of the Governor, funding from the Economic Assistance Revolving Fund, established pursuant to section 32-231. Sec. 211. Section 46a-51 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): As used in [section 4a-60a and] this chapter: (1) "Blind" refers to an individual whose central visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses, or whose visual acuity is greater than 20/200 but is accompanied by a limitation in the fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees; (2) "Commission" means the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities created by section 46a-52; (3) "Commission legal counsel" means a member of the legal staff employed by the commission pursuant to section 46a-54; (4) "Commissioner" means a member of the commission; (5) "Court" means the Superior Court or any judge of said court; (6) "Discrimination" includes segregation and separation; (7) "Discriminatory employment practice" means any discriminatory practice specified in subsection (b), (d), (e) or (f) of section 31-51i or section 46a-60 or 46a-81c; (8) "Discriminatory practice" means a violation of section 4a-60, [4a- 60a,] 4a-60g, 19a-498c, 31-40y, subsection (b), (d), (e) or (f) of section 31- 51i, subparagraph (C) of subdivision (15) of section 46a-54, subdivisions House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 310 of 745 (16) and (17) of section 46a-54, section 46a-58, 46a-59, 46a-60, 46a-64, 46a- 64c, 46a-66 or 46a-68, sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, sections 46a- 70 to 46a-78, inclusive, subsection (a) of section 46a-80, sections 46a-81b to 46a-81o, inclusive, sections 46a-80b to 46a-80e, inclusive, or sections 46a-80k to 46a-80m, inclusive, or section [19a-498c] 49-41c; (9) "Employee" means any person employed by an employer but shall not include any individual employed by such individual's parents, spouse or child. "Employee" includes any elected or appointed official of a municipality, board, commission, counsel or other governmental body; (10) "Employer" includes the state and all political subdivisions thereof and means any person or employer with one or more persons in such person's or employer's employ; (11) "Employment agency" means any person undertaking with or without compensation to procure employees or opportunities to work; (12) "Labor organization" means any organization which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining or of dealing with employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment; (13) "Intellectual disability" means intellectual disability as defined in section 1-1g; (14) "Person" means one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, limited liability companies, legal representatives, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and the state and all political subdivisions and agencies thereof; (15) "Physically disabled" refers to any individual who has any chronic physical handicap, infirmity or impairment, whether congenital or resulting from bodily injury, organic processes or changes or from House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 311 of 745 illness, including, but not limited to, epilepsy, deafness or being hard of hearing or reliance on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device; (16) "Respondent" means any person alleged in a complaint filed pursuant to section 46a-82 to have committed a discriminatory practice; (17) "Discrimination on the basis of sex" includes, but is not limited to, discrimination related to pregnancy, child-bearing capacity, sterilization, fertility or related medical conditions; (18) "Discrimination on the basis of religious creed" includes, but is not limited to, discrimination related to all aspects of religious observances and practice as well as belief, unless an employer demonstrates that the employer is unable to reasonably accommodate to an employee's or prospective employee's religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business; (19) "Learning disability" refers to an individual who exhibits a severe discrepancy between educational performance and measured intellectual ability and who exhibits a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in a diminished ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations; (20) "Mental disability" refers to an individual who has a record of, or is regarded as having one or more mental disorders, as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"; (21) "Gender identity or expression" means a person's gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 312 of 745 associated with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth, which gender-related identity can be shown by providing evidence including, but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender- related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related identity or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held, part of a person's core identity or not being asserted for an improper purpose; (22) "Veteran" [means veteran as defined] has the same meaning as provided in subsection (a) of section 27-103; (23) "Race" is inclusive of ethnic traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles; (24) "Protective hairstyles" includes, but is not limited to, wigs, headwraps and hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, afros and afro puffs; (25) "Domestic violence" has the same meaning as provided in subsection (b) of section 46b-1; and (26) "Sexual orientation" means a person's identity in relation to the gender or genders to which they are romantically, emotionally or sexually attracted, inclusive of any identity that a person (A) may have previously expressed, or (B) is perceived by another person to hold. Sec. 212. Section 46a-56 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) The commission shall: (1) Investigate the possibilities of affording equal opportunity of profitable employment to all persons, with particular reference to job training and placement; (2) Compile facts concerning discrimination in employment, House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 313 of 745 violations of civil liberties and other related matters; (3) Investigate and proceed in all cases of discriminatory practices under this chapter and noncompliance with the provisions of section 4a- 60, [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, provided, the commission, whenever it has reason to believe that a person who is a party to a discriminatory practice case has engaged or is engaged in conduct that constitutes a violation of part VI, of chapter 952, may refer such matter to the Office of the Chief State's Attorney and said office shall conduct a further investigation as deemed necessary; (4) From time to time, but not less than once a year, report to the Governor as provided in section 4-60, making recommendations for the removal of such injustices as it may find to exist and such other recommendations as it deems advisable and describing the investigations, proceedings and hearings it has conducted and their outcome, the decisions it has rendered and the other work it has performed; (5) Monitor state contracts to determine whether they are in compliance with [sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a] section 4a-60, and those provisions of the general statutes which prohibit discrimination; (6) Compile data concerning state contracts with female and minority business enterprises and submit a report annually to the General Assembly concerning the employment of such business enterprises as contractors and subcontractors; (7) Develop and include on the commission's Internet web site a link concerning the illegality of sexual harassment, as defined in section 46a- 60, and the remedies available to victims of sexual harassment; (8) Develop and make available at no cost to employers an online training and education video or other interactive method of training and education that fulfills the requirements prescribed in subdivision (15) of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 314 of 745 section 46a-54; (9) Develop, in conjunction with organizations that advocate on behalf of victims of domestic violence, and include on the commission's Internet web site a link concerning domestic violence and the resources available to victims of domestic violence; and (10) Develop, in conjunction with organizations that advocate on behalf of victims of domestic violence, and make available at no cost to each state agency an online training and education video or other interactive method of training and education that fulfills the requirements prescribed in subdivision (19) of section 46a-54. (b) The commission may, when it is deemed in the best interests of the state, exempt a contractor from the requirements of complying with any or all of the provisions of section 4a-60, [4a-60a,] 46a-68c, 46a-68d or 46a-68e in any specific contract. Exemptions under the provisions of this section may include, but not be limited to, the following instances: (1) If the work is to be or has been performed outside the state and no recruitment of workers within the limits of the state is involved; (2) those involving less than specified amounts of money or specified numbers of workers; (3) to the extent that they involve subcontracts below a specified tier. The commission may also exempt facilities of a contractor which are in all respects separate and distinct from activities of the contractor related to the performance of the contract, provided such an exemption shall not interfere with or impede the effectuation of the purposes of this section and sections 4a-60, [4a-60a,] 4a-60g and 46a-68b to 46a-68k, inclusive. (c) (1) If the commission determines through its monitoring and compliance procedures that a contractor or subcontractor is not complying with antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions required under section 4a-60, [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, the commission may issue a complaint pursuant to subsection House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 315 of 745 (c) of section 46a-82. Such complaint shall be scheduled for a hearing before a human rights referee appointed by the chief referee to act as a presiding officer. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with chapter 54 and section 46a-84. If, after such hearing, the presiding officer makes a finding of noncompliance with antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions required under section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, the presiding officer shall order such relief as is necessary to achieve full compliance with any antidiscrimination statute and required contract provisions. (2) The presiding officer may: [(1) (A) In the case of a state contract, order the state] (A) Order the awarding agency to retain two per cent of the total contract price per month on any existing contract with such contractor that the [state] agency withheld pursuant to section [46a-68d and] 46a-68e and in the case of a state contract, transfer the funds to the State Treasurer for deposit in the special fund described in subsection (e) of this section; [, or (B) in the case of a municipal public works or quasi-public agency contract, order the municipality or entity to retain two per cent of the total contract price per month on any existing contract with such contractor; (2) prohibit] (B) Prohibit the contractor from participation in any further [contracts with state agencies or any further municipal public works contracts or quasi-public agency project contracts, as applicable] public works contracts until: [(A)] (i) The expiration of a period of two years from the date of the finding of noncompliance, or [(B)] (ii) the presiding officer determines that the contractor has adopted policies consistent with such statutes, provided the presiding officer shall make such determination not later than forty-five days after such finding of noncompliance; [(3) publish] (C) Publish, or cause to be published, the names of contractors or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 316 of 745 unions that the presiding officer has found to be in noncompliance with such provisions; [(4) notify] (D) Notify the Attorney General that, in cases in which there is substantial violation or the threat of substantial violation of section 4a- 60, [or 4a-60a,] appropriate proceedings should be brought to enforce such provisions, including the enjoining of organizations, individuals or groups that prevent, or seek to prevent, compliance with section 4a-60; [or 4a-60a; (5) recommend] (E) Recommend to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Department of Justice that appropriate proceedings be instituted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or related laws when necessary; [(6) recommend] (F) Recommend to the appropriate prosecuting authority that criminal proceedings be brought for the furnishing of false information to any awarding agency or to the commission; [(7) order] (G) Order the contractor to bring itself into compliance with antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions required under section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] or sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, not later than a period of thirty days after the issuance of such order or, for good cause shown, within an additional period of thirty days, and, if such contractor fails to bring itself into such compliance within such time period and such noncompliance is substantial or there is a pattern of noncompliance, recommend to the awarding agency that such agency declare the contractor to be in breach of the contract and that such agency pursue all available remedies; [or, in the case of a municipal public works or quasi-public agency project contract, recommend the municipality or entity to make such a declaration and pursue all available remedies; (8) order] (H) Order the awarding agency [or, in the case of a municipal public House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 317 of 745 works or quasi-public agency project contract, the municipality or entity,] to refrain from entering into further contracts, or extensions or other modifications of existing contracts, with any noncomplying contractor, until such contractor has satisfied the commission that such contractor has established and will carry out personnel and employment policies in compliance with antidiscrimination statutes and section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] and sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive; or [(9) order] (I) Order two or more remedies or other relief designed to achieve full compliance with antidiscrimination statutes and required contract provisions. (3) The commission shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. (d) If the commission determines, through its monitoring and compliance procedures, that, with respect to a [state contract, municipal public works contract or quasi-public agency project] public works contract, a contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier of materials has (1) fraudulently qualified as a minority business enterprise, or (2) performed services or supplied materials on behalf of another contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier of materials knowing (A) that such other contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier has fraudulently qualified as a minority business enterprise in order to appear to comply with antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions required under section 4a-60, [or 4a-60a,] and (B) that such services or materials are to be used in connection with a contract entered into pursuant to subsection (b) of section 4a-60g, the commission may issue a complaint pursuant to subsection (c) of section 46a-82. Such complaint shall be scheduled for a hearing before a referee assigned by the chief referee to act as a presiding officer. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 and section 46a-84. If, after such hearing, the presiding officer makes a finding that House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 318 of 745 a contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier of materials has violated this subsection, the presiding officer shall assess a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars upon such contractor, subcontractor, service provider or supplier of materials. (e) The Attorney General, upon complaint of the commission, shall institute a civil action in the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford to recover any penalty assessed pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. Any penalties recovered pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in a special fund and shall be held by the State Treasurer separate and apart from all other moneys, funds and accounts. The resources in such fund shall, pursuant to regulations adopted by the commission, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, be used to assist minority business enterprises. As used in this section, "minority business enterprise" means any contractor, subcontractor or supplier of materials fifty-one per cent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which is owned by a person or persons: (1) Who are active in the daily affairs of the enterprise; (2) who have the power to direct the management and policies of the enterprise; and (3) who are members of a minority, as defined in subsection (a) of section 32-9n. Sec. 213. Section 4b-95 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) The awarding authority shall furnish to every person applying therefor a form for general bid. (b) Every general bid submitted for a contract subject to this chapter shall be submitted on a form furnished by the awarding authority. The form provided by the awarding authority shall provide a place for listing the names and prices of subcontractors for the four classes of work specified in subsection (a) of section 4b-93, and for each other class of work included by the awarding authority pursuant to said subsection and state that: (1) The undersigned agrees that if selected as general House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 319 of 745 contractor, he shall, within five days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excluded, after presentation thereof by the awarding authority, execute a contract in accordance with the terms of the general bid; (2) the undersigned agrees and warrants that he has made good faith efforts to employ minority business enterprises as subcontractors and suppliers of materials under such contract and shall provide the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities with such information as is requested by the commission concerning his employment practices and procedures as they relate to the provisions of the general statutes governing contract requirements; and (3) the undersigned agrees that each of the subcontractors listed on the bid form will be used for the work indicated at the amount stated, unless a substitution is permitted by the awarding authority. General bids shall also include a signed statement from each subcontractor listed on the bid form that such subcontractor has communicated directly with the general bidder about the work to be performed on the specific contract prior to the submittal of the general bid. The awarding authority may require in the bid form that the general contractor agree to perform a stated, minimum percentage of work with his own forces. (c) General bids shall be for the complete work as specified and shall include the names of any subcontractors for the four classes of work specified in subsection (a) of section 4b-93, and for each other class of work for which the awarding authority has required a separate section pursuant to said subsection and the dollar amounts of their subcontracts, and the general contractor shall be selected on the basis of such general bids. It shall be presumed that the general bidder intends to perform with its own employees all work in such four classes and such other classes, for which no subcontractor is named. The general bidder's qualifications for performing such work shall be subject to review under section 4b-92. Every general bid which is conditional or obscure, or which contains any addition not called for, shall be invalid; and the awarding authority shall reject every such general bid. The House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 320 of 745 awarding authority shall be authorized to waive minor irregularities which [he] the awarding authority considers in the best interest of the state, provided the reasons for any such waiver are stated in writing by the awarding authority and made a part of the contract file. No such general bid shall be rejected because of the failure to submit prices for, or information relating to, any item or items for which no specific space is provided in the general bid form furnished by the awarding authority, but this sentence shall not be applicable to any failure to furnish prices or information required by this section to be furnished in the form provided by the awarding authority. General bids shall be publicly opened and read by the awarding authority forthwith. The awarding authority shall not permit substitution of a subcontractor for one named in accordance with the provisions of this section or substitution of a subcontractor for any designated subtrade work bid to be performed by the general contractor's own forces, except for good cause. The term "good cause" includes, but is not limited to, a subcontractor's or, where appropriate, a general contractor's: (1) Death or physical disability, if the listed subcontractor is an individual; (2) dissolution, if a corporation or partnership; (3) bankruptcy; (4) inability to furnish any performance and payment bond shown on the bid form; (5) inability to obtain, or loss of, a license necessary for the performance of the particular category of work; (6) failure or inability to comply with a requirement of law applicable to contractors, subcontractors, or construction, alteration, or repair projects; (7) failure to perform his agreement to execute a subcontract under section 4b-96. (d) The general bid price shall be the price set forth in the space provided on the general bid form. No general bid shall be rejected (1) because of error in setting forth the name of a subcontractor as long as the subcontractor or subcontractors designated are clearly identifiable, or (2) because the plans and specifications do not accompany the bid or are not submitted with the bid. Failure to correctly state a subcontractor's price shall be cause for rejection of the general bidder's House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 321 of 745 bid. (e) Any general contractor who violates any provision of this section shall be disqualified from bidding on other contracts that are subject to the provisions of this chapter for a period not to exceed twenty-four months, commencing from the date on which the violation is discovered, for each violation. The awarding authority shall periodically review the general contractor's subcontracts to insure compliance with such provisions, and shall after each such review prepare a written report setting forth its findings and conclusions. Sec. 214. Section 49-41c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): Any person contracting with the state shall make payment to any subcontractor employed by such contractor within [thirty] fifteen days of payment by the state to the contractor for any work performed or, in the case of any contract entered into on or after October 1, 1986, for materials furnished by such subcontractor, provided such contractor may withhold such payment if such contractor has a bona fide reason for such withholding and if such contractor notifies the affected subcontractor, in writing, of his reasons for withholding such payment and provides the state board, commission, department, office, institution, council or other agency through which such contractor had made the contract, with a copy of the notice, within such [thirty-day] fifteen-day period. Sec. 215. Subsection (a) of section 46a-68 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Each state agency, department, board and commission with twenty-five [,] or more [,] full-time employees shall develop and implement, in cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 322 of 745 Opportunities, an affirmative action plan that commits the agency, department, board or commission to a program of affirmative action in all aspects of personnel and administration. Such plan shall be developed pursuant to regulations adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities in accordance with chapter 54 to ensure that affirmative action is undertaken as required by state and federal law to provide equal employment opportunities and to comply with all responsibilities under the provisions of sections 4-61u to 4-61w, inclusive, sections 46a-54 to 46a-64, inclusive, section 46a-64c and sections 46a-70 to 46a-78, inclusive. The executive head of each such agency, department, board or commission shall be directly responsible for the development, filing and implementation of such affirmative action plan. The Metropolitan District of Hartford County shall be deemed to be a state agency for purposes of this section and sections 4a- 60 [, 4a-60a] and 4a-60g. Sec. 216. Subsection (d) of section 46a-81i of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (d) Every state contract or subcontract for construction on public buildings or for other public work or for goods and services shall conform to the intent of section [4a-60a] 4a-60. Sec. 217. Section 46a-81p of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): The provisions of [sections 4a-60a and] section 4a-60 concerning sexual orientation and sections 46a-81b to 46a-81o, inclusive, shall not apply to a religious corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society with respect to the employment of individuals to perform work connected with the carrying on by such corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society of its activities, or with respect to matters of discipline, faith, internal organization or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 323 of 745 ecclesiastical rule, custom or law which are established by such corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society. Sec. 218. Section 46a-81q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): The provisions of [sections 4a-60a and] section 4a-60 concerning sexual orientation and sections 46a-81b to 46a-81o, inclusive, shall not apply to the conduct and administration of a ROTC program established and maintained pursuant to 10 USC Sections 2101 to 2111, inclusive, as amended from time to time, and the regulations thereunder, at an institution of higher education. For purposes of this section, "ROTC" means the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Sec. 219. Subsection (c) of section 46a-82 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (c) The commission, whenever it has reason to believe that any contractor or subcontractor is not complying with antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions required under section 4a-60, [4a-60a] or 4a-60g or the provisions of sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, may issue a complaint. Sec. 220. Subsection (e) of section 46a-86 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (e) In addition to any other action taken under this section, upon a finding of noncompliance with antidiscrimination statutes or contract provisions required under section 4a-60 [or 4a-60a] or the provisions of sections 46a-68c to 46a-68f, inclusive, the presiding officer shall file with the commission and serve on the respondent an order with respect to any remedial action imposed pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) of section 46a-56. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 324 of 745 Sec. 221. Section 46a-81aa of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): The provisions of subsection [(a)] (b) of section 4a-60, subsection (c) of section 8-169s, section 8-265c, subsection (c) of section 8-294, section 8-315, subsection (a) of section 10-15c, section 10-153, subsection (b) of section 10a-6, subsection (a) of section 11-24b, sections 16-245r and 16- 247r, subsection (b) of section 28-15, section 31-22p, subsection (e) of section 31-57e, sections 32-277, 38a-358 and 42-125a, subsection (c) of section 42-125b, subsection (a) of section 46a-58, subsection (a) of section 46a-59, subsection (b) of section 46a-60, subsection (a) of section 46a-64, subsections (a) and (e) of section 46a-64c, subsection (a) of section 46a- 66, subsection (a) of section 46a-70, subsection (a) of section 46a-71, subsection (b) of section 46a-72, subsection (a) of section 46a-73, subsection (a) of section 46a-75, subsection (a) of section 46a-76, subsections (b) and (c) of section 52-571d and section 53-37a that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression shall not apply to a religious corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society with respect to the employment of individuals to perform work connected with the carrying on by such corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society of its activities, or with respect to matters of discipline, faith, internal organization or ecclesiastical rule, custom or law which are established by such corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society. Sec. 222. Subsection (b) of section 4-261 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (b) Each project shall comply with: (1) The state's environmental policy requirements as set forth in sections 22a-1 and 22a-1a, (2) the requirements of the [set-aside] spending allocation program for small contractors as set forth in section 4a-60g, and (3) any applicable House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 325 of 745 permitting or inspection requirements for projects of a similar type, scope and size as set forth in the general statutes or the local ordinances of the municipality where the project is to be located. Sec. 223. Subsection (e) of section 4a-52a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 4a-51 and 4a-52, the Commissioner of Administrative Services may delegate authority to any state agency to purchase supplies, materials, equipment and contractual services, consistent with section 4a-67c, if the commissioner determines, in writing, that (1) such delegation would reduce state purchasing costs or result in more efficient state purchasing, and (2) the agency has employees with experience and expertise in state purchasing statutes, regulations and procedures. In determining which agencies to delegate such purchasing authority to, the commissioner shall give preference to agencies which have exceeded the [set-aside] spending allocation requirements of section 4a-60g. An agency to whom such authority is delegated shall comply with all such statutes, regulations and procedures. The Commissioner of Administrative Services or his or her designee shall periodically review each such delegation of purchasing authority and may revoke or modify a delegation upon determining that the agency has violated any provision of the delegation or that there is evidence of insufficient competition in the competitive bidding or competitive negotiation process. Sec. 224. Subsection (d) of section 8-169mm of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (d) The authority shall designate a contract compliance officer from its staff to monitor compliance of the operations of facilities and parking facilities associated with authority development projects that are under House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 326 of 745 the management or control of the authority, with (1) the provisions of state law applicable to such operations, and (2) applicable requirements of contracts entered into by the authority relating to [set-asides] spending allocation goals for small contractors and minority business enterprises and required efforts to hire available and qualified members of minorities, as defined in section 32-9n. Each year during the period of operations of facilities associated with authority development projects, such officer shall file a written report with the authority as to findings and recommendations regarding such compliance. Sec. 225. Section 13b-20o of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the Department of Transportation may set aside any contract or portions thereof, or require any general or trade contractor or any other entity authorized by the department to award contracts to set aside a portion of any contract for contractors or subcontractors that had gross revenues not exceeding three million dollars in the most recently completed fiscal year prior to the contract award. Nothing in this section shall be construed to diminish the total value of contracts that are required to [be set aside by] comply with spending allocation goals of the department pursuant to section 4a-60g. Sec. 226. Section 4e-15 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): Nothing in sections 4e-1 to 4e-14, inclusive, and 4e-16 shall be construed to affect the requirements of subsection (g) of section 4a-57, subsection [(p)] (m) of section 4a-60g, sections 4a-82 and 17a-796 and subsection (c) of section 31-57g. Sec. 227. Section 4a-60a of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective October 1, 2025) House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 327 of 745 Sec. 228. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Comptroller shall conduct a study on the compensation of transportation network company drivers and third-party delivery company drivers in the state. In conducting such study, the Comptroller shall obtain and analyze data and information related to income earned by transportation network company drivers and third-party delivery company drivers for services provided by such drivers in the state and costs directly attributable to providing such services. Such data and information shall be aggregated in a manner that does not report personally identifiable information and shall exclude any proprietary, trade secret, competitively sensitive or otherwise confidential commercial information that is not publicly available. The Comptroller may enter into a contract with a consultant in order to conduct such study. Not later than July 1, 2026, the Comptroller shall file a report on such data and information, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, with the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees. (b) The Comptroller shall, within available appropriations, spend not more than one hundred thousand dollars on conducting such study. Sec. 229. (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a working group to study the working conditions and compensation of transportation network company and third-party delivery company drivers. Such study shall include, but need not be limited to, a review of the report submitted pursuant to section 228 of this act. The working group shall provide recommendations relating to (1) minimum pay for transportation network company drivers and third-party delivery company drivers, and (2) the fair treatment of transportation network company and third-party delivery company drivers. (b) The working group shall consist of the following members: (1) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 328 of 745 Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees, or their designees; (2) Two appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall have experience working with transportation network company drivers, and one of whom shall be a representative of a third-party delivery company; (3) Two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one of whom shall be a transportation network company driver, and one of whom shall be a representative of third-party delivery company drivers; (4) Two appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom has experience working with transportation network company drivers and one of whom shall be a transportation network company driver; (5) Two appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, one of whom has experience working with transportation network company drivers and one of whom shall be a transportation network company driver; (6) Two appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom is a representative of a transportation network company and one of whom is a representative of a third party delivery company; (7) Two appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, one of whom is a representative of a transportation network company and one of whom is a representative from an association representing business and industry in the state; (8) The Labor Commissioner, or the Labor Commissioner's designee; (9) The Commissioner of Transportation, or the commissioner's designee; and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 329 of 745 (10) The Comptroller, or the Comptroller's designee. (c) Any member of the working group appointed under subdivision (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7) of subsection (b) of this section may be a member of the General Assembly. (d) All initial appointments to the working group shall be made not later than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority. (e) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employee's shall be the chairpersons of the working group. Such chairpersons shall schedule the first meeting of the working group, which shall be held not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section. The working group shall meet not less than once per month and such other times as the chairpersons deem necessary. (f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees shall serve as administrative staff of the working group. (g) Not later than January 1, 2027, the working group shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes. The working group shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January 1, 2027, whichever is later. Sec. 230. Section 2 of number 70 of the special acts of 1899 is amended to read as follows (Effective July 1, 2025): Said corporation may receive, purchase [,] and hold or lease any real House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 330 of 745 or personal estate. [, provided that it shall not hold any property the value of which shall exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars.] Sec. 231. Section 12-195h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Any municipality, by resolution of its legislative body, as defined in section 1-1, may assign, for consideration, any and all liens filed by the tax collector to secure unpaid taxes on real property as provided under the provisions of this chapter. The consideration received by the municipality shall be negotiated between the municipality and the assignee. (b) The assignee or assignees of such liens shall have and possess the same powers and rights at law or in equity that such municipality and municipality's tax collector would have had if the lien had not been assigned with regard to the precedence and priority of such lien, the accrual of interest and the fees and expenses of collection and of preparing and recording the assignment, except that: (1) For assignments executed on or after July 1, 2026, commencing on the date of the assignment, interest shall accrue on the delinquent portion of the principal of the assigned tax obligation at the rate of twelve per cent per annum; and (2) any such assignee [(1)] (A) shall not be insulated from liability for its conduct by virtue of the provisions of section 42-110c, and [(2)] (B) shall be obligated to provide a payoff statement, as defined in section 49-8a, in the same manner as a mortgagee in accordance with the requirements of section 49-10a. The assignee shall have the same rights to enforce such liens as any private party holding a lien on real property including, but not limited to, foreclosure and a suit on the debt. (c) (1) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2022, shall be valid or enforceable unless memorialized in a contract executed by the municipality and the assignee that is in writing and provides: [(1)] (A) The manner in which the assignee will provide to the owner of the real House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 331 of 745 property that is the subject of the assignment one or more addresses and telephone numbers that may be used for correspondence with the assignee about the debt and payment thereof; [(2)] (B) the earliest and latest dates by which the assignee shall commence any foreclosure or suit on the debt or the manner for determining such dates, except as may be impacted by any payment arrangement, bankruptcy petition or other circumstance, provided in no event shall the assignee commence a foreclosure suit before one year has elapsed since the assignee's purchase of the lien; [(3)] (C) the structure and rates of attorney's fees that the assignee may claim against the owner or owners of such real property in any foreclosure, suit on the debt or otherwise, and a prohibition from using as foreclosure counsel any attorney or law office that is owned by, employs or contracts with any person having an interest in such assignee; [(4)] (D) confirmation that the owner of the real property for which the lien has been filed shall be a third-party beneficiary entitled to enforce the covenants and responsibilities of the assignee as contained in the contract; [(5)] (E) a prohibition on the assignee assigning the lien without the municipality's prior written consent; [(6)] (F) the detail and frequency of reports provided to the municipality's tax collector regarding the status of the assigned liens; [(7)] (G) confirmation that the assignee is not ineligible, pursuant to section 31-57b, to be assigned the lien because of occupational safety and health law violations; [(8)] (H) disclosure of [(A)] (i) all resolved and pending arbitrations and litigation matters in which the assignee or any of its principals have been involved within the last ten years, except foreclosure actions involving liens purchased from or assigned by governmental entities, [(B)] (ii) all criminal proceedings that the assignee or any of its principals has ever been the subject, [(C)] (iii) any interest in the subject property held by the assignee or any of its principals, officers or agents, and [(D)] (iv) each instance in which the assignee or any of its principals was found to have violated any state or local ethics law, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or standard, or to have committed any other offense arising out of the submission of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 332 of 745 proposals or bids or the performance of work on public contract; and [(9)] (I) such additional terms to which the municipality and the assignee mutually agree, consistent with applicable law. (2) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2026, shall be valid or enforceable unless such assignment is memorialized in a written contract that: (A) Is executed by the municipality and the assignee; (B) includes a requirement that no attorney's fees shall be received, claimed or collected until the commencement of a foreclosure or suit on the debt; and (C) includes the provisions set forth in subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of subdivision (1) of this subsection. (d) The assignee, or any subsequent assignee, shall provide written notice of an assignment, not later than sixty days after the date of such assignment, to the owner and any holder of a mortgage, on the real property that is the subject of the assignment, provided such owner or holder is of record as of the date of such assignment. Such notice shall include information sufficient to identify: (1) [the] The property that is subject to the lien and in which the holder has an interest; [,] (2) the name and addresses of the assignee; [,] and (3) the amount of unpaid taxes, interest and fees being assigned relative to the subject property as of the date of the assignment. (e) Not less than sixty days prior to commencing an action to foreclose a lien under this section, the assignee shall provide a written notice, by first-class mail, to the holders of all first or second security interests on the property subject to the lien that were recorded before the date the assessment the lien sought to be enforced became delinquent. Such notice shall set forth: (1) The amount of unpaid debt owed to the assignee as of the date of the notice; (2) the amount of any attorney's fees and costs incurred by the assignee in the enforcement of the lien as of the date of the notice; (3) a statement of the assignee's intention to foreclose the lien if the amounts set forth pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection are not paid to the assignee on or before sixty House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 333 of 745 days after the date the notice is provided; (4) the assignee's contact information, including, but not limited to, the assignee's name, mailing address, telephone number and electronic mail address, if any; and (5) instructions concerning the acceptable means of making a payment on the amounts owed to the assignee as set forth pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection. Any notice required under this subsection shall be effective upon the date such notice is provided. (f) When providing the written notice required under subsection (e) of this section, the assignee may rely on the last recorded security interest of record in identifying the name and mailing address of the holder of such interest, unless the holder of such interest is the plaintiff in an action pending in Superior Court to enforce such interest, in which case the assignee shall provide the written notice to the attorney appearing on behalf of the plaintiff. (g) Each aspect of a foreclosure, sale or other disposition under this section, including, but not limited to, the costs, [attorney] attorney's fees, method, advertising, time, date, place and terms, shall be commercially reasonable, and, for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2026, such attorney's fees shall not exceed fifteen per cent of the amount of any judgment that is entered. Sec. 232. Section 7-254 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) Any assessment of benefits or any installment thereof, not paid within thirty days after the due date, shall be delinquent and shall be subject to interest from such due date at the interest rate and in the manner provided by the general statutes for delinquent property taxes. Each addition of interest shall be collectible as a part of such assessment. (b) Whenever any installment of an assessment becomes delinquent, the interest on such delinquent installment shall be as provided in House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 334 of 745 subsection (a) of this section or five dollars, whichever is greater. Any unpaid assessment and any interest due thereon shall constitute a lien upon the real estate against which the assessment was levied from the date of such levy. Each such lien may be continued, recorded and released in the manner provided by the general statutes for continuing, recording and releasing property tax liens. Each such lien shall take precedence over all other liens and encumbrances except taxes and may be enforced in the same manner as property tax liens. The tax collector of the municipality may collect such assessments in accordance with any mandatory provision of the general statutes for the collection of property taxes and the municipality may recover any such assessment in a civil action against any person liable therefor. (c) Any municipality, by resolution of its legislative body, may assign, for consideration, any and all liens filed by the tax collector to secure unpaid sewer assessments as provided under the provisions of this chapter. The consideration received by the municipality shall be negotiated between the municipality and the assignee. (d) The assignee or assignees of such liens shall have and possess the same powers and rights at law or in equity as such municipality and municipality's tax collector would have had if the lien had not been assigned with regard to the precedence and priority of such lien, the accrual of interest and the fees and expenses of collection, except that any such assignee: (1) [shall] Shall not be insulated from liability by virtue of the provisions of section 42-110c; [,] and (2) shall be obligated to provide a payoff statement, as defined in section 49-8a, in the same manner as a mortgagee in accordance with the requirements of section 49-10a. The assignee shall have the same rights to enforce such liens as any private party holding a lien on real property, including, but not limited to, foreclosure and a suit on the debt. (e) (1) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2022, shall be valid or enforceable unless memorialized in a contract executed by the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 335 of 745 authority and the assignee that is in writing and provides: [(1)] (A) The manner in which the assignee will provide to the owner of the real property that is the subject of the assignment one or more addresses and telephone numbers that may be used for correspondence with the assignee about the debt and payment thereof; [(2)] (B) the earliest and latest dates by which the assignee shall commence any foreclosure or suit on the debt or the manner for determining such dates, except as may be impacted by any payment arrangement, bankruptcy petition or other circumstance, provided in no event shall the assignee commence a foreclosure suit before one year has elapsed since the assignee's purchase of the lien; [(3)] (C) the structure and rates of attorney's fees that the assignee may claim against the owner or owners of such real property in any foreclosure, suit on the debt or otherwise, and a prohibition from using as foreclosure counsel any attorney or law office that is owned by, employs or contracts with any person having an interest in such assignee; [(4)] (D) confirmation that the owner of the real property for which the lien has been filed shall be a third-party beneficiary entitled to enforce the covenants and responsibilities of the assignee as contained in the contract; [(5)] (E) a prohibition on the assignee assigning the lien without the municipality's prior written consent; [(6)] (F) the detail and frequency of reports provided to the municipality's tax collector regarding the status of the assigned liens; [(7)] (G) confirmation that the assignee is not ineligible, pursuant to section 31-57b, to be assigned the lien because of occupational safety and health law violations; [(8)] (H) disclosure of [(A)] (i) all resolved and pending arbitrations and litigation matters in which the assignee or any of its principals have been involved within the last ten years, except foreclosure actions involving liens purchased from or assigned by governmental entities, [(B)] (ii) all criminal proceedings that the assignee or any of its principals has ever been the subject, [(C)] (iii) any interest in the subject property held by the assignee or any of its principals, officers or agents, and [(D)] (iv) each instance in which the assignee or any of its principals was found to have violated any state or House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 336 of 745 local ethics law, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or standard, or to have committed any other offense arising out of the submission of proposals or bids or the performance of work on public contract; and [(9)] (I) such additional terms to which the municipality and the assignee mutually agree, consistent with applicable law. (2) No such assignment executed on or after July 1, 2026, shall be valid or enforceable unless such assignment is memorialized in a written contract that: (A) Is executed by the authority and the assignee; (B) includes a requirement that no attorney's fees shall be received, claimed or collected until the commencement of a foreclosure or suit on the debt; and (C) includes the provisions set forth in subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of subdivision (1) of this subsection. (f) The assignee, or any subsequent assignee, shall provide written notice of an assignment, not later than sixty days after the date of such assignment, to the owner and any holder of a mortgage on the real property that is the subject of the assignment, provided such owner or holder is of record as of the date of such assignment. Such notice shall include information sufficient to identify: (1) [the] The property that is subject to the lien and in which the holder has an interest; [,] (2) the name and addresses of the assignee; [,] and (3) the amount of unpaid taxes, interest and fees being assigned relative to the subject property as of the date of the assignment. (g) Not less than sixty days prior to commencing an action to foreclose a lien under this section, the assignee shall provide a written notice, by first-class mail, to the holders of all first or second security interests on the property subject to the lien that were recorded before the date the assessment of the lien sought to be enforced became delinquent. Such notice shall set forth: (1) The amount of unpaid debt owed to the assignee as of the date of the notice; (2) the amount of any attorney's fees and costs incurred by the assignee in the enforcement of the lien as of the date of the notice; (3) a statement of the assignee's House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 337 of 745 intention to foreclose the lien if the amounts set forth pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection are not paid to the assignee on or before sixty days after the date on which the notice is provided; (4) the assignee's contact information, including, but not limited to, the assignee's name, mailing address, telephone number and electronic mail address, if any; and (5) instructions concerning the acceptable means of making a payment on the amounts owed to the assignee as set forth pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection. Any notice required under this subsection shall be effective upon the date such notice is provided. (h) When providing the written notice required under subsection (g) of this section, the assignee may rely on the last recorded security interest of record in identifying the name and mailing address of the holder of such interest, unless the holder of such interest is the plaintiff in an action pending in Superior Court to enforce such interest, in which case the assignee shall provide the written notice to the attorney appearing on behalf of the plaintiff. (i) Each aspect of a foreclosure, sale or other disposition under this section, including, but not limited to, the costs, [attorney] attorney's fees, method, advertising, time, date, place and terms, shall be commercially reasonable, and, for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2026, such attorney's fees shall not exceed fifteen per cent of the amount of any judgment that is entered. Sec. 233. Subdivision (83) of section 12-81 of the general statutes, as amended by section 4 of public act 25-2, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): (83) (A) (i) [A] That fractional share of a dwelling, including a condominium, as defined in section 47-68a, [and] a unit in a common interest community, as defined in section 47-202, [that is (I) owned by] House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 338 of 745 and a mobile manufactured home, as defined in section 12-63a, (I) that belongs to or is held in trust for any resident of this state who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force of the United States and has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent, or that is possessed by such a resident as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48, and (II) that is occupied by such resident as the resident's primary residence, or (ii) lacking such residence, one motor vehicle [owned by] that belongs to or is held in trust for such resident and is garaged in this state. As used in this subdivision, "dwelling" does not include any portion of the unit or structure used by such resident for commercial purposes or from which such resident derives any rental income. (B) If such resident lacks such dwelling or motor vehicle in such resident's name, the dwelling or motor vehicle, as applicable, belonging to or held in trust for such resident's spouse, or possessed by such resident's spouse as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48, who is domiciled with such resident, shall be so exempt. When any resident entitled to an exemption under the provisions of this subdivision has died, the dwelling or motor vehicle, as applicable, belonging to [,] or held in trust for [,] such deceased resident's surviving spouse, or possessed by such deceased resident's spouse as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48, while such spouse remains a widow or widower, or belonging to or held in trust for such deceased resident's minor children during their minority, or both, while they are residents of this state, shall be so exempt as that to which such resident was or would have been entitled at the time of such resident's death. (C) No individual entitled to the exemption under this subdivision and under one or more of subdivisions (19), (22), (23), (25) and (26) of House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 339 of 745 this section or sections 240 and 241 of this act shall receive more than one exemption. (D) (i) No individual shall receive any exemption to which such individual is entitled under this subdivision until such individual has complied with section 12-95, and has submitted proof of such individual's determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to the assessor of the town in which the exemption is sought. If there is no change to an individual's determination, such proof shall not be required for any assessment year following that for which the exemption under this subdivision is granted initially. If the United States Department of Veterans Affairs modifies an individual's determination to other than permanently and totally disabled based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent, such modification shall be deemed a waiver of the right to the exemption under this subdivision. Any such individual whose determination was modified to other than permanently and totally disabled based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent may seek the exemption under subdivision (20) of this section. (ii) Any individual who has been unable to submit evidence of such determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in the manner required by this subdivision, or who has failed to submit such evidence as provided in section 12-95, may, when such individual obtains such evidence, make application to the tax collector not later than one year after such individual obtains such proof or not later than one year after the expiration of the time limited in section 12-95, as the case may be, for abatement in case the tax has not been paid, or for refund in case the whole tax or part of the tax has been paid. Such abatement or refund may be granted retroactively to include the assessment day next succeeding the date as of which such individual was entitled to such determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, but in no case shall any abatement or refund be made House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 340 of 745 for a period greater than three years. (iii) The tax collector shall, after examination of such application, refer the same, with the tax collector's recommendations thereon, to the board of selectmen of a town or to the corresponding authority of any other municipality, and shall certify to the amount of abatement or refund to which the applicant is entitled. Upon receipt of such application and certification, the selectmen or other duly constituted authority shall, in case the tax has not been paid, issue a certificate of abatement or, in case the whole tax or part of the tax has been paid, draw an order upon the treasurer in favor of such applicant for such amount, without interest. Any action so taken by such selectmen or other authority shall be a matter of record and the tax collector shall be notified in writing of such action. (E) For assessment years commencing on and after October 1, 2025, any municipality may, by vote of its legislative body or, in a municipality where the legislative body is a town meeting, by vote of the board of selectmen, provide that, for any individual receiving the exemption under this subdivision for a dwelling described in subparagraph (A)(i) of this subdivision, not more than two acres of the lot upon which such dwelling sits shall be exempt from taxation. (F) For assessment years commencing on and after October 1, 2025, any municipality may, by vote of its legislative body or, in a municipality where the legislative body is a town meeting, by vote of the board of selectmen, provide that the surviving spouse of any resident of this state who (i) had served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force of the United States, (ii) had been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled based on a service- connected disability rating of one hundred per cent, and (iii) died prior to October 1, 2024, but after a date to be determined by such legislative body or board of selectmen, as applicable, shall, while such spouse House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 341 of 745 remains a widow or widower, be entitled to the exemption or exemptions under this subdivision. (G) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, for assessment years commencing on and after October 1, 2025, any municipality may, by vote of its legislative body or, in a municipality where the legislative body is a town meeting, by vote of the board of selectmen, limit the total amount of the exemption or exemptions granted under this subdivision to the median assessed valuation of residential real property in such municipality. Sec. 234. Subdivision (20) of section 12-81 of the general statutes, as amended by section 5 of public act 25-2, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): (20) (A) Subject to the provisions hereinafter stated, property not exceeding three thousand five hundred dollars in amount shall be exempt from taxation, which property belongs to, or is held in trust for, any resident of this state who has served, or is serving, in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force of the United States and (i) has a disability rating as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs amounting to ten per cent or more of total disability, other than a determination of (I) being permanently and totally disabled based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent, or (II) in any municipality providing the exemption under section 240 of this act, having a service- connected total disability based on individual unemployability, provided such exemption shall be two thousand dollars in any case in which such rating is between ten per cent and twenty-five per cent; two thousand five hundred dollars in any case in which such rating is more than twenty-five per cent but not more than fifty per cent; three thousand dollars in any case in which such rating is more than fifty per cent but not more than seventy-five per cent; and three thousand five House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 342 of 745 hundred dollars in any case in which such resident has attained sixty- five years of age or such rating is more than seventy-five per cent; or (ii) is receiving a pension, annuity or compensation from the United States because of the loss in service of a leg or arm or that which is considered by the rules of the United States Pension Office or the Bureau of War Risk Insurance the equivalent of such loss. (B) If such veteran lacks such amount of property in such veteran's name, so much of the property belonging to, or held in trust for, such veteran's spouse, who is domiciled with such veteran, as is necessary to equal such amount shall also be so exempt. When any veteran entitled to an exemption under the provisions of this subdivision has died, property belonging to, or held in trust for, such deceased veteran's surviving spouse, while such spouse remains a widow or widower, or belonging to or held in trust for such deceased veteran's minor children during their minority, or both, while they are residents of this state, shall be exempt in the same aggregate amount as that to which the disabled veteran was or would have been entitled at the time of such veteran's death. (C) No individual entitled to the exemption under this subdivision and under one or more of subdivisions (19), (22), (23), (25) and (26) of this section or sections 240 and 241 of this act shall receive more than one exemption. (D) (i) No individual shall receive any exemption to which such individual is entitled under this subdivision until such individual has complied with section 12-95 and has submitted proof of such individual's disability rating, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to the assessor of the town in which the exemption is sought. If there is no change to an individual's disability rating, such proof shall not be required for any assessment year following that for which the exemption under this subdivision is granted initially. If the United States Department of Veterans Affairs House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 343 of 745 modifies a veteran's disability rating, such modification shall be deemed a waiver of the right to the exemption under this subdivision until proof of disability rating is submitted to the assessor and the right to such exemption is established as required initially, except that (I) if such disability rating is modified to a determination that such veteran is permanently and totally disabled based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent, such veteran may seek the exemption under subdivision (83) of this section, or (II) if such disability rating is modified to a determination that such veteran has a service- connected total disability based on individual unemployability and if such veteran resides in a municipality that provides the exemption under section 240 of this act, such veteran may seek the exemption under section 240 of this act. (ii) Any individual who has been unable to submit evidence of disability rating in the manner required by this subdivision, or who has failed to submit such evidence as provided in section 12-95, may, when such individual obtains such evidence, make application to the tax collector not later than one year after such individual obtains such proof or not later than one year after the expiration of the time limited in section 12-95, as the case may be, for abatement in case the tax has not been paid, or for refund in case the whole tax has been paid, of such part or the whole of such tax as represents the service exemption. Such abatement or refund may be granted retroactively to include the assessment day next succeeding the date as of which such person was entitled to such disability rating as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, but in no case shall any abatement or refund be made for a period greater than three years. (iii) The tax collector shall, after examination of such application, refer the same, with the tax collector's recommendations thereon, to the board of selectmen of a town or to the corresponding authority of any other municipality, and shall certify to the amount of abatement or refund to House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 344 of 745 which the applicant is entitled. Upon receipt of such application and certification, the selectmen or other duly constituted authority shall, in case the tax has not been paid, issue a certificate of abatement or, in case the whole tax has been paid, draw an order upon the treasurer in favor of such applicant for the amount, without interest, that represents the service exemption. Any action so taken by such selectmen or other authority shall be a matter of record and the tax collector shall be notified in writing of such action; Sec. 235. Section 12-93 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): Any person who claims an exemption from taxation under the provisions of section 12-81 or 12-82 by reason of service in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force of the United States shall give notice to the town clerk of the town in which he resides that he is entitled to such exemption. Any person who has performed such service may establish his right to such exemption by exhibiting to the town clerk an honorable discharge, or a certified copy thereof, from such service or, in the absence of such discharge or copy, by appearing before the assessors for an examination under oath, supported by two affidavits of disinterested persons, showing that the claimant is a veteran, as defined in section 27-103, or is serving or, if he is unable to appear by reason of such service, he may establish such right, until such time as he appears personally and exhibits his discharge or copy, by forwarding to the town clerk annually a written statement, signed by the commanding officer of his unit, ship or station or by some other appropriate officer, or where such claimant is currently serving in an active theater of war or hostilities, by the presentation of a notarized statement of a parent, guardian, spouse or legal representative of such claimant, stating that he is personally serving and is unable to appear in person by reason of such service, which statement shall be received House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 345 of 745 before the assessment day of the town wherein the exemption is claimed. In the case of any person claiming exemption under subdivision (83) of section 12-81, such claimant shall annually, not later than January first, submit such claim to the assessors for approval, on an application form prepared for such purpose by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and to be used for assessment years commencing on and after October 1, 2025, which submission shall include (1) all documentation necessary to demonstrate that the resident described in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (83) of section 12-81 has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent, and (2) an attestation that such claimant has not submitted, and will not submit, a claim for the exemption under subdivision (83) of section 12-81 in another town. The assessors shall report to the town clerk all claims so established. Any person claiming exemption by reason of the service of a relative as a soldier, sailor, marine or member of the Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force may establish his right thereto by at least two affidavits of disinterested persons showing the service of such relative, his honorable discharge or death in service, and the relationship of the claimant to him; and the assessors may further require such person to be examined by them under oath concerning such facts. The town clerk of the town where the honorable discharge or certified copy thereof and each affidavit is originally presented for record shall record such discharge or certified copy or affidavits thereof in full and shall list the names of such claimants and such service shall be performed by the town clerk without remuneration therefor. Thereafter if any person entitled to such exemption changes his legal residence, the town clerk in the town of former residence and in which such honorable discharge or certified copy thereof or any such affidavit in respect to such person was originally presented for record shall, upon request and payment of a fee by such person to said town of former residence in an amount determined by the town treasurer as necessary to cover the cost of such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 346 of 745 procedure, prepare and mail to the town in which such person resides, a copy of the record of such discharge or certified copy thereof or affidavits, or he may establish his right to such exemption in the town in which he resides by exhibiting to the town clerk thereof the original discharge or a certified copy thereof or such affidavits. Said clerk shall take therefrom sufficient data to satisfy the exemption requirements of the general statutes and shall record the same and shall note the town where the original complete recording of discharge papers was made. No board of assessors or board of assessment appeals or other official shall allow any such claim for exemption unless evidence as herein specified has been filed in the office of the town clerk, provided, if any claim for exemption has been allowed by any board of assessors or board of assessment appeals prior to July 1, 1923, the provisions of this section shall not apply to such claim. Each claim granted prior to July 1, 1923, shall be recorded with those presented subsequent thereto, and a list of such names, alphabetically arranged, shall be furnished the assessors by the town clerk. Sec. 236. Section 12-94 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): The exemptions granted in sections 12-81 and 12-82 to soldiers, sailors, marines and members of the Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force, and their spouses, widows, widowers, fathers and mothers, and to blind or totally disabled persons and their spouses shall first be made in the town in which the person entitled thereto resides, and any person asking such exemption in any other town shall annually make oath before, or forward his or her affidavit to, the assessors of such town, deposing that such exemptions, except the exemption provided in subdivision (55) of section 12-81, if allowed, will not, together with any other exemptions granted under sections 12-81 and 12-82, exceed the amount of exemption thereby allowed to such person. Such affidavit House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 347 of 745 shall be filed with the assessors within the period the assessors have to complete their duties in the town where the exemption is claimed. The assessors of each town shall annually make a certified list of all persons who are found to be entitled to exemption under the provisions of said sections, which list shall be filed in the town clerk's office, and shall be prima facie evidence that the persons whose names appear thereon and who are not required by law to give annual proof, except as provided in section 12-93, for persons claiming exemption under subdivision (83) of section 12-81, are entitled to such exemption as long as they continue to reside in such town; but such assessors may, at any time, require any such person to appear before them for the purpose of furnishing [additional] evidence that demonstrates such person's entitlement to such exemption, provided [,] (1) any person who by reason of such person's disability is unable to so appear may furnish such assessors a statement from such person's attending physician, physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse certifying that such person is totally disabled and is unable to make a personal appearance and such other evidence of total disability as such assessors may deem appropriate, and (2) any person claiming exemption under subdivision (83) of section 12-81 may furnish documentation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs certifying that such person is permanently and totally disabled based on a service-connected disability rating of one hundred per cent and is unable to make a personal appearance. Sec. 237. Section 12-95 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): No individual shall receive any exemption to which such individual is entitled by any one of subdivisions (19), (20), (22), (23), (25), (26), (28) and (83) of section 12-81, [or] section 12-82 or sections 240 and 241 of this act until such individual has proved such individual's right to such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 348 of 745 exemption in accordance with the provisions of sections 12-93 and 12- 94, together with such further proof as is necessary under the provisions of any of said sections, including any modification by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs of (1) a veteran's disability rating as described in subdivision (20) of section 12-81, (2) a resident's determination as permanently and totally disabled based on a one hundred per cent disability rating as described in subdivision (83) of section 12-81, or (3) a resident's determination of having a service- connected total disability based on individual unemployability as described in section 240 of this act. Exemptions so proved by residents shall take effect on the next succeeding assessment day, provided individuals entitled to an exemption under the provisions of subdivision (20) or (83) of section 12-81 or section 240 of this act may prove such right at any time before the expiration of the time limited by law for the board of assessment appeals of the town wherein the exemption is claimed to complete its duties and such exemption shall take effect on the assessment day next preceding the date of the proof thereof. For purposes of any tax payable in accordance with the provisions of section 12-71b, any such exemption referred to in this section shall take effect on the first day of January next following the date on which the right to such exemption has been proved. Sec. 238. Section 12-93a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): (a) Any person entitled to an exemption from property tax in accordance with any provision of subdivisions (19) to (26), inclusive, and (83) of section 12-81 who is the owner of a residential dwelling on leased land, including any such person who is a sublessee under terms of the lease, shall be entitled to claim such exemption in respect to the assessment of the dwelling for purposes of the property tax, provided (1) the dwelling is such person's principal place of residence, (2) such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 349 of 745 lease or sublease requires that such person as the lessee or sublessee, whichever is applicable, pay all property taxes related to the dwelling and (3) such lease or sublease is recorded in the land records of the town. (b) Any person entitled to an exemption from property tax in accordance with the provisions of subdivisions (19) to (26), inclusive, and (83) of section 12-81 shall be entitled to claim such exemption with respect to the assessment of a motor vehicle that is leased by such person. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, any person claiming the exemption under this section for a leased motor vehicle shall be entitled to a refund of tax paid with respect to such vehicle whether such tax was paid by the lessee or by the lessor pursuant to the terms of the lease. Such refund shall equal the amount of such person's exemption multiplied by the applicable mill rate. Any such person claiming the exemption for a leased vehicle under this subdivision for any assessment year shall, not later than the thirty-first day of December next following the assessment year during which the tax for such leased vehicle has been paid, file with the assessor or board of assessors, in the town in which such motor vehicle tax has been paid, written application claiming such exemption on a form approved for such purpose by such assessor or board. Upon approving such person's exemption claim, the assessor shall certify the amount of refund to which the applicant is entitled and shall notify the tax collector of such amount. The tax collector shall refer such certification to the board of selectmen in a town or to the corresponding authority in any other municipality. Upon receipt of such certification, the selectmen or such other authority shall draw an order on the Treasurer in favor of such person for the amount of refund so certified. Failure to file such application as prescribed in this subsection with respect to any assessment year shall constitute a waiver of the right to such exemption for such assessment year. Sec. 239. Section 12-81cc of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025, and House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 350 of 745 applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2025): Any person who has established his or her entitlement to a property tax exemption under subdivision (19), (20), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), [or] (53) or (83) of section 12-81 or section 12-81g for a particular assessment year shall be issued a certificate as to such entitlement by the tax assessor of the relevant municipality. Such person shall be entitled to such exemption in any municipality in this state for such assessment year provided a copy of such certificate is provided to the tax assessor of any municipality in which such exemption is claimed and further provided such person would otherwise have been eligible for such exemption in such municipality if he or she had filed for such exemption as provided under the general statutes. Sec. 240. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) Any municipality, upon approval by its legislative body, may provide that, in lieu of the exemption prescribed under subdivision (20) of section 12-81 of the general statutes, any resident of this state who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force of the United States and has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected total disability based on individual unemployability shall be entitled to an exemption from property tax on (1) that fractional share of a dwelling, including a condominium, as defined in section 47-68a of the general statutes, a unit in a common interest community, as defined in section 47-202 of the general statutes, and a mobile manufactured home, as defined in section 12-63a of the general statutes, (A) that belongs to or is held in trust for such resident, or that is possessed by such a resident as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48 of the general statutes, and (B) that is occupied by such resident as the resident's primary residence, or (2) lacking such residence, one motor vehicle that belongs to or is held in trust for such resident and is garaged in this state. As used in this subsection, "dwelling" does not include any House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 351 of 745 portion of the unit or structure used by such resident for commercial purposes or from which such resident derives any rental income. (b) If such resident lacks such dwelling or motor vehicle in such resident's name, the dwelling or motor vehicle, as applicable, belonging to or held in trust for such resident's spouse, or possessed by such resident's spouse as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48 of the general statutes, who is domiciled with such resident, shall be so exempt. When any resident entitled to an exemption under the provisions of this section has died, the dwelling or motor vehicle, as applicable, belonging to or held in trust for such deceased resident's surviving spouse, or possessed by such deceased resident's surviving spouse as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48 of the general statutes, while such spouse remains a widow or widower, or belonging to or held in trust for such deceased resident's minor children during their minority, or both, while they are residents of this state, shall be so exempt as that to which such resident was or would have been entitled at the time of such resident's death. (c) No individual entitled to the exemption under this section and under one or more of subdivisions (19), (22), (23), (25) and (26) of section 12-81 of the general statutes or section 241 of this act shall receive more than one exemption. (d) (1) No individual shall receive any exemption to which such individual is entitled under this section until such individual has complied with section 12-95 of the general statutes and has submitted proof of such individual's determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to the assessor of the town in which the exemption is sought. If there is no change to an individual's determination, such proof shall not be required for any assessment year following that for which the exemption under this section is granted initially. If the United States Department of Veterans Affairs modifies House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 352 of 745 an individual's determination to other than a service-connected total disability based on individual unemployability, such modification shall be deemed a waiver of the right to the exemption under this section. Any such individual whose determination was modified to other than a service-connected total disability based on individual unemployability may seek the exemption under subdivision (20) or (83) of section 12-81 of the general statutes, as applicable. (2) Any individual who has been unable to submit evidence of such determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in the manner required by this section, or who has failed to submit such evidence as provided in section 12-95 of the general statutes, may, when such individual obtains such evidence, make application to the tax collector not later than one year after such individual obtains such proof or not later than one year after the expiration of the time limited in section 12-95 of the general statutes, as the case may be, for abatement in case the tax has not been paid, or for refund in case the whole tax or part of the tax has been paid. Such abatement or refund may be granted retroactively to include the assessment day next succeeding the date as of which such individual was entitled to such determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, but in no case shall any abatement or refund be made for a period greater than three years. (3) The tax collector shall, after examination of such application, refer the same, with the tax collector's recommendations thereon, to the board of selectmen of a town or to the corresponding authority of any other municipality, and shall certify to the amount of abatement or refund to which the applicant is entitled. Upon receipt of such application and certification, the selectmen or other duly constituted authority shall, in case the tax has not been paid, issue a certificate of abatement or, in case the whole tax or part of the tax has been paid, draw an order upon the treasurer in favor of such applicant for such amount, without interest. Any action so taken by such selectmen or other authority shall be a House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 353 of 745 matter of record and the tax collector shall be notified in writing of such action. (e) (1) In any municipality that provides the exemption under subsections (a) to (d), inclusive, of this section, such municipality may, upon approval by its legislative body, further provide that, for any individual receiving the exemption under said subsections for a dwelling described in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section, not more than two acres of the lot upon which such dwelling sits shall be exempt from taxation. (2) In any municipality that provides the exemption under subsections (a) to (d), inclusive, of this section, such municipality may, upon approval of its legislative body, further provide that the surviving spouse of any resident of this state who (A) had served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force or Space Force of the United States, (B) had been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected total disability based on individual unemployability, and (C) died prior to October 1, 2025, but after a date to be determined by such legislative body, shall, while such spouse remains a widow or widower, be entitled to the exemption under this section. (3) In any municipality that provides the exemption or exemptions under this section, such municipality may, upon approval of its legislative body, limit the total amount of the exemption or exemptions granted under this section to the median assessed valuation of residential real property in such municipality. Sec. 241. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2025) (a) Any municipality, upon approval by its legislative body, may provide that the surviving spouse, while such person remains a widow or widower, of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103 of the general House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 354 of 745 statutes, which surviving spouse is a resident of such municipality, shall be entitled to an exemption from property tax on (1) that fractional share of a dwelling, including a condominium, as defined in section 47-68a of the general statutes, a unit in a common interest community, as defined in section 47-202 of the general statutes, and a mobile manufactured home, as defined in section 12-63a of the general statutes, (A) that belongs to or is held in trust for such surviving spouse, or that is possessed by such a surviving spouse as a tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48 of the general statutes, and (B) that is occupied by such surviving spouse as the surviving spouse's primary residence, or (2) lacking such residence, one motor vehicle that belongs to or is held in trust for such surviving spouse and is garaged in this state. As used in this subsection, "dwelling" does not include any portion of the unit or structure used by such surviving spouse for commercial purposes or from which such surviving spouse derives any rental income. (b) No surviving spouse entitled to the exemption under this section and under one or more of subdivisions (19), (20), (22), (23), (25), (26) and (83) of section 12-81 of the general statutes, section 12-81ii of the general statutes or section 240 of this act shall receive more than one exemption. (c) (1) A surviving spouse described in subsection (a) of this section who claims an exemption from taxation under this section shall give notice to the town clerk of such municipality that he or she is entitled to such exemption. (2) Any such surviving spouse submitting a claim for such exemption shall be required to file an application, on a form prepared for such purpose by the assessor, not later than the assessment date with respect to which such exemption is claimed, which application shall include at least two affidavits of disinterested persons showing that the deceased person was performing such active military duty, that such deceased person was killed in action while performing such active military duty House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 355 of 745 and the relationship of such deceased person to such surviving spouse, provided the assessor may further require such surviving spouse to be examined by such assessor under oath concerning such facts. Such town clerk shall record each such affidavit in full and shall list the name of such surviving spouse claimant, and such service shall be performed by such town clerk without remuneration. No assessor, board of assessment appeals or other official shall allow any such claim for exemption unless evidence as herein specified has been filed in the office of such town clerk. When any such surviving spouse has filed for such exemption and received approval for the first time, such surviving spouse shall be required to file for such exemption biennially thereafter. (3) The assessor of such municipality shall annually make a certified list of all such surviving spouses who are found to be entitled to exemption under the provisions of this section, which list shall be filed in the town clerk's office, and shall be prima facie evidence that such surviving spouses whose names appear thereon are entitled to such exemption as long as they continue to reside in such municipality and as long as the legislative body of such municipality continues to provide for such exemption. Such assessor may, at any time, require any such surviving spouse to appear before such assessor for the purpose of furnishing additional evidence, provided, any such surviving spouse who by reason of disability is unable to so appear may furnish such assessor a statement from such surviving spouse's attending physician or an advanced practice registered nurse certifying that such surviving spouse is totally disabled and is unable to make a personal appearance and such other evidence of total disability as such assessor may deem appropriate. (4) No such surviving spouse may receive such exemption until such surviving spouse has proven his or her right to such exemption in accordance with the provisions of this section, together with such further proof as may be necessary under said provisions. Exemptions so House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 356 of 745 proven shall take effect on the next succeeding assessment day. (d) Any such surviving spouse who has submitted an application and been approved in any year for the exemption provided in this section shall, in the year immediately following approval, be presumed to be qualified for such exemption. During the year immediately following such approval, the assessor shall notify, in writing, each surviving spouse presumed to be qualified pursuant to this subsection. (e) (1) In any municipality that provides the exemption under subsections (a) to (d) of this section, such municipality may, upon approval by its legislative body, further provide that, for any individual receiving the exemption under said subsections for a dwelling described in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section, not more than two acres of the lot upon which such dwelling sits shall be exempt from taxation. (2) In any municipality that provides the exemption or exemptions under this section, such municipality may, upon approval of its legislative body, limit the total amount of the exemption or exemptions granted under this section to the median assessed valuation of residential real property in such municipality. Sec. 242. Section 12-81ii of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025): (a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, any municipality, upon approval by its legislative body, may provide that any parent whose child was killed in action, or the surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action, while performing active military duty with the armed forces, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, which parent or surviving spouse is a resident of such municipality, shall be entitled to an exemption from property tax, provided such parent's or surviving spouse's qualifying income does not exceed (A) the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 357 of 745 maximum amount applicable to an unmarried person as provided under section 12-81l, or (B) an amount established by the municipality, not exceeding the maximum amount under section 12-81l by more than twenty-five thousand dollars. The exemption provided for under this section shall be applied to the assessed value of an eligible parent's or surviving spouse's property and, at the municipality's option, may be in an amount up to twenty thousand dollars or in an amount up to ten per cent of such assessed value. (2) (A) If both parents of any such child killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces are domiciled together, only one such parent shall be entitled to an exemption from property tax provided for under this section. (B) The exemption provided for under this section shall be in addition to any exemption to which an eligible parent or surviving spouse may be entitled under section 12-81. No such eligible parent or surviving spouse entitled to the exemption under this section and under one or more of section 12-81f or 12-81g [and this section] or section 241 of this act shall receive more than one such exemption. (b) (1) Any parent whose child was killed in action, or the surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action, while performing active military duty with the armed forces and who claims an exemption from taxation under this section shall give notice to the town clerk of such municipality that he or she is entitled to such exemption. (2) Any such parent or surviving spouse submitting a claim for such exemption shall be required to file an application, on a form prepared for such purpose by the assessor, not later than the assessment date with respect to which such exemption is claimed, which application shall include at least two affidavits of disinterested persons showing that the deceased child or person was performing such active military duty, that such deceased child or person was killed in action while performing House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 358 of 745 such active military duty and the relationship of such deceased child to such parent, or such deceased person to such surviving spouse, provided the assessor may further require such parent or surviving spouse to be examined by such assessor under oath concerning such facts. Each such application shall include a copy of such parent's or surviving spouse's federal income tax return, or in the event such a return is not filed such evidence related to income as may be required by the assessor, for the tax year of such parent or surviving spouse ending immediately prior to the assessment date with respect to which such exemption is claimed. Such town clerk shall record each such affidavit in full and shall list the name of such parent or surviving spouse claimant, and such service shall be performed by such town clerk without remuneration. No assessor, board of assessment appeals or other official shall allow any such claim for exemption unless evidence as herein specified has been filed in the office of such town clerk. When any such parent or surviving spouse has filed for such exemption and received approval for the first time, such parent or surviving spouse shall be required to file for such exemption biennially thereafter, subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section. (3) The assessor of such municipality shall annually make a certified list of all such parents or surviving spouses who are found to be entitled to exemption under the provisions of this section, which list shall be filed in the town clerk's office, and shall be prima facie evidence that such parents or surviving spouses whose names appear thereon are entitled to such exemption as long as they continue to reside in such municipality and as long as the legislative body of such municipality continues to provide for such exemption, subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section. Such assessor may, at any time, require any such parent or surviving spouse to appear before such assessor for the purpose of furnishing additional evidence, provided, any such parent or surviving spouse who by reason of disability is unable to so appear may furnish such assessor a statement from such parent's or surviving House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 359 of 745 spouse's attending physician or an advanced practice registered nurse certifying that such parent or surviving spouse is totally disabled and is unable to make a personal appearance and such other evidence of total disability as such assessor may deem appropriate. (4) No such parent or surviving spouse may receive such exemption until such parent or surviving spouse has proven his or her right to such exemption in accordance with the provisions of this section, together with such further proof as may be necessary under said provisions. Exemptions so proven shall take effect on the next succeeding assessment day. (c) Any such parent or surviving spouse who has submitted an application and been approved in any year for the exemption provided in this section shall, in the year immediately following approval, be presumed to be qualified for such exemption. During the year immediately following such approval, the assessor shall notify, in writing, each parent or surviving spouse presumed to be qualified pursuant to this subsection. If any such parent or surviving spouse has qualifying income in excess of the maximum allowed under subsection (a) of this section, such parent or surviving spouse shall notify the assessor on or before the next filing date for such exemption and shall be denied such exemption for the assessment year immediately following and for any subsequent year until such parent or surviving spouse has reapplied and again qualified for such exemption. Any such parent or surviving spouse who fails to notify the assessor of such disqualification shall make payment to the municipality in the amount of property tax loss related to such exemption improperly taken. Sec. 243. Section 17a-114 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) As used in this section, (1) "approval" or "approved" means that a person has been approved to adopt or provide foster care by a child- House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 360 of 745 placing agency licensed pursuant to section 17a-149, (2) "licensed" means a person holds a license to provide foster care issued by the Department of Children and Families, [and] (3) "fictive kin caregiver" means a person who is twenty-one years of age or older and who is unrelated to a child by birth, adoption or marriage but who has an emotionally significant relationship with such child or such child's family amounting to a familial relationship, and (4) "emergency placement" means the placement of a child by the Department of Children and Families in the home of a relative or fictive kin caregiver as a result of the sudden unavailability of such child's primary caretaker. (b) (1) No child in the custody of the Commissioner of Children and Families shall be placed in foster care with any person, unless (A) (i) such person is licensed for [that] such purpose by the department or the Department of Developmental Services pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-227, (ii) such person's home is approved by a child-placing agency licensed by the commissioner pursuant to section 17a-149, or (iii) such person has received approval as provided in this section, and (B) on and after January 1, 2017, for a child twelve years of age or older, such child has received a foster family profile in accordance with the provisions of section 17a-114e. [Any person licensed by the department may be a prospective adoptive parent.] For the purposes of this section, any prospective adoptive parent shall be licensed by the department. The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish the licensing procedures and standards. (2) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, the commissioner shall require each applicant for licensure or approval pursuant to this section and any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant to submit to state and national criminal history records checks prior to issuing a license or approval to such applicant to accept placement of a child for purposes of foster care House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 361 of 745 or adoption. Such criminal history records checks shall be conducted in accordance with section 29-17a. The commissioner shall check the (i) state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k for the name of such applicant and for the name of any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant, and (ii) child abuse and neglect registry in any state in which such applicant or person resided in the preceding five years for the name of such applicant or person. (B) If an applicant for licensure or approval or any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant has submitted to the state and national criminal history records checks described in subsection (c) of this section within the previous twelve- month period, the commissioner shall not require such applicant or person to submit to the state and national criminal history records checks described in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision in connection with the issuance of a license or approval. (3) The commissioner shall require each individual licensed or approved pursuant to this section and any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such individual to submit to state and national criminal history records checks prior to renewing a license or approval for any individual providing foster care or adopting. Such criminal history records checks shall be conducted in accordance with section 29-17a. Prior to such renewal, the commissioner shall check the (A) state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k for the name of such applicant and for the name of any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant, and (B) child abuse and neglect registry in any state in which such applicant or person resided in the preceding five years for the name of such applicant or person. (4) The commissioner shall comply with any request to check the child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a- House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 362 of 745 101k made by the child welfare agency of another state. (c) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner may [place] make an emergency placement of a child with a relative or fictive kin caregiver who has not been issued a license or approval, when such emergency placement is in the best interests of the child, provided a satisfactory home visit is conducted and a basic assessment of the family is completed. When the commissioner makes such [a] an emergency placement, the commissioner shall (A) request a criminal justice agency to perform a federal name-based criminal history search of such relative or fictive kin caregiver and each person eighteen years of age or older residing in the home, and (B) check the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k for the name of such relative or fictive kin caregiver and each person eighteen years of age or older residing in the home. The results of such name-based search shall be provided to the commissioner. (2) Not later than ten calendar days after a name-based search is performed pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, the commissioner shall request the State Police Bureau of Identification to perform a state and national criminal history records checks of such relative or fictive kin caregiver and each person eighteen years of age or older residing in the home, in accordance with section 29-17a. Such criminal history records checks shall be deemed as required by this section for the purposes of section 29-17a and the commissioner may request that such criminal history records checks be performed in accordance with subsection (c) of said section. The results of such criminal history records checks shall be provided to the commissioner. If any person refuses to provide fingerprints or other positive identifying information for the purposes of such criminal history records checks when requested, the commissioner shall immediately remove the child from the home. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 363 of 745 (3) If the commissioner denies [a] an emergency placement with a relative or fictive kin caregiver or removes a child from such home based on the results of a federal name-based criminal history search performed pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, the person whose name- based search was the basis for such denial or removal may contest such denial or removal by requesting that state and national criminal history records checks be performed pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection. (4) Any such relative or fictive kin caregiver who accepts placement of a child shall be subject to licensure by the commissioner, pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this section or approval by a child-placing agency licensed pursuant to section 17a-149. The commissioner may grant a waiver from such regulations, including any standard regarding separate bedrooms or room-sharing arrangements, for a child placed with a relative or fictive kin caregiver, on a case-by-case basis, if such placement is otherwise in the best interests of such child, provided no procedure or standard that is safety- related may be so waived. The commissioner shall document, in writing, the reason for granting any waiver from such regulations. (d) Any individual who has been licensed or approved to adopt or provide foster care and any relative or fictive kin caregiver with whom a child has been placed pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall apply a reasonable and prudent parent standard, as defined in subsection (a) of section 17a-114d, on behalf of the child. Sec. 244. Subsection (d) of section 9-7a of the general statutes, as amended by section 9 of public act 25-26, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (d) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the commission shall, subject to the provisions of chapter 67, employ such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 364 of 745 employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, section 9-7b, as amended by [this act] public act 25-26, and section 9-623, including an executive director, and may apply to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection or to the Chief State's Attorney for necessary investigatory personnel, which the same are hereby authorized to provide. (2) (A) (i) On or before March 1, 2027, and quadrennially thereafter, the commission shall, with the advice and consent of both houses of the General Assembly, appoint an executive director in the manner prescribed in this subdivision, [to] except as provided in subparagraph (A)(ii) of this subdivision. An executive director so appointed shall serve at the pleasure of the commission but not longer than four years after such appointment. [, unless reappointed under the provisions of this subdivision] (ii) The commission may reappoint an executive director to serve at the pleasure thereof but not longer than an additional four years after the conclusion of the initial appointment. Any such reappointment shall not be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. An executive director who has been reappointed shall not be reappointed again. (B) On or before February 1, 2027, and quadrennially thereafter, the commission shall submit a nomination for executive director to both houses of the General Assembly, except in the case of a reappointment under subparagraph (A)(ii) of this subdivision. Both houses shall immediately refer the nomination to the committee on executive nominations, which shall report thereon by resolution within fifteen calendar days from the date of reference. The General Assembly, by resolution, shall confirm or reject the nomination. If confirmed, the nominee shall take office on the first day of March in the year in which the appointment is submitted. If either house of the General Assembly rejects the nomination before the first day of March in the year in which it is submitted, the procedure prescribed in subparagraph (C) of this House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 365 of 745 subdivision shall be followed. (C) If a vacancy occurs in the office of executive director while the General Assembly is in regular session, the commission shall, not later than thirty days after the occurrence of the vacancy, submit its nomination to fill the vacancy to both houses of the General Assembly. Both houses shall immediately refer the nomination to the committee on executive nominations, which shall report thereon by resolution within fifteen legislative days from the date of reference. The General Assembly, by resolution, shall confirm or reject such nomination. If the General Assembly confirms the nomination within thirty calendar days after it is submitted, the nominee shall forthwith take office to serve at the pleasure of the commission but not longer than the original appointee could have served under his or her appointment. If either house of the General Assembly rejects the nomination within thirty calendar days after it is submitted, the commission shall, within thirty calendar days, submit another nomination to the General Assembly, provided, if any nomination is submitted less than thirty calendar days before the date established by the Constitution for adjournment of the General Assembly, and the General Assembly fails to confirm or reject the nomination before such adjournment on said date, the procedure prescribed in subparagraph (D) of this subdivision shall be followed. (D) If a vacancy occurs in the office of executive director while the General Assembly is not in regular session, it shall be filled by the commission until the sixth Wednesday of the next session of the General Assembly. At the beginning of the next regular session of the General Assembly, the commission shall submit the name of the vacancy appointee to the General Assembly and the procedure prescribed in subparagraph (C) of this subdivision shall be followed. (E) No person whose name has been submitted by the commission and whose nomination has been rejected by resolution of the General Assembly shall serve in the office of executive director during the term House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 366 of 745 of the General Assembly which rejected him or her. Sec. 245. Subsection (b) of section 46b-121n of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (b) The committee shall consist of the following members: (1) Two members of the General Assembly, one of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, and one of whom shall be appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate; (2) The chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary, children, human services and appropriations, or their designees; (3) The Chief Court Administrator, or the Chief Court Administrator's designee; (4) A judge of the superior court for juvenile matters, appointed by the Chief Justice; (5) The executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Department, or the executive director's designee; (6) The executive director of the Superior Court Operations Division, or the executive director's designee; (7) The Chief Public Defender, or the Chief Public Defender's designee; (8) The Chief State's Attorney, or the Chief State's Attorney's designee; (9) The Commissioner of Children and Families, or the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 367 of 745 commissioner's designee; (10) The Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee; (11) The Commissioner of Education, or the commissioner's designee; (12) The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, or the commissioner's designee; (13) The Labor Commissioner, or the commissioner's designee; (14) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's designee; (15) The Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee; (16) The president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, or the president's designee; (17) The chief of police of a municipality with a population in excess of one hundred thousand, appointed by the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association; (18) Two child or youth advocates, one of whom shall be appointed by one chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee, and one of whom shall be appointed by the other chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee; (19) Two parents or parent advocates, at least one of whom is the parent of a child who has been involved with the juvenile justice system, one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, and one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 368 of 745 (20) The Victim Advocate, or the Victim Advocate's designee; (21) The Child Advocate, or the Child Advocate's designee; (22) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee; (23) Two children, youths or young adults under twenty-six years of age with lived experience in the juvenile justice system, [one of whom] who shall be appointed by the [house chairperson of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary and one of whom shall be appointed by the house ranking member of such joint committee] community expertise subcommittee; (24) One community member who may be a family member of a child who has been involved with the juvenile justice system or a credible messenger with lived experience in the juvenile justice system and who works with youth in the juvenile justice system, nominated by the community expertise subcommittee and appointed by the chairpersons of this committee; (25) One member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, appointed by the tribe; [and] (26) One member of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, appointed by the tribe; (27) The Commissioner of Housing, or the commissioner's designee; and (28) The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, or the commissioner's designee. Sec. 246. Section 46b-121n of the general statutes is amended by adding subsection (v) as follows (Effective from passage): House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 369 of 745 (NEW) (v) (1) There is established within the committee a state advisory council to fulfill tasks assigned to the state and required by the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, 42 USC 5601 et seq., as amended from time to time. Such tasks shall include, but need not be limited to, participating in the development of and annual revisions to a juvenile justice plan for the state and advising state agencies on administering the plan and the allocation of certain grant funds. The state advisory council shall have the opportunity to review and comment on all applications for a formula grant under Title II of said act submitted to the state. (2) The council shall consist of at least fifteen members, but not more than thirty-three members as follows: (A) The undersecretary for the Office of Policy and Management, who directs the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division established pursuant to section 4-68m of the general statutes, or the undersecretary's designee; and (B) The remaining fourteen to thirty-two members, each appointed by the Governor in a manner consistent with said act, as follows: (i) At least one-fifth of whom shall be under the age of twenty-four years at the time of the member's initial appointment; and (ii) At least three of the members shall have been or are under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system, or if not feasible and in appropriate circumstances, a parent or guardian of such a person. (3) The term for each member of the council appointed pursuant to subparagraph (B) of subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be three years beginning on June thirtieth, and ending on June thirtieth or until a successor is appointed. (4) Any member may serve two full terms, which may be consecutive. House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 370 of 745 (5) Any member appointed to fulfill a term left vacant by a member shall serve for the remaining period of such term and may be reappointed subject to limitations provided in the provisions of subdivision (4) of this subsection. Sec. 247. Subsection (b) of section 10-198c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): (b) (1) Each local and regional board of education that (A) has a district chronic absenteeism rate of ten per cent or higher shall establish an attendance review team for the school district, (B) has a school under the jurisdiction of the board with a school chronic absenteeism rate of fifteen per cent or higher shall establish an attendance review team at such school, (C) has more than one school under the jurisdiction of the board with a school chronic absenteeism rate of fifteen per cent or higher shall establish an attendance review team for the school district or at each such school, or (D) has a district chronic absenteeism rate of ten per cent or higher and one or more schools under the jurisdiction of the board with a school chronic absenteeism rate of fifteen per cent or higher shall establish an attendance review team for the school district or at each such school. Such attendance review teams shall be established to address chronic absenteeism in the school district or at the school or schools. (2) Any attendance review team established under this subsection may consist of school administrators, guidance counselors, school counselors, school social workers, teachers and representatives from community-based programs who address issues related to student attendance by providing programs and services to truants, as defined in section 10-198a, and chronically absent children and their parents or guardians. Each attendance review team shall be responsible for reviewing the cases of truants and chronically absent children, discussing school interventions and community referrals for such House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 371 of 745 truants and chronically absent children and making any additional recommendations for such truants and chronically absent children and their parents or guardians. Each attendance review team shall meet at least monthly. (3) Not later than February 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Department of Education shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee established pursuant to section 46b-121n on each district with an attendance review team, including specific efforts and outcomes of such teams that are for alliance districts, as defined in section 10-262u, as reported in the alliance district plan, and any effective practice implemented by an attendance review team to reduce chronic absenteeism rates. Sec. 248. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Not later than January 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, each municipality or agent of a municipality operating a juvenile review board or another diversion program for youth shall annually report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary and children and to the Office of the Chief State's Attorney on data related to children diverted by the use of such board or program and the outcomes of such diversions, and as otherwise directed by the Department of Children and Families. Sec. 249. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Not later than February 1, 2026, the Police Officer Standards and Training Council established under section 7-294b of the general statutes, the chairpersons of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee established pursuant to section 46b-121n of the general statutes and representatives of the community expertise subcommittee of said committee shall develop (1) a state-wide uniform youth diversion policy for proposed adoption by said council, and (2) a youth diversion training curriculum for proposed House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 372 of 745 inclusion in minimum basic training programs requiring satisfactory completion for purposes of obtaining certification as a police officer. Sec. 250. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Not later than July 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Department of Children and Families shall report on its implementation of the Specialized Trauma-Informed Treatment Assessment and Reunification Enhancement Plan released by the department in March 2024, to the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee established pursuant to section 46b-121n of the general statutes. Such initial report shall use metrics in use at the time of such reporting. Not later than September 30, 2025, the department shall consider and may develop additional metrics for use in successive annual reports. Sec. 251. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Not later than January 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall report to the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee established pursuant to section 46b-121n of the general statutes an evaluation of the reentry success plan developed pursuant to section 3 of public act 23-188, as amended by section 2 of public act 24-139, and provide policy development coordination at the Office of Policy and Management and the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch. Such evaluations shall be conducted using a secure data enclave. Sec. 252. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) As used in this section and sections 253 to 259, inclusive, of this act: (1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Consumer Protection; (2) "Department" means the Department of Consumer Protection; (3) "Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 20-311 of the general statutes; House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 373 of 745 (4) "Prospective seller" means any person who communicates with a real estate wholesaler in contemplation of entering into a real estate wholesale contract; (5) "Real estate broker" has the same meaning as provided in section 20-311 of the general statutes; (6) "Real estate salesperson" has the same meaning as provided in section 20-311 of the general statutes; (7) "Real estate wholesaler" means a person who enters into a real estate wholesale contract for the purpose of facilitating or orchestrating the sale of a seller's residential real property to a third party without assuming title to such property; (8) "Real estate wholesale contract" means an agreement between a real estate wholesaler and the seller of residential real property in which the real estate wholesaler agrees, or reasonably expects or intends, to, for compensation and without assuming title to such property, facilitate or orchestrate the sale of such property to a third party; and (9) "Residential real property" has the same meaning as provided in section 20-311 of the general statutes. Sec. 253. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) (1) No person shall act as a real estate wholesaler in this state unless the Department of Consumer Protection has issued a real estate wholesaler registration to such person pursuant to this section. (2) A person may simultaneously hold a real estate broker license or real estate salesperson license under chapter 392 of the general statutes and a real estate wholesaler registration issued pursuant to this section. (b) (1) A person seeking an initial real estate wholesaler registration under this section shall submit a completed application to the House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 374 of 745 Department of Consumer Protection in a form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. Each completed application submitted to the department under this subdivision shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee in the amount of two hundred eighty-five dollars. Each initial real estate wholesaler registration issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be valid for a period not to exceed two years. (2) Each initial real estate wholesaler registration issued pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection may be renewed for successive two- year periods by submitting a completed registration renewal application to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner. Each completed registration renewal application submitted to the department under this subdivision shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable renewal fee in the amount of two hundred eighty-five dollars. Sec. 254. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) Each real estate wholesale contract shall, at a minimum, include a provision providing (1) the seller with a three-business-day period within which the seller may, in the seller's discretion and at the seller's expense, review the terms of such contract with an attorney or other advisor, and (2) that the seller may cancel such contract during such three-business-day period without providing any reason for such cancellation or incurring any penalty or obligation, except to return any deposit the real estate wholesaler paid to the seller. (b) No real estate wholesale contract shall provide for a closing date that is more than ninety days after the date on which all parties to such contract executed such contract. The parties to the real estate wholesale contract may agree to extend such ninety-day period, provided such extension is made in writing and signed by all parties to such contract. In the absence of any such extension, the real estate wholesale contract shall automatically terminate upon expiration of such ninety-day House Bill No. 7287 Public Act No. 25-168 375 of 745 period. (c) Any real estate wholesaler seeking to sell or assign a real estate wholesale contract to a third party shall, prior to such sale or assignment, provide to the third party: (1) A written notice (A) disclosing all of such third party's rights, as set forth in the real estate wholesale contract with the seller, and (B) identifying such real estate wholesaler as a real estate wholesaler who holds a future interest in the purchase of the residential real property but does not hold title to such property; and (2) The written residential condition report that the seller of the residential real property provided to such real estate wholesaler pursuant to subdivision (1) of section 255 of this act. Sec. 255. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) A seller of residential real property shall, prior to entering into a real estate wholesale contract with a real estate wholesaler concerning such property: (1) Provide to the real estate wholesaler a written residential condition report concerning such property that satisfies the requirements established in section 20-327b of the general statutes; and (2) Satisfy all relevant reporting requirements required by federal law. Sec. 256. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) On and after October 1, 2026, a real estate wholesaler shall, prior to executing a real estate wholesale contract with a prospective seller of residential real property, provide to the prospective seller the written wholesale disclosure report developed by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. The real estate wholesaler may deliver