SB 298 — AN ACT CONCERNING THE REALLOCATION OF CERTAIN STATE FUNDS AND VARIOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO EDUCATION, PUBLIC SAFETY, GENERAL GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS, INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES AND WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION CENTERS.

2203298 7qualify as a renovation, as defined in subdivision (18) of 121said Billsection No.10- 282.

(Effective from passage) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10-284 of the general statutes or any regulation adopted by the State Board of Education or the Department of Administrative Services requiring that a town or regional school district begin construction on a project not later than two years after the effective date of the section of the General Assembly authorizing the Commissioner of Administrative Services to enter into grant commitments for such project, the town of Hartford shall have until June 30, 2028, to begin construction on the (1) alteration project at Expeditionary Learning Academy at MoylanSchool (ProjectPublic NumberAct 23DASY064319A0623), (2) alteration project at Parkville Community School (Project Number 23DASY064320A0623), (3) alteration project at McDonough Middle School (Project Number 23DASY064321A0623), (4) renovation project at Montessori Magnet at LCO No.

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298 (Project Number 23DASY064319A0623), (2) alteration project at Parkville Community School (Project Number 23DASY064320A0623), (3) alteration project at McDonough Middle School (Project Number 23DASY064321A0623), (4) renovation project at Montessori Magnet at Batchelder (Project Number 24DASY064322RNV0624), (5) renovation project at S.A.N.D.

(NEW) (m) Commencing with classes graduating in 2027, and for each graduating class thereafter, a local or regional board of education may affix the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement,Public asAct describedNo. in subsection (g) of section 10-5, as amended by this act, to a diploma awarded to a student who has achieved a high level of proficiency in civics education and engagement.

The26-1 local9 or regional board of education123 shallSenate includeBill on such student's transcript a designation that the student received the Connecticut State Seal of LCO No.

2203298 9Engagement, as described in subsection (g) of 121section Bill10-5, No.as amended by this act, to a diploma awarded to a student who has achieved a high level of proficiency in civics education and engagement.

The local or regional board of education shall include on such student's transcript a designation that the student received the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement.

(B) Data relating to teachers shall include, but not be limited to, (i) teacher credentials, such as master's degrees, teacher preparation programsPublic completedAct andNo. certification levels and endorsement areas, (ii) teacher assessments, such as whether a teacher is deemed highly qualified pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act, P.L.

107-110,26-1 or10 deemed to meet such other designations as may be established by federal law or regulations for the purposes of tracking123 theSenate equitableBill distribution of instructional staff, (iii) the presence of substitute teachers in a teacher's classroom, (iv) class size, (v) numbers relating to LCO No.

2203298 10programs ofcompleted 121and Billcertification No.levels and endorsement areas, (ii) teacher assessments, such as whether a teacher is deemed highly qualified pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act, P.L.

107-110, or deemed to meet such other designations as may be established by federal law or regulations for the purposes of tracking the equitable distribution of instructional staff, (iii) the presence of substitute teachers in a teacher's classroom, (iv) class size, (v) numbers relating to absenteeism in a teacher's classroom, and (vi) the presence of a teacher's aide.

Subsection (a) of section 10-17o of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):Public Act No.

(a)26-1 The11 State Board of Education123 shallSenate draftBill aNo. written bill of rights for parents or guardians of students who are multilingual learners to guarantee that the rights of such parents and students are adequately safeguardedandprotectedintheprovisionofbilingualeducationunder chapter 164.

298 2026):

(a) The State Board of Education shall draft a written bill of rights for parents or guardians of students who are multilingual learners to guarantee that the rights of such parents and students are adequately safeguardedandprotectedintheprovisionof bilingualeducationunder chapter 164.

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(4) The right of a multilingual learner student to participate in a program of bilingual education offered by the local or regional board of education when there are twenty or more eligible students classified as dominant in a language, other than English, as such student, in accordancePublic withAct theNo. provisions of section 10-17f;

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298 accordance with the provisions of section 10-17f;

(6) The right of a multilingual learner student and the parent or guardian of such student to receive a high-quality orientation session, in the dominant language of such student and parent or guardian, from LCOthe No.local or regional board of education that provides information relating to state standards, tests and expectations at the school for multilingual learner students, as well as the goals and requirements for programs of bilingual education and English as a new language, prior to participation in such program of bilingual education or English as a new language;

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the local or regional board of education that provides information relating to state standards, tests and expectations at the school for multilingual learner students, as well as the goals and requirements for programs of bilingual education and English as a new language, prior to participation in such program of bilingual education or English as a new language;

(12)Public TheAct rightNo. of a multilingual learner student to receive annual language proficiency testing;

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298 (12) The right of a multilingual learner student to receive annual language proficiency testing;

[and] LCO(15) No.The right of a parent or guardian of a multilingual learner student to contact the Department of Education with any questions or concerns regarding such student's right to receive multilingual learner services or accommodations available to such student or parent or guardian, including information regarding any recourse for failure of the board of education to provide or ensure such services or accommodations;

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(15) The right of a parent or guardian of a multilingual learner student to contact the Department of Education with any questions or concerns regarding such student's right to receive multilingual learner services or accommodations available to such student or parent or guardian, including information regarding any recourse for failure of the board of education to provide or ensure such services or accommodations;

The State Board of Education, within available appropriationsPublic andAct utilizingNo. available resource materials, shall assist and encourage local and regional boards of education to include:

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298 appropriations and utilizing available resource materials, shall assist and encourage local and regional boards of education to include:

(9) labor history and law, including organized labor, the collective bargaining process, existing legal protections in the workplace, the history and economics of free market capitalism and LCOentrepreneurialism, No.and the role of labor and capitalism in the developmentoftheAmericanandworldeconomies;(10)climatechange consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards;

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entrepreneurialism, and the role of labor and capitalism in the developmentoftheAmericanandworldeconomies;(10)climatechange consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards;

Such guidance and resources may include, but need not be limited to, (1) suggested amendments to school district policies to ensure that all students, educators and school personnel feel safe inside and outside of the school setting, (2) recommended training relating to antisemitism for educators and administrators, and (3) guidance in the creationPublic orAct provisionNo. of curriculum materials and resources relating to antisemitism and Jewish heritage and Holocaust and genocide education and awareness, pursuant to the provisions of section 10-18f of the general statutes.

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298 creation or provision of curriculum materials and resources relating to antisemitism and Jewish heritage and Holocaust and genocide education and awareness, pursuant to the provisions of section 10-18f of the general statutes.

(2) Two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one of LCOwhom No.shall have knowledge and national and local expertise and experience in developing innovative and collaborative resources to address antisemitism in elementary and secondary schools, and one of whom shall be a representative of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut;

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whom shall have knowledge and national and local expertise and experience in developing innovative and collaborative resources to address antisemitism in elementary and secondary schools, and one of whom shall be a representative of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut;

(5) Two appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall be a current or former faculty member of an institution of higher education with expertise in curriculum development and knowledge and proven experience in addressing antisemitism and teaching Jewish heritage, and one of whom shall have professional experience addressing antisemitism in thePublic state;Act No.

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298 the state;

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(e) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education shallPublic serveAct asNo. administrative staff of the working group.

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298 shall serve as administrative staff of the working group.

(a) The public schools shall be open to all children five years of age and over who reach age five on or before the first day of September of any school year, and each such child shall have, and shall be so advised by the appropriate school authorities, an equal opportunity to LCOparticipate No.in the activities, programs and courses of study offered in such public schools, at such time as the child becomes eligible to participate in such activities, programs and courses of study, without discrimination on account of race, as defined in section 46a-51, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability;

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participate in the activities, programs and courses of study offered in such public schools, at such time as the child becomes eligible to participate in such activities, programs and courses of study, without discrimination on account of race, as defined in section 46a-51, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability;

Sec.Public Act No.

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298 Sec.

Section 10-15c of the general statutes, as amended by section 26 of this act, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2027):

provided a child who has not reached the age of five on or before the first day of September of the school year may be admitted if the local or regional board of education adopts an early LCOadmission No.policy that permits such child to be admitted (1) upon a written request by the parent or guardian of such child to the principal of the school in which such child would be enrolled, and (2) following an assessment of such child, conducted by such principal and an appropriate certified staff member of the school, to ensure that admitting such child is developmentally appropriate.] (b) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall be deemed to amend other provisions of the general statutes with respect to curricula, facilities or extracurricular activities.

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admission policy that permits such child to be admitted (1) upon a written request by the parent or guardian of such child to the principal of the school in which such child would be enrolled, and (2) following an assessment of such child, conducted by such principal and an appropriate certified staff member of the school, to ensure that admitting such child is developmentally appropriate.] (b) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall be deemed to amend other provisions of the general statutes with respect to curricula, facilities or extracurricular activities.

(a) Whenever the StateBoardof Education finds that racial imbalance exists in a public school, it shall notify in writing the board of education having jurisdiction over said school that such finding has been made, except the State Boardof Education shall not notify a boardof education ofPublic suchAct findingNo. until July 1, [2025] 2030.

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298 of such finding until July 1, [2025] 2030.

Said plan may be limited to addressing the imbalance LCOexisting No.at any school and need not result in a district-wide plan or district-wide pupil reassignment.

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existing at any school and need not result in a district-wide plan or district-wide pupil reassignment.

Section 10-226d of the general statutes is repealed and the followingPublic isAct substitutedNo. in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

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298 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(NEW) (Effective January 1, 2027) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2028, and each fiscal year thereafter, during the preparation of theitemized estimate ofthecost ofmaintenance ofpublic schools for the ensuing year pursuant to section 10-222 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, the superintendent of schools shall provide the members of the local board of education the original amount and actual amount of each line item for the two fiscal years immediately preceding LCOthe No.fiscal year in which such itemized estimate is being prepared and the original amount and current amount of each line item for the fiscal year in which such itemized estimate is being prepared.

2203As 20used in this section, "itemized estimate" means an estimate in which broad budgetary categories including, but not limited to, salaries, fringe benefits, utilities, supplies and grounds maintenance are divided into one or more line items, "original amount" means the amount of 121a Billline No.itemthatwasappropriatedtosuchline itematthestartofthefiscalyear, and "actual amount" means the amount of a line item at the conclusion of the fiscal year.

the fiscal year in which such itemized estimate is being prepared and the original amount and current amount of each line item for the fiscal year in which such itemized estimate is being prepared.

As used in this section, "itemized estimate" means an estimate in which broad budgetary categories including, but not limited to, salaries, fringe benefits, utilities, supplies and grounds maintenance are divided into one or more line items, "original amount" means the amount of a line itemthatwasappropriatedtosuchlineitematthestartofthefiscalyear, and "actual amount" means the amount of a line item at the conclusion of the fiscal year.

EachPublic localAct boardNo. of education shall prepare an itemized estimate of the cost of maintenance of public schools for the ensuing year and shall submit such estimate to the board of finance in each town or city having a board of finance, to the board of selectmen in each town having no board of finance or otherwise to the authority making appropriations for the school district, not later than two months preceding the annual meeting at which appropriations are to be made.

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298 Each local board of education shall prepare an itemized estimate of the cost of maintenance of public schools for the ensuing year and shall submit such estimate to the board of finance in each town or city having a board of finance, to the board of selectmen in each town having no board of finance or otherwise to the authority making appropriations for the school district, not later than two months preceding the annual meeting at which appropriations are to be made.

The money LCOappropriated No.by any municipality for the maintenance of public schools shall be expended by and in the discretion of the board of education.

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appropriated by any municipality for the maintenance of public schools shall be expended by and in the discretion of the board of education.

ExpendituresPublic byAct theNo. board of education shall not exceed the appropriation made by the municipality, with such money as may be received from other sources for school purposes.

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298 Expenditures by the board of education shall not exceed the appropriation made by the municipality, with such money as may be received from other sources for school purposes.

For purposes of this [subsection] section, "meeting" means a meeting, as defined in section 1-200, [and] "itemized estimate" means an estimate in which broad budgetary categories including, but not limited to, salaries, fringe benefits, utilities, supplies and grounds maintenance are divided into one or more line items, "original amount" LCOmeans No.the amount of a line item that was appropriated to such line item at the start of the fiscal year, and "actual amount" means the amount of a line item at the conclusion of the fiscal year.

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means the amount of a line item that was appropriated to such line item at the start of the fiscal year, and "actual amount" means the amount of a line item at the conclusion of the fiscal year.

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not less than two weeks before theannual meeting held pursuant to section 10-47,the board shall hold a public district meeting to present a proposed budget forPublic theAct nextNo. fiscal year.

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298 for the next fiscal year.

At the annual meeting on the first Monday in May, the boardshallpresent a budget which includes a statement of(1) estimated receipts and expenditures for the next fiscal year, (2) estimated receipts and expenditures for the current fiscal year, (3) estimated surplus or deficit inoperating fundsat theendofthe current fiscalyear,(4) bonded or other debt, (5) estimated per pupil expenditure for the current and for the next fiscal year, (6) the original amount and actual amount of each line item in the budget for the two fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which such budget is being presented and LCOthe No.original amount and current amount of each line item for the budget of the fiscal year in which such budget is being presented, and [(6)] (7) such other information as is necessary in the opinion of the board.

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the original amount and current amount of each line item for the budget of the fiscal year in which such budget is being presented, and [(6)] (7) such other information as is necessary in the opinion of the board.

Any person who violates this section by fraudulently casting more than one vote or ballot per issue shall be fined not more than three thousand five hundredPublic dollarsAct andNo. shall be imprisoned not more than two years and shall be disenfranchised.

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298 hundred dollars and shall be imprisoned not more than two years and shall be disenfranchised.

If the budget is not approved before the beginning of a fiscal year, the disbursing officer for eachmember town,or thedesigneeofsuchofficer, shall make necessary expenditures to such district in amounts equal to LCOthe No.total of the town's appropriation to the district for the previous year andthetown'sproportionateshareinanyincrementindebtserviceover the previous fiscal year, pursuant to section 7-405 until the budget is approved.

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the total of the town's appropriation to the district for the previous year andthetown'sproportionateshareinanyincrementindebtserviceover the previous fiscal year, pursuant to section 7-405 until the budget is approved.

With respect to adoption of a budget for the period from the organization of the board to the beginning of the first fullPublic fiscalAct year,No. the board may use the above procedure at any time within such period.

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298 full fiscal year, the board may use the above procedure at any time within such period.

Any such memorandum of understanding entered into, extended, updated or amended (A) on or after July 1, 2021, shall include a provision that requires all school resource officers to complete, while in the performance of their duties as school resource officers and during periods when such school resource officers are assigned to be at the school, any separate training specifically related to social-emotional LCOlearning and restorative practices providedto certified employees of the school pursuant to section 10-148a, and (B) on or after July 1, 2023, shall include provisions specifying a school resource officer's duties concerning, and procedures for, the restraint of students, use of firearms, school-based arrests and reporting of any investigations and behavioral interventions of challenging behavior or conflict that escalates to violence or constitutes a crime, pursuant to the provisions Public Act No.

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learning298 and restorative practices providedto certified employees of the school pursuant to section 10-148a, and (B) on or after July 1, 2023, shall include provisions specifying a school resource officer's duties concerning, and procedures for, the restraint of students, use of firearms, school-based arrests and reporting of any investigations and behavioral interventions of challenging behavior or conflict that escalates to violence or constitutes a crime, pursuant to the provisions of section 10-233p, provided such provisions are in accordance with any laws or policies concerning the duties of police officers.

Interest and investment earnings received with respect to amounts held in the LCOreserve No.fund for educational expenditures shall be credited to such fund.

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reserve fund for educational expenditures shall be credited to such fund.

Upon the recommendation and approval by the regional board of education, any part or the whole of such fund may be used for educational expenditures.Public Act No.

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298 expenditures.

The superintendent of schools shall give written notice to the parent or guardian of each pupil (1) who is found to have any defect of vision or disease of the eyes, with a brief statement describing such defect or LCOdisease and a recommendation for the pupil to be examined by an optometrist licensed under chapter 380 or an ophthalmologist licensed under chapter 370, and (2) who did not receive such vision screening, Public Act No.

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disease298 and a recommendation for the pupil to be examined by an optometrist licensed under chapter 380 or an ophthalmologist licensed under chapter 370, and (2) who did not receive such vision screening, with a brief statement explaining why such pupil did not receive such vision screening.

The regional educational service center operating the program shall LCOmake program participation decisions in accordance with this Public Act No.

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make298 program participation decisions in accordance with this subdivision.

LCOPublic Act No.

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298 Sec.

Such assessments shall be conducted by (1) a legally qualified practitioner of medicine, (2) an advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse, licensed pursuant to chapter 378, (3) a physician assistant, licensed pursuant to chapter 370, (4) a school medical advisor, or (5) a legally qualified practitioner of medicine, an advanced practice registered nurse or a physician assistant stationed at any military base, to ascertain whether such pupil is suffering from any physicalPublic disabilityAct tending to prevent such pupil from receiving the full LCO No.

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298 physical disability tending to prevent such pupil from receiving the full benefit of school work and to ascertain whether such school work should be modified in order to prevent injury to the pupil or to secure for the pupil a suitable program of education.

and (4) such other information, including health and developmental history,Public asAct theNo. physician feels is necessary and appropriate.

The26-1 assessment32 shallof also123 includeSenate testsBill for tuberculosis, sickle cell anemia LCO No.

2203298 31history, ofas 121the Billphysician No.feels is necessary and appropriate.

The assessment shall also include tests for tuberculosis, sickle cell anemia and Cooley's anemia where the local or regional board of education determines after consultation with the school medical advisor and the local health department, or in the case of a regional board of education, each local health department, that such tests are necessary, provided a registered nurse may only perform said tests pursuant to the written order of a physician or physician assistant, licensed pursuant to chapter 370, or an advanced practice registered nurse, licensed pursuant to chapter 378.

(1) A physicalexaminationwhichshallphysicalexamination whichshall include hematocrit or hemoglobin tests, height, weight, blood pressure, and, beginning withthe2003-2004 schoolyear,achronicdisease assessment whichshall include, but not be limited to, asthma as defined by the Commissioner of Public Health pursuant to subsection (c) of section 19a-62a.

The assessment shall also include tests for tuberculosis and sickle cell anemia or Cooley's anemia where the local or regional board of education,Public inAct consultation with the school medical advisor and the local health department, or in the case of a regional board of education, each local health department, determines that said screening or test is LCO No.

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298 education, in consultation with the school medical advisor and the local health department, or in the case of a regional board of education, each local health department, determines that said screening or test is necessary, provided a registered nurse may only perform said tests pursuant to the written order of a physician or physician assistant, licensed pursuant to chapter 370, or an advanced practice registered nurse, licensed pursuant to chapter 378.

When, in the judgment of such health personnel, a pupil, as defined in section 10-206a, is in need of further testing or treatment, thePublic superintendentAct ofNo. schools shall give written notice to the parent or guardian of such pupil and shall make reasonable efforts to assure that such further testing or treatment is provided.

Such26-1 reasonable34 efforts shall include a determination of whether123 orSenate notBill the parent or guardian has obtained the necessary testing or treatment for the pupil, and, if not, LCO No.

2203298 33the superintendent of 121schools Billshall No.give written notice to the parent or guardian of such pupil and shall make reasonable efforts to assure that such further testing or treatment is provided.

Such reasonable efforts shall include a determination of whether or not the parent or guardian has obtained the necessary testing or treatment for the pupil, and, if not, advising the parent or guardian on how such testing or treatment may be obtained.

Subsection (g) of section 10-233c of the 2026 supplement to thePublic generalAct statutesNo. is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

(g)26-1 On35 and after July 1, 2015, all suspensions pursuant to this section shall be in-school suspensions, except a local or regional board of education123 maySenate authorizeBill the administration of schools under its direction to impose an out-of-school suspension on any pupil in (1) LCO No.

2203298 34the ofgeneral 121statutes Billis No.repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

(g) On and after July 1, 2015, all suspensions pursuant to this section shall be in-school suspensions, except a local or regional board of education may authorize the administration of schools under its direction to impose an out-of-school suspension on any pupil in (1) grades three to twelve, inclusive, if, during the hearing held pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, (A) the administration determines that the pupil being suspended poses such a danger to persons or property or such a disruption of the educational process that the pupil shall be excluded from school during the period of suspension, or (B) the administration determines that an out-of-school suspension is appropriateforsuchpupilbasedonevidence of(i)previousdisciplinary problems that have led to suspensions or expulsion of such pupil, and (ii) efforts by the administration to address such disciplinary problems through means other than out-of-school suspension or expulsion, including positive behavioral support strategies, or (2) grades preschool to two, inclusive, if during the hearing held pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the administration (A) determines that an out-of-school suspension is appropriate for such pupil based on evidence that such pupil's conduct on school grounds is behavior that causes serious physical harm, (B) requires that such pupil receives services that are trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate and align with any behavioral intervention plan, individualized education program or plan pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended from time to time, for such pupil upon such pupil's return to school immediately following the out-of-school suspension, and (C) considers whether to convene a planning and placement team meeting for the purposes of conducting an evaluation to determine whether such pupil may require special education or related services.

An out-of-school suspension imposed under subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not exceed tenschooldays, andan out-of-schoolsuspension imposed under subdivisionPublic (2)Act ofNo. this subsection shall not exceed five school days.

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298 subdivision (2) of this subsection shall not exceed five school days.

Subsection (d) of section 10-233d of the 2026 supplement to LCOthe No.general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

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the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

A local or regional board of education shall count the expulsionPublic ofAct aNo. pupil when the pupil was under sixteen years of age for purposes of determining whether an alternative educational opportunity is required for such pupil when such pupil is between the ages of sixteen and eighteen.

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298 expulsion of a pupil when the pupil was under sixteen years of age for purposes of determining whether an alternative educational opportunity is required for such pupil when such pupil is between the ages of sixteen and eighteen.

Subsection (h) of section 10-236b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, LCO2026): No.

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2026):

Sec.Public Act No.

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298 Sec.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) Not later than April 1, 2027, the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Prevention at Western Connecticut State University, in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, shall (1) develop a clear definition for crisis response drills for purposes of section10-231ofthegeneralstatutes,asamendedbythisact,(2)develop standardized terminology for the administration and review of crisis response drills, (3) develop guidance on (A) standardized responses to crises, and (B) standardized debriefing protocols following a crisis, and (4) develop an evaluation template for crisis response drills that allows LCOschool No.districts to use feedback from participants of the crisis response drill to assess the efficacy of the crisis response drill and make adjustments to subsequent crisis response drills to improve preparedness while preventing emotional harm and supporting psychological safety.

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school districts to use feedback from participants of the crisis response drill to assess the efficacy of the crisis response drill and make adjustments to subsequent crisis response drills to improve preparedness while preventing emotional harm and supporting psychological safety.

(a) Each local and regional board of education shall provide for a fire drillPublic toAct beNo. held in the schools of such board not later than thirty days after the first day of each school year and at least once each month thereafter, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

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298 drill to be held in the schools of such board not later than thirty days after the first day of each school year and at least once each month thereafter, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) For the school year commencing LCOJuly No.1, 2027, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education providing for a crisis response drill to be conducted pursuant to section 10-231 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, shall ensure the following for each such drill:

2203(1) 38The utilization of 121the(A)definitionforcrisisresponsedrills,(B) Billstandardizedterminology for the administration and review of crisis response drills, and (C) guidance on standardized responses to crises and debriefing protocols following a crisis, developed by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection pursuant to section 44 of this act, (2) that the school security and safety committee, as described in section 10-222m of the general statutes, as amended by this act, collaborates with the school climate committee, as described in section 10-222ff of the general statutes, to plan crisis response drills that prioritize the physical and psychological safety of students and school personnel, (3) that crisis drills are (A) trauma-informed, including the utilization of an approach that takes into account prior traumatic experiences, and (B) designed to prevent emotional harm to and support the psychological safety of students and school personnel, with mental health professionals' participation integrated throughout the crisis response drill, (4) that prior to conducting a crisisresponse drill, schoolpersonnelprovideage- appropriate education for students and training for school personnel to Public Act No.

July26-1 1,40 2027, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education123 providingSenate forBill aNo. crisis response drill to be conducted pursuant to section 10-231 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, shall ensure the following for each such drill:

(1)298 Thebuild utilizationknowledge ofand the(A)definitionforcrisisresponsedrills,(B)skills standardizedterminologyto forreduce the administrationpotential andfor reviewconfusion ofor crisisemotional responsedistress, drills,including anda (C)review guidanceof onthe standardizedpurpose responses to crises and debriefingprocedures protocolsfor followingcrisis aresponse crisis,drills developedprior byto the Departmentfirst ofcrisis Emergencyresponse Servicesdrill and Public Protection pursuant to section 44 of this act, (2) that the school securityyear and safetynotification committee,to asstudents, describedschool inpersonnel sectionand 10-222mparents ofandguardiansoneweek theinadvanceofconducting generalacrisisresponse statutes,drill, as(5) amendedthat byschool thispersonnel act,communicate collaboratesin witha theclear schoolmanner climateto committee,ensure asunderstanding described in section 10-222ff of the generalnature statutes,and topurpose planof crisis response drills thatto prioritize the physicalparents and psychologicalguardians safety of students andat the school personnel,prior (3)to thatconducting a crisis drillsresponse aredrill, (A)(6) trauma-informed,that includingat the utilizationcommencement of an approach that takes into account prior traumatic experiences, and (B) designed to prevent emotional harm to and support the psychologicalcrisis safetyresponse ofdrill, students and school personnel,personnel withare mentalinformed healththat professionals'they participationare integratedparticipating throughoutin thea crisis response drill,drill (4)in thatorder prior to conductingavoid aconfusion crisisresponsewhen drill,an schoolpersonnelprovideage-actual appropriateemergency educationsituation foris studentsoccurring, and(7) trainingthat accommodations for schooleach personnelstudent towith builda knowledgecognitive, andphysical skills to reduce the potential for confusion or emotionalsensory distress,disability includingare aprovided, reviewto of the purposeextent andpracticable, proceduresduring fora crisis response drillsdrill prior to ensure the firstsafety crisisand responseparticipation drill of thesuch schoolstudent, year(8) andthat notification(A) toa students,crisis schoolresponse personneldrill andconducted parentswith andguardiansoneweekstudents inadvanceofconductingdoes acrisisresponsenot drill,include (5)an thatactive schoolassailant personnelsimulation communicateor insimulated aviolence clearwith mannerhighly tosensorial ensureelements understandingsuch ofas thefake natureassailants, andfirearms, purposegunfire ofsounds, crisisblood responseor drillsinjuries, to the parents and guardians(B) of students at the school prior to conducting a crisis response drill,drill (6) that atis theconducted commencementoutside of the crisisregularschooldayandexclusivelyforschoolpersonnel,firstresponders response drill, students and other school personnelvolunteers aremay informedinclude thatan theyactive areassailant participatingsimulation inor asuch crisissimulated responseviolence, drilland in(9) orderthat toeach avoidsuch confusiondrill when an actual emergency situation is occurring,evaluated (7)using thatthe accommodationsevaluation fortemplate eachdeveloped studentpursuant withto asection cognitive,44 physicalof orthis sensoryact. disability are LCO No.

2203 39 of 121 Bill No.

provided, to the extent practicable, during a crisis response drill to ensure the safety and participation of such student, (8) that (A) a crisis response drill conducted with students does not include an active assailant simulation or simulated violence with highly sensorial elements such as fake assailants, firearms, gunfire sounds, blood or injuries, and (B) a crisis response drill that is conducted outside of the regularschooldayandexclusivelyforschoolpersonnel,firstresponders and other school volunteers may include an active assailant simulation or such simulated violence, and (9) that each such drill is evaluated using the evaluation template developed pursuant to section 44 of this act.

(c) Each local and regional board of education shall (1) annually submit the school security and safety plan for each school under the jurisdiction of such board, developed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section,to theDepartment ofEmergency Servicesand Public Protection, andPublic (2)Act makeNo. any portion of such school security and safety plan that is not prohibited from disclosure pursuant to section 1-210 available to members of the school community upon request.

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298 and (2) make any portion of such school security and safety plan that is not prohibited from disclosure pursuant to section 1-210 available to members of the school community upon request.

The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit a municipality or special taxing district from changing the administration LCOof No.such retiree's retirement benefits as long as the rights and benefits provided to such retiree after any change in the administration are at least equivalent to therightsandbenefitsprovidedpriortosuchchange.

2203 40 of 121 Bill No.

of such retiree's retirement benefits as long as the rights and benefits provided to such retiree after any change in the administration are at least equivalent to therightsandbenefitsprovidedpriortosuchchange.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or special act, a municipality or special taxing district that provides a pension and retirement system for its officers and employees and their beneficiaries shall include temporary total disability and temporary partial disability benefits received by an employee pursuant to chapter 568 as wages for purposesPublic ofAct theNo. calculation of pension or retirement benefits to be paid to such employee in retirement, provided (1) the sum of such benefits andany other wagesor compensationusedto calculate such employee's pension or retirement benefits shall not exceed one hundred per cent of such employee's wages from such municipality or special taxing district in effect immediately prior to the injury for which the employee received such benefits, and (2) the provisions of this section shall not apply to the municipal employees retirement plan set forth in part II of chapter 113.

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298 purposes of the calculation of pension or retirement benefits to be paid to such employee in retirement, provided (1) the sum of such benefits andany other wagesor compensationusedto calculate such employee's pension or retirement benefits shall not exceed one hundred per cent of such employee's wages from such municipality or special taxing district in effect immediately prior to the injury for which the employee received such benefits, and (2) the provisions of this section shall not apply to the municipal employees retirement plan set forth in part II of chapter 113.

(Effective from passage) The Comptroller shall conduct a study on the considerations necessary for a municipality that does not currently provide a defined pension plan to each police officer and firefighter employed by such municipality through participation in LCOeither No.(1) the municipal employees' retirement system, pursuant to section 7-427 of the general statutes, or (2) any other defined pension plan that provides such individuals with benefits that are comparable or superior to those benefits offered by the municipal employees' retirement system, to successfully transition such individuals from such municipality's current retirement system to such defined pension plan described in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this section.

2203 41 of 121 Bill No.

either (1) the municipal employees' retirement system, pursuant to section 7-427 of the general statutes, or (2) any other defined pension plan that provides such individuals with benefits that are comparable or superior to those benefits offered by the municipal employees' retirement system, to successfully transition such individuals from such municipality's current retirement system to such defined pension plan described in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this section.

(1) "Employee" means an individual who is employed at aawarehouse warehouse distribution center and who is not exempt from the minimum wage and overtimePublic requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act ofNo. 1938, as amended from time to time.

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298 overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended from time to time.

LCO No.

2203 42 of 121 Bill No.

(4) "Work speed data" means information an employer collects, stores,Public analyzesAct orNo. interprets relating to an individual employee's performance of a quota, including, but not limited to, quantities of tasks performed, quantities of items or materials handled or produced, rates or speeds of tasks performed, measurements or metrics of employee performance in relation to a quota and time categorized as performing tasks or not performing tasks.

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298 stores, analyzes or interprets relating to an individual employee's performance of a quota, including, but not limited to, quantities of tasks performed, quantities of items or materials handled or produced, rates or speeds of tasks performed, measurements or metrics of employee performance in relation to a quota and time categorized as performing tasks or not performing tasks.

(E) 492110 LCOfor No.Couriers and Express Delivery Services;

2203 43 of 121 Bill No.

for Couriers and Express Delivery Services;

(1)Public NotifyAct theNo. employee of such change as soon as practicable, either verbally or in writing, and prior to the effective date of such new quota;

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298 (1) Notify the employee of such change as soon as practicable, either verbally or in writing, and prior to the effective date of such new quota;

(3) Set a performance standard that measurers an employee's total output over an increment of time that is shorter than such employee's LCOwork No.day;

2203 44 of 121 Bill No.

work day;

(2) the aggregated work speed data for similar employees at the same warehouse distributionPublic center;Act No.

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298 distribution center;

and (3) a copy of aggregated work LCOspeed No.data for similar employees at the same warehouse distribution center for the ninety days prior to such employee's separation from employment with such employer.

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speed data for similar employees at the same warehouse distribution center for the ninety days prior to such employee's separation from employment with such employer.

Sec.Public Act No.

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298 Sec.

(3) Such presumption may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence that (A) the adverse action was taken for other permissible LCOreasons, No.and (B) the employee engaging or attempting to engage in the activities described in subsection (a) of this section was not a motivating factor in the employer taking such adverse action.

2203 46 of 121 Bill No.

reasons, and (B) the employee engaging or attempting to engage in the activities described in subsection (a) of this section was not a motivating factor in the employer taking such adverse action.

In any civil action brought under this section in which the plaintiff prevails, the court may, in addition to the relief provided pursuant to subsection(b)ofthissection,awardreasonableattorney'sfeesandcosts,Public toAct beNo. taxed by the court.

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298 subsection(b)ofthissection,awardreasonableattorney'sfeesandcosts, to be taxed by the court.

[He or she] Such justice or judge shall be entitled to participate in the meetings of the judges of the Supreme Court and vote as a member LCOthereof. No.

2203 47 of 121 Bill No.

thereof.

[(c) A] (d) An associate judge of the Supreme Court who has attained thePublic ageAct ofNo. seventy years or who ceases to be an associate judge of the Supreme Court pursuant to subsection (c) of this section may continue to deliberate and participate in all matters concerning the disposition of any case which the judge heard or considered prior to attaining said age or ceasing to be an associate judge of the Supreme Court pursuant to said subsection (c), until such time as the decision in any such case is officially released.

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298 the age of seventy years or who ceases to be an associate judge of the Supreme Court pursuant to subsection (c) of this section may continue to deliberate and participate in all matters concerning the disposition of any case which the judge heard or considered prior to attaining said age or ceasing to be an associate judge of the Supreme Court pursuant to said subsection (c), until such time as the decision in any such case is officially released.

The Chief LCOJudge No.may assign no more than one state referee to sit on any one panel.

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Judge may assign no more than one state referee to sit on any one panel.

Section 7-294v of the general statutes is repealed and the followingPublic isAct substitutedNo. in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

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298 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

[(1)after](A)After[(1) consultationwithpersonsafter] withmentalor(A) After consultation with persons with mental or physical disabilities and advocates on behalf of such persons, develop a training curriculum for police officers regarding interactions with persons who have mental or physical disabilities;

(A) After consultation with persons with mental or physical disabilities, including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment or nonverbal learning disorder, and advocates on behalf of such persons, including, but not limited to, institutions of higher education, health care professionals or advocacy organizations LCOthat No.are concerned with persons with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment or nonverbal learning disorder, develop a training curriculum for police officers regarding interactions with persons who have mental illness or mental or physical disabilities.

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that are concerned with persons with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment or nonverbal learning disorder, develop a training curriculum for police officers regarding interactions with persons who have mental illness or mental or physical disabilities.

(ii) how to identifyPublic personsAct withNo. mental illness or mental or physical disabilities;

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298 identify persons with mental illness or mental or physical disabilities;

Subsection (a) of section 4b-3 of the general statutes is LCOrepealed No.and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

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repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

(1) The speaker of the House and president pro tempore of the Senate shall jointly appoint three members, one of whom shall be experienced in matters relating to architecture,Public oneAct experiencedNo. in building construction matters and one in matters relating to engineering;

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298 architecture, one experienced in building construction matters and one in matters relating to engineering;

Section 16-256l of the 2026 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from LCOpassage): No.

2203(a) 51As used in this section, "provider" means a telephone or telecommunications company providing local telephone service, provider of 121commercial Billmobile radio service, as defined in 47 CFR Public Act No.

passage):26-1 53 of 123 Senate Bill No.

(a)298 As used in this section, "provider" means a telephone or telecommunications company providing local telephone service, provider of commercial mobile radio service, as defined in 47 CFR Section 20.3, as amended from time to time, and voice over Internet protocol service provider, as defined in section 28-30b.

LCO No.

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(B)ConsiderPublic theexperienceAct ofthecitiesofSeattle,NewYorkNo. City and Honolulu in implementing similar provisions;

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298 (B)Consider theexperience ofthecitiesofSeattle,NewYork City and Honolulu in implementing similar provisions;

LCO No.

2203 53 of 121 Bill No.

(h)Public (1)Act ForNo. the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993, any intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities with an operating cost component of its rate in excess of one hundred forty per cent of the median of operating cost components of rates in effect January 1, 1992, shall not receive an operating cost component increase.

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298 (h) (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993, any intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities with an operating cost component of its rate in excess of one hundred forty per cent of the median of operating cost components of rates in effect January 1, 1992, shall not receive an operating cost component increase.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, and any LCOsucceeding No.fiscal year, the allowance for real wage growth, as determined in accordance with subsection (q) of section 17-311-52 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, shall not be applied.

2203For 54the ofPublic 121Act Bill No.

succeeding26-1 fiscal56 year, the allowance for real wage growth, as determined in accordance with subsection (q) of section123 17-311-52Senate ofBill theNo. regulations of Connecticut state agencies, shall not be applied.

For298 the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, and any succeeding fiscal year, no rate shall exceed three hundred seventy-five dollars per day unless the commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Developmental Services, determines after a review of program and management costs, that a rate in excess of this amount is necessary for care and treatment of facility residents.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, rate period, the commissioner shall increase the inflation adjustment for rates made in accordance with subsection (p) of section 17-311-52 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies to update allowable fiscal year 2001 costs to include a one and one-half per cent inflation factor, except that such increase shall be effective November 1, 2002, and such facility rate in effect for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, shall be paid for services provided until October 31, 2002, except any facility that would have been issued a lower rate effective July 1, 2002, than for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, due to interim rate status or agreement with the department shall be issued such lower rate effective July 1, 2002,and have such rate updated effective November 1, 2002, in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.

Effective October 1, 2004, each facility shall receive a rate that is five per cent greater than the rate in effect LCOSeptember No.30, 2004.

2203Effective 55upon receipt of 121all Billthe necessary federal approvals to secure federal financial participation matching funds Public Act No.

September26-1 30,57 2004.of 123 Senate Bill No.

Effective298 upon receipt of all the necessary federal approvals to secure federal financial participation matching funds associated with the rate increase provided in subdivision (4) of subsection (f) of this section, but in no event earlier than October 1, 2005, and provided the user fee imposed under section 17b-320 is required to be collected, each facility shall receive a rate that is four per cent more than the rate the facility received in the prior fiscal year, except any facility that would have been issued a lower rate effective October 1, 2005, than for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, due to interim rate statusor agreement withthedepartment,shallbeissuedsuchlower rate effective October 1, 2005.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, each facility shall receive a rate that is two and nine-tenths per cent greater than the rate in effect for the period ending June 30, 2007, except any facility that would have been issued a lower rate effective July 1, 2007, than for the rate period ending June 30, 2007, due to interim rate status, or agreement with the department, shallbeissuedsuchlower rate effective July 1,2007.For the fiscalyear ending June 30,2009,ratesineffect30, 2009,ratesineffect for theperiodending June 30, 2008, shall remain in effect until June 30, 2009, except any facility that would have been issued a lower rate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, due to interim rate status or agreement with the department, shall LCObe No.issued such lower rate.

2203For 56the offiscal 121years Billending June 30, 2010, and Public Act No.

be26-1 issued58 suchof lower123 rate.Senate Bill No.

For298 the fiscal years ending June 30, 2010, and June 30, 2011, rates in effect for the period ending June 30, 2009, shall remain in effect until June 30, 2011, except any facility that would have been issued a lower rate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, or the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, due to interim rate status or agreement with the department, shall be issued such lower rate.

LCOPublic Act No.

220326-1 5759 of 121123 Senate Bill No.

298 For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2018, and June 30, 2019, rates shall not exceed those in effect for the period ending June 30, 2017, except the rate paid to a facility may be higher than the rate paid to the facility for the period ending June 30, 2017, if a capital improvement approved by the Department of Developmental Services, in consultation with the Department of Social Services, for the health or safety of the residents was made to the facility during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, or June 30, 2019, only to the extent such rate increases are within available appropriations.

For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, a facility may receive a rate increase for a capital improvement approved by the Department of Developmental Services, in consultation with the Department of Social Services, for the health or safety of the residents during the fiscal year endingPublic JuneAct 30, 2022, or June 30, 2023, only to the extent such rate LCO No.

220326-1 5860 of 121123 Senate Bill No.

298 ending June 30, 2022, or June 30, 2023, only to the extent such rate increases are within available appropriations.

A facilityPublic mayAct receive a rate that is less than the rate in effect for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, but shall not receive a rate less than the LCO No.

220326-1 5961 of 121123 Senate Bill No.

298 facility may receive a rate that is less than the rate in effect for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, but shall not receive a rate less than the minimum per diem, per bed rate.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2028, each facility shall receive a rate that is [three] six and three-tenths per cent greater than the rate in effect for the period ending June 30, 2027, except that any facility that would have been issued a lower rate effective July 1, 2027, than the rate for the period ending June 30, 2027, due to interim rate status, or agreementPublic withthedepartment,shallbeissuedsuchlowerAct rateNo. effective July 1, 2027.

Effective26-1 January62 1,of 2028,123 eachSenate facilityBill shall receive a rate that is [three] six and three-tenths per cent greater than the rate in effect LCO No.

2203298 60agreement ofwiththedepartment,shallbeissuedsuchlower 121rate Billeffective No.July 1, 2027.

Effective January 1, 2028, each facility shall receive a rate that is [three] six and three-tenths per cent greater than the rate in effect for the period ending December 31, 2027, except that any facility that would have been issued a lower rate effective January 1, 2028, than the rate for the period ending December 31, 2027, due to interim rate status, or agreement with the department, shall be issued such lower rate effective January 1, 2028.

The Department of Social Services shall amend the regulations of Connecticut state agencies to allow for the waiver of the separate inflation cost limitation on direct care costs when rebasing rates for intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities after the fiscal year ending June 30,Public 2027.Act No.

Notwithstanding26-1 the63 provisions of this123 section,Senate theBill Commissioner of Social Services may, within available appropriations, increase or decrease rates issued to intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to reflect a reduction in LCO No.

2203298 6130, of2027. 121 Bill No.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Commissioner of Social Services may, within available appropriations, increase or decrease rates issued to intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to reflect a reduction in available appropriations as provided in subsection (a) of this section.

(2) The establishment of offices by a licensed private practitioner, whetherPublic forAct individualNo. or group practice, except when a certificate of need is required in accordance with the requirements of section 19a- 493b or subdivision (3), (10) or (11) of subsection (a) of this section;

(3)26-1 A64 healthof care123 facilitySenate operatedBill by a religious group that LCO No.

2203298 62whether for individual or group practice, except when a certificate of 121need Billis No.required in accordance with the requirements of section 19a- 493b or subdivision (3), (10) or (11) of subsection (a) of this section;

(3) A health care facility operated by a religious group that exclusively relies upon spiritual means through prayer for healing;

(14) Any nonprofit facility, institution or provider that has a contract with, or is certified or licensed to provide a service for, a state agency or departmentPublic forAct aNo. service that would otherwise require a certificate of need.

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298 department for a service that would otherwise require a certificate of need.

LCO No.

2203 63 of 121 Bill No.

(19) Acquisition of cone-beam dental imaging equipment that is to be usedPublic exclusivelyAct byNo. a dentist licensed pursuant to chapter 379;

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298 used exclusively by a dentist licensed pursuant to chapter 379;

LCO No.

2203 64 of 121 Bill No.

or (26)Public OnAct orNo. before June 30, 2026, an increase in the licensed bed capacity of a hospital owned or operated by the state, provided all such added licensed beds are dedicated to inpatient behavioral health services and, if any of such added licensed beds are converted to any other inpatient service, a certificate of need for such increase in the licensed bed capacity shall be required.

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298 (26) On or before June 30, 2026, an increase in the licensed bed capacity of a hospital owned or operated by the state, provided all such added licensed beds are dedicated to inpatient behavioral health services and, if any of such added licensed beds are converted to any other inpatient service, a certificate of need for such increase in the licensed bed capacity shall be required.

LCO No.

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Uponreceipt ofPublic suchAct notice,No. such agency, officer, person, institution or entity shall withhold delivery or distribution of any such property, benefits, amounts, assets or funds until receipt of further notice from the IV-D agency.

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298 of such notice, such agency, officer, person, institution or entity shall withhold delivery or distribution of any such property, benefits, amounts, assets or funds until receipt of further notice from the IV-D agency.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, whenever a child support obligor is institutionalized or incarcerated, the Superior Court or a family support magistrate shall establish an initial order for current support, or modify an existing order for current support, upon LCOproper No.motion, based upon the obligor's present income and substantial assets, if any, in accordance with the child support guidelines established pursuant to section 46b-215a.

2203 66 of 121 Bill No.

proper motion, based upon the obligor's present income and substantial assets, if any, in accordance with the child support guidelines established pursuant to section 46b-215a.

and (2) a statement by such officer that (A) a diligent search failed to identify anyincomeorassetsthatcouldbeusedtosatisfythechildsupportorder while the obligor is incarcerated or institutionalized, [(B) the offense for which the obligor is institutionalized or incarcerated was not an offense against the custodial party or the child subject to such support order,] andPublic [(C)]Act (B)No. a notice in accordance with subsection (c) of this section was provided to the custodial party and an objection form was not received from such party.

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298 and [(C)] (B) a notice in accordance with subsection (c) of this section was provided to the custodial party and an objection form was not received from such party.

[, or (B) the obligor is incarcerated or institutionalized for an offense against the custodial party or the child subject to such support order;] and (2) the custodial party may object to LCOthe No.proposed modification by delivering a signed objection form, or other written notice or motion, indicating the nature of the objection or grounds of the motion, to the support enforcement officer not later than fifteen calendar days after receipt of such notice.

2203 67 of 121 Bill No.

the proposed modification by delivering a signed objection form, or other written notice or motion, indicating the nature of the objection or grounds of the motion, to the support enforcement officer not later than fifteen calendar days after receipt of such notice.

(a) (1) (A) Any eligible elector may vote prior to the day of a regular election, in accordance with the provisions of this section, during a periodPublic ofAct earlyNo. voting at each regular election held on or after April 1, 2024.

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298 period of early voting at each regular election held on or after April 1, 2024.

(2) (A) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (4) of this subsection, any eligible elector may vote prior to the day of a primary, other than a presidential preference primary, in accordance with the provisions of LCOthis No.section, during a period of early voting at each primary, other than a presidential preference primary, held on or after April 1, 2024.

2203 68 of 121 Bill No.

this section, during a period of early voting at each primary, other than a presidential preference primary, held on or after April 1, 2024.

(B) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (4) of this subsection, any eligible elector may vote prior to the day of a presidential preference primary,Public inAct accordanceNo. with the provisions of this section, during a period of early voting at each presidential preference primary held on or after April 1, 2024.

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298 primary, in accordance with the provisions of this section, during a period of early voting at each presidential preference primary held on or after April 1, 2024.

(4) (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 9-19e, 9-23a, 9-26, LCO9-31a, No.9-55, 9-56, as amended by this act, and 9-57:

2203 69 of 121 Bill No.

9-31a, 9-55, 9-56, as amended by this act, and 9-57:

(B)NothingPublic inthissectionshallbeconstruedtoAct preventNo. anindividual who enrolls in a political party during a period of early voting at a primary from voting by absentee ballot, if eligible, or in person on the day of such primary.

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298 (B)Nothing inthissectionshallbeconstruedto prevent anindividual who enrolls in a political party during a period of early voting at a primary from voting by absentee ballot, if eligible, or in person on the day of such primary.

[not later than sixty days prior to the day of an election or a primary.] The written certification under subparagraph [(B)] (A)(ii) of this subdivision shall be submitted annually by the registrars of voters to the Secretary not later than February fifteenth, except that for an LCOelection No.or a primary held in 2026, such written certification shall be so submitted not later than sixty days prior to the day of such election or primary.

2203 70 of 121 Bill No.

election or a primary held in 2026, such written certification shall be so submitted not later than sixty days prior to the day of such election or primary.

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove such written certification annually not later than [forty- five days prior to the day of an election or a primary] March first, except thatPublic forAct anNo. election or a primary held in 2026, the Secretary shall so approve or disapprove not later than forty-five days prior to the day of such election or primary.

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298 that for an election or a primary held in 2026, the Secretary shall so approve or disapprove not later than forty-five days prior to the day of such election or primary.

LCO No.

2203 71 of 121 Bill No.

If the Secretary disapproves such updated certification, the Secretary shall provide, in writing, the reasonsfor such disapproval and shall issue an order for such corrective action as the Secretary deems necessary,Public inAct accordanceNo. with subparagraph (A) of this subdivision.

26-1 74 of 123 Senate Bill No.

298 necessary, in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this subdivision.

If the legislative body determines that any such additional location be designated, the [registrars of voters] legislative LCObody No.or, in a municipality where the legislative body is a town meeting, the board of selectmen, shall so designate such additional location and the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall apply to such additional location.

2203 72 of 121 Bill No.

body or, in a municipality where the legislative body is a town meeting, the board of selectmen, shall so designate such additional location and the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall apply to such additional location.

(3)Public InAct anyNo. municipality containing any campus of a constituent unit, as defined in section 10a-1, with at least one thousand students living in housing that is on such campus or is owned or operated by, or affiliated with, such constituent unit, the registrars of voters of such municipality shall designate an additional location on such campus for the conduct of early voting and the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall apply to such additional location.

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298 (3) In any municipality containing any campus of a constituent unit, as defined in section 10a-1, with at least one thousand students living in housing that is on such campus or is owned or operated by, or affiliated with, such constituent unit, the registrars of voters of such municipality shall designate an additional location on such campus for the conduct of early voting and the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall apply to such additional location.

On any such day and solely for purposes related to the conduct of early voting, the registrars of voters of a municipality may, upon agreement, appoint one of the registrars from LCOsuch No.municipality as moderator in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this subdivision.

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such municipality as moderator in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this subdivision.

(B) Whenever the registrars of voters of a municipality appoint, pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, one of the registrars of such municipality as moderator to serve at a location designated for the conduct of early voting, such registrars of voters shall jointly submit toPublic theAct SecretaryNo. of the State (i) a certification that the registrars of voters of such municipality are in agreement as to such appointment, and (ii) a written plan detailing alternative coverage of the duties normally carried out by the registrar so appointed to ensure that such registrar abstains, on each day in which such registrar serves as moderator, from any such duties that conflict with those of the moderator.

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298 to the Secretary of the State (i) a certification that the registrars of voters of such municipality are in agreement as to such appointment, and (ii) a written plan detailing alternative coverage of the duties normally carried out by the registrar so appointed to ensure that such registrar abstains, on each day in which such registrar serves as moderator, from any such duties that conflict with those of the moderator.

[, and (3) declare under oath that such elector has not previously voted in such election or primary, as provided in subsection (e) of this section.] LCO(d) No.If the registrars of voters determine that an elector is eligible to vote in the election or primary, the registrars of voters shall check the state-wide centralized voter registration system before allowing such elector to cast an early voting ballot as provided in subsection (e) of this section.

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(d) If the registrars of voters determine that an elector is eligible to vote in the election or primary, the registrars of voters shall check the state-wide centralized voter registration system before allowing such elector to cast an early voting ballot as provided in subsection (e) of this section.

(2)Public IfAct theNo. registrars of voters believe that the elector may have already voted, such matter shall be reviewed by the registrars of voters.

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298 (2) If the registrars of voters believe that the elector may have already voted, such matter shall be reviewed by the registrars of voters.

LCO No.

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[indicated for today.] 3.Ihaveidentifiedmyselftothesatisfactionoftheregistrarsofvoters.Public Act No.

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298 3.Ihaveidentifiedmyselftothesatisfactionoftheregistrarsofvoters.

On the day of the election or primary, the early voting ballots LCOshall No.be delivered to the registrars of voters for the purpose of counting such ballots.

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shall be delivered to the registrars of voters for the purpose of counting such ballots.

The registrars of voters shall seal a copy of the vote tally for early voting ballots in a depository envelope with the early voting ballots and store such early voting depository envelope with the other election or primary results materials.Public Act No.

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298 materials.

LCO(3) A person, including any candidate or any campaign or party employee or volunteer, may be within the seventy-five-foot radius described in subdivision (1) of this subsection (A) only for purposes related to the performance of such person's official duties or to the Public Act No.

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(3)298 A person, including any candidate or any campaign or party employee or volunteer, may be within the seventy-five-foot radius described in subdivision (1) of this subsection (A) only for purposes related to the performance of such person's official duties or to the conduct of government business within such radius, (B) only for as long as necessary to perform such duties or conduct such business, and (C) provided such person is not engaged in any conduct described in subdivision (1) of this subsection.

[(b)](2)The[(b)] ballotcountersforsuchearlyvotingballotsand(2) same-dayThe ballot counters for such early voting ballots and same- day election registration ballots shall proceed to the central counting location or to the respective polling places when counting is to take place pursuant to subsection (b) of section 9-147a at the time, between sixo'clocka.m.andteno'clocka.m.onthedayoftheelectionorprimary,sixo'clocka.m.andteno'clocka.m.onthedayofthe electionorprimary, designated by the registrars of voters.

At the time such ballots are LCOdeliveredtotheballot counterspursuant to subsection(a)ofthissection, the ballot counters shall perform any checking of such ballots and Public Act No.

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deliveredtotheballot298 counterspursuant to subsection(a)ofthissection, the ballot counters shall perform any checking of such ballots and proceed, as nearly as possible, as provided in section 9-150a, as amended by this act.

and (2) "Same-day election registration" means admission as an elector during the period of early voting at a regular election, as provided in LCOPublic Act No.

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298 section 9-163aa, as amended by this act, or on election day.

The Secretary shall approvePublic orAct disapprove such written certification annually not later than [twenty-nine days before election day] March first, except that for LCO No.

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298 approve or disapprove such written certification annually not later than [twenty-nine days before election day] March first, except that for election day in 2026, the Secretary shall so approve or disapprove not later than twenty-nine days before such election day, and may require the registrars of voters to appoint one or more additional election officials or alter such design or plan.

The provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection shallPublic applyAct toNo. any such additional location.

(3)26-1 (A)84 The registrars of voters123 shallSenate appoint,Bill for each day on which same-day election registrations are completed and processed, a LCO No.

2203298 81shall ofapply 121to Billany No.such additional location.

(3) (A) The registrars of voters shall appoint, for each day on which same-day election registrations are completed and processed, a moderator and such other election officials to serve at each location designated for such completion and processing.

(C) Not later than the fourteenth day preceding the commencement of the period of early voting prior to electionday, the registrars of voters shallPublic provideAct toNo. the Secretary of the State a written report setting forth the name, address and, if available, cellular mobile telephone number of the moderator appointed to serve at each location designated for the completion and processing of same-day election registrations pursuant to this subdivision.

Such26-1 written85 report shall be included as part of the123 LCOSenate Bill No.

2203298 82shall provide to the Secretary of 121the BillState No.a written report setting forth the name, address and, if available, cellular mobile telephone number of the moderator appointed to serve at each location designated for the completion and processing of same-day election registrations pursuant to this subdivision.

Such written report shall be included as part of the written report provided by the registrars to the Secretary under section 9-228a, as amended by this act.

(e)Public IfAct theNo. registrars of voters determine that an applicant satisfies the application requirements set forth in subsection (d) of this section, the registrars of voters shall check the state-wide centralized voter registration system before admitting such applicant as an elector.

(1)26-1 If86 the registrars of voters123 determineSenate thatBill the applicant is not LCO No.

2203298 83(e) If the registrars of 121voters Billdetermine No.that an applicant satisfies the application requirements set forth in subsection (d) of this section, the registrars of voters shall check the state-wide centralized voter registration system before admitting such applicant as an elector.

(1) If the registrars of voters determine that the applicant is not already an elector, the registrars of voters shall admit the applicant as an elector and the privileges of an elector shall attach immediately.

For any such elector, the same-day election registration process shall cease inthemunicipalityinthe municipality inwhichsuchelector nowseeksto registerand such matter shall be reviewed by the registrars of voters in the municipality in which such elector now seeks to register.

After completion of such review, if a resolution of the matter cannot be made, such matter shall be reported to the State Elections Enforcement CommissionPublic whichAct shallNo. conduct an investigation of the matter.

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298 Commission which shall conduct an investigation of the matter.

LCO No.

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7.Public Act No.

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298 7.

(Printed name of voter) (g) The elector shall forthwith mark the same-day election registration ballot in the presence of the registrars of voters in such a LCOmanner No.that the registrars of voters shall not know how the same-day election registration ballot is marked.

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manner that the registrars of voters shall not know how the same-day election registration ballot is marked.

The registrars of votersPublic shallAct sealNo. a copy of the vote tally for same-day election registration ballots in a depository envelope with the same-day election registration ballots and store such same-day election registration depository envelope with the other election results materials.

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298 voters shall seal a copy of the vote tally for same-day election registration ballots in a depository envelope with the same-day election registration ballots and store such same-day election registration depository envelope with the other election results materials.

(h) Except as provided in section 9-163bb, as amended by this act, the LCOprovisions No.of this title and any regulation adopted under this title concerning procedures relating to the custody, control and counting of absentee ballotsshallapply,asnearly aspossible, to thecustody, control and counting of same-day election registration ballots under this section.

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provisions of this title and any regulation adopted under this title concerning procedures relating to the custody, control and counting of absentee ballotsshallapply,asnearly aspossible, to thecustody, control and counting of same-day election registration ballots under this section.

(j) (1) No person shall solicit on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate or on behalf of or in opposition to any question being submitted at the election, or loiter or peddle or offer any advertising matter, ballot or circular to another person within a radius of seventy- five feet of any outside entrance in use as an entry to any building that contains any location designated by the registrars of voters for same- day election registration balloting or in any corridor, passageway or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to any such locationPublic orAct inNo. any room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach.

(2)26-1 Except90 as provided in subdivision (3) of this123 subsection,Senate noBill person shall be allowed within any location designated by the registrars of votersfor same-day electionregistrationballoting for any purpose other than casting such person's vote, except (A) primary officials under section 9-436, (B) election officials under section 9-258, including (i) a municipal clerk or registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the same office, and (ii) a deputy registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the LCO No.

2203298 87location ofor 121in Billany No.room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach.

(2) Except as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection, no person shall be allowed within any location designated by the registrars of votersfor same-day electionregistrationballoting for any purpose other than casting such person's vote, except (A) primary officials under section 9-436, (B) election officials under section 9-258, including (i) a municipal clerk or registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the same office, and (ii) a deputy registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the office of registrar of voters, performing such official's duties, and (C) unofficial checkers under section 9-235.

(a) [The] Not later than the thirty-first day preceding the day of each municipal, state or federal election or primary, the registrars of voters of eachPublic municipalityAct shallNo. [, not later than thirty-one days prior to each municipal, state or federal election or primary,] certify to the Secretary of the State, in writing, the location of each polling place that will be used for such election or primary.

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298 each municipality shall [, not later than thirty-one days prior to each municipal, state or federal election or primary,] certify to the Secretary of the State, in writing, the location of each polling place that will be used for such election or primary.

(b) [The] Not later than the fourteenth day preceding the commencement of the period of early voting at each municipal, state or federal election or primary, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 9-163aa, as amended by this act, the registrars LCOof No.voters of each municipality shall [, prior to each municipal, state or federal election or primary,] provide a written report to the Secretary of the State setting forth the names, [and] addresses and, if available, cellular mobile telephone numbers of each moderator for each (1) polling place location disclosed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, (2) location designated for the conduct of early voting pursuant to subsection (b) of section 9-163aa, as amended by this act, and (3) location designated for the completion and processing of same-day election registrations pursuant to subsection (c) of section 9-19j, as amended by this act.

2203(c) 88The Secretary of 121the BillState No.shall have the authority to disqualify any moderator appointed by theregistrarsofvotersif,after consultation with both registrars of voters, the Secretary determines such moderator hascommittedmaterialmisconduct,materialneglectofdutyormaterial incompetence in the discharge of his or her duties as a moderator.

of voters of each municipality shall [, prior to each municipal, state or federal election or primary,] provide a written report to the Secretary of the State setting forth the names, [and] addresses and, if available, cellular mobile telephone numbers of each moderator for each (1) polling place location disclosed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, (2) location designated for the conduct of early voting pursuant to subsection (b) of section 9-163aa, as amended by this act, and (3) location designated for the completion and processing of same-day election registrations pursuant to subsection (c) of section 9-19j, as amended by this act.

(c) The Secretary of the State shall have the authority to disqualify any moderator appointedby theregistrarsofvotersif,after consultation with both registrars of voters, the Secretary determines such moderator hascommittedmaterialmisconduct,materialneglectofdutyormaterial incompetence in the discharge of his or her duties as a moderator.

ThePublic registrarsAct ofNo. voters shall, before [the day of the] the commencement of the period of early voting at each election, cause test ballots to be inserted in each voting tabulator to ensure that each voting tabulator is prepared and read and cause each other voting system approved by the Secretary of the State for use in the election, including, but not limited to, voting devices equipped for individuals with disabilities that comply with the provisions of the Help America Vote Act, P.L.

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298 The registrars of voters shall, before [the day of the] the commencement of the period of early voting at each election, cause test ballots to be inserted in each voting tabulator to ensure that each voting tabulator is prepared and read and cause each other voting system approved by the Secretary of the State for use in the election, including, but not limited to, voting devices equipped for individuals with disabilities that comply with the provisions of the Help America Vote Act, P.L.

Such registrars of voters LCOshall No.cause each voting system to be in order and set and adjusted, to be delivered at the polling place, location designated for the conduct of early voting or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration, as applicable, together with all necessary furniture and appliances that go with the same, at the room where [the election is to be held] voting at such election is to take place, and to be tested and operable not later than one hour prior to the opening of the polling place, location designated for the conduct of early voting or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration, as applicable.

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shall cause each voting system to be in order and set and adjusted, to be delivered at the polling place, location designated for the conduct of early voting or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration, as applicable, together with all necessary furniture and appliances that go with the same, at the room where [the election is to be held] voting at such election is to take place, and to be tested and operable not later than one hour prior to the opening of the polling place, location designated for the conduct of early voting or location designated for the conduct of same-day election registration, as applicable.

The application shall be effective as of the date it is filed with thePublic registrarsAct ofNo. voters of the town of residence of the applicant and any person making application for enrollment in such manner shall immediately be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment unless the application for enrollment (1) is filed in person by the applicant with the registrars of voters after twelve o'clock noon on the last business day before a primary, in which case he shall be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment immediately after the primary, (2) is otherwise filed with the registrar after the [fifth] eighteenth day before the primary, in which case he shall be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment immediately after the primary, except as provided in section 9-23a, or (3)isfiledwiththeregistrarsofvotersafter 5:00p.m.onthelast business day before a caucus or convention, in which case he shall be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment immediately after the caucus or convention.

The26-1 application93 shallof be123 signedSenate orBill initialed by the registrar, LCO No.

2203298 90the registrars of 121voters Billof No.the town of residence of the applicant and any person making application for enrollment in such manner shall immediately be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment unless the application for enrollment (1) is filed in person by the applicant with the registrars of voters after twelve o'clock noon on the last business day before a primary, in which case he shall be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment immediately after the primary, (2) is otherwise filed with the registrar after the [fifth] eighteenth day before the primary, in which case he shall be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment immediately after the primary, except as provided in section 9-23a, or (3)isfiledwiththeregistrarsofvotersafter 5:00p.m.onthelast business day before a caucus or convention, in which case he shall be entitled to the privileges of party enrollment immediately after the caucus or convention.

The application shall be signed or initialed by the registrar, deputy, assistant or registrar's clerk receiving it, or by such other personnel as such registrar or deputy may appoint for the purpose, showing the date when such application is received and, in the case of an applicant not immediately eligible under section 9-59, 9-60, 9-61 or 9- 62 to the privileges accompanying enrollment in the party named in his application, the date upon which such applicant becomes so eligible.

(d)Public IfAct theNo. person designated as moderator is unable to serve for any reason, a certified alternate moderator shall serve as moderator.

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298 (d) If the person designated as moderator is unable to serve for any reason, a certified alternate moderator shall serve as moderator.

If LCOall No.such sessions have been conducted at the time of appointment of the new moderator, the new moderator shall receive instruction from the registrars who appointed the new moderator.

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all such sessions have been conducted at the time of appointment of the new moderator, the new moderator shall receive instruction from the registrars who appointed the new moderator.

Polling places to be used in an election shall be determined at least thirty-one days before such election, and such polling places shall not bechangedwithin saidperiodofthirty-onedays except that, if the municipal clerk and registrars of voters of a municipalityPublic unanimouslyAct findNo. that any such polling place within such municipality has been rendered unusable within such period, they shall forthwith designate another polling place to be used in place of the one so rendered unusable and shall give adequate notice that such polling place has been so changed.

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298 municipality unanimously find that any such polling place within such municipality has been rendered unusable within such period, they shall forthwith designate another polling place to be used in place of the one so rendered unusable and shall give adequate notice that such polling place has been so changed.

The registrars may also designate a deputy head moderator to assist the head moderator in the performance of his duties provided the deputy head moderator and the head moderator shall not be enrolled in the LCOsame No.major party, as defined in subdivision (5) of section 9-372.

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same major party, as defined in subdivision (5) of section 9-372.

Sec.Public Act No.

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298 Sec.

(b) Not later than twenty-one days following each regular state election, the town clerk of each town [divided into voting districts] shall file with the Secretary of the State a consolidated listing, in tabular format, as prescribed by the Secretary of the State, of the official returns [of each such voting district] for all offices voted on at such election, including the total number of votes cast for each candidate, the total LCOnumber No.of names on the registry list, and the total number of names checked as having voted.

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number of names on the registry list, and the total number of names checked as having voted.

(NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section, "municipality",Public "governmentAct enforcementNo. action", "federal Voting Rights Act" and "protected class" have the same meanings as provided in section 9-368i of the general statutes.

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298 "municipality", "government enforcement action", "federal Voting Rights Act" and "protected class" have the same meanings as provided in section 9-368i of the general statutes.

(c) If an action filed in a court of competent jurisdiction alleges a violation of the provisions of sections 9-368j to 9-368q, inclusive, of the general statutes, the federal Voting Rights Act, any state or federal civil rights law, the fifteenth amendment to the United States Constitution or the fourteenth amendment to the United States Constitution, which violation concerns the right to vote or a pattern, practice or policy of discrimination against any protected class, the party that filed such LCOaction No.shall cause notice of the hearing on such action to be given to the Secretary of the State.

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action shall cause notice of the hearing on such action to be given to the Secretary of the State.

Such certificate shall be attested by either (1) the chairman or presiding officer, or (2) the secretary of such conventionPublic andAct shallNo. be received by the Secretary of the State not later than four o'clock p.m.

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298 convention and shall be received by the Secretary of the State not later than four o'clock p.m.

If a certificate of a party's endorsement for a particular state or district office is not received by the Secretary of the State by such time, such certificate shall be invalid and such party, for the purposes of [section 9- 416 and section 9-416a] sections 9-416 and 9-416a, shall be deemed to have made no endorsement of any candidate for such office.

(b) (1) In the case of a timely filed certificate of a party's endorsement pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, which contains an error or omission that would operate to invalidate such endorsement, the LCOcandidate No.so certified or an individual authorized to act on behalf of such candidate may correct such error or omission by appearing in person at the office of the Secretary of the State, on a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, not later than four o'clock p.m.

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candidate so certified or an individual authorized to act on behalf of such candidate may correct such error or omission by appearing in person at the office of the Secretary of the State, on a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, not later than four o'clock p.m.

(2) The Secretary of the State may, within the time period specified in subdivisionPublic (1)Act ofNo. this subsection, amend a timely filed certificate of a party's endorsement to correct any such error or omission, and shall keep a record of any such amendment made pursuant to this subdivision.

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