All,

There is starting to have a little more activity.  New bills published this week include H.B. #6544, S.B. #926, #937, #962, #965 & #969.  Also, S.B. #102 will be published on Monday 3/1.  

During the week the following bills were voted to draft as regular bills vs proposed bills:  H.B. #5722, #6050, #6302, #6316, S.B. #141, #660 & #926

The following bills are scheduled for public hearings this upcoming week:  

Tuesday 3/2  H.B. #6367 & S.B. #192

Thursday 3/4  H.B. #6477 & S.B. #937

Friday  3/5  H.B. #6544, S.B. #962, #965 & #969

As an F. Y. I. both H.B. #6477 & S.B. #962 have to do with Fire Districts.

H.B. #6477 is sometimes referred to as the Goshen vs OSHA bill.

S.B. #937 is sometimes referred to as the Make Safe bill, involving storm damage and utilities companies.

S.B. #102 is the bill that will expand the organizations that may certify mental health first aid programs.

S.B. #969 mentions assessments and approvals for installation of water lines and hydrants.  There is a mention of Municipal Fire Marshals in the text of the bill.  Also, H.B. #6367 mentions fire marshals and fire inspectors  

S.B. #965 mentions eligibility for certain disability benefits for retired permanently disabled public safety employees

Do not hesitate to email if there are any questions or if you hear of any issues that I have not mentioned.

Ted Schroll Jr., Legislative Representative
Connecticut State Firefighters Association
Email  thschroll@snet.net

***CGA Raised Bill 937***

The Energy and Technology Committee of the State Legislature is holding a public hearing tomorrow at 10:00.  We are looking to pass legislation, requiring Eversource to establish “make safe crews” and well as a liaison as a direct point of contact, so that during these major storms we don’t have fire personnel watching downed wires for hours and that roadways can be cleared for emergency traffic.  This is obviously not a very effective use of personnel during these emergencies. 

We are asking for fire organizations to submit testimony in support of SB 937.  Testimony can be submitted attached via email to ettestimony@cga.ct.gov.

Attached find a copy of proposed Raised Bill 937 currently before the General Assembly regarding how electric utility companies respond.  This proposed Bill would make important technical changes to create standardized utility response to local emergencies and planned storms. Also included are copies of Testimony presented by both the CFMA and CFCA.