Capitol Update

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Last week, Governor Lamont pulled the plug on tolling big trucks on Connecticut roads. For transportation funding, he has decided to go to bonding. There is always the possibility that the caucuses may realize they have enough votes and may bring it for a vote in a couple of weeks. On Wednesday, February 19, there was a public hearing on immunizations before the Public Health Committee. The hearing had 500 people sign up to testify and there were 3,000 pieces of written testimony submitted. The hearing began at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning and concluded at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. It was the longest public hearing that anyone could recall.

This past Friday, February 21, was the final day at 5:00 p.m. for raising bills in committees. Tensions and confusion were higher than usual.

This week, the House and Senate will most likely be in session on Wednesday. There are judges with expiring terms who need to be confirmed this week. 

CAPITOL UPDATE VIDEO    

Jim Dougherty of Withers Worldwide is featured in this week’s Capitol Update video. Attorney Dougherty recently testified in front of the Judiciary Committee on behalf of the Estates and Probate Section and discusses with us his preparation of the legislation, how he got involved, the process of testifying at the LOB, and what you need to do to get involved. 

TESTIFING THIS WEEK

For Elder Law Section: 

Kathleen Tetreault, SB81, in support, Community Spouse Assets 

James Young, HB5098, in support, Person Needs Allowance 

For Estates and Probate Section: 

Jim Dougherty, HB5050, in support, Duration and Release of Estates and Probate Fee Liens 

PUBLIC HEARINGS 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1E 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 

LABOR AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES COMMITTEE at 10:30 A.M. in Room 2E

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE at 10:30 A.M. in Room 2A 

INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 2D 

COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN at 1:00 P.M. in Room 1B

GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE at 1:30 P.M. in Room 1D

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020 

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE at 10:30 A.M. in Room 1D 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 

AGING COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1C 

COMMERCE COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1E 

ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 2B 

EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1A  

INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 2D 

HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1D 

VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE at 11:30 A.M. in Room 1B  

HOUSING COMMITTEE at 12:30 P.M. in Room 2A 

FINANCE, REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEE 1:00 P.M. in Room 2E

GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE at 2:30 P.M. in Room 2C 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE at 10:00 A.M. in Room 2C

GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 2A 

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1E  

APPROPRIATIONS, COMMERCE AND FINANCE REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEES at 12:00 P.M. in Room 2E 

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 

EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1A 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE at 10:30 A.M. in Room 1D

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 

REGULATION REVIEW COMMITTEE at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1E

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 

EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE after an 11:00 A.M. public hearing in Room 1A

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 

EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE immediately following a 11:00 A.M. public hearing in Room 1A