Partial table of content below:

VETO SESSION
REGULAR SESSION
IMPLEMENTER2018
APPROPS
PLANNING&DEVELOPMENT

    

   

DEMOCRATS PRIMARY MINI GONZALES (C.) 

      

HB5171

 

  

NEWS FLASH - There was a rat after all!!!




P.H. Transcripts needed?  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20180607_lawmakers_stand_firm_on_elimination_of_public_hearing_transcripts/

 

Sec. 228
    
We note that "Aging" in statute is now being lumped with "Social Service" Sec. 296 as an example - and we are taking a break...hope to finish with a "part three" this weekend.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (4) of this subsection, if the debate on such resolution occurs during the last three days of the thirty-day period, each house of the General Assembly shall permit not more than four hours of total time for debate of such resolution. Those speaking in favor of such resolution shall be allocated not more than two hours of total time for debate and those speaking in opposition to such resolution shall be allocated not more than two hours of total time for debate. A vote shall be taken on the resolution upon the conclusion of the debate.

Crumbling Foundations

Sec. 335 and all other to 339 ((d) below "crumbling foundations - we believe to be funded by increased fees to every homeowner in the state...and...
(d) Notwithstanding any municipal charter, home rule ordinance or special act, no municipality shall collect an application fee on a building permit application to repair or replace a concrete foundation that has deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite.

Sec. 340 and...
L) If the foundation of the property is made of concrete, a statement that the prospective purchaser should have the foundation inspected by a professional engineer licensed pursuant to chapter 391 who is a structural engineer, for deterioration of the foundation due to the presence of pyrrhotite.

(M) A question as to whether the seller has knowledge of any testing or inspection done by a licensed professional related to a foundation on the property.

(N) A question as to whether the seller has knowledge of any repairs related to a foundation on the property.

Sec. 342 and...
and (xxi) to the extent properly includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes, the amount of any financial assistance received from the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund or paid to or on behalf of the owner of a residential building pursuant to sections 337 and 343 of this act.

Sec. 343. (NEW) (Effective from passage) as well as...
(a) Two or more municipalities may, subject to the provisions of section 10a-185 of the general statutes and chapter 187 of the general statutes and the approval of the legislative body of each such municipality, jointly borrow from any source for the purpose of paying for all or part of the cost of any project entered into jointly to abate a deleterious condition on real property that, if left unabated, would cause the collapse of a concrete foundation due to the presence of pyrrhotite and damage the housing stock in such participating municipalities to such an extent that a negative impact on such participating municipalities' economies would result.

Sec. 344 and...
Any municipality may authorize the issuance of bonds, notes or other obligations in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for the [purpose] purposes of (1) funding a reserve fund for property or casualty losses established pursuant to section 7-403a, or (2) funding for all or part of the cost of any project undertaken by such municipality to abate an actual or potential deleterious condition on real property that, if left unabated, would cause the collapse of a concrete foundation of a residential building due to the presence of pyrrhotite and damage the housing stock in such municipality to such an extent that a negative impact on such municipality's economy would result.

Sec. 345. (Effective from passage)
(a) There is established a working group to develop a model quality control plan for quarries and to study the workforce of contractors engaged in the repair and replacement of concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite.

Sec. 346. (NEW) (Effective from passage)
If the federal Army Corps of Engineers, National Institute of Standards and Technology, ASTM International or other nationally recognized standards bureau establishes a standard for the presence of pyrrhotite in concrete intended for use in foundations of residential buildings and the State Building Inspector adopts such standard into the State Building Code, any person selling or offering such concrete for sale shall provide the purchaser or potential purchaser with written notice that such concrete is in compliance with such standard.

Sec. 347. (NEW) (Effective from passage)
There shall be a special homeowner advocate within the Department of Housing. Said advocate shall be responsible for: (1) Coordinating the efforts of the state to provide assistance to owners of residential buildings with concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite, (2) working with the federal government regarding any support provided by the federal government to the owners of such residential buildings, (3) advising and assisting the owners of such residential buildings in making claims for financial assistance pursuant to section 336 of this act, (4) assisting the owners of such buildings in accessing any other available assistance or support, (5) referring the owners of such residential buildings to any entity that provides assistance or support, (6) assisting in the resolution of complaints concerning the operations of the captive insurance company established pursuant to section 336 of this act, (7) filing a report, not less than annually, with the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to insurance, finance, planning and development, housing and public safety describing any trends in the complaints described in subdivision (6) of this section and making recommendations to improve the efficiency, fairness or operations of the captive insurance company established pursuant to section 336 of this act, and (8) testifying at any hearing held by one or more committees of the General Assembly regarding the report described in subdivision (7) of this section.

Sec. 348. (NEW) (Effective from passage)
The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall, in consultation with the Labor Commissioner and within available appropriations, establish a training program for contractors engaged in the repair and replacement of concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite.

There are four tiers, "tier 1" being in the best shape...and this may not be where this fits, but SB528 gets his 5th  V E T O
Sec. 360. (NEW) (Effective from passage)
(a) The chief elected official of a municipality may apply to the secretary to request designation as a tier I municipality if any of the following conditions exist: (1) The municipality has no bond rating, or its highest bond rating is A or above, provided the municipality has no rating that is not investment grade, receives less than thirty per cent of its current fiscal year general fund budget revenues in the form of municipal aid from the state, has a positive fund balance percentage, and has a municipal revenue increase in fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, as a per cent of revenues of two per cent or more, (2) the municipality has no bond rating or its highest bond rating is A, provided the municipality has no rating that is not investment grade, receives less than thirty per cent of its current fiscal year general fund budget revenues in the form of municipal aid from the state, and had a positive fund balance percentage of less than five per cent, or (3) the municipality's highest bond rating is AA or above, provided the municipality has no rating that is not investment grade, receives thirty per cent or more of its current fiscal year general fund budget revenues in the form of municipal aid from the state, has an equalized mill rate of less than thirty, has a positive fund balance percentage, and has a municipal revenue increase in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, as a per cent of revenues of two per cent or more.

(b) The secretary shall refer any municipality which has requested designation as a tier I municipality to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission, pursuant to the provisions of section 7-395 of the general statutes. In addition to the requirements of section 7-394b of the general statutes, such municipality shall prepare and present a three-year financial plan to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission for its review and approval.

Below "M.A.R.B.":  FWIW, (l) Not running for re-election and (r) appointed by the Governor, who is not running again.

Sec. 367. (NEW) (Effective from passage) and here are some definition/lingo
(a) There is established a Municipal Accountability Review Board, which shall be in the Office of Policy and Management for administrative purposes only and which shall be comprised of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee, who shall be the chairperson of such board, the State Treasurer, or the State Treasurer's designee, who shall be the cochairperson of such board, five members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be a municipal finance director, one of whom shall be a municipal bond or bankruptcy attorney, one of whom shall be a town manager, one of whom shall have significant experience in representing organized labor and who shall be selected from a list of three recommendations by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and one of whom shall have significant experience as a teacher or representing a teacher's organization and who shall be selected from a list of three joint recommendations by the Connecticut Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers-Connecticut, and one member appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, one member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate and one member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. Each member appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the minority leader of the Senate and the minority leader of the House of Representatives shall have experience in business, finance or municipal management. All appointed members shall serve for terms of six years and until a successor is appointed except that two of the five initial appointments by the Governor shall each be for a term of three years with all subsequent appointments being for a term of six years. The filling of any vacancy shall be for the remainder of the applicable member's terms. If there are two or more designated tier II, III or IV municipalities, the Governor may appoint alternates for one or more of the appointments made by the Governor pursuant to this section. Such alternates shall have the same qualifications as the member for whom they serve as an alternate and the term of each such alternate shall coincide with the term of such member. The members of the board shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in performance of their duties. Expenses of the board related to its work with designated tier III or IV municipalities, including any staff, consultants and other expenses adopted by the board, may, following consultation with such municipalities, be charged to such municipalities by the board and may be paid from the proceeds of any deficit obligation or debt restructuring bonds.

Sec. 374. Section 7-578 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
Within one year of initial participation [in] as a certified tier I or tier II municipality, a participating municipality may develop a comprehensive economic development plan designed to increase the tax base of the municipality to a level that will allow the municipality to provide an adequate level of municipal services. The plan shall be approved by the legislative authority of the municipality. If at any time after the comprehensive economic development plan has been completed and the municipality fails to show substantial progress in meeting the goals of the plan, the state may suspend further assistance to the municipality. The secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, shall evaluate the comprehensive economic development plan annually. The secretary lyme. may provide qualified staff and financial assistance to the qualifying municipality for purposes of developing a comprehensive economic development plan.

Sec. 432. (Effective from passage):
(a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred twenty million dollars, provided sixty million dollars of said authorization shall be effective July 1, 2018.

(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 Office of Policy and Management for grants-in-aid to municipalities for the purposes set forth in subsection (a) of section 13a-175a of the general statutes, for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2018, and June 30, 2018. Such grant payments shall be made annually as follows: 

Guess how much Weston gets?  FY18 and FY19 we're given $453 each of these two years.  ZERO goes 11 others (Cornwall, Darien, Hampton, Kent, Lyme, North Stonington, Preston, Sharon, Sherman, Union, Westport) plus 4 other  towns and 5 entities getting less than we are inked in for.  We note the "CT CREDIT CARD" is getting a haircut or am I misunderstanding this?

Sec. 491. Section 1 of public act 13-239, as amended by section 214 of public act 15-1 of the June special session and section 161 of public act 16-4 of the May special session, is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
The State Bond Commission shall have power, in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 2 to 7, inclusive, of public act 13-239, from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts in the aggregate, not exceeding [$300,456,261] $297,885,986.

Sec. 527. Section 12 of public act 15-1 of the June special session, as amended by section 201 of public act 16-4 of the May special session, is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
The State Bond Commission shall have power, in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 13 to 19, inclusive, of public act 15-1 of the June special session, from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts in the aggregate, not exceeding [$376,600,000] $353,092,050.

Sec. 530. Subdivision (3) of subsection (e) of section 13 of public act 15-1 of the June special session, as amended by section 205 of public act 16-4 of the May special session, is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
(3) For the Brownfield Remediation and Revitalization program, not exceeding [$16,000,000] $20,000,000;

Sec. 531. Subsection (f) of section 13 of public act 15-1 of the June special session is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
(f) For the Department of Housing: For the Main Street Investment Fund established by section 4-66h of the general statutes, not exceeding [$5,000,000] $2,000,000.

Sec. 532. Subdivision (1) of subsection (i) of section 13 of public act 15-1 of the June special session is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
(1) Grants-in-aid for the purpose of capital start-up costs related to the development of new interdistrict magnet school programs to assist the state in meeting the goals of the current stipulation and order for Milo Sheff, et al. v. William A. O'Neill, et al., for the purpose of purchasing a building or portable classrooms, subject to the reversion provisions in subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 10-264h of the general statutes, leasing space and purchasing equipment, including, but not limited to, computers and classroom furniture, not exceeding [$20,000,000] $15,000,000;

Sec. 533. Subdivision (3) of subsection (i) of section 13 of public act 15-1 of the June special session is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
(3) Grants-in-aid to the American School for the Deaf for alterations, renovations and improvements to the buildings and grounds, not exceeding [$5,000,000] $2,492,050.

Sec. 536. Section 27 of public act 15-1 of the June special session is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
The State Bond Commission shall have power, in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 28 to 30, inclusive, of [this act] public act 15-1 of the June special session, from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts in the aggregate, not exceeding [$135,000,000] $120,000,000.

Sec. 537. Section 31 of public act 15-1 of the June special session, as amended by section 219 of public act 16-4 of the May special session, is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
The State Bond Commission shall have power, in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 32 to 38, inclusive, of public act 15-1 of the June special session, from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts in the aggregate, not exceeding [$298,250,000] $282,750,000.

Sec. 541. Subsection (a) of section 57 of public act 15-1 of the June special session, as amended by section 234 of public act 16-4 of the May special session, is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
(a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate [twenty-six million dollars, provided fifteen million dollars of said authorization shall be effective July 1, 2016] twenty million eight hundred seventy-five thousand dollars.

Sec. 543. Section 1 of public act 16-4 of the May special session is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
The State Bond Commission shall have power, in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 2 to 7, inclusive, of [this act] public act 16-4 of the May special session, from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts in the aggregate, not exceeding [$250,200,000] $249,500,000.

Sec. 544. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 2 of public act 16-4 of the May special session is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
(2) For improvements to the Trout Brook Canal area in the town of West Hartford, not exceeding [$1,200,000] $500,000.

Sec. 545. Section 8 of public act 16-4 of the May special session is amended to read as follows (Effective from passage):
The State Bond Commission shall have power, in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 9 to 15, inclusive, of [this act] public act 16-4 of the May special session, from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts in the aggregate, not exceeding [$47,500,000] $37,000,000.

d) In addition to the fees for recording a document under subsection (a) of this section, town clerks shall receive a fee of [three] ten dollars for each document recorded in the land records of the municipality. Not later than the fifteenth day of each month, town clerks shall remit [two-thirds] two-fifths of the fees paid pursuant to this subsection during the previous calendar month to the State Treasurer for deposit in the General Fund and two-fifths of the fees paid pursuant to this subsection during the previous calendar month to the State Librarian for deposit in a bank account of the State Treasurer and crediting to the historic documents preservation account established under section 11-8i. [One-third] One-fifth of the amount paid for fees pursuant to this subsection shall be retained by town clerks and used for the preservation and management of historic documents. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any document recorded on the land records by an employee of the state or of a municipality in conjunction with [said] the employee's official duties. As used in this section "municipality" includes each town, consolidated town and city, city, consolidated town and borough, borough, district, as defined in chapter 105 or chapter 105a, and each municipal board, commission and taxing district not previously mentioned.

       
To track our bills go to COMMITTEE PAGES.  WHAT ARE C.G.A. RULES?  CHECK OUT HOUSE "GO LIST" AND SENATE "LIST OF BILLS" DAILY...a Special Session in the cards 2018?
In a word, "yes" - and see if you can figure out how many spots in the process allow for legislative "sleight of hand" and by the way, then there is the budget process and revisions to it.

• Planning & Development, and related...
  
• Environment and some others too, such as
• Energy & Technology, PLUS
• Transportation. 

• Discussing adjusting the biennial budget not mentioned.  BUT here is the link to the plan.
  
• Address not about the fiscal situation so far.
• Includes raising minimum wage, voting by mail (and early voting);  health care workers in-home added benefits. 
  
• He wants a bill like #metoo.
• NOT WORD ONE ABOUT THE FISCAL SITUATION.

• Who blinked? 
  
• Who made promises they couldn't keep? 
  
• Who voted "no" on the compromise?
• What bills failed to make it to the finish line?  Another version:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20180511_legislative_triage_the_winners_and_losers_of_the_2018_session/
  

 

a

n 

HB5348asamended

lco5960HB5339 voice vote.

• Smoking ban
• Autonomous vehicle
• Public trasit employees

SB468

substituteHB5449 -

SB520 - LCO5378

substituteSB357

HB5334 education

SB106 on consent.


Now in recess for caucuses (4:44pm)

substituteHB5384

Back story? 

• New Haven. 
  
• DIGITAL INFLUENCE/changing technology. 
  
• How to regulate it? 
  
• What about pre-existing billboards? 
  
• Is the intent to make old billboards inoperable - yes. 
  
• ACLU opposed the bill.
  
• So how are they going to determine "brightness?" (My question).  INDUSTRY HAS GUIDELINES
• "Not up to speed" on highway regulations (Stafstrom made an unintentional joke)
• Brightness?  How to measure it?  Cost on municipalities to hire experts?
  

"PT'd".  I think because someone brought up fiscal note issue.

SB471 - Any obligation on local Police to find cause or liability in accident death case?  148-0 NV2

substituteHB5563 - spoofing bill, anti-robo call.- 1 NV

HB5356 - Dam bill.

DEM CAUCUS UNTIL 3:30pm...

HB5430

HB5203

HB5219

HB5440

CAUCUS at 12:26pm

SubstituteHB5244

HB5148

Substitute HB5130

HB5045

        

     
LCO4089 'B' offered

HB5439

HB5290

• Privacy data - how is it being used - and protected. 
  
• 90% of State salaries are fringe benefits - paid for by insurance companies???.
• Will their be a separate board? 
  
• Database???  Same collection procedures.
  

EARLY CHILDHOOD

HB5533 - State plan of housing and community development

HB5507

Amendment passed.

HB5377

• "Blight" in cities.  It is easier to write a uniform regulation to remove satellite dishes in the legislature;
• It appears to me that this was an owner versus renter.
  
• Close vote but it passes.  83-61, 6nv.
• included here Rep. Urban, who made a crack about opposition to 5377 while introducing the next bill
  

----------------

HB5331 - Childrens' Report Card.  Approved unanimously with no "NO" votes.

----------------

HB5364 -

HB5167

;  almost 10am

• Vote to provide new contract. 
  
• Home health aids - "PCA" - why are we voting on this and not on SEBAC? 
  
• What is the emergency?  Why? 
  
• March 22 at midnight it goes into effect.  All of the parts of the contract MOU??
• Priorities?  This should have priorities.  HOLISTIC CONVERSATION NEEDED.ontract with the state?
  
• Apples to apples?  What does this mean and is this not putting the State on the hook to keep these jobs first and cut elsewhere?
• Is the money there?  $7 million???  Out years???
• What if we don't approve it? 
  
• Private agencies do a better job...why not go there?  Can family members join the union and do what they already do?
• Sec'y Barnes - contract with the State guesswork.  In); the out years or shortfall from DSS?
• Looks as if this passed in the House, too (we had stopped for a while and put it on hold). 
  
• Repeat of "4 jobs and still gets assistance" testimony.
  

  must go into effect MOU

"...In a statement, she said she had every intention of voting for McDonald Monday.

"However, after a conversation with Petit she began to doubt she was making the right choice.

"'I have listened to the concerns raised by Rep. Petit and others about Judge McDonald’s record on the death penalty, and his decision not to recuse himself from that court case despite his previous legislative advocacy. Based on these concerns, and these concerns only, I voted against his confirmation,' Linehan said.

"Linehan, who didn’t speak at all during the debate, hails from the district where Petit lived in 2007 when he was bludgeoned and his family was murdered.

"In a statement, she said he had every intention of voting for McDonald Monday...".

MAY 9th - prior to budget adjustment debate if any.
F,R & B meeting to approve budget projections - hard to tell if anybody voted on it....



IN CAUCUS UNTIL WAY AFTER LUNCH


MEETING OF APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE TO JF BUDGET TO THE FLOOR, APRIL 20, 2018
BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS - TO BE MADE BY ONE HOUSE AT A TIME?


Democrat's Press Conference announced they have the answer.  GOP replies  - "not so fast you don't."
We note this perhaps related bill (opening Charters) from P&D:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/h/2018HB-05184-R00-HB.htm


Which Senators and Representatives are on Approps?  House Chair. and Senate Co-Chairs., above. 


ABOUT AS THEATRICAL AS IT GETS IN THE CT GENERAL ASSEMBLY - SENATORS ON APPROPS AGREED NOT TO PARTICIPATE?

• "What are the options?" 
  
• Joint Committees are allowed to split votes. 
  
• Test vote 21-19 after Chair. calls out of order an innocent question.  
  
• "Can we get paper copies???"

Why is this "splitting the Committee" being done?  To make sure 2 female Senators (Democrats) cannot speak in opposition.

• Don't let the Senate vote (because the Democrats are not in control).
  
• Pass the House Democrat budget out of Committee and let it go to the House.
• "Screening Committee" says House Only bills will not get to the floor of the House.  In response, the Approps Democrats say "piffle"
  
• "How did the Senate come to decide to be left out?"  Oops - we would have said "bingo" but it might confused with another issue. Standing at ease...
• No copies of LCO report 3924.  Ziobron has to ask for one.  Standing at ease.  No doubt online copies being scoured for rat-like items.  Democrats didn't have to expose themselves...
  

LEGAL STAFF WHO WERE PERHAPS KEPT IN THE DARK ON THE GRILL

• No question but:  Finance Revenue & Bonding?  How do they fit in? 
• What's in it?  Are subcommittee proposals in it?  Concepts not all bi-partisan.  Fringe benefits are 88% of salary.
• OPM $45 million increase? 
• No municipal revenue sharing.
• Comptroller got increases to cover people's fringe benefits
• 33 towns lose all state aid?  Page 45-46.  Ans. Check next pages.

VOTING BY HOUSE MEMBERS ONLY ON DEMOCRAT AMENDMENT (LCO3924) - a slam dunk because they already had a test vole to discuss splitting the Committee 21-19.

THEN THE REPUBLICANS SET OUT THEIR PACKAGE (GIVEN TO DEMOCRATS BEFORE ORIGINAL STARTING TIME OF 11:30AM) - OF IDEAS FOR APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE THAT HAD BEEN REVIEWED BY LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE AS WELL...WE DIDN'T CATCH THE LCO NUMBER.



O.F.A. Director supports the Republican budget proposal's veracity when items questioned.

• Republicans get their chance.  "No tax increase budget."  Hartford deal whacked. 
  
• Sen. Osten attacks.
• Senators Hartley and Slossberg would have voted "no" on both budgets.
  

52 members (the entire Committee) voting on Republican budget:  25-27.

Adjournment.

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Previous Sub-Committee Meeting...

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE BIENNIAL BUDGET
Appropriations Committee has been going over the whole thing transportation included.


WHAT THE GOVERNOR PROPOSED $$ AS BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS:

And here's a hot one:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20180207_lawmakers_unhappy_with_move_to_change_second_decd_job/

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LIST OF FIRST DAY BILLS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES:  From here on in, we will be watch the four (4) Committee pages for news of new bils and decisions.
HOUSE:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/lob/h/2018HLB00208-R00-LOB.htm
SENATE:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/lob/s/2018SLB00208-R00-LOB.htm

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"TIMES UP" MOVEMENT LEADER


#METOO  comes to the C.G.A.  Public input revealing - former prison guard not pictured who claimed unions discriminated against their female members.
Maybe I'm missing something, but this was actually very entertaining.   One thing I learned was that  the National Conference of State Legislatures did a survey and we think we heard only 26 of 50 responded.

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FROM CTNEWSJUNKIE:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20180406_finance_committee_moves_to_delay_bond_covenant/
Thursday's F,R & B meeting did not JF HB5590 by one vote.  We quote:  "...Sen. John Fonfara, D-Hartford, who was the main proponent of the bond covenant, said he was the most concerned about the volatility cap and that won’t be delayed.  'This was all for me about the volatility cap,' Fonfara said following Thursday’s vote.  He said the legislation leaves the volatility cap in place and at the moment that’s more important than having the bond covenant for all of the caps." 
Testimony on this bill here.

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GETTING DOWN TO DEADLINE...10 HR AND 45 MIN. PUBLIC HEARING, MON., APRIL 3, 2018.  Senator Fonfara in charge at the end.




FINANCE, REVENUE & BONDING PUBLIC HEARING, APRIL 2, 2018
Thirty bills including a curious bill related to the Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth Commission...or HB5587 - how everything is ground to dust, JMO.  First hour on this bill;  Elliot asks about Tax Incidence Study - income inequality not in the centerpiece of this study.  "Economic growth" definition? 



SB536 - Entrepreneurship.  UCONN not in favor but would work to make it a better bill (sure).


SB540 - DISJOINTED TESTIMONY on sports betting.- junior from staff of lottery first.  Interim CEO (R) testified after.  Why?  Since the order of speakers is determined by...picking numbers!  He picked the better number.


SB527 - Transportation Center (Stamford) - testimony on south end and lagging for 10 yrs on transportation center-parking garage.


               
HB5582 - Legalizing pot taxation; 2 testified already.  RECREATIONAL. Electronic payment at dispensaries of MJ...and more sweet smell of weed.

• BLOCK CHAIN transactions. 
  
• So why wouldn't the business be illegal?  HA - the problem is with cash transactions. 
  
• So CT would be the first?  Yes.
• Are you the only entity that is doing this?  I think he said "yes"
  

Consumer Counsel testifies on we forget which of these 30 bills...it is 5 and 1/2 hours and we've had enough. 





   

We are back after 5pm.  Sports betting...Foxwoods testifies.



SB525 - AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CT INVESTMENT BOARD - not in favor.

We're out of here after a total of 7 hrs...only to pick it up @9 and 1/4 hrs in.



HB5591 - Sec. 8 - surcharge and cost increase in marriage license fee - "METOO" movement opposes this.




HB5585 - Stamford Economic Development Director - in summary, we are saying this, one size doesn't fit all when it comes to writing economic development standards.



SB536 - AAUP pressed by Sen. Fonfara.



HB5590 - Medicade coverage.  Ties Appropriation Committee budget to FR&B.  Makes Alex Knopp's point.

SB540 - Lottery sales online affecting convenience store sales.of other items.  Notes as to why this same bill failed two years in a row, previously.  It was noted by the chairman at this point that previously it had been a case of support for mj - now we are talking about the budget.

HB5582

HB5587 - last speaker at the end of a more than ten hour public hearing from unions supporting this bill - unfair because no union membership on Commission.

10hours,  6 minutes and 37 seconds.  Over.  This is how CT will devise a plan to pay for Appropriations Committee's budget revisions.  And we note for the record that we missed some testimony prior to this.

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GENERAL LAW

LEGALIZING POT 2018 IN CT
http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-committee-on-pot-20180320-story.html#nws=true

---

  
"National Popular Vote"  Compact:  Where are we now in 2018?


G.A.E. March 19, 2018




WE TUNED IN @11am plus
No speaker except one who was not in favor...


Lawyer from Texas, Tara Ross.
All power corrupts argument.  Small states against the big states.  Part of Congress role in the Constitution.  Too much centralization.  Early voting?  Racist?  Like Europe?  What color favors it?

HB5526 - "DARK MONEY"
HB5522 - C.E.P. restoration

SEEC Exec. Director and staff with lots of bills and lots of Q&A. - the one-year limit to investigate a problem.

3pm and we're out of here...

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JUDICIARY 2-25-18
              
THIS WAS AT LEAST A THREE-PORTRAIT EVENT IT TOOK SO LONG - THE DAY, THE COURANT  AND THE CT POST.
We watched this for almost 11 hours straight - it went on for a total of 13 hours and 33 minutes including a vote taken at the end - 20-20. Portraits of recusal, brave crossing of Party lines and a possible change coming.  Click here
for play-by-play.  FWIW we watched the very interesting last hour or so where the public who waited until the clock struck midnight, or so it seemed, to get in their 2 cents worth. 


PURGE?
Here is a link to COURANT artical 2-28-18:  http://digitaledition.courant.com/html5/desktop/production/default.aspx?pubid=e1bdb9a0-d9e0-4569-842b-54331efd8091



  
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE called to order by Senator Doyle at 10am on Monday Feb. 26, 2018.
Appointment of new Chief Justice to be heard.  Will anyone recuse themselves?  No-death penalty/death penalty by state graphic from 2012 (r) above.
It was that year the retrospectively designed bill passed that would not let death row inmates take a pass.  The Santiago case is the one that the Supreme Court in CT voted 4-3 to find the 2012 bill in error.
So this is the big show today.  How many members of the Judiciary Committee are running for the Democrat AG nomination?  Republicans?

Intersection of law and public policy.

                   
"RACIAL DISPARITIES IN DEATH PENALTY TEEING UP FUTURE OPINIONS" AND FRIEND OF DANNEL.
Sen. Tong questions: 

• Work toward consensus. 
  
• Racial bias yet commented in detail Santiago concurring opinion.  Oh boy did I have this right.  Wow. 

Sen. O'Neill questions: 

• Appeals Court can sit on the Supreme Court!!! 
  
• School Funding case recusal?  Representing the Governor and had particular knowledge and legal strategy.  What wasn't in the record?  What did he actually do?  Sat in on meetings with AG. 
  
• Death Penalty bill opposition to death penalty at the time prospective only.  Disqualification issue.  Santiago case.  Did you consult re: Santiago?  Did you read all the bills you sent to Governor?  "No."  Prospective repeal of death penalty?  No.  Governor just wanted to sign it.  "functionality" review not policy.  Chief State's attorney was going to challenge it - would not pursue appeals.  8th amendment violation.
• Rule 2.4:  Ha ha - they have to take a 5 minute recess to get a paper copy for Justice - and they got him the wrong stuff.  "A judge may not allow undue influence"...Governor officiated at your wedding.  Has he performed other weddings.    How many years had he worked for Malloy?  1999-2002.  Campaign manager.  "Separation of Powers?"  Known Malloy for 35 years.
• Budget:  Public defenders office -  $500,000 to be taken out of the Judicial Branch funds.  201 judge positions 168 now filled...should they all be filled?  McDonald agrees but does not feel judicial branch should not interfere.

Sen Gomes:

• Death penalty - 1970's began in CT.
• Employees - correct this when you become Chief Justice:  Chain of command re:complaints.

Sen. McGlachlan:  More fencing...

• How do you like it (since you were just in front of them 5 years ago)?
• Merrittview:  Malpractice was not connected...this question indicating what?  Standard for judicial notice?  Required to notify parties?  Any conflict with contact prior to dissent of Merrittview?  Fairfield Merritview principles?  Peter Malkin.  Ha ha ha. Even I knew that!
• Malkin in Stamford.  Parking garage...
• Santiago:  Any independent research?  Yes.  Racial disparities in CT.  Systemic racial disparities on purely legal grounds without taking into account that evidence.  He can't answer this.
• 12-05 repeal.  No lawyer in the Governor's Office review this? 
  
• Reformation of Thomas Gallegher for corporate law for religious organizations.
  

  
Senator Kissel reminds Committee to not be, in my words, prosecutorial.  More questions from Rep. Smith asks why another state's decision given more weight than CT opinions.

Sen. Markley:

• Proposed legislation - do you review it?
• Role of trial courts in appeal.

4pm and still going strong.  Where are we going in finding consistency.

     

Rep. Smith:

• More litigation coming?.
• Recusal issue on the Court.   For example if the law firm they were partner in had a case. 
  
• "Plain language" statute.  Statute is what it is.  Lapointe decision (this is the DNA one) went out of its way.  Precedent.
• "Subway" (Edmonds) appeal case.  Relying on the record or not is something the Supreme Court must take facts as presented by trial court.  More than one, two...fifteen.  A pattern.  "I do not remember."
• "Sister case State law"  used when there is CT law on the subject.
• Issues not raised by the defendant why raise it?  Racial profiling.
• Rule 2.9 (d):  Factfinding.  Judge serves as a factfinder?  Shall not...interpreting facts.
  

5:22pm

 

Rep. Gonzalez:

• Judges reappointment do not include public comment.  Is this fair?
• Sullivan, Zarella matter.  (Nomination for new Chief Justice).  She thinks Justice Zarella, nominated by Gov. Rell, was stabbed in the back.
• Chief Justice Sullivan wouldn't come forward.
• High rates of minority incarceration?
• Family court?

After dinner...

Sen. Suzio: 

• Have you even had a case before you where you had a strong moral opinion?  "No."  what if you did?  Ans.  Judge puts these aside. 
  
• Strongly held opinions.  Can you rule against your own moral opinion.
• CCJEF?  Sheff???
  
• Skakel case taking too long?
• Overruling decisions?  Law tends to build upon itself.  Reversing precedent happens.  Interpret law instead of making it. 
  
• Discussion of plea deal and victims family appeal.  "Writ of error."  Deny relief. 
  

Rep. Srinivasin



Rep. O'Neill: 

• Emotional response for disqualification segregating emotion from appeal.
  
• Related to Gov. Malloy relationship.  He will disqualify himself if Governor is named in legal cases.
• "Concurring opinion" what was his purpose in bringing in an item not discussed in testimony.  "Tee up" an issue.
• Technology?  Online.
  

Rep. Stafstrom: 

• Push the bounds?  Legislative Branch v. Judicial Branch?
• Riley:  Analyze to supreme court cases for life sentence for juveniles - remedy.  Juvinilr justice.
• Why do you want this job?
  

Rep. Rebimbes:

• Recusal - who do you consult with if any?  Although she might not have been the Committee member to say it, there was some concern about this on specific matters.
  
• And we are out of here...we've been watching all day since 10am, now after 8pm...
• Inquiring minds will want to know if it was finished tonight (they did according to CTNEWSJUNKIE) and if Judge McDonald was endorsed by the Judiciary Committee...more than 13 hours and NOT recommended on an 18-18 tie (CT MIRROR).
  

           
MORE REPORTS TUESDAY FEB. 27th:  THIS WAS A THREE-PORTRAIT EVENT IT TOOK SO LONG - THE DAY, THE COURANT  AND THE CT POST

We only watched this for almost 11 hours - it went on for a total of 13 hours and 33 minutes including a vote taken at the end - 18-18 - or maybe 20-20. A recusal, and one crossing Party lines.


CT POST MOST INFORMATIVE
Upon reading the daily newspapers' online, The Day, that was not with it 'til the end, COURANT and CT POST (20-20) - the best report - we find that as was to be expected, at the very end was the kicker that might be the final blow to this nomination...  

        
NOW WE PICK UP 11:30 hrs INTO THE PROCEEDINGS ...

• The whole story (or not) related to his now husband's lawsuit.  
  
• "Is this the way your firm practices law?"  was approx. what was said.
  
• Contract dispute.  Medical records request.  Were allowed in discovery, trial not allowed.
• Recusal:  If you know the two people, why didn't you?  You didn't need to disqualify yourself?
• Very careful to recuse himself re:  Pullman & Comley involvement.
• SB1098: disgruntled church members over Greenwich gay ministers (Legislature to change the rules and independence of religious institutions if drafted bill became law).
  
• Doubling of C.F.R. grant (i.e. to allow more $$ to candidates to combat last minute outside ad blitz).  Unconstitutional as written.

        

THIS IS INTERESTING
Appointments to Supreme Court and Appeals Court interviewed who were interim appointments.

Public Comment: 

• What about lying lawyers/judges? 
  
• UCONN LAW Dean endorsement.
  
• Complaint on G.I.L. and
  
• Another complaint from father who lost custody.and Rep. Stafstrom cuts him off.

VOTE ON CHIEF JUSTICE - WE WATCHED IT TUESDAY MORNING...

BEFORE THE VOTE:

• Rep. Morris notes for the record that he may change his vote when it gets to the floor because of SB1098 issue. 
  
• Recusal from Rep. O'Dea. 
  
• And the voice vote was 20-20.

MEMBERSHIP OF JUDICIARY COMMITTEE:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/jud/

Comment:  http://www.courant.com/opinion/hc-op-rennie-mcdonald-justice-nomination-20180228-story.html

---

HOLD THE PHONE - U.S. SUPREME COURT WEIGHS IN
Sports Wagering an issue not gaining traction in the State:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5307&which_year=2018

PLAY THAT NUMBER (957) AS B.I.A. in D.C. GIVES ITS BLESSING (May 31, 2018)

Snake eyes for Public Safety and Security Legislative Committee - roll it for Hartford, East Windsor or  Bridgeport...
Never underestimate the power of rolling the dice - bills from Long Session back  in the mix - at right, a previous supporter of second from left.

---

     
February is for Committee work, March is for Public Hearings...our Legislators cover issues for Weston - P&D, Housing & Energy&Technology;  Environment;  Transportation.

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OUTSIDE AGENCY DEFINITION:  F.S.E.C. AFTER MARCH 1 - "CONNECTICUT RISING INC." (from the ashes)? 

        
FISCAL STABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH COMMISSION:  PUBLIC HEARING 2-9-18
Opening with AFL-CIO, C.E.A. and AFSCME.  Ideas?  Tax Internet sales, regionalize education so no longer a property tax burden (a canard, or "outside agency"). 

---

Meeting on Friday, April 6th at noon to review bills referred by other Committees (from the floor).

But here's the LIST of 38 bills JF'd:   https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=pd

"NOT ALL WILL BE JF'D"...First meeting included 31 bill concepts (2-14-18) which included HB5045: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/pddata/ca/2018CA-00214-R001300PD-CA.htm
Legislative history:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05045&which_year=2018




JF REPORTS DUE 3-26-18?

So far, C.G.A. website lists 23 bills out of 38 with full JF reports.  We especially want to note, in addition to the Governor's Bill, (no JF report for 5045 yet) this one:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/jfr/h/pdf/2018HB-05283-R00PD-JFR.pdf

Looking forward to seeing how a few of the others morph...
(If they had public hearings they are in play...)

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WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS...
LOTS OF LOOPHOLES BUT...THERE WAS ONE AMENDMENT OFFERED THAT BARELY PASSED IN THE HOUSE;  THE SENATE NEVER BROUGHT AMENDED BILL UP

What does this bill say?  It says by-by C.G.S. 8-2 - "No more money from the State of Connecticut" for any town that does not do the following:

1. Requires them to demonstrate, or risk losing discretionary state funding, that their regulations comply with the bill's requirements concerning the (a) provision of varied housing development opportunities and (b) promotion of housing choice and economic diversity in housing;

2. Requires the regulations to provide for, rather than encourage, a variety of housing development opportunities to meet local and regional needs;

3. Requires the regulations to be designed to affirmatively further fair housing (which the bill does not define, see BACKGROUND);

4. Eliminates a requirement that the regulations be made with reasonable consideration as to the “character” of a district; and

5. Prohibits the regulations from imposing on mobile manufactured homes and associated lots conditions that are substantially different from those imposed on other residential developments.

ANALYSIS:
 
From the Office of Legislative Research:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/BA/2018HB-05045-R000347-BA.htm

An Act Establishing Accountability for Fair and Affordable Housing Through Zoning Regulations:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/FC/2018HB-05045-R000347-FC.htm

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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT JF DEADLINE MEETING, MARCH 26, 2018


LONG MEETING WITH 30 BILLS TO BE VOTED UPON
With Ranking Member making motions to put bills on Consent Calendar, the meeting began at  10:37am.  Will be held open for votes until 3:45pm.

Did you know that the C.G.A. website lists only 3 bills JFS's ("S" standing for substitute) to the floor as of today?  One of which involves "NRD" applications and protection to neighbors who oppose these developers? 

AGENDA 3-26-18

#1, #2(?), #6, #8, #9, #11, #13, #17, #18, #21, #22, #23, #25, #27 - consent calendar..

              
INTERESTING DISCUSSION ABOUT COVENANTS IN DEEDS
JF'd after discussion and vote (technically no official until the end of the day).  Very interesting discussions and we know direct consequences for Weston's Town Plan Update.

5488 - TOD
5045 - Multi-family housing - anti-local zoning.  Override of local zoning. 
5482 - yada yada (see above - emphasis on "5 pillars" of "Fair Housing" but some were sent to other committees for separate bills - will we end up with a three-legged stool or just...stool {referring to need for septic systems/waterlines?)

5510 - Why does one Senator who works for Aquarion want to locate intense facilities in all areas?
SB182 - Lawyer bill - you have to hire an attorney to question assessments

We had to take off...Got back to see what was to me the endangerment of volunteerism.  "Gestures"



450 - volunteers allowed to do stuff (along party lines).
5537 - shared solar with airport.

We will provide more comment if there are any surprises.

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JF date:  3-26-18
P&D March 19th PH
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/PDdata/pha/pdf/2018pha00319-R001115PD-pha.pdf

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JF date:  3-26-18




SB421
"Rainy Day" fund.  Fifteen percent exempt from labor negotiations. 1/4 percent difference in each down grade.  Debt service.  Wealth of Community but not tough the first 15% of fund balance.  Lots.  CCM testifies in favor.  15% is the limit,



AFFORDABLE HOUSING & INCLUSIONARY ZONING

HB5482
Task Force Bill.  Transit Oriented Development.  Advocate for homeless supports.  Builder:  Your don't make any money on it - not going to happen.  Fair housing person is concerned about delays.

HB5405
Governor's Bill.  High housing costs.  How man Towns don't?  27 do not have any multi-family units.  Adopt one district for 3 or more units per parcel (?);  one district for mixed use;  accessory dwelling unit by right. You only have to adopt zone.  Homelessness related to lack of affordable housing.

LAND BANK AUTHORITY
Hartford does this with help from CT, blighted properties.

SB420
Commercial Solar against this bill.  Assessor.

HB5508
Obstructed water view bill

HB5509
WPCA - foreclosures research by Sen Moore.  Put it under PURA Stamford rep, also resident.  Dissolve WPCA...



BLAST FROM THE PAST - FORMER SPEAKER LOBBYIST NOW


And we're out of here at 5pm...

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Above what we think...
Forum on Regionalism:  Shared services and shared "efficiencies" Feb. 27, 2018.  Over @3pm.  Caucus called.

                 
NO MORE CARROTS ONLY STICKS
Don't expect anything much here - in the sense that this is a Short Session.  "That being said" kudos to AFL-CIO and unions.  School transportation:  Required to transport kids to school however, they, families, can switch anytime.
.
        
DON'T EXPECT "EFFICIENCIES" TO EQUATE TO SAVING $$, IF AFL-CIO HAS A HAND IN IT...IN FACT IS IT A WORD?
Meanwhile, testimony regarding what might be done appears to be falling by the wayside - how many years have we been hearing about this?

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PUBLIC HEARING FEB. 26, 2018 10am

NOTE:  We would have watch this on CT-N but CT-N was covering Judiciary and Transportation instead.  Such is the appeal of planning...


 
P&D NOT ON CT-N BUT WE GOT A REPORT ON SB181 FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE.
Sen. Cassano quoted:    Between "a rock and hard place on this.  By 9:49 there were 800 phone calls against it and 3 for it." 

---

HERE WE GO AT P&D
Planning & Development starts taking parts of Governor's Bill to move Fair Housing into Zoning Statutes and doing separate bills...but tomorrow the Governor's Bill #5045 actually gets its public hearing!

"Concepts" to be drafted (see agenda for today;s meeting).   We assume they did these things.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/pddata/ca/pdf/2018CA-00223-R001000PD-CA.pdf

------------------

FOR PUBLIC HEARING FEB. 26


LIST OF BILLS TODAY (TUES. FEB. 21)

------------------

GOVERNOR'S BILL - AFFORDABLE HOUSING
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/h/pdf/2018HB-05045-R00-HB.pdf

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Co-Chairs. of Environment will meet Friday next (2-16) and concepts approved - see link to Committee page showing agenda/minutes and bills.

Remember Sen. Flexer's uncalled amendment to SB522 in 2017 Long Session?  More bill concepts raised in 2018 including Litchfield Bear Hunting...speaking of which:  In the zoo of the Environment Committee  turtles, crabs, shellfish, dog (pounds), bear, deer, fish, coyotes, litterbugs I(Committtee Bill to be drafted).

JF REPORTS
38 JF'd;  all 38 have reports posted.as of April 9th.

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Friday Feb. 23 Public Hearing:  Oops.  We forgot this Committtee hears bills in numeric order...

H.B.5128 - rubber modified asphalt.  We missed the hydraulic fracturing bill but watched on rerun.  see below:

SB103 - HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - CCM testimony.
Expensive to adopt ordinances town by town.  "Opportunity Costs" - CCM position.   Doesn't make sense.  Fracking moratorium does not deal with gas v. oil.

      
PERSON WHO ADDRESSED SELECTMEN - 21st century Erin Brockovich, but educated.
36 of 37 ordinances the same.  Suggests that DEEP is in the pocket of fracker lobby.

• South Windsor resident supports ban. 
  
• Another.
  
• Another - radioactivity the biggest issue.
• Another - and while he's at it...HB5130 discussed too (sewage treatment) - Waterbury incident (c).
• Another and another;
• One testimonial in favor of fracking and against bill (r)
  
• Congressional candidate.
  

SB104 Pesticide Misters


SB104 - EPA won't regulate it.


SB103 - HYDRAULIC FRACTURING AND OTHER FROM LEGISLATORS IN FIRST HOUR OR SO
Transport thru the state still an issue.  Solar on farm land issue.  More to come.

SOLAR
Change between good of farming v. good of energy.  Siting Council does not now have to consider farming in conversion of farmland to solar farm







GOVERNOR'S BILL - CLIMATE CHANGE
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/2018SB-00007-R00-SB.htm

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We note the following commentary:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20180213_lawmakers_express_remorse_over_energy_fund_sweeps/


JF REPORTS

12 bills JF'd;  10 have reports posted

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E&T COMMITTEE P.H. 3-1-18
March 1, 2018

10am and we tuned in at 4pm...now watching live.  We quit for dinner, and they are still talking...

 
S O L A R   B E I N G    C H A S E D
CONNECTICUT ENERGY FUTURE
SB9 - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/2018SB-00009-R00-SB.htm

Pro and con.
United Illuminating
"Behind the meter generation"
Older hydro projects? 
CT has missed the boat. - repeal the measure we lucked out on!!!
Off shore wind - CT missing the boat.  Eversource thinks SB9 is wonderful.
So what we always knew that the power company didn't want competition is...true.  Onsite storage???  Net Metering to the fore!

Coming attractions:

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA - Tuesday, March 6, 2018 - 1:00 PM in Room 2E of the LOB

BILLS FOR REVIEW

1. S.B. No. 331 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING RENEWABLE ENERGY CONVERSION TECHNOLOGIES.
2. S.B. No. 332 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING SOLICITATION FOR NATURAL GAS TRANSPORTATION CAPACITY.
3. S.B. No. 334 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AND STATE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT OF ELECTRICITY, NATURAL GAS, RENEWABLE ENERGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE AND OTHER ENERGY-RELATED PRODUCTS BY NONPROFIT ENERGY BUYING CONSORTIA.
4. S.B. No. 336 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING COMMUNITY SHARED SOLAR.
5. S.B. No. 337 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING A RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD, A PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUALITY STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS AND THE PROCUREMENT OF ELECTRICITY GENERATED FROM A BIOMASS FACILITY.
6. H.B. No. 5348 (RAISED) AN ACT MAKING USEFUL THERMAL ENERGY GENERATED FROM BIODIESEL A CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE AND CREATING A HOMEOWNER-GENERATED USEFUL THERMAL ENERGY PROGRAM.
7. H.B. No. 5349 (RAISED) AN ACT REQUIRING THE STUDY OF THE PERMITTING OF FARM-BASED ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS.
8. H.B. No. 5350 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING SHARED SOLAR FACILITIES AND MUNICIPAL AIRPORTS.
9. H.B. No. 5353 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING PROPANE FUEL DELIVERIES IN CASES OF EMERGENCY.
10. H.B. No. 5351 (RAISED) AN ACT REQUIRING THE STUDY OF ENERGY SOURCES.

---

INFORMATIONAL HEARING

    
Net Neutrality Bill, tax credits for renewable energy...forum on this here.  FCC v FTC discussion....


GOVERNOR'S BILL - "ENERGY FUTURE" - PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 1, 2018 at 1PM, Rm 2E, L.O.B.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/2018SB-00009-R00-SB.htm

CT Strategy
http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=4405&q=500752&deepNav_GID=2121

Governor's other bill
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2018&bill_num=sb7

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Short (6 minutes) first meeting.  And Feb. 26, 2018, FORUM on transportation matters...

JF REPORTS

17 bills reported out and all now posted as of April 9th.



NOPE - THE DEMOCRATS BLINKED.
Force people to use mass transit?  After teaching people how to be safe, make it more expensive to drive than take the...subway - oh, we don't have one!

Previously...



--------

WHAT'S UP WITH THIS?
http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-news-rail-car-controversy-hearing-20180411-story.html

WHAT'S UP AT TRANSPORTATION?
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20180322_tolling_bills_move_forward_along_party_lines/

-------

GOVERNOR'S BILL - INCLUDING TOLLS
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/h/2018HB-05046-R00-HB.htm

How long have we been saying this is coming?

          
"WILL THE BILL GET CALLED FROM THE 'GO LIST' in 2018?" asks Bambi.  "First they came for the bears..."  Sen. Flexer's clever amendment borrowed from GOP, without attribution.

      
"LAND OF STEADY HABITS"
House Minority Leader, Speaker, expect mean* Short Session 2018.  New paradigm for CT?
---
* = That is "mean" in the sense of compromise in finding a way out out the "permanent fiscal crisis" (a phrase O.P.M. Secretary blurted out early in the first term of this administration).

• Treasurer (c)announces that Teacher retirement costs extended.  Instead it is a better idea to pass on 1/3 to Towns (who did not expect to have to pay anything - teachers do not get Social Security)?

• Ahead the challenge of a decision by the highest court in the state regarding C.C.J.E.F. suit.  Comparison to the Massachusetts education structure here:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/12/31/his-connecticut-education-improvement-plan-look-to-massachusetts/